Genes, Health, and Ancestry. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours

Catalog description

Prerequisite: ANT 2033 recommended. What's in your genes? Consumer genomics and DNA testing have made genetic data cheap and largely available to everyone. But how accurate are those results? And what can DNA really tell us about our ancestry and our health? This course is a journey into the promises, pitfalls, and limitations of genetics in understanding human diversity, ancestry, and health. It explores how technological advancements have improved our understanding of human evolution and adaptation, and have also led to new concerns about personal privacy and bioethics. We will explore the potential and misapplications of genetic testing and gene editing, and we will discuss the role of science in society. (Formerly titled "Genes and Human Diversity.") Course Fee: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.