Course Description
This course will provide students with an advanced understanding of basic genetic principles, modes of inheritance, biotechnology applications as related to the diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders, and common lab procedures when working with organisms pivotal in the study of inheritance. Students will also discuss real-life applications and ethical considerations surrounding biotechnological advancements in the field of genetics.
The course requires a prerequisite of B+ or higher in Honors Biology (0221) or A- average in CP Biology (0222) and a lab fee of $10/student.
Core Curriculum Content Standards
PA Common Core: Mathematics (2013)
Measurement, Data and Probability
GRADE High School
- Recognize and evaluate random processes underlying statistical experiments.(2.4.HS.B4)
- Use the concepts of independence and conditional probability to interpret data.(2.4.HS.B6)
- Apply the rules of probability to compute probabilities of compound events in a uniform probability model.(2.4.HS.B7)
PA Common Core: Science and Technical Subjects (2012)
Writing: Students write for different purposes and audiences. Students write clear and focused text to convey a well-defined perspective and appropriate content.
GRADES 11-12
- Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes.-Introduce a topic and organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a unified whole; (3.6.11-12.B)
- Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.(3.6.11-12.C)
Keystone Biology (2012)
Continuity and Unity of Life
Cell Growth and Reproduction
- Explain how genetic information is inherited.(BIO.B.1.2)
Genetics
- Compare and contrast Mendelian and non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance.(BIO.B.2.1)
- Describe and/or predict observed patterns of inheritance (i.e., dominant, recessive, co-dominance, incomplete dominance, sex-linked, polygenic, and multiple alleles).(BIO.B.2.1.1)
- Describe processes that can alter composition or number of chromosomes (i.e., crossing-over, nondisjunction, duplication, translocation, deletion, insertion, and inversion).(BIO.B.2.1.2)
- Explain the process of protein synthesis (i.e., transcription, translation, and protein modification).(BIO.B.2.2)
- Explain how genetic information is expressed.(BIO.B.2.3)
- Apply scientific thinking, processes, tools, and technologies in the study of genetics.(BIO.B.2.4)
- Explain how genetic engineering has impacted the fields of medicine, forensics, and agriculture (e.g., selective breeding, gene splicing, cloning, genetically modified organisms, gene therapy).(BIO.B.2.4.1)
Sci & Tech - Biological Sciences (2009-2012)
Genetics
BIOLOGY
- -Compare and contrast scientific theories. -Know that both direct and indirect observations are used by scientists to study the natural world and universe. -Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations. -Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence. -Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and models. -Explain the importance of accuracy and precision in making valid measurements. -Examine the status of existing theories. -Evaluate experimental information for relevance and adherence to science processes. -Judge that conclusions are consistent and logical with experimental conditions. -Interpret results of experimental research to predict new information, propose additional investigable questions, or advance a solution. -Communicate and defend a scientific argument.(3.1.B.B6)
Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (2023)
Life Science
Grades 9-12
- Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.(3.1.9-12.A)
- Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.(3.1.9-12.P)
- Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.(3.1.9-12.Q)
- Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population.(3.1.9-12.R)
- Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment.(3.1.9-12.T)
- Apply concepts of statistics and probability to support explanations that organisms with an advantageous heritable trait tend to increase in proportion to organisms lacking this trait.(3.1.9-12.U)
- Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.(3.1.9-12.W)
Technology & Engineering
Grades 9-12
- Evaluate how technology and engineering advancements alter human health and capabilities.(3.5.9-12.E)
- Evaluate a technological innovation that arose from a specific society’s unique need or want.(3.5.9-12.F)
- Evaluate a technological innovation that was met with societal resistance impacting its development.(3.5.9-12.G)
- Evaluate ways that technology and engineering can impact individuals, society, and the environment.(3.5.9-12.H)
- Evaluate and define the purpose of a design.(3.5.9-12.U)
- Recognize and explain how their community and the world around them informs technological development and engineering design.(3.5.9-12.Z)
- Evaluate how technology and engineering have been powerful forces in reshaping the social, cultural, political, and economic landscapes throughout history.(3.5.9-12.GG)
- Relate how technological and engineering developments have been evolutionary, often the result of a series of refinements to basic inventions or technological knowledge.(3.5.9-12.KK)
- Analyze the rate of technological and engineering development and predict future diffusion and adoption of new innovations and technologies.(3.5.9-12.NN)
Units
Unit #1 - Intro to Genetics and Statistics
Unit #2 - Fly Care and Inheritance Project
Unit #3 - Simple Inheritance Patterns
Unit #4 - Complex Inheritance Patterns
Unit #5 - DNA and Protein Synthesis
Unit #6 - Epigenetics
Unit #7 - Biotechnology
Unit #8 - Independent Project (flex time throughout course)
Unit #9 - Medical Problem Serving Project (time permitting)
Course Resources
Teacher written textbook using CK12 resources
Science News: Magazine of the Society for Science for current articles in the field of genetics
https://phet.colorado.edu/
https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/ for digital labs and resources
https://time.com for up to date articles
www.youtube.com for video clip resources
Ghost in Your Genes DVD
The Biology of Skin Color HHMI DVD
HHMI website
carolina PCR electrophoresis lab
carolina mtDNA lab
edvotek CF CRISPR lab
carolina gene chip lab
edvotek blood typing lab
discovery education
