The Personal Genomics Revolution (FYS)
MB&B 101F
Fall 2019
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01
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The first draft of the human genome sequence was published approximately 15 years ago, having taken more than a decade to complete at a cost of approximately three billion dollars. With incredible advances in sequencing technology, accompanying analysis tools, and maturation of sequence databases, we have arrived at the beginning of an era of "personal genomics." Today, individuals can have their genomes sequenced in a few hours for a few hundred dollars! This course explores the kinds of information contained within one's genome and the various ways in which genome sequences can be used for improving quality of life. Students will conduct original research to explore societal attitudes about the use of personal genomics for the purpose of making lifestyle choices (dating, diet, vocations, etc.); establishing notions of personal identity (race, gender, nationality, etc.); creating new social networks (based on genetic kinship); or prolonging life span (and revolutionizing medicine). As part of this research, students will also consider ethical issues (e.g., privacy, discrimination) surrounding the use of personal genomics, as well as how education might impact societal attitudes on particular applications of this technology. As this is an FYS course, student work will focus on developing skills in scholarly writing, which will include peer evaluations of other student writing and production of a final scholarly paper based on the results of their research project. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM MB&B |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 | | Special Attributes: FYS |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Readings: Select articles
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Examinations and Assignments:
Two take-home quizzes, weekly reading, peer-evaluating student writing excerpts, and a semester-long research project presented as a final scholarly paper (with interim writing excerpts due throughout the semester).
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| Instructor(s): Lane,Robert P. Times: .M...F. 10:50AM-12:10PM; Location: SCIE92; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: X | JR major: X | | |
| Seats Available: 0 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: X | JR non-major: X | SO: X | FR: 15 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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