Genetics in Boston, MA
Simmons University, Boston
Genetics Course
overview
In this summer genetics course held at MIT, students will introduced to the fundamentals of genetics through a hands-on, integrated approach. From its origins to its modern day applications, genetics is a way to solve some of biology’s most complicated problems. Students will work together through a series of problem-based learning exercises to understand what genes are and how genetic information is translated into observed characteristics and traits in every life form, from bacteria to humans. Throughout the two week session, students will also work on a laboratory-based project to investigate genes of unknown function in budding yeast.
Gain hands-on lab experience and visit a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company where career scientists share what they do and reflect upon their successes, failures and learnings.
Learning Outcomes in this course
Describe the historical experiments fundamental to the discovery of DNA as the genetic material
Explain the Central Dogma of molecular biology, highlighting how genetic information becomes visible as a physical and measurable trait
Connect key cellular processes, such as DNA replication, to modern experimental techniques, like PCR and DNA sequencing
Discuss the ethical implications of how DNA sequencing and gene editing are used in society