Complete DNA and Genetics Course Bundle

This course bundle contains all the material from both DNA Basics, Gene Expression, and DNA Mutations and Genetics and Heredity.  The price includes access to the courses in this bundle for one year (366 days).

In DNA Basics, Gene Expression, and DNA Mutations , students will learn about the structure of DNA and its location in living cells.  They will discover how DNA is organized into discrete units of heredity called genes how genes are expressed through the processes of transcription and translation.  Finally, they will learn how DNA mutations occur and will discover how mutations in cellular DNA can lead to diseases (such as Sickle Cell Anemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and cancer).  Periodic quizzes will test students’ understanding before moving forward.  Many activities are provided to give students practice in DNA base-pairing rules, transcription, and using the codon table to translate mRNA into protein.  Directions for 2 labs are included which can each be performed using household materials.

In Genetics and Heredity, students will discover how the information contained within DNA is expressed as observable traits.  They will learn about gene alleles and how dominant and recessive alleles operate.  Students understand the difference between genotype and phenotype as they investigate what traits they and their family members express.  The steps of meiosis are reviewed, and students will discover how this special form of cell division leads to genetic diversity in offspring.  Students will learn about Mendelian inheritance and how to use Punnett Squares to predict the outcome of monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.  Additionally, students will learn about patterns of non-Mendelian inheritance including sex-linked traits, the inheritance of mitochondrial DNA, incomplete dominance, codominance, and polygenic traits.    Throughout the course, students will be exposed to many real-life examples of genetics in action as they learn about the genetics of calico cats, human blood types, how hemophilia was spread throughout the royal houses of Europe, and much more.  Periodic quizzes will test students’ understanding throughout the course.  Students will solidify their understanding as they use Punnett Squares to predict the outcomes of different genetic crosses.  Students will also create their own family pedigree.  Instructions for several optional lab experiments are also included.