Blending fundamental and useful genetics

This project will create a one-term transition section of Fundamentals of Genetics (BIOL 234; section 103) in which materials from the Useful Genetics MOOC will be converted into a new blended course, Genetics for Life (BIOL 233). The new course will fulfill the same program objectives as BIOL 234, but will replace BIOL 234’s emphasis on research with a focus on the personal and societal relevance of genetics, making the course especially suitable for students whose goals do not include research. The course will make optimal use of online resources from the Useful Genetics MOOC to better meet the needs of these students and to prepare them for the expanded role that genetics will play in their non-academic lives.