Course Description
Exploration of environmental and public health issues through
the use of genetics. Overview of basic genetics followed by the
use of molecular genetic tools to provide evidence for use in
the food industry, conservation biology, and pollutant
remediation. Includes ethical, legal, and social implications
of these technologies.
Athena Title
Gene App in Environ Hlth Sci
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in EHSC 4700E
Prerequisite
BIOL 1103 or BIOL 1103E or BIOL 2103H or BIOL 2103S or BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1107E or BIOL 2107H
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Describe the concepts of heredity, the chemical nature of hereditary material, and its purpose in cellular/organism function.
- Explain how genetics drives development of cells and organs and the interaction of humans and other organisms with their environment.
- Interpret genetic information from the current literature for environmental health applications and present/evaluate this data.
- Analyze the use of genetic tools in industry applications.
- Critique which technologies are used in which cases and why.
- Design a strategy to solve a "real world" problem using genetics.
- Create a business plan for a biotechnology company grounded in the scientific literature.
- Reference the state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines applicable to biologic agents.
- Discuss the ethical issues that can arise from the use of applied genetics in environmental health science and human health.
Topical Outline
- 1. Overview of Genetics
a. History
b. Hereditary Material
c. Replication
d. Transcription
e. Translation
f. Mutations
- 2. Epigenetics
- 3. Food Safety
- 4. Current Development Protocols for Identifying Molecular Markers
- 5. Bioremediation of Toxic Soils and Sediments
- 6. Conservation Biology
- 7. Forestry
- 8. Agriculture
- 9. Pharmacogenetics
- 10. Forensics
- 11. Case Studies from Current Literature
- 12. Data Analysis (statistical implications, interpretations, presentation, ethical issues)
- 13. Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications when Using Genetic Applications to Solve Environmental Problems
- 14. State and Federal Legislation
- 15. Community Concerns/Ethics
