Genetics
BIOL-40338
Learn Genetics Online: Understanding Inheritance, Disease Risk, and Personalized Medicine
Develop a strong foundation in genetics through this comprehensive online course. From analyzing inheritance patterns to exploring breakthrough developments in personalized medicine, you'll gain practical knowledge about how genes shape health, disease susceptibility, and human traits. This course is ideal for healthcare professionals, research assistants, those interested in genetic counseling, or anyone wanting to better understand genetic testing and inheritance patterns.
Learning Objectives
- Understand core principles of Mendelian inheritance and genetic variation
- Learn molecular genetics fundamentals and gene expression mechanisms
- Study inheritance patterns of common genetic disorders
- Explore advances in genetic testing, treatment, and personalized medicine
- Apply genetic principles to real-world scenarios
Course Format
This online genetics course follows an asynchronous format, allowing you to study flexibly while maintaining academic rigor. Weekly modules include structured content, practical exercises, and clear deadlines to ensure comprehensive understanding of genetic principles.
Transferring for College Credit
Many UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies courses may transfer to other institutions for college credit. The receiving institution determines credit transfer. We recommend consulting with your intended institution's registrar's office before enrolling to confirm transfer eligibility.
What you'll learn
- Foundations of Inheritance: Explore how traits pass between generations, understand genetic variation, and learn the principles of Mendelian inheritance that shape human characteristics.
- Molecular Genetics: Examine DNA structure, replication mechanisms, and gene expression to understand the building blocks of inheritance.
- Human Genetic Disorders: Study common genetic diseases, inheritance patterns, and current developments in genetic testing and treatment options.
- Modern Applications: Learn about the Human Genome Project, direct-to-consumer genetic testing, and the emerging field of personalized medicine.
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Essentials of Genetics 10th
by Klug, Cummings, Spencer
ISBN / ASIN: 9780134898414
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 5/12/2025
Schedule:
Instructor: Eric Foss
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Essentials of Genetics 10th
by Klug, Cummings, Spencer, Palladino, Killian
ISBN / ASIN: 9780135209882
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 5/19/2025
Schedule:
Instructor:
David O'Keefe
Dr. David O’Keefe received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UCSD, where he used the powerful genetic tools available in Drosophila (the fruit fly) to study mechanisms of brain development. Following postdoctoral studies at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, he began his career as a science writer, and spent 10 years at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, CA, as the Director of Research Development (i.e., a grant writer). He currently works as the Vice President of Research Development at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (SBP) in La Jolla, CA. SBP scientists include world leaders in the molecular genetics of behavior, physiology, and disease, and Dr. O’Keefe helps to convey their scientific discoveries and aspirations in a compelling fashion. He has recently published in the fields of regenerative medicine and gene therapy, and frequently teaches workshops on scientific communication and grant writing.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Essentials of Genetics 10th
by Klug, Cummings, Spencer
ISBN / ASIN: 9780134898414
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 6/2/2025
Schedule:
Instructor:
Terence Wong
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Essentials of Genetics 10th
by Klug, Cummings, Spencer, Palladino, Killian
ISBN / ASIN: 9780135209882
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 6/30/2025
Schedule:
Instructor:
David O'Keefe
Dr. David O’Keefe received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UCSD, where he used the powerful genetic tools available in Drosophila (the fruit fly) to study mechanisms of brain development. Following postdoctoral studies at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, he began his career as a science writer, and spent 10 years at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, CA, as the Director of Research Development (i.e., a grant writer). He currently works as the Vice President of Research Development at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (SBP) in La Jolla, CA. SBP scientists include world leaders in the molecular genetics of behavior, physiology, and disease, and Dr. O’Keefe helps to convey their scientific discoveries and aspirations in a compelling fashion. He has recently published in the fields of regenerative medicine and gene therapy, and frequently teaches workshops on scientific communication and grant writing.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Essentials of Genetics 10th
by Klug, Cummings, Spencer, Palladino, Killian
ISBN / ASIN: 9780135209882
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 7/7/2025
Schedule:
Instructor:
Terence Wong
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Essentials of Genetics 10th
by Klug, Cummings, Spencer, Palladino, Killian
ISBN / ASIN: 9780135209882
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 7/14/2028
Schedule:
Instructor:
Katrina Yamazaki
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Essentials of Genetics 10th
by Klug, Cummings, Spencer, Palladino, Killian
ISBN / ASIN: 9780135209882
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 7/21/2025
Schedule:
Instructor: Eric Foss
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Essentials of Genetics 10th
by Klug, Cummings, Spencer, Palladino, Killian
ISBN / ASIN: 9780135209882
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 7/28/2025
Schedule:
Instructor: Alexandra Moyzis
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Essentials of Genetics 10th
by Klug, Cummings, Spencer, Palladino, Killian
ISBN / ASIN: 9780135209882
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 8/4/2025
Schedule:
Instructor: Daniel Garcia
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