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Course

Genetics

BIOL-40338

Genetics is a fascinating topic that is frequently in the news. “Learn valuable health and ancestry information” and “Discover your genetic risk for disease” are just a few of the advertisements for direct-to-consumer genetic test kits. This course demystifies genetics and is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about inherited traits, their variation, and how they are transmitted between generations. It will provide an introduction to the principles of genetics with an emphasis on human disease. Topics include: fundamental concepts of Mendelian inheritance; basic principles of molecular genetics; inheritance patterns of genetic diseases; the human genome project; and the potential of personalized medicine.

Goals and Objectives:

  • Provide a basic understanding of the inheritance patterns of traits as they are passed from parents to offspring.
  • Cover the fundamental concepts of the molecular structure and replication of the genetic material, gene expression, and types of mutations.
  • Highlight examples of human genetic disorders.
  • Other topics to be covered include genetic testing and treatment, the human genome project, and personalized medicine.
Format
 

This course is offered in an online asynchronous format. There are no set meeting times, however, students follow a weekly schedule and there will be deadlines to meet in terms of course requirements. This course cannot be completed at an accelerated rate.

Course Information

Online
4.50 units
$845.00

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This course applies to these programs

Applied Bioinformatics

Course sessions

Closed

Section ID:

193669

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

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: 2/2/2026

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Closed

Instructor: Eric Foss

Eric Foss
Full Bio
Closed

Section ID:

193670

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

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: 2/9/2026

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Closed

Instructor: Katrina Yamazaki

Katrina Yamazaki
Katrina Yamazaki received her Ph.D. in Molecular Pathology from UCSD, where she used x-ray imaging and biochemical techniques to study the mechanisms by which abnormal wall motion leads to an upregulation of inflammation in the heart. Following graduate studies, Dr. Yamazaki was awarded the Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA) Fellowship, which provided a mentored postdoctoral research experience in the field of mitochondrial biology at UCSD, as well as an opportunity to develop as an instructor through pedagogical training workshops and a mentored teaching assignment at San Diego State University. After her postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Yamazaki began her academic career at Cal State LA, where she is currently as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.
 
 
Full Bio
Closed

Section ID:

193671

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

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: 2/23/2026

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Closed

Instructor: Alexandra Moyzis, Ph.D.

Alexandra Moyzis, Ph.D.
Alexandra Moyzis completed her undergraduate studies at Scripps College and earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of California, San Diego in 2020. Her doctoral research explored the role of mitochondrial proteins in the heart. She went on to conduct postdoctoral studies at the Salk Institute, where she continued to investigate mitochondria, focusing on their role in cancer immunology. Alexandra is passionate about teaching and mentoring students and enjoys engaging in discussions about biology. Outside the lab, she loves hiking, yoga, swimming, and spending time with her two dogs—a corgi named Belle and a golden retriever named Cinnamon.
Full Bio
Add To Cart

Section ID:

193672

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

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: 3/2/2026

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Add To Cart

Instructor: Daniel Garcia, Ph.D.

Daniel Garcia, Ph.D.
Daniel A. Garcia brings extensive expertise in genetics and its therapeutic applications for human disease. He earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from UC San Diego, where he was awarded the HHMI Gilliam Fellowship for his work identifying novel genetic and molecular drivers of breast cancer metastasis. With nearly a decade of biomedical research experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, Daniel has led the development of genetic medicines at Arcturus Therapeutics and Ionis Pharmaceuticals. His work focuses on the preclinical research and development of gene therapies for heritable genetic disorders, including rare metabolic, cardiovascular, and mitochondrial diseases. He is also a published author in the fields of oncology, RNA therapeutics, and gene editing. Daniel is interested in mentoring the next generation of STEM professionals and helping students understand how cutting-edge genetics research translates into modern medical breakthroughs.





 
Full Bio
Add To Cart

Section ID:

194650

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

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:

All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 3/9/2026

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Add To Cart

Instructor: Terence Wong

Terence Wong
Terence Wong earned his Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Harvard University and Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, where he integrated large functional genomic datasets to identify and characterize novel genetic vulnerabilities in cancer. He is currently the Precision Oncology Medical Strategy, Therapy Selection Lead at Exact Sciences, where he develops and manages the comprehensive and integrated medical strategy for Exact's Therapy Selection products. Prior to Exact, he was a Strategy Insights & Planning Associate Consultant at ZS Associates, where he delivered innovative solutions to pipeline and launch strategy challenges for clients in the oncology biopharma and diagnostics industry. Prior to ZS, he was a Clinical Genomics Analyst at Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine (RCIGM), where he analyzed whole genome sequencing data to identify genetic causes for rare disease in critically ill infants and children. He has recently published in the fields of clinical genetics and precision medicine, and is passionate about genetics education.
 
Full Bio
Add To Cart

Section ID:

196708

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

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: 3/30/2026

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Add To Cart

Instructor: David O'Keefe

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.

Full Bio
Add To Cart

Section ID:

196724

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

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: 4/13/2026

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Add To Cart

Instructor: Terence Wong

Terence Wong
Terence Wong earned his Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Harvard University and Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, where he integrated large functional genomic datasets to identify and characterize novel genetic vulnerabilities in cancer. He is currently the Precision Oncology Medical Strategy, Therapy Selection Lead at Exact Sciences, where he develops and manages the comprehensive and integrated medical strategy for Exact's Therapy Selection products. Prior to Exact, he was a Strategy Insights & Planning Associate Consultant at ZS Associates, where he delivered innovative solutions to pipeline and launch strategy challenges for clients in the oncology biopharma and diagnostics industry. Prior to ZS, he was a Clinical Genomics Analyst at Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine (RCIGM), where he analyzed whole genome sequencing data to identify genetic causes for rare disease in critically ill infants and children. He has recently published in the fields of clinical genetics and precision medicine, and is passionate about genetics education.
 
Full Bio
Add To Cart

Section ID:

196736

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

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: 4/20/2026

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Add To Cart

Instructor: Katrina Yamazaki

Katrina Yamazaki
Katrina Yamazaki received her Ph.D. in Molecular Pathology from UCSD, where she used x-ray imaging and biochemical techniques to study the mechanisms by which abnormal wall motion leads to an upregulation of inflammation in the heart. Following graduate studies, Dr. Yamazaki was awarded the Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA) Fellowship, which provided a mentored postdoctoral research experience in the field of mitochondrial biology at UCSD, as well as an opportunity to develop as an instructor through pedagogical training workshops and a mentored teaching assignment at San Diego State University. After her postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Yamazaki began her academic career at Cal State LA, where she is currently as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.
 
 
Full Bio
Add To Cart

Section ID:

196740

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

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: 5/4/2026

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Add To Cart

Instructor: Eric Foss

Eric Foss
Full Bio
Add To Cart

Section ID:

196744

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

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: 5/18/2026

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Add To Cart

Instructor: Alexandra Moyzis, Ph.D.

Alexandra Moyzis, Ph.D.
Alexandra Moyzis completed her undergraduate studies at Scripps College and earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of California, San Diego in 2020. Her doctoral research explored the role of mitochondrial proteins in the heart. She went on to conduct postdoctoral studies at the Salk Institute, where she continued to investigate mitochondria, focusing on their role in cancer immunology. Alexandra is passionate about teaching and mentoring students and enjoys engaging in discussions about biology. Outside the lab, she loves hiking, yoga, swimming, and spending time with her two dogs—a corgi named Belle and a golden retriever named Cinnamon.
Full Bio
Add To Cart

Section ID:

196746

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

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: 6/1/2026

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Add To Cart

Instructor: Daniel Garcia, Ph.D.

Daniel Garcia, Ph.D.
Daniel A. Garcia brings extensive expertise in genetics and its therapeutic applications for human disease. He earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from UC San Diego, where he was awarded the HHMI Gilliam Fellowship for his work identifying novel genetic and molecular drivers of breast cancer metastasis. With nearly a decade of biomedical research experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, Daniel has led the development of genetic medicines at Arcturus Therapeutics and Ionis Pharmaceuticals. His work focuses on the preclinical research and development of gene therapies for heritable genetic disorders, including rare metabolic, cardiovascular, and mitochondrial diseases. He is also a published author in the fields of oncology, RNA therapeutics, and gene editing. Daniel is interested in mentoring the next generation of STEM professionals and helping students understand how cutting-edge genetics research translates into modern medical breakthroughs.





 
Full Bio