What makes you, YOU?! Sign up for this course to explore the structure and function of DNA and how it makes the proteins that build your body!

How to get the most out of DNA & Basic Genetics with Monica Breier:

  • First, read the course materials below before the first class meeting.

  • Then have a notebook ready and available for class notes each live session.

  • Read assignments before class meetings

  • Watch that week’s recording if you need to revisit information from our live session.

  • Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that week.

  • Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Total classes: 4

Duration: 55 minutes per class

Prerequisite: Middle school level biology and/or life science

Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade. Note: advanced middle school students are welcome too.

Suggested credit: ¼ semester Science or Microbiology. Also, sign up for “DNA & Mutations” immediately following this course for additional credit.

Instructors: Monica Breier

Instructor email: breiermm@gmail.com

Course description: Understanding the structure and function of DNA is foundational to life sciences. This course will detail the history of the discovery of DNA, how it replicates using RNA, then transcripts and translates to form the protein building blocks of organisms.

Course outline: 

 Introduction to DNA anatomy and history

DNA replication

Transcription and translation

DNA to protein summary and practice

Course materials: Notebooks and pencil/pen for note-taking. Printing PowerPoint files is suggested. All other course materials are provided free by the instructor.

Homework: Daily assignments the first three days, including brief computer-graded questions with a more thorough instructor-graded application question. Day four assignment will be an upload of handwritten work showing DNA sequencing to protein codes.