Even DNA makes mistakes! Find out about genetic mutations and the diseases they cause!

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 biology/life science and “DNA & Basic Genetics” (precedes this course) or similar knowledge.

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 & Basic Genetics”, immediately preceding this course, for additional credit.

Instructors: Monica Breier

Instructor email: breiermm@gmail.com

Course description: Learn the types of genetic mutations and the details on how they occur. Then, explore how acquired and inherited mutations lead to different diseases.

Course outline: 

Introduction, mutation types

Avoiding acquired mutations, DNA repair

Genetic diseases

Genetic diseases continued

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 a minimum five-paragraph essay on a topic of the student’s choice (types of mutations, DNA repair, specific genetic disease, etc.).