BI 235 Genetics for Health Professions

Genetic information will play a greater role in future health care as nearly every disease has a genetic cause or component. Therefore, a sound knowledge of genetics and genomics is essential for health care providers in evaluating needs of patients and delivering care to patients and families. This course will prepare students in health care fields by reinforcing the basic principles of genetics and disease while exploring new advances and discussing how these advances will affect health care.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

BI 221 or BI 231 with a grade of C- or better

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Utilize terminology such as gene, genotype, phenotype, variant, traits, multifactorial disease, SNP, genetic test, genome scan, pharmacogenomics, etc. 
2. Describe how DNA determines phenotypes, or traits 
3. Interpret family pedigrees and understand how genes and traits are inherited
4. Describe how environment influences genetic outcomes and the role of epigenetics in genetic expression
5. Differentiate between the major categories of genetic disease and describe characteristics risks for each type 
6. Explain the clinical methods of genetic screening, diagnosis, testing