Summer 2025 Application is Now Open! Apply Today!
Prepare to unravel the mysteries of cell division, genetic crosses, gene linkage and mapping, mutations, DNA analysis, diseases, and the captivating realm of genetic engineering.
Course Description
Did you know that no other person in the world has the same DNA as you? Or that if the DNA from all your cells was stretched out it would reach to the moon and back almost 150,000 times? During the course we will start with the smallest molecule, the DNA, and finish with learning how to make whole organisms. For each topic we will bring all students up to the same speed by revising the main concepts before diving into the current research and exploring its applications in the field of medicine. We look at the structure of DNA, genes and proteins; then focus on PCR and discuss its uses (e.g. paternity DNA and Covid tests). We discuss cell division, and the genetic disorders triggered by disrupting the process such as cancer, Down syndrome etc. Learn how genetic mapping and linkage are powerful tools that can determine the chromosomal location of genes involved in genetic disorders, for example colour blindness and haemophilia. We dissect genetic mutations and the mechanisms that underline cancer and then discuss real cases of how genomic information can be used in cancer treatment. We study stem cells and go over the process by which they can be grown and used as new tissue for transplant and regenerative medicine. We will also learn about the different genetic engineering techniques and their game-changing uses that include: curing diseases, such as cystic fibrosis; obtaining important medical products such as human insulin from bacteria and Covid vaccines; as well as making genetic modified organisms such as Dolly the sheep and disease-resistant plants.
Throughout the course we will have daily games and activities to revise the main concepts and a daily episode on how Genetics was used to solve one of the greatest royal mysteries.
Admissions Criteria
Completed Summer Discovery application
Program Outcomes
Disclaimer
Information subject to change as program updates come in for 2025!
Summer Discovery Certificate of Completion
After successfully finishing this course, you will be awarded a certification completion for your accomplishment.
*This is a preview, not what you will receive