Chinske--Genetics-Performance Standards

Course Purpose:

Human Genetics is designed for student interested in learning about recent developments in human genetics and the possible bioethical implications of new technologies.  Areas of genetic research studied include DNA/RNA, chromosomal abnormalities, genetic birth defects, hereditary diseases, genetic engineering, cloning and genetic counseling.  Students with average or better success than average success in Biology should consider Human Genetics as a beneficial option.

Student Performance Standards:
At the completion of this course, all students will be able to:

State Learning Standard # 11: Understand the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments and solve problems.

a.  Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
b.  Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of technological design.

Performance Standards

• Students will solve genetics problems involving Mendelian, sex-linked, co-dominant, incomplete dominant, multiple allelic and polygenic inheritance.
• Students will solve problems related to probability, pedigree development and analysis and blood genetics.
• Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in writing on major exams, formal writing assignments and in assigned homework.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to diagram and interpret pedigrees/graphs/data tables. 

State Learning Standard #12:  Understand the fundamental concepts, principles and interconnections of the life, physical and earth/space sciences.

a.  Know and apply concepts that explain how living things function, adapt and change.
b.  Know and apply concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and their environment.
c.  Know and apply concepts that describe properties of matter and energy and interactions between them.
d.  Know and apply concepts that describe force and motion and the principles that explain them.
e.  Know and apply concepts that describe features and processes of the earth and its resources.
f.  Know and apply concepts that explain the composition and structure of the universe and the earth’s place in it.

Performance Standards

• Students will apply the concepts of DNA function, mutation, replication and manipulation appropriately.
• Students will apply the concepts of RNA function, migration, transcription, and translation as they relate to protein synthesis.
• Students will differentiate among the forms of cell reproduction especially as mitosis and meiosis relate to the passing on of human traits.
• Students will categorize various teratogens and demonstrate their understanding of the consequences of such substances.

State Learning Standard # 13: Understand the relationship among science, technology and society in historical and contemporary contexts.

a. Know and apply the accepted practices of science.
b. Know and apply concepts that describe the interaction between science, technology and society.

Performance Standards

• Students will apply the concepts of recombinant DNA technology during lab-activities.
• Students will solve problems of forensic nature using their knowledge of fingerprints and recombinant DNA technology.
• Students will differentiate between morals, ethics and values.
• Students will use a bioethical decision-making model to analyze personal points of view on bioethical issues.
• Students will investigate all sides of bioethical issues including capital punishment, abortion, genetic and reproductive engineering, euthanasia to understand issues related to public policy and law.