Blog Post
For the first lecture assignment (worth 5% of course grade) you will write a blog post inspired by any of the genetics core concepts we have covered so far. A list of possible topics follows, or if you feel strongly about another topic, you may choose your own. Your post should explain some aspect of the science around your topic to a general public audience.
150 minimum, 250 words maximum
Topic should relate to a genetics principles from Unit 1
(Unit 1: Introduction to Genetics
Cell Reproduction; Mitosis & Meiosis
Basic Principles of Heredity;
Complementation
Extending the Basic Principles
Binomial Probability
Sex determination and
Sex-linkage
Linkage and Mapping in Eukaryotes
Mendelian Basis of Quantitative
Genetics
Quantitative Genetics
Capstone lecture-Complex Genetic
Systems and the Perils of Genetic
Determinism
Capstone lecture-Human Population
Genetics)
Include in-text links to at least 1 genetics-related media post or news story
Include at least one image (be sure to give credit if not yours)
Getting started
1. Watch at least one of the Capstone lectures as a prompt
2. Review the list of suggested topics below to select a topic.
3. Identify a scientific theme or issue that has broader relevance to society, and has been reported on in the news.
4. Do some research. Explore the issue!
5. Decide on what you want to say.
6. Find your voice and choose a style.
7. Set some goals, and then start writing (and do more background research as warranted)
Suggested Topics
Genetic vs cultural notions of identity
Direct to consumer DNA ancestry and the reification of racialized concepts
Limitations of polygenic scores
Gene discovery & mapping; a.k.a. The gene for paradigm
Drug therapies that target ethnic groups (e.g., BiDil)
Genes & Behaviour
Questionable claims about new coronavirus therapies
Self-disseminating vaccines
Negative impacts of genetic technology on vulnerable populations
Eugenics
Consumer genetics and disability rights
DNA based stigmatization and discrimination of human groups
DNA ancestry tests in indigenous tribal enrollment decisions
Forensic use of DNA in criminal cases
Biases in community genotype datasets (biobanks)
DNA databases and privacy rights
Genetic technology, affluence, and the future of human equality
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