An understanding of genetics will be more important as we move into the future; but it can be a difficult subject to understand if you don't have a proper grasp of the fundamentals -Grasping those fundamentals is what this course is about!

Learn about cellular function, traits, characteristics and heritability. This is how living organisms become what they are, how we differ from one another and from other species.

Studying genetics can feel like studying another language – the biological language of genes and DNA.  It is expected that you will have some prior biological study to undertake this course.

This is a big subject -man's knowledge of genetics is growing daily - you cannot learn everything in one course; but with this course as a foundation, you are better placed to understand what you encounter, and continue your learning over the years that follow.

There are 10 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction to Genetics
2. The Cell and Organelles
3. Interaction between Chromosomes
4. Interaction between Genes
5. Genetic Chemistry (DNA and Chromosomes)
6. Mutations (Genomes and Mutations)
7. DNA repair and Recombination
8. Developmental Genetics
9. Population Genetics
10. Applied Genetics

• To acknowledge the history of modern genetics and interpret important terminology in genetics work used, specifically relating to areas of study such as plant and animal sciences, conservation of plant and animal species, agriculture, horticulture, veterinary medicine and human health sciences.
• To develop understanding of the structures (organelles) of cells and comprehend their basic functions specifically relating to cell division.
• To discuss the main ways features are inherited.
• To develop knowledge of biological interactions and understand the significance of gene expression in heritability.
• Describe chemicals and reactions involved in genetics including protein synthesis.
• Explain the nature and management of genetic mutations.
• Develop understanding of how DNA repair mechanisms, and recombination to understand the significance of DNA cleaving and re-joining.
• Demonstrate an understanding of genetics to explain how variations occur in living organisms both within and beyond species.
• Explain both the significance and dynamics of genetic variation within populations of different living organisms.
• Describe how genetic knowledge is applied to a variety of human endeavours.