Even DNA makes mistakes! Find out about genetic mutations and the diseases they cause!

How to get the most out of DNA & Basic Genetics with Monica Breier:

• First, read the course materials below before watching the first class.

• Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that week.

• Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Total classes: 4

Duration: 55 minutes per class

Prerequisite: Middle school biology/life science and “DNA & Basic Genetics” (precedes this course) or similar knowledge.

Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade. Note: advanced middle school students are welcome too.

Suggested credit: ¼ semester Science or Microbiology. Also sign up for “DNA & Basic Genetics”, immediately preceding this course, for additional credit.

Instructors: Monica Breier

Course description: Learn the types of genetic mutations and the details on how they occur. Then, explore how acquired and inherited mutations lead to different diseases.

Course outline: 

Class 1: Introduction, mutation types

Class 2: Avoiding acquired mutations, DNA repair

Class 3: Genetic diseases

Class 4: Genetic diseases continued

Course materials: Notebooks and pencil/pen for note taking. Printing PowerPoint files is suggested. All other course materials are provided free by the instructor.

Homework: Daily assignments the first three days, including brief computer-graded questions with a more thorough instructor-graded application question. Day four assignment will be a minimum five-paragraph essay on a topic of the student’s choice (types of mutations, DNA repair, specific genetic disease, etc.).

Technical Help: If you have any technical trouble or questions about course content, please email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com.

©2022 Homeschool Connections and Monica Breier.  All rights reserved. This course is designed by Monica Breier.

• This material is only to be used for its intended purpose by active subscribers of Homeschool Connections. Any other use without explicit permission is in violation of the seventh commandment (yes, the 7th commandment)and in violation of US and International copyright laws.

• You may print or download to local hard disk extracts for your personal homeschool and non-commercial use only. This is not to be used for homeschool co-ops without express written permission from Homeschool Connections.