Class Details
Perspectives in Genetics: Individuals and Populations
This course serves as an introduction to genetic concepts as they apply to individuals, families, and populations. At the outset, a brief introduction will provide the basic structure of DNA, and how genes provide the template for cellular structures and metabolism, through transcription into mRNA and translation into proteins. We will then introduce the various modes of inheritance, and discuss the relevance of genetics to human health and disease. The participants will learn to construct a pedigree (the graphical representation of family relationships), using historical or personal data.
Historically, genetics has been employed both as a progressive and oppressive field of knowledge. We will review historical abuse of genetics and genetic research, progress towards a more progressive endeavor, as well as democratization of and access to genetics to benefit human health. Lastly, we will review the present-day popularity of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing and genetic genealogy companies (23andMe, Ancestry DNA). Participants should be aware of the pitfalls and benefits related to DTC and genetic testing.
Enrollment
- Enrollment through your home campus; contact your local OSLEP campus coordinator for information
- OSLEP provides all required reading materials at no additional cost-NO books to buy!
- Housing and meals provided
- In-person residential seminar
Scholar
Andrea Wierenga PhD; Klaas Wierenga MD
Mayo Clinic Florida
Andrea Wierenga, PhD
Dr. Wierenga is a board-certified clinical biochemical genetics laboratory director and consultant. She has many years of experience working with patients with inherited metabolic disease, teaching and mentoring genetic counselling students, postdoctoral, doctoral and undergraduate students in the areas of nutrition, medical studies and genetics. Her research interests include inherited metabolic disorders and other aspects of genetics.
Klaas Wierenga, MD
Dr. Klaas Wierenga is a board-certified physician in Clinical and Medical Biochemical Genetics at the Mayo Clinic Florida as a consultant and professor in the Department of Clinical Genomics. His clinical interests include providing excellent care to children and adults with genetic disorders, both diagnostic and therapeutic. He was the co-director of the Molecular and Cellular systems; an introduction to genetics and biochemistry, at OU medicine from 2010-2018 and taught and mentored genetic counseling post-graduate students in population genetics and clinical genetics.
His research interest focusses on the diagnostic process for individuals with rare Mendelian disorders. Typically, in individuals with rare disorders, the diagnostic odyssey is lengthy and disruptive to all involved. However, rational therapeutic and management decisions are informed by the (etiologic) diagnosis; therefore, care can be compromised if such a diagnosis remains elusive. His activities focus on the use of information technology and new technical genetic breakthroughs to aid in the diagnostic process.
Class Prep
