Teach Yourself Genetics

Genetics and genomics issues continue to grab the headlines, but an understanding of even the basic concepts behind these topics is poor. Susanne Haga has now compiled a guide to online sites that specialise in educating users about genetic concepts and techniques - from how genes cause cancer to understanding genetic screening - and that also includes interactive and downloadable teaching aids, exercises and lesson plans.

All the web sites are free and user friendly, provide current and regularly updated information, and are geared towards teachers, health professionals, students and members of the public. As Haga points out, the point of enhancing basic education in genetics is not to create 'mini geneticists' but to enable individuals to understand general genetic concepts and their applications, as well as the social and ethical issues that surround them.

Article:
Teaching resources for genetics Susanne B. Haga, Nature Reviews Genetics Feb 7.

Author contact:
Susanne B. Haga (Duke University, Durham, NC, USA)
E-mail: susanne.haga@duke.edu

Editorial contacts:
Tanita Casci (Senior Editor, Nature Reviews Genetics)
E-mail: t.casci@nature.com

(C) Nature Reviews Genetics press release.

Message posted by: Trevor M. D'Souza