Event Description
Teaching Mendelian patterns of inheritance is a useful way to introduce basic genetic concepts in the classroom. However, this framework can be unhelpful or even misleading if students do not first appreciate that most, if not all, traits in living organisms result from interactions among genes, and between genes and their environments. Providing this full picture is particularly important in classroom discussions about human genetics. It is critical for instructors to avoid reinforcing or creating misconceptions about genetics and health. For example, the treatment of racial or ethnic group identity as representing discrete biological groups can hinder rather than advance impactful approaches for genomic medicine. In this session, researchers will share insights to guide teaching about human genetics with a focus on complexity.
Event Information:
Free and open to the public; registration required. For more information, please visit the event webpage.
Hosted by the Center for ELSI Resources and Analysis at Columbia University.
