Two Units: Molecular Genetics and Environmental Chemistry

This project will develop a nine-week module to be used in the biology curriculum for high school students, as part of the NIH/ADAMHA Science Education Partnership awards. The module, 'Molecular Genetics and Human Affairs' will teach the structure of DNA and include activities focused on the organization, replication, and utilization of the information of DNA, using humans as a model system. Students will learn how to clone a gene and how to analyze a gene at the molecular level. Problems in human genetics will be discussed in molecular terms, and the new techniques being used to map the human genome will be described. Laboratory exercises will involve DNA isolation, transformation and restriction analysis and the uses of PCR. Our ability to create new genes and to transform bacteria, plant cells, and animal cells will be described, including a discussion of the prospects for human gene therapy. The module will be developed at four levels: for honors, main-stream, and low achieving high school students, and also for adult students in the Washington University continuing education program. This module will also provide material for a summer workshop for high school teachers. A second module in environmental chemistry is also being developed. (Co-funded with NCRR)