Genomics in the Classroom: Course Information

Below you will find contact forms for the instructor and TA; the course schedule; course resources, and the course syllabus.

To officially register for this course contact the instructor, G. Fowler (gfowler@geneforum.org; 503-636-3627).  Forms will be sent on request.

Contact Instructor

11 + 4 =

Contact Teaching Assistant

10 + 4 =

Course Schedule

Week 1

Depending on numbers of course enrollees—and topical interest—teachers will be divided into groups for each of the nine Genomics For Everyone (GFE) learning modules (e.g., 18 teachers = 2 per topic).

Focusing on the text of each module–including the “Resources” and “Questions for Discussion” sections—individual groups of teachers will translate their own understanding of a given topic (along with suggested activities and/or tools. See: Let’s Get Healthy) into a first draft of a “Genomics Primer” to share online with other course participants, refine, and eventually use in their own classrooms, and by colleagues elsewhere; A kind of  “teachers teaching teachers” endeavor.

On Friday of Week 1 an all-day field trip to two OHSU research labs will occur designed to highlight two of the hottest areas of current genomic research: Cancer and Epigenomics  (GFE teaching modules 7 and 8, respectively)

Note: For enrollees outside the Greater Portland area and unable to attend the live sessions, alternate arrangements may be made upon request.

Week 2

Refinement and editing of the “Primer in Genomics for High School Students” will continue throughout the week. Individual group efforts will be coordinated online by the course Teaching Assistant.

The final draft of each of the nine topics must be completed and emailed too the course instructor no later than the Monday following the last day of class. That draft of the “Genomics Primer” will constitute the final exam in the course.

The final grade in the course for each participant will reflect the quality, creativity and potential usefulness of that document for its intended classroom use.

The course instructor (and T.A.) will provide specific criteria for organization and content.  In general, however, each of the modules in the classroom genomics primer must include discussions of genomic science in the context of both ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications) and health policy issues as laid out in the student-generated Legislative Briefing Book, ”Shaping Public Health Policy in the Age of Genomics”.

As for ideas for classroom activities and learning tools, check out the various options/ideas available at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) website.

Credits: 2

Genomics in the Classroom: What it is and why it matters

Course Description and Rationale

“Genomics”—defined as the study of the functions and the interactions of all the genes in living organisms, including their interactions with environmental factors—is an area where people of all ages lack the background to understand and evaluate the new popular press headlines reporting genomics-based research. As genomics continues to influence healthcare and our fundamental understanding and manipulation of the world, it is becoming vitally important for everyone to have a basic understanding of the genome sciences and technologies, and the ethical, social and policy ramifications of their application. This is especially true for high school students who always will be the beneficiaries of the promise of genomics in their future.

Instructor 

Gregory Fowler, PhD
Affiliate Associate Professor
Department Public Health & Preventive Medicine
Oregon Health and Science University

Senior Research Associate,
School of Community Health
Portland State University

Learning Objectives

Using the online computer platform Google docs this course is structured to provide high school life science instructors with a basic understanding of the emerging field of genomics in nine topical areas—as described at the website: “Genomics for Everyone” (GFE)—in order to:

  • Gain familiarity with the history, terms, techniques and background needed to understand and critically analyze the rising tide of DNA (Genomics)-based stories as reported in the popular and scientific press;
  • Understand the interplay of how scientists are coming to make sense of genomic information and how they are applying this information to genomic technology in contemporary medicine and health care; and
  • To identify and reflect on the social, ethical and policy issues raised by genomics and their implications and challenges for how the “genomic revolution” will affect our personal (and genetically-related family) lives in humane and just ways.

About the Instructor

Greg Fowler is currently affiliated with the graduate teaching faculties in the School of Community Health and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Portland State University and Oregon Health and Science University, respectively. In 1985 he received an “Ethics and Values in Science and Technology” joint research grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and  the National Science Foundation. In the intervening 30 years he lectures and writes on the subjects of science education and literacy, the societal implications of science and technology, and informed “civic governance.” He received his Ph.D. from Brown University.