Course Description

A study of the molecular causes of human disease with an emphasis on the specific gene perturbations that influence human health. Specific modes of genetic assault (e.g. mutations, epigenetic mechanisms, nutritional factors, and viral infections) will be discussed.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

Genetic material, such as RNA or DNA, is a common feature of all living organisms. Understanding the structure, function, and transmission of these molecules is fundamental to an understanding of topics ranging from the propagation of life to the molecular basis of human diseases. This course adds to foundational concepts of genetics and focuses on epigenetic contributions to human development and health.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Explain the molecular mechanisms of epigenetics.
2. Describe how epigenetic modifications are determined.
3. Describe biological processes affected by epigenetic mechanisms.
4. Explain the role of epigenetics in human disease.
5. Communicate research findings using poster presentations.
6. Interpret data from recent scientific publications.
7. Integrate a biblical worldview into the study of epigenetics.

Course Assignment

Before working through the checklist outlined in the Course Overview, the student should review the Liberty University curriculum.

Discussion boards are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided promptly for each forum. The thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 250 words.

For this collaborative discussion board, the student is required to submit his/her e-poster in the thread. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must critique 2 other classmates’ presentations and must be at least 250 words.

The student will answer a set of questions based on the Reading & Study completed each module/week.

Article Check

The student will post his/her chosen epigenetic article to Blackboard for approval from the instructor.

e-Poster

The student will complete a PowerPoint presentation (e-poster) based on a published epigenetic article. The student will submit his/her e-poster for peer review via the Group Discussion Board Forum and in a submission link.

Oral

The student will complete his/her Poster Presentation by adding a 12-minute audio recording to the PowerPoint presentation (e-poster).

The student will complete 4 exams based on the Reading & Study material for the modules/weeks in which it is assigned. Each exam will be open-book/open-notes. The exams will contain true/false, multiple-choice, multiple-answer, matching, short answer/essay questions, and/or fill-in-the-blank questions. The exams will also have a 2-hour time limit.