Natural Selection and Applied Genetics

This course focuses on three elements: content knowledge, inquiry and other teaching strategies, and use of multimedia in teaching and learning. Course goals include:

• exploring how certain genetic traits can improve an individual's chances of survival and its ability to pass those traits to the next generation;
• understanding how natural selection helps populations adapt to changes in the environment over time;
• examining how humans have used our understanding of genetics and selection to change the course of evolution;
• exploring how to use concept mapping as a teaching and learning tool;
• exploring how to use informed discussion and debate as a teaching and learning tool; and
• discussing how to teach about controversial topics.