"Professor Betsey Dexter Dyer examines the wide-ranging field of genetics, which is the study of the hereditary information of organisms, how it is used, and how it is transferred through generations. These fascinating lectures also address DNA sequences and how they apply to 'genetic engineering, ' viruses, and genetic diseases such as cancers and birth defects. In addition to examining why people look and act the way they do, the course also considers the philosophical issues associated with such controversial topics as cloning and genetic ID cards"--Container.

The long history of practical genetics -- What did Gregor Mendel do? -- What did Mendel do next? -- A cookie factory in a black box designed by Rube Goldberg -- How mammals get their colors -- The importance of environment : in the short term -- Environment over the long term : the genetics of populations -- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) -- Transcription and translation : the metaphor of an error-prone medieval monk in a scriptorium -- Chromosomes, mitosis, and meiosis : how DNA is packaged for moving -- Mutations -- Regulating the genes and the dramatic consequences of regulatory mutations -- Viruses, jumping genes, and symbionts : whose DNA is it and what are the new philosophical questions? -- Conclusions.