Hot Topics in Genetics

The Task: Create an informative and engaging blog post on your assigned topic in the field of genetics

Specifics:

Your post must address/include the following:

·       A complete description of your topic with appropriate background information (note who your audience is- this needs to be thorough)

·       A brief explanation of your topic on a molecular level (how is linked to protein synthesis or the cell cycle)

·       A specific case study linked to your topic or current research/breakthroughs

·       Explanation of potential future breakthroughs in the field

·       Any ethical/moral issues related to your topic

You will be graded using the usual blog post rubric

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

Genetic cloning                

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Stem Cell Research                                                                                          

Behavioral Genetics

Gene Therapy                                                                                                            

Personal Genome Project

Human Genome Project                                                                        

Forensics

Genetically Modified Foods/Organisms                                                      

Genetic Testing

Genetics and the Law (Some Legislative Background)                  

HIV/AIDS Research

HPV Vaccine

Influenza Vaccine

                                                                                                            

The Cell Cycle Gone Wrong: Cancer Research Project

To finish out our discussion of the cell cycle and mitosis, you are going to be researching and presenting on a class of diseases that make up the second leading cause of death in the United States: Cancer. Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell growth and affects humans in a variety of ways. Cancer is caused by genetic mutations, or changes to the DNA sequence, that often arise as a result of carcinogens, cancer causing agents. For this project you will be researching one type of cancer and presenting the following information to the class:

•  Your cancer and its history, facts & figures
• Types of cancer (the various forms, if any exist)
•  The risk factors and genetic causes
•  Discussion of the biology of your cancer (how this cancer works on the molecular level)
• Treatments currently used or being tested to help those with cancer 

Project Requirements:

•  2-page paper summarizing the information above, including a list of sources used.  This paper must be uploaded onto your blog as a post
•   A  5-minute class presentation with a power point or prezi (this will also be uploaded onto your blog).

Resources:

            Below I have posted several online resources for you to begin your research. Your research should not be limited to these sources, however, and you may incorporate other print, online, or other media resources. The end of your report should include a list of sources, but I will not require a formal bibliography.

The National Cancer Institute

http://www.cancer.gov/

American Cancer Society

http://www.cancer.org/

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

http://www.dana-farber.org/can/default.html

Cancer Quest: Winship Cancer Institute

http://www.cancerquest.org/

Due Date: February 15, 2011

Grading:

             This will count toward one project grade and your grade will be divided equally between the paper and the presentation. You will be graded on the inclusion of all information above, the quality of your presentation, and your overall preparedness. You will have time in class to research and write, but you will be expected to do a great deal of work at home, as well.

GOOD LUCK!