Quarter Taken:
Winter 2020
Submitted April 2, 2020
Grade Received:
A+
This class is incredibly interesting, especially if you want to learn more about genetics and disease. Papers are meant to be a real-world application of the techniques discussed in class. Like most MCDB/MIMG classes, the exams are more conceptual and experimental rather than focused on rote memorization. Understanding pedigrees, basic molecular bio and genetic concepts (i.e. Southern blotting, haplotypes, pedigrees), and broad techniques covered in discussion is all you need. That said, exams are all open-note -- however, there is NOT enough time to be looking through your notes during the 50-minute exam time. I reviewed for a day or two before the exam and scored above average on all of the exams. Study for the exams like you would if it were closed-book, closed-notes. Know how to apply the concepts to different problems - if you have trouble understanding ANY aspect of a paper's materials/methods, ask your TA. The TAs and the professors are all extremely helpful and friends, and are there to make sure you can and will succeed in the class. The professors emphasize improvement in the successive exams because they understand that there is a learning curve to the midterms. Also, you are NOT competing with graduate students in this course. Can they also take it? Yes, but they enroll in a separate, cross-listed class and they are not included in the exam averages or the curve. Regardless, this is definitely a worthwhile class to take especially if you are interested in medicine or genetic counseling - we had a variety of guest speakers who came in to talk about their field and how genetics plays a role in disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.