Genetic diseases
Web Guides
The headings in this guide come from the specification for the course.
1 A study of one genetic disease
The University of Utah's site has information on genetic disorders.
Your genes, your choice web site with case studies on genetic disorders.
Many genetic diseases have support groups with informative web sites. See The sickle cell society website, The cystic fibrosis trust, Huntington's disease association website and the website for the Haemophilia Society.
The Gift, a film from Y touring depicts the effects of a genetic disease on one family.
2. The gene model of inheritance
The Science Museum has a set of information pages on genetics and gene testing with striking images.
The Genes and You resources include basic information on patterns of inheritance.
3. Screening and the issues it raises
Information for patients on amniocentesis from NHS direct. See also the Net Doctor website.
BioNews is a free weekly digest of news stories in assisted reproduction and human genetics.
Conclusions and recommendations from report on genetic screening from Nuffield Foundation's Council on Bioethics.
A discussion on some of the information that will come from the Human Genome Project in 'Beyond the Genome' from Wellcome.
An explanation of ethical principles from accessexcellence, with examples and lots of useful links.
4 Reproduction technologies
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, HFEA regulates all fertility treatments in the UK.
A well planned, though long, role play activity on legal regulation of cloning. Could be adapted to UK situation.
The Gift, is a video of play performed by Y-touring portraying the impact of an inherited disease on a family and the potential impact of gene technologies. Includes discussion points and a studio discussion.
There is also a discussion on designer babies from the BBC.
4. General resources
Key Issues in Bioethics. A guide for teachers. 2003 Topics include cloning, in vitro fertilisation, genetic screening and genetic engineering, farm animal welfare and use of animals in medical experiments.
ISBN (paperback version £19.99) 0-415-27068-5 (hardback £65.00) 0-415 30914-X
www.routledgefalmer.com