Genetic diseases

Overview

Click on the links above for teaching schemes, activities and web links and other resources related to this topic.

Introduction
The reproduction issues from 9.3 are covered here because they then relate to the science.
This topic is constantly in the media and some time should be allowed to deal with topical issues. There is a need to be sensitive to the possibility of members of the class having direct experience of a genetic disease.

Timing
8 hours

1 Setting the scene

• True false questions to test knowledge (Genes and You p125)
• SATIS 16 - 19 Unit 87 on Cystic Fibrosis
• Discussion and clarification of the science behind a controversial issue in the media such as "designer babies" to provide donor cells for a sibling
• The Gift video

2 Reproduction technology

• Focus on one disease go through all the issues and technologies available in this context. Sickle cell is a good one because material is available.
• Reliability of tests activity. A calculation on how many healthy babies are lost because of foetal testing due to false positives and to miscarriage, using figures in text book p79 & 80
• Discussion on the techniques used and the ethics of a programme to eliminate the disease thalassaemia in Sardinia or Cyprus.
• Designer babies, myths and possibilities - Explore their understanding and misconceptions about what is possible, perhaps using true and false questions as a starting point.

3 Ethical dilemmas
Either of the two issues chosen as a controversial starting point could also be used here and would lead to a more focussed debate.

• Gift video
• Discussion of designer babies conceived to help sibling, using articles from media. The different points of view expressed can then be related to ethical principles
• Genes and You, Unit 6, Case studies for discussion in small groups and /or class
• The class could prepare a presentation or poster display to inform other students about one of the issues they have discussed and their reasons for coming to a particular conclusion.

4 Human genome

• Visit to a museum featuring human genetics
• Discussion of issues arising from links being found between genes and personality such as science museum site on alcoholism
• Decision making exercise on the circumstances in which it would be acceptable to release genetic information about an individual to others. See HGC recommendations