Education
Genetics, Risk and Lifestyle
Genetics, Risk and Lifestyle; can I blame it on my genes?
This is a toolbox of teacher resources aimed at AS/A2 biology pupils. This programme has been supported by the Wellcome Trust. It has been developed by W5 in partnership with the CRC UK Centre of Excellence in Public Health (NI) and the School of Psychology at Queen's University, Belfast. It was trailed with Post Primary Schools throughout Northern Ireland and a School in the Republic of Ireland over a two year period.
Background:
Since the mapping of the human genome in 2003, we now know more than ever about our DNA, genetics and inheritance. However, as we learn and discover more about how we inherit traits and diseases, it is becoming clear that the picture is more complicated than it first appeared. For a start, humans have less genes than scientists originally thought and it is apparent that often it is genes interacting with other genes and with other molecules in the body that can lead to certain diseases. Lifestyle choice can therefore play a major role in determining the fate of our genes. Yet, in this blame- rich society we live in there is a tendency to ignore the risks that we take in our lifestyle choices and instead 'blame it on our genes'.
Toolbox Contents
The toolbox provides you with lesson plans, Power Points and pupil activities to help you teach the following:
• How lifestyle choices may affect their future health
• The Psychology of Risk
• Skin Cancer
• The role of genome wide association studies (GWAS)
• Understanding PCR and gel electrophoresis - activity with genetics of Hyper Cholesterol anemia
• The lifestyle and genetic influences on common diseases such as skin cancer and heart disease
• An opportunity to discuss the ethical implications of modern genetic testing
The toolbox also provides
• Supplementary activities/information related to the topics
• Further background information for pupils.
If you would like more information or would like to speak to a member of staff regarding this programme please contact:
Aideen Johnson
e-mail: aideenjohnson@w5online.co.uk
Tel: 028 9046 7797
Sean Greer
e-mail: seangreer@w5online.co.uk
Tel: 028 9046 7836
* Look out for our new A level genetics workshop in which pupils can carry out gel electrophoresis for themselves.
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Lesson Plans
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PDF | 199k
Risk and Skin Cancer Overview
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PDF | 209k
The Psychology of Risk Lesson
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PDF | 823k
Skin Cancer Lesson
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PDF | 199k
Electrophoresis and Genetics Over View
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PDF | 2651k
Electrophoresis and Genetics Lesson
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Presentations
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The Psychology of Risk
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Skin Cancer
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Interview with Dr Maureen Walsh
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Genetics, Heart Disease and Electrophoresis
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Lesson Activities
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PDF | 484k
Skin Cancer Incidence
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PDF | 446k
Skin Cancer Mortality
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PDF | 476k
Skin Cancer Pupils Sheets
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PDF | 124k
The Whites Family Pedigree
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PDF | 212k
Dialogue Activity - Genetic Profiles
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PDF | 245k
Risk Continuum Instruction Sheet
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PDF | 624k
Risk Continuum Skin Colour Cards
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PDF | 204k
Polygeneic Challenge Activity Instructions
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PDF | 108k
Polygeneic Challenge Pupils Sheet
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PDF | 174k
The Smith's Family Pedigree
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PDF | 20k
Genetics and Lifestyle Cards
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Additional Material
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PDF | 269k
Additional Websites and Resources for Skin Cancer
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PDF | 448k
Additional websites and Resources
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PDF | 2103k
Public Health Genetics Unit, Cambridge, September 2005, Genetics Overview
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PDF | 105k
NHS guidance on inherited high cholesterol
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