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Bringing 23andMe Into the Human Genetics Classroom
Author(s) -
Smith Emmett M.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.04105
Subject(s) - genetics , infographic , genetic testing , test (biology) , documentation , psychology , presentation (obstetrics) , medical education , medicine , biology , computer science , paleontology , radiology , data mining , programming language
Research has shown that using a direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) genetic test in a genetics course enhances student performance (Adams 2016, Linderman 2018, Weber 2015, Weitzel 2016). I incorporated the 23andMe Health+Ancestry kit into my upper‐class undergraduate BIOL351 Human Genetics and Genomics course at Earlham College in 2018. Students opted in and were given informational forms, consent documentation and a list of local genetic counselors (approved by the college IRB, Parker and Grubs 2014). Students were never required to share their personal results in the classroom. Throughout the semester, I identified 23andMe tests that aligned with the disorders we studied. Students were asked to complete a scaffolded assignment about DTC genetic testing companies, beginning with an understanding of 23andMe’s privacy policy, extending to analysis of 11 DTC genetic testing companies’ validity (ranging from Ancestry.com to Vinome), culminating in the creation and presentation of infographics to the general public in collaboration with our local Joseph Moore Museum. Students responded favorably in course evaluations. Of the 7 evaluations submitted (9 total students), 4 relayed that 23andMe was the most positive part of the course, stating “Seeing my own results … helped broaden my understanding of the subject;” “the 23andMe opportunity was very positive;” “23andMe … helped me to relate more to the material.” Here I present materials and projects that will help you incorporate DTC genetic testing into your own genetics course. Support or Funding Information Emmett M Smith Earlham College, Richmond IN Smithem3@earlham.edu