Genetics in the Media (GENE10001)

Whether it be the next potential breakthrough for a cancer cure or the creation of designer babies, genetics always seems to be part of the conversation within the media landscape. Thanks to advances in genetics techniques, we can now modify organisms at the DNA level, identify and treat a huge array of diseases and even help solve crimes. But just how accurate is the way genetics stories are portrayed in the media? And why are they portrayed the way they are?

This subject will provide you with resources and activities, developed by geneticists and media experts, to help you develop a solid understanding of genetics concepts, how they relate to multiple aspects of our lives and how they are portrayed by the mainstream and social media.

Completion of this subject will enable you to critically evaluate media articles relating to genetics, to identify the accuracy with which genetics is reported and be more alert to how and why the media portrays genetics topics as it does. Whether or not you have previously studied, or plan to continue studying, genetics, this subject will enable you to contribute informed opinions to many diverse conversations and debates around current and emerging genetics topics that influence our everyday lives.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:  

• Utilise foundational genetic terminology;
• Describe and apply patterns of inheritance in context;
• Discuss the role of commonly used genetic techniques in the world today;
• Critically evaluate media reports about genetics, considering both the accuracy of the genetic information and the way that genetics is portrayed in the media; and 
• Differentiate between reliable and unreliable media sources and describe the features of each in the context of current genetics topics.

Generic skills