• Reminder: Some of this week’s readings are hosted on MSU Google Drive. These are only accessible using your MSU Google Apps account. When you open the link, you’ll be prompted to select which google account you want to open them with – use your MSU Google Apps account (which requires your regular MSU Net ID and password). If you choose your non-MSU google account, you won’t be able to open the file. Do not request access to the files with your non-MSU Google account.

COURSE MATERIALS

• Lecture: 2.1. How DNA Works (16 min)
• Lecture: 2.2. Sources of Variation (14 min)
• PDF: 2.1. Brian J. Alters and Sandra M. Alters – Why Should Students Learn Evolution?
• Link: 2.1. Robert Sapolsky – The 2% Difference 
• Link/Activity: 2.2. Explore National Geographic’s Human Genome Project.
  1. Watch the Intro Video
  2. Read the Article and watch the three videos linked on the right sidebar
  3. Browse Migration Routes
• Film: 2.1. Epigenetics: The Ghost in Your Genes (47 minutes)
• Video: 2.1. Richard III – The DNA Analysis and Conclusion (12 minutes)

ASSESSMENTS

• 10-Question MC quiz in D2L (complete by 11:30PM on Friday) – 60 minute time limit once you start the quiz
• Reflection Blog Post (due on Friday by 11:30PM):
  • Prompt: (500 words) In the PDF linked above, Alters and Alters state that, “evolution is a unifying theme among many sciences.” Think about your personal experience in science courses and in your declared major – how does your specific field understand evolution and human variability? Did the readings and videos this week make you think about your field in a different light? If so, how? In your blog and your response to other students’ blogs, please be thoughtful and considerate.
• Reflection Blog Comments (due on Sunday by 11:30PM): (125 words each) Read 2 other students’ postings from this week’s Reflection Blog and leave a comment.