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McMaster University

DNA Decoded

Are you a living creature? Then, congratulations! You’ve got DNA. But how much do you really know about the microscopic molecules that make you unique? Why is DNA called the “blueprint of life”? What is a “DNA fingerprint”? How do scientists clone DNA? What can DNA teach you about your family history? Are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) safe? Is it possible to revive dinosaurs by cloning their DNA? DNA Decoded answers these questions and more. If you’re curious about DNA, join Felicia Vulcu and Caitlin Mullarkey, two biochemists from McMaster University, as they explore the structure of DNA, how scientists cracked the genetic code, and what our DNA can tell us about ourselves. Along the way, you’ll learn about the practical techniques that scientists use to analyze our genetic risks, to manipulate DNA, and to develop new treatments for a range of different diseases. Then, step into our virtual lab to perform your own forensic DNA analysis of samples from a crime scene and solve a murder.

Status: Science and Research
Status: Bioinformatics
IntermediateCourse23 hours

Featured reviews

SZ

5.0Reviewed Jan 26, 2023

Dr. Felicia and Dr. Caitlin are really amazing scientists! Their efforts for this course were truly appreciated. I love their energy, and the knowledge they tried to put up was wonderful.

RS

5.0Reviewed May 18, 2024

Exceptionally taught! no-skip learning right here. From the beginning to the end, the walk through from the fundamentals to the complex principles was smooth. Highly Recommended!

NM

5.0Reviewed Dec 21, 2023

It's an amazing course, easy, fun and I learned a lot from it all thanks to the Best instructors ever! Thank you Felecia and Caitlin, I wish to see you in more courses.

AW

5.0Reviewed Aug 4, 2020

Best course ever! The hosts are so supportive and can really encourage participants to learn more about DNA. This course shows that genetics isn't really that hard when you have great teachers!

MR

5.0Reviewed Feb 27, 2022

This really an exclusive course to learn biological hacks. Mentors are really so comprehensive. Teaching system is really so practical. I enojyed a lot during my learning session.

SA

5.0Reviewed Dec 20, 2022

I have gained lot of information form this course. And the instructors and the method of their teaching is really awesome. I would like to say thank you to the instructors and thank you to coursera.

BJ

5.0Reviewed Feb 10, 2021

Great course! Instructors are very knowledgeable and entertaining! Clips are short enough to maintain interest. I would definitely take another course from these instructors!

SS

4.0Reviewed Oct 29, 2020

I very much enjoyed this course, it has reinstated in me a love for science that I thought was gone. I feel like I have learned a lot from this and want to continue to learn more in the future.

NJ

5.0Reviewed Dec 15, 2020

Great course for an insight into DNA and various research associated with it. Amazing course Instructors who do not fail to keep you excited and energetic till the end of the course.

ZG

5.0Reviewed May 26, 2021

I have learnt a lot from this amiable course. The educators were so jolly and amusing. They smoothly gave the ride of the course that one almost will forget the track of time. Thanks teachers ❤️

MK

5.0Reviewed May 1, 2020

the course was amazing , moreover it was easy to understand such complicated topics , this course helped me in making my basics musch stronger . both the professors were amzing at their work.

AK

5.0Reviewed Jun 27, 2020

This was one of the coolest course I have ever learned on this online platform i. e. Coursera. Thank you, Mam, for this beautiful, interactive, and awesome journey of decoding DNA.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 376

Ellis Kobina Paintsil
5.0
Reviewed May 30, 2019
Abhishek Nath Jha
5.0
Reviewed Jan 18, 2020
Damon Todd Roman
5.0
Reviewed Aug 26, 2018
Aedrian Abrilla
5.0
Reviewed Sep 17, 2021
Lakshmi Sivasankar
5.0
Reviewed May 15, 2020
Dhriti Seth
5.0
Reviewed Jul 9, 2019
Gabriel Turnip
5.0
Reviewed Sep 15, 2020
Swapna Aedhu
5.0
Reviewed Dec 20, 2022
Sofia Trejo Maldonado
5.0
Reviewed Dec 26, 2023
Thana Srisukson
5.0
Reviewed Jan 26, 2021
Srinivas Venkatakrishnan
5.0
Reviewed Jan 25, 2021
5.0
Reviewed Jan 31, 2021
Juan Pirod
5.0
Reviewed Aug 5, 2020
Farbod -
5.0
Reviewed Jun 8, 2018
Anurup Mohanty (RA1811009010061)
5.0
Reviewed Jan 16, 2019
Mariano Sáez Félix
4.0
Reviewed May 3, 2020
Maripaz Calderon
4.0
Reviewed Feb 11, 2018
Anam Javaid
4.0
Reviewed Sep 7, 2018
Steve Potlock
5.0
Reviewed Feb 18, 2021
Peter Galante
5.0
Reviewed Jan 22, 2025