Understanding Science: DNA and the Genetic Revolution
At a Glance
- Taught live online
- Mondays 18:00 - 20:00
- 10 weeks | November - February
- Starts 11 November 2024
- Fees from £144
- Tutor: Prof Chris Palmer
Enrol-by Date
- 4 November 2024
Have you ever wondered how DNA acts as a blueprint for a complex organism such as yourself. Beginning with simple explanations we will build a core of understanding to comprehend what a gene is and how thousands of genes in our genetic makeup act to build a human body. We will explain how our genes are inherited from our parents and we will investigate some common genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia.
In the past half-century, there has been a revolution in the understanding of how our bodies work, with the entire human genetic code being revealed we are set for a revolution in modern medicine. This course aims to understand how we can study and manipulate our DNA and the DNA of the organisms on this planet to both positive and negative outcomes. Finally, we take a look at what may be on the horizon for humans and this planet as a consequence of this genetic revolution
Designed as a course for students of all ages and with different backgrounds and experiences, this course is meant as an introduction for non-specialists who have an interest in the genetic revolution and would like to understand better articles that appear in the press.
This course is not a series of lectures but is based on an interactive approach. Activities and discussions help to explain the concepts involved.
Class Recordings
These classes are not recorded
Attendance Certificate
Successful completion of this course leads to the award of an Imperial College attendance certificate
Terms and conditions apply to all enrolments to this course. Please read them before enrolment
Course Information
Course Programme
Programme may be subject to change
- Week 1: introduction to the course and how do the cells in your body work
- Week 2: What is DNA and what is RNA?
- Week 3: What is a gene?
- Week 4: How are genes inherited?
- Week 5: Common genetic diseases
*** CHRISTMAS BREAK ***
- Week 6: How do we study our DNA
- Week 7: Genetic techniques - an introduction
- Week 8: Genome engineering – the good, bad and the ugly
- Week 9: Personalized medicine and your DNA
- Week 10: The genetic revolution – application and the future
Your Tutor
Professor Chris Palmer has had a varied and interesting career working on the HIV-1 virus, yeast ion channels, the nervous system and cancer.
Chris has worked at Reading University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Columbia University, Imperial College London and currently London Metropolitan University.
His current research interests include advancing our understanding of cancer and pain. He also has interests in herbal and complementary medicine.
Course Fees and Rate Categories
| Weeks | Standard Rate | Internal Rate | Associate Rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Early Bird: £241 Full price: £268 |
Early Bird: £144 Full price: £160 |
Early Bird: £190 Full price: £211 |
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| All fee rates quoted are for the whole course. Early Bird rates are available until the end of 30 September only. Part-payments are not possible. | |||||
Rate Categories and Discounts
Standard Rate
- Available to all except those who fall under the Internal Rate or Associate Rate category.
Internal Rate
- Current Imperial College students and staff (incl. Imperial NHS Trust, Imperial Innovations, ancillary & service staff employed on long-term contracts at Imperial College by third-party contractors)
- People enrolling under our Friends & Family scheme
- Alumni of Imperial College and predecessor colleges and institutes, including City & Guilds College Association members
- Students, staff and alumni of the Royal College of Art, Royal College of Music and City, UAL and the City and Guilds of London Art School
- Students, staff and Governors of Woodhouse College and the IC Mathematics School
Associate Rate
- Austrian Cultural Forum staff
- Co-operative College members
- Francis Crick Institute staff, researchers and students
- Friends and Patrons of the English Chamber Orchestra
- Friends of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
- Friends of Leighton House/ Sambourne House
- Friends of the Royal College of Music
- Harrods staff
- Historic Royal Palaces staff
- Lycee Charles de Gaulle staff
- Members of the Friends of Imperial College
- Members of the Kennel Club
- Members of the London Zoological Society
- Members of the South London Botanical Institute (SLBI)
- Members of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
- National Health Service (NHS) employees
- Natural History Museum staff
- Residents of postcodes SW3, SW5, SW7, SW10 and W8
- Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council staff
- Royal Geographical Society staff
- Science Museum staff
- Staff of Exhibition Road Cultural Group (Discover South Kensington) organisations
- Students (non-Imperial College)
- Teachers and other staff of UK schools
- The American Institute for Foreign Study
- Tutors and other staff of institution members of the Association of Colleges
- Tutors and other staff of other universities and higher education institutions
- Victoria and Albert Museum staff
Late enrolment
It is possible to enrol on many of our adult education courses after the course has already started. For non-language courses this is subject entirely to agreement by the tutor. For language courses it is subject to agreement by the language coordinator conducting level assessment. If you want to join a course late do bear in mind there might be work you will need to catch up on, particularly in language courses.
Friends and Family Scheme
This course is eligible for allowing Imperial College students and staff to share their discount with their friends and family.
Term Dates 2024-25
| Weeks | Autumn term | Spring term | Summer term | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Week starting 11 November - week ending 14 December 2024 (5 weeks)* | Week starting 13 January - week ending 15 February 2025 (5 weeks)* | n/a | ||
| *This is a 2-term course: Autumn term PLUS Spring term | |||||
Enrolment Process
Enrolment via the blue booking link is open. Early-bird discounts are available until the end of 30 September 2024
Enrolment and payment run through the Imperial College eStore. When enrolling:
- Do check on the drop down menu above called "Course Fees and Rate Categories" to see if you are eligible for a discounted rate and also do make sure you select that rate when enrolling on the eStore
- If you are a first-time eStore user you will need to create an account before enrolling. You can do this by entering an email address and password. This account can then be used for any future enrolments via the eStore.
When you have enrolled you will be sent the following email notifications:
| What is sent | When is it sent | What does it contain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Payment confirmation | Is sent straight away following submission of your online application |
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| 2. Enrolment confirmation | Is usually sent within 10 working days. Please treat your payment confirmation as confirmation that your applicant details and payment have been received |
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| 3. Programme information | Is usually sent on Friday late afternoon the week before term starts |
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Any Questions?
If you have any questions about the academic content or teaching of this course please contact the Course Tutor, Professor Chris Palmer, at c.palmer3@imperial.ac.uk
If you have any questions about your enrolment or payment processes please contact the Programme Administrator, Christian Jacobi, eveningclass@imperial.ac.uk