Although dragons are exciting, they are dangerous and expensive to house in a laboratory setting. Therefore, to investigate the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying various (dragon) phenotypes, Biochem 311 students breed research-tractable cousins of dragons, called drakes, in the interactive, computer-based gaming environment of Geniverse. Developed by the non-profit Concord Consortium, Geniverse allows students to conduct drake breeding experiments, analyze the data, and propose hypotheses to explain the results. A Gene-to-Protein Genie illustrates the transcription of DNA and translation of RNA for relevant genes. Overall, the course spans fundamental Mendelian genetics, epigenetics, genetic engineering, and genome editing.
Emerita Professor Molly Fitzgerald-Hayes and Senior Lecturer Ludmila Tyler built the course, with input from Dr. Frieda Reichsman of The Concord Consortium. This summer, Dr. Tyler presented a poster on students’ work and learning gains at the Plant Biology 2017 conference in Honolulu, Hawaii.