Peer Review

Genetics Home Reference

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Feb 21, 2020 by Biology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

Genetics Home Reference provides consumer-friendly information about the effects of genetic variation on human health. This site provides basic information about genetics, and more detailed information about various genetic and chromosomal conditions.

Type of Material:

Reference Material designed for a layperson or K-12 teacher or student.

Recommended Uses:

This is best suited for assignments where students are asked to research specific genetic conditions.

The "Help me Understand Genetics" section is a good place to send students for more informaiton about genetic topics (particularly those that are a bit beyond the scope of most textbooks).

Technical Requirements:

None noted.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

An introduction to fundamental topics related to human genetics, including illustrations and basic explanations of genetics concepts.
Read about each of the human chromosomes and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the health implications of genetic changes.
Explore the normal functions of human genes and the health implications of genetic changes.
Explore the signs and symptoms, genetic cause, and inheritance pattern of various health conditions.
Also includes links to classroom activities and labs associated with genetics.

Target Student Population:

K-12 students and/or teachers, College General Ed, College Lower Division,

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Basic internet navigation required.
A general understanding of the idea of genetics would be helpful. The site does explain the basic concepts needed, but not in an interactive way; this site is more suited to the end of the genetics unit rather than the beginning.

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

USA.gov site, with NIH, NCBI, and USDA and therefore highly reputable.
Extensive listings of genetic disorders.
Easy to understand language, targeted at the layperson.
Basic biology explained.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

This site has a wealth of information about specific genes and conditions.
The level is perfect for students - easy to follow while still including details.
Reputable, clear, and extensive reference.
Some links with learning activities to outside sources.

Concerns:

Instructors must develop their own learning goals and activities useing this reference material.

Some links with learning activities to outside sources.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

Clear, easy to understand language.
Well organized into sections and subsections.
Basic biology concepts are paired with health information.
Disorders listed are extensive.

Concerns:

Disorder and health conditions, while searchable, are not grouped in logical ways and are just listed.

Other Issues and Comments:

I use this site in all of my classes - it's one of my favorites for application assignments in the genetics section of my General Education classes.

Should not be used for upper-division biology/biochem majors as a substitute for primary literature or NCBI itself.

Creative Commons: