Understanding Genetics: DNA, Genes, and Their Real-World Applications

By: David Sadava, The Great Courses

Narrated by: David Sadava

We use DNA routinely - to cure diseases, solve crimes, and reunite families. Yet we've known about it for only 60 years. And what we're continuing to learn about it every day has the potential to transform our health, our nutrition, our society, and our future.

But what, exactly, is DNA, the self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms? You'll learn the answer - and much more - in this briskly paced series of 24 easily understood lectures from an award-winning teacher, author, and scientist. Professor Sadava unlocks DNA's mysteries as he explains what the science of genetics is and guides you through decades of cutting-edge research, scientific discovery, and genetics' weighty implications for us as individuals and as a society. Professor Sadava draws on examples from his own research to show how understanding genetics allows us to improve medical treatment and nutrition, vastly improving our health and quality of life.

You'll also learn how understanding genetics is a critical step toward understanding human identity, itself. For examining our DNA - how it works and what happens when something goes wrong - enables us to see the roots of how our bodies work, why we get sick, and how traits are passed through families.

Enjoy this rare opportunity to peer over the shoulder of a working scientist, learning how he puzzles through the problems of genetics to find meaningful, real-world solutions that can not only save an individual life but also enhance the quality of life for everyone.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2008 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2008 The Great Courses

Genetics course is quite good

Would you listen to Understanding Genetics: DNA, Genes, and Their Real-World Applications again? Why?

I listen to it over and over because each time through I seem to get something new and interesting..

What was one of the most memorable moments of Understanding Genetics: DNA, Genes, and Their Real-World Applications?

I enjoyed the lecture about genetics and agriculture...it was interesting both from a scientific point of view and a social and historical perspective.

Which character – as performed by Professor David Sadava – was your favorite?

I enjoyed his story about the scientist who genetically engineered crops to triple their yield creating food for billions of people.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no

Any additional comments?

Worth reading or listening too, valuable education in genetics for anyone and everyone.

I have honestly learned a lot

I am 40 and last time I was learning about genome was in high-school; and I was not very good at it.
Now I finaly feel like the big void in my general knowledge about the world is filled significantly.

Awesome story driven course! Lots of history!

This professor is a great story teller! He balances technical details with interesting examples in a way that keeps you interested. This is about as good as it gets in my opinion for a purely audio based science course!

A Great Review of Genetics

This series does a good job of giving a broad overview into the world of genetics. If you’ve taking a first semester college course on biology then you will likely be able to follow along without too much of a problem.

I learned a lot

This course had everything I look for in an an audio course: the instructor was clear and engaging, the content was interesting and educational. The subject is fascinating. Parts of it are probably already out of date as the field is moving incredibly quickly.

genetics understanding made easy

easy going lecture. deep subjects easily explained. recomended for anyone that would like to undrstand how life has evolved and how it can revolve around the simplest but extremely complex ingredients of existence.

Quiet Enjoyable

This lecture was very illuminating. The way the lectures were laid out I was making the connections in my head before they were started I could feel the understanding grow.
Very well done.

A must listen for everyone.

This is a must listen for everyone especially in today's world. Understanding our genes and human consciousness/intelligence are the two big steps to understanding us. Understanding the basic part of what determines characteristics of the physical is essential knowledge. I didn't realize how far we have advanced in genetics. Everything about this lecture series is great. PBS has a wonderful 5 part series on DNA too(available on YouTube). Watch it. Between the two you'll have a wonderful grasp on the subject. This is the future of preventative and corrective medical. Watch movie Gattaca to reflect on dilemmas of genetic medical.

well worth the time spent

thoughtful and very reasonable in depth and application of the subject matter and well worth the listening time

Great book

I really enjoyed and learned a lot from this book. The author explained many genetics information with real world examples.