This course offers a fascinating and profound intellectual journey into the heart of genetics and biotechnology, spanning from the foundations of heredity to the frontiers of modern science. Participants will embark on a challenging mental expedition, beginning with an exploration of the nature of inheritance and its vital role in the living world. We will start by examining Gregor Mendel's groundbreaking contributions to genetics, investigating how his controlled pollination experiments in peas laid the groundwork for our modern understanding of hereditary mechanisms.

The course will delve deeply into Mendel's laws and the fundamental concepts of genetics, including chromosomes, genes, alleles, genotype, and phenotype. We will conduct a comprehensive comparison between different models of inheritance, using tangible examples to illustrate complex ideas. We will learn about probability and Punnett squares, essential tools for predicting genetic cross outcomes, and practice through family tree analysis.

We will plunge into the depths of the human genome, explore DNA structure and the genetic code, and examine the differences between sex chromosomes and autosomes. We will discuss genetic linkage and Mendelian inheritance in humans, and learn how to analyze pedigree charts. We will investigate genetic disorders, understand what mutations are and how they cause hereditary diseases, and review advanced diagnostic and treatment methods.

The final part of the course will focus on modern biotechnology, including techniques such as gene cloning and PCR, and we will examine their crucial contribution to the fight against COVID-19. We will explore revolutionary applications of biotechnology in medicine and agriculture, including the development of genetically engineered crops and innovative genetic therapies. We will learn about the use of genetic fingerprinting in solving criminal mysteries, and conclude with an in-depth discussion of ethical, legal, and social issues related to biotechnology, including the debate surrounding GMOs.

Throughout the course, we will incorporate examples from popular culture, such as a scientific analysis of Spider-Man, to illustrate the gap between real science and science fiction. Participants will develop critical thinking about complex biological systems, learn to analyze the interactions between genes and environment, and examine the impact of genetics and biotechnology on shaping modern society.

The course will combine lectures, discussions, and case studies, providing participants with a deep and multidisciplinary understanding of the world of genetics and biotechnology.

* The course material will be tailored to the age of the learners.