| PLEASE NOTE: There is a lot of interest in DNA and Forensic topics. Please read carefully before registering to take one of these courses. The DNA and Forensic courses offered by The National Institute for Genealogical Studies provide instruction on DNA methods as used in genealogical research. We recommend that students without the basic knowledge of genealogy methods and genealogical research should register in the Methodology - Part 1: Getting Started and Methodology Part 2 - Organizing and Skill-Building courses prior to registering for this course.
This course is a comprehensive introduction to genetic genealogy. The basics of DNA and genetic inheritance are explained in detail. The three main test types, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), Y chromosome DNA (YDNA), and autosomal DNA (atDNA) are explored as they relate to genealogy. This includes an overview of laboratory procedures for each kind of test, data interpretation techniques, database searching, match interpretation, and case studies for the three kinds of DNA testing. This course will include comparisons of tools and companies, as well as the genetic stories of famous people.
Course Content
Module 1
History of Genetics
• Gregor Mendel
• DNA vs. Protein
The Structure of DNA
• Cell Biology
• Chromosomes
DNA For Genealogists
Module 2
Mitochondrial DNA
Overview of Mitochondrial DNA
• mtDNA Case Study
• mtDNA Haplogroups
Module 3
Y Chromosome DNA
Overview of Y Chromosome DNA
• Y Chromosome DNA Case Study
• YDNA Haplogroups
• Identifying Mutations
Module 4
Autosomal DNA
Introduction to Autosomal DNA
• CODIS Markers
• Short Tandem Repeat Markers
SNPs For Genealogy
• Biogeographical Analysis
• Researching Native American Heritage
• Finding Relatives
Module 5
Laboratory Methods
• The Early Days
• Sample Collection
• DNA Extraction
DNA Amplification
• Recipe for DNA Copies
DNA Analysis
• Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
• Capillary Electrophoresis
• mtDNA Sequencing
• Microarray Analysis
• Next Generation Sequencing
Module 6
Testing Companies
Choosing a Testing Company
• Choosing a YDNA STR Testing Company
• Choosing a YDNA SNP Testing Company
• Choosing a mtDNA Testing Company
Choosing an Autosomal DNA Testing Company
• 23andMe
• Ancestry.com
• Family Tree DNA
Summary
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