Dr. Mihaela Georgescu and I are currently developing a research project in which students have the opportunity to explore personal genome testing using their own genomes.  Students are introduced to the ethical and social implications of personal genome testing (PGT) before providing their saliva samples for testing.  In the lab, a technician assays for SNPs at known polymorphic loci associated with non-clinical traits including eye colour and PTC tasting.  Students then receive their data for analysis and explore such genetic concepts as recessive and dominant traits, epistasis, and quantitative characteristics.

This project is funded by a grant from MIIETL (McMaster Institute for Innovation and Excellence in Teaching and Learning).