Biochemistry 100 is a course offered at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst that satisfies a General Education (Gen Ed) science requirement. No background in science is required. Students at Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Amherst and Hampshire colleges may also enroll in this class.

What is the MyDNA Class About?

It's about DNA and the impact that DNA science will have on your life. In the MyDNA class we will answer questions like: What is DNA? What does DNA look like? How does DNA work? What is a gene? What is the human genome? And most importantly, how does DNA influence law, agriculture, health care, medicine, ethics, politics and other fields? We can hardly think of a field that DNA science does not impact.

The goal of the MyDNA course is to give you information you need to understand DNA technology and research. We take the jargon out of science to make it clear. Our on-line Discovery Modules will introduce you to the science of DNA by guiding you through the use of virtual lab equipment. Understanding the technology of DNA research will allow you to make informed decisions about about contemporary personal, political, and ethical issues facing society.

The MyDNA class is topic-driven, meaning you learn about many different aspects of DNA as we discuss issues that are important to you. What will the Human Genome Project will mean for you personally? Would you like to learn how DNA evidence has proven the innocence of "convicted felons", saving wrongly convicted people from the death penalty? Have you wondered what's so important about stem cell research? Learn about cloning, cancer, gene therapy, genetically modified foods, and more in Biochm 100: MyDNA.

Want to know more about the course? Visit the MyDNA Course Web Pages. (Note that Biochm 100 used to be called Biochm 193a).

Read About Us in Wired News!

"She Makes Genes Cool for School," an article about the MyDNA class and instructors, was the top headline at Wired News on Aug. 31, 2001.

You Don't Need a PhD to Understand DNA

The MyDNA class is targeted at participants who do not have a science background. One method we employ in teaching the science required is interactive, online Discovery Modules that walk you through the basics of DNA science. We are emphasizing the importance of classroom interaction and participation and have developed a public forum to ask questions and share more information about topics discussed in class.


Who Can Take the MyDNA Class?

If you are a student at UMass Amherst, Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Hampshire or Amherst College, you're eligible to take MyDNA at UMass. There are no prerequisites for this class because the whole point is to make DNA science accessible to everyone, regardless of their background in science!! Visit the Registration Information page for instructions on how to add this class.

Quotes from Participants in our Seminar:

"A groundbreaking learning experience"

"A superb course"

"Loved the class"

"Overall grade A+"

"A rich educational experience"

"Computer graphics were sensational"

"Maybe the best course I've ever taken"

"I have never seen a course carried out with such zeal, precision, expertise, and enthusiasm."

Surf Our Website and Other Online Resources

Be sure visit the the links in the the navigation helix on the left or at the bottom of the page to visit the rest of the MyDNA website! We also provide links to other DNA sites that have reliable, timely information. You can also visit the MyDNA Course Web Pages. (Note that Biochm 100 used to be called Biochm 193a).