Exploring Precision Medicine

The versions available here are preliminary and will be formatted once we receive and integrate teacher feedback. Updated versions should be available before the 2026–27 school year begins.

To pilot teachers: These files were updated on 16 April. If you downloaded versions prior to this date, please discard any earlier versions.

Precision medicine identifies treatment and prevention strategies for a person based on their genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. In the Exploring Precision Medicine curriculum module, students use a case study, readings, videos, and laboratory exercises to explore the connection between genes and traits. Students investigate the effect genetic differences have on medication metabolism and then explore one of their own traits—the ability to taste the bitter compound phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). They employ essential laboratory techniques that take them from DNA extraction through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction enzyme digestion, and gel electrophoresis, in addition to learning about DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and bioethics.

NOTE: Documents noted with an asterisk (*) are password protected. Please contact the Program Office or your program site to obtain the password. If you have any non-password issues accessing these files, please email Kerry Ouellet.

If you are interested in learning more about this module, please contact the ABE Implementation Support Team.