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 email ABEInfo@edc.org or contact your program site to obtain the password.
If you are interested in learning more about this module, please contact the ABE Implementation Support Team.
Teacher Guide and Resources
- Teacher Guide*
- Teacher Resources and Links
- IB Standards (coming soon)
Student Guide and Resources
Reproducible Masters (RMs) and Answer Keys
Slides
The customizable PowerPoint files will download directly to your device upon clicking. The PDFs should be able to be viewed in your browser depending on your browser settings. PDFs do not include presenter note.
- Chapter 1 Slides: PowerPoint | PDF
- Chapter 2 Slides: PowerPoint | PDF
- Chapter 3 Slides: PowerPoint | PDF
- Chapter 4 Slides: PowerPoint | PDF
- Chapter 5 Slides: PowerPoint | PDF
- Chapter 6 Slides: PowerPoint | PDF
- Chapter 7 Slides: PowerPoint | PDF
Quick Guides
These quick guides are condensed versions of the Exploring Precision Medicine laboratory activities. Each guide may be printed as one double-sided page, facilitating its use on the benchtop. The guides provide an overview of each activity, summarize the underlying science concepts, and prepare the user for the lab, accompanied by infographics and a procedural flowchart. These guides are best suited for teachers who are short on time, who have prior experience with the PTC PCR labs, and whose students already have some experience with basic biotechnology techniques.
| Class sessions |
8–12 |
|---|---|
| Resource Type |
Lab-based
|
| Appropriate Ages |
Upper Secondary
Advanced
|
| Resource Topic |
Biotech & Medicine
Human Disease
Pharmaceuticals
Precision Medicine
Race & Genetics
Data Science
Bioinformatics
Lab Techniques
Gel Electrophoresis
Gene Sequencing
PCR
Pipetting
Restriction Enzyme
|