Genetics of Gender and Race
 
Problems/Case Studies "Which Little Piggy Went to Market? Bioinformatics and Meat Science" Debra A. Meuler, Cardinal Stritch University. State University of New York at Buffalo's National Center for Case Study Teaching.
In this case, a scientist is contacted by a friend from a meat processing plant who is looking for a test that would enable him to determine the sex of the animals that contributed to a particular batch of meat. He needs to know because meat from uncastrated males (boars) imparts an unpleasant odor (boar taint) to pork products, something he wants to avoid. Developed for use in an introductory biology class, the case introduces students to basic genetics concepts, DNA structure, the technique of PCR, genetic databases, and the use of positive and negative controls during scientific investigations. The case could also be used in high school classes, especially as a tool for learning about (or reviewing) the scientific process as it requires students to develop hypotheses, design experiments, and analyze and interpret data.
This case is appropriate for high school and college undergraduate biotechnology, genetics/heredity, molecular biology, and food science courses.


"Gender: In the Genes or in the Jeans? A Case Study on Sexual Differentiation" William J. Hoese, California State University Fullerton, Judith Gibber, Columbia University, and Bonnie Wood, University of Maine Presque Isle. State University of New York at Buffalo's National Center for Case Study Teaching.
This case explores the biology of human sexual differentiation and its social and ethical ramifications. In working through the case, students learn how scientists use laboratory experiments on animals and "experiments of nature," or conditions that occur naturally in humans, to help them understand human biology.

"The Case of Desiree's Baby: The Genetics and Evolution of Human Skin Color" Patricia Schneider, Queensborough Community College. State University of New York at Buffalo's National Center for Case Study Teaching.
This case is based on Kate Chopin's short story "Desiree's Baby," a tragic tale of race and gender in antebellum Louisiana first published in 1893. Students read the story and then answer a series of questions about the genetics and evolution of skin color.
The case was developed for a general biology course organized around the general theme of evolution. It could also be used in anthropology and biology courses for non-majors.


"The "Lady" of Charleston: A Case of Wrongful Gender Assignment?" Kim R. Finer, Kent State University/Stark Campus. State University of New York at Buffalo's National Center for Case Study Teaching.
This case uses the real story of Dawn Langley Simmons, who may have been misidentified as male at birth, to illustrate the developmental basis of human sexual dimorphism and how gender misidentification may occur. Students also consider the emotional, legal, and societal implications of gender misassignment and reassignment.
The case could be used in a number of courses including physiology, endocrinology, developmental biology, general biology, and psychology.


"Giving Birth to Someone Else’s Children? A Case of Disputed Maternity". Jessica Hutchison, Cameron University. The National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science.
Most students have heard about situations in which the paternity of a child is questioned, but maternity? This case was designed for introductory biology students and asks them to develop hypotheses to explain how a mother cannot be genetically related to two of her three sons. Through an interrupted, progressive disclosure format, students reject hypotheses and form new ones as data is revealed. This case involves concepts in genetics, inheritance and the formation of pedigrees. At the conclusion, students are asked to think about the moral, ethical and legal implications of the mother’s rare condition.
This case is appropriate for high school general biology classes, and college undergraduate genetics/heredity courses.


"Should Victoria Skate?".  A Problem in Sex Determination Adapted from Gender: In the Genes or in the Jeans? A Case Study on Sexual Differentiation by William J. Hoese, California State University Fullerton, Judith Gibber, Columbia University, Bonnie Wood, University of Maine Presque Isle.  Published at State University of New York at Buffalo's Case Studies in Teaching Science. (Adaptations by J. Peters, College of Charleston, Dept. of Biology).
Articles

"Does Race Exist". Bamshad, Michael J. and Olsen, Steve E.
Current Issues in Biology. Scientific American, Inc. December 2003. 22-31.
Physical characteristics are often used to group people into races. This article describes molecular techniques that are used to classify humans. It also  explains that physical characteristics resulting from natural selection do not necessarily reflect genetic differences. These genetic differences can be used to group humans and this grouping can be important in the way that we diagnose and treat many diseases. The article is followed by a short comprehension quiz and some critical thinking questions.

CNN Videos

Topic:  "Engineering perfect people":  Genetics 1st Ed. CNN Ed 2003 (0:00).