Online Genetics Course for High School Students
Forest Trail Academy’s online genetics course is a comprehensive high school genetics course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of heredity, DNA, and modern biotechnology. This genetics elective online allows students to explore scientific concepts through interactive lessons, readings, labs, and assessments—while learning at their own pace in a fully accredited online environment.
genetics elective online Course Outline
- To review basic biology genetics fundamentals.
- To develop students’ knowledge of more complex genetic inheritance patterns.
- To help students recognize and understand the use of a variety of scientific tools for manipulation of DNA (terms and techniques).
- To enable students to read about genetically modified organisms and DNA testing and write about it in a way that reflects intelligent and thoughtful analysis.
- To provide a wide range of learning opportunities, including worksheets, labs, tests, and essays, in order for students of varying ability levels to be successful.
- To learn what is currently being utilized in the realm of genetics and glimpse what future advances may be possible.
high school genetics course Objectives:
- The student will review the fundamentals of basic genetics.
- The student will be able to predict the outcome of both simple and more complex genetic crosses using Punnett Squares.
- The student will explore how mutations in DNA can lead to changes in proteins for favorable or less favorable outcomes in offspring.
- The student will learn and write about current uses of biotechnology including the formation of their own data-supported opinions.
High School Genetics Course Overview
This online high school science elective builds on basic biology concepts and expands student understanding of genetic inheritance, DNA structure, mutations, and genetic technology. Students develop critical thinking and analytical skills by examining real-world applications of genetics, including DNA testing and genetically modified organisms.
What Students Learn in This Genetics Elective Online
In this online genetics course, students will:
Review core genetics concepts such as genes, alleles, and inheritance
Analyze simple and complex genetic crosses using Punnett Squares
Explore how mutations affect traits and protein formation
Examine current uses of genetics and biotechnology in science and medicine
This high school genetics course encourages thoughtful discussion, scientific reasoning, and evidence-based writing.
Why Choose This Online High School Science Elective
As a flexible genetics elective online, this course is ideal for students interested in science, healthcare, biotechnology, or advanced biology studies. With certified teachers, structured coursework, and self-paced learning, students gain both academic confidence and college-ready skills through this online high school science elective.
Course Outline
Introduction
The course is divided into 8 chapters and is designed as a semester elective. Basic concepts from biology will be reviewed and built upon. This course covers topics such as inheritance, manipulating DNA, and genetic engineering. A short description of the content of each chapter is summarized below.
- Introduction
- Course Description
- Understanding Plagiarism
- Units and Assessments
- MLA Formatting and Documentation
- MLA Citations and Sources
- Setting the Pace
Introduction to Genetics
This chapter covers some basic history of the field of genetics, variation in offspring caused by dominant and recessive alleles, probability, and the use of Punnett Squares to predict outcomes of genetic crosses.
- How does biological information pass from parents to offspring?
- Who was Gregor Mendel, and why was he important to the field of genetics?
- What are Mendel’s Laws of genetics?
- What types of observed inheritance patterns are caused by dominant and recessive inheritance?
- How can Punnett Squares be used to predict the probability of an outcome?
- 2.1 Gregor Mendel
- 2.2 Mendel’s Experiments
- 2.3 Using Punnett Squares and Probability
- 2.4 Multiple Alleles and Two-Factor Crosses
- 2.5 Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance
- 2.6 Intermediate Phenotypes
3 – Advanced Genetics
This chapter covers information about genetic testing, sex-linked traits, environmental influences on gene expression, aneuploidy, and gene mapping using linked genes.
- What information can be obtained using a karyotype?
- How can predictions of outcomes be obtained for sex-linked genes?
- How can the environment influence gene expression?
- How can chromosomes be mapped using linked genes?
- 3.1 Karyotypes
- 3.2 Sex-Linked Traits
- 3.3 Environmental Influences on Gene Expression
- 3.4 Gene Mapping
Storage on Information (DNA)
This chapter covers the structure of DNA, how it is copied (DNA replication), and the different types of mistakes (mutations) that can occur during this process. Since genetics is based on the genes stored in the DNA of an organism, it is important to understand how that DNA is put together.
- How was the structure of DNA discovered?
- How is DNA constructed?
- How is DNA copied?
- What mistakes can occur during DNA replication?
- 4.1 Discovering the Structure of DNA
- 4.2 The Structure of DNA
- 4.3 DNA Replication
- 4.4 Chromosomal Mutations
Human Inheritance
This chapter covers some of the different types of disorders that can be passed on genetically from parents to offspring that are generally not visible on a karyotype. These are small changes in a gene or section of a chromosome which may have big impacts on the organism.
- What is the difference between a sex-linked and a sex-influenced genetic trait?
- How can a pedigree help predict the outcome of a cross or the source of a
- genetic problem in a family?
- What are some common genetic disorders that affect humans?
- 5.1 Pedigrees
- 5.2 Sex-Linked and Sex-Influenced Disorders
- 5.3 Autosomal Dominant Disorders
- 5.4 Autosomal Recessive Disorders
Tools of the Trade (Manipulation of DNA)
This chapter covers biotechnology, the tools and techniques used to manipulate DNA. This will include making copies of DNA using PCR, separating DNA fragments by size using gel electrophoresis, and the uses for these processes.
- If a sample of DNA is very small, how can it be amplified (copied) to enlarge the sample size?
- How does the process of DNA gel electrophoresis work?
- What are some applications of the technology of DNA manipulation?
- 6.1 Amplification of DNA
- 6.2 Cutting DNA
- 6.3 Separating DNA Fragments
- 6.4 DNA Gel Electrophoresis Applications
Transcription, Translation, and Mutations
This chapter describes how DNA is actually decoded and used by the cell. Gene mutations, different from the chromosomal mutations discussed in chapter 4, are examined, including what effects they can have on an organism.
- If proteins are made in the cytoplasm of a cell and the DNA is in the nucleus, how is the information transmitted to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm?
- Once the ribosomes have the information, how are proteins assembled?
- What are some causes of mutations in the DNA of an organism?
- What are the different types of mutations, and what effects do they have on an organism?
- 7.1 Transcription
- 7.2 Translation
- 7.3 Gene Mutations
Genetic Engineering and Genetically Modified Organism
This chapter discusses the process and uses of genetic engineering. Scientists can clone cells (make identical copies) and change the genes in cells. They can even put genes from different species into cells. Why would scientists want to do this? What gains could be made from these changes? What are the ethical considerations involved in changing the genetic makeup of an organism?
- What are some ways that genetic engineering has been used to modify organisms for the benefit of humanity?
- How and why do scientists manipulate DNA in living organisms?
- Why are some people opposed to genetic engineering?
- What is gene therapy?
- 8.1 Microbiology – Industry and Medicine
- 8.2 Biotechnology in Agriculture
- 8.3 Environmental Protection
- 8.4 Medical Applications
- 8.5 Computer Analysis of DNA Sequence Data
Why Forest Trail Academy Is The
Perfect Online School For You
- Proven Track Record: We are an established online school boasting 10,000+ successful students since 2007.
- Flexible Learning: Enjoy 100% online, self-paced learning from Kindergarten to High School with no live classes.
- University-Ready Graduates: Prepare for higher education with a curriculum designed to help students gain acceptance at top universities and colleges worldwide.
- Credible & Accredited: Learn with confidence from a regionally, nationally, and internationally accredited institution.
- Higher Achievement: Students consistently achieve higher than average SAT and ACT scores.
Programs for Diverse Student Needs
Forest Trail Academy, proudly accredited by Cognia, MSA-CESS, Accreditation International (Ai), and NCPSA, offers flexible and inclusive online high school programs designed to support students from diverse backgrounds, regions, and learning goals. Our online school delivers the hallmark of truly effective traditional education programs through certified instruction, a standards-aligned curriculum, and personalized academic support. This structured yet adaptable learning experience allows students worldwide to earn a U.S.-recognized high school diploma while progressing at a pace that fits their individual needs and preparing for college and future opportunities.
This online high school program is ideal for student athletes and performers who need flexible scheduling to balance academics with training, competitions, or performances. As an accredited online school, students are able to learn at their own pace while maintaining academic progress without sacrificing professional or athletic commitments. This flexible structure supports consistent learning and makes the program well suited for students managing demanding schedules.
Our American online high school program supports Asian students who want access to a U.S.-based education while studying from their home country. Forest Trail Academy offers an accredited curriculum aligned with U.S. standards, helping students build strong academic foundations, improve English proficiency, and prepare for college admissions worldwide through our flexible online school environment.
European students benefit from an internationally accessible online high school program that delivers a U.S.-recognized diploma through a fully accredited online school model. Flexible pacing, instruction from certified teachers, and a globally recognized curriculum support academic progress and university preparation in the United States, Europe, and other international destinations.
This online high school program allows Latin American students to earn a U.S. high school diploma without relocating. Our online school emphasizes academic consistency, English-language development, and college readiness, making it easier for students to transition into higher education while studying in a supportive and flexible learning environment.
Middle Eastern students can enroll in an accredited online high school to access a high-quality American education from anywhere. The program offers a structured yet flexible online learning experience that supports diverse educational needs while preparing students for international college pathways and future career opportunities.
This program provides African students with access to an internationally recognized U.S. curriculum through our accredited online school. Our online high school program supports academic growth, critical thinking, and college preparation while allowing students to study remotely with flexibility and personalized guidance from certified educators.
