Workshops & Institutes

Genetics and Health in the Genomic Age

March 15 – May 31, 2024
Online, Asynchronous

Appropriate for: Middle and High School Science Teachers, or Elementary Teachers who want to brush up on genetics.

Rethink those Punnett squares! To be informed producers and consumers of genetic and health data, today’s students need to understand genetics with a molecular focus. In this course, you’ll explore basic concepts in molecular genetics that go beyond simple inheritance patterns to illuminate exactly how variations in DNA lead to variations in traits, health, and disease. From there, you’ll explore how family health history and genetics inform healthcare and biomedical research and consider issues surrounding Direct- to-Consumer genetic testing. The course is built around an NGSS-aligned unit on Genetics for high school, and supplemented with readings, videos, and discussions about related and contemporary topics. All course materials are freely available for classroom use.

Cost: FREE

Credit: 3 graduate-level credits from the University of Utah Department of Human Genetics available for a $50 recording fee.

For more details and to register visit: Genetics and Health Institute

Registration Deadline: March 14, 2024

Note: This course was offered in 2021 and 2022. Repeat registration is allowed, but repeat graduate-level credit is not.

Genetic Tech Investigations

June 3 - 30, 2024
Online, Asynchronous

Appropriate for: High School Science Teachers and Middle School Science Teachers covering advanced genetics topics.

Genetic technologies like DNA sequencing, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, and live cell imaging are vital for diagnosing diseases. This course explores a free, supplemental curriculum module that highlights the molecular processes genetic technologies use to understand disorders. In doing so, the module provides a different spin on the pathway from DNA to mRNA to protein, while reinforcing molecular genetics concepts found in many state standards. During this asynchronous course, you’ll experience the module’s multimedia and hands-on data analysis activities. You’ll gain background knowledge about the featured genetic technologies, collaborate with colleagues, and consider ways to implement the materials in your classroom.

Cost: FREE

Credit: 1 graduate-level credit from the University of Utah Department of Human Genetics available for a $50 recording fee.

For more details and to register visit: Genetic Tech Institute

Registration Deadline: May 31, 2024

The All of Us Research Hub Summer Institute

June 25 - 28, 2024
In-person, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

Appropriate for: US community college instructors of biology, genetics, anatomy, biotech, health or research methods courses.

The All of Us Research Program is a historic, longitudinal effort to gather data from one million or more people living in the United States to accelerate research and improve health (https://www.joinallofus.org/). By analyzing differences in lifestyle, environment, and biology, the program hopes that researchers will develop precision treatment, prevention and healthcare. The program engages participant communities that reflect the diversity of the United States including communities that have been historically underrepresented in biomedical research.

Guided by the core values of diversity, transparency, and accessibility, the All of Us Research Program is making the data available to the public and researchers at all stages of their careers, including students. The goal is to build an inclusive, diverse and growing researcher ecosystem and to excite the scientist in all of us.

Join us to learn about how to access this rich source of data, experience a model process for educating students about the program and using the database to conduct authentic research about health in the United States, and learn about opportunities available to student researchers.

While we encourage applicants to review information about the All of Us Research Program, enrollment in the program is not required for this opportunity and has no bearing on the selection process.

Compensation: $1,125 participation compensation, travel, and lodging

For more detailed information and an application visit: https://utah.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0Bz1tedTykTzjls

Application Deadline: April 8, 2024

Climate, Health and the Science of Solutions Curriculum Development Institute

July 8 – 11, 2024
In person, University of Utah, Salt Lake City UT

Appropriate for: US middle and high school life and earth science teachers

According to the World Health Organization, “climate change will affect, in profoundly adverse ways, some of the most fundamental determinants of health: food, air, and water”. Today’s students need educational materials that tie climate change to the risks it poses for human health and the skills to help them stay informed, interpret new information, and make educated decisions on the many complex issues related to climate and health that they will face in their lives. Join us to learn more about climate change and health and lend your expertise to generate ideas for curriculum materials.

Compensation: $700 stipend, travel, and lodging

For more detailed information and an application visit:https://utah.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_doGQeqdZL0pX1To

Application Deadline: May 15, 2024

Questions about any of these opportunities? Contact Molly Malone: molly.malone@utah.edu