TtGG Cancer Genetics Module

Module Description

The Cancer Genetics module aims to teach quantitative and data analysis skills in the context of genetics and bioinformatics. The module centers around a futuristic theme on newborn sequencing.

Fast forward many years in the future to a time when newborns receive whole genome sequencing, which generates a Newborn Genomic Report that is added to their medical records. Gene variants associated with increased risk for cancer would be detailed in the report, and an individual with such a gene variant would be at risk for hereditary cancer.

The first lesson includes an activity in which you will use a publicly available database for cancer genomics called the cBioPortal to analyze real patient data. In the second activity, you will use BLAST to identify gene variants carried by different members within a family, emphasizing inheritance and taking a backwards approach to pedigrees. An extension activity focuses on the concept that cancer is complex disease, illustrating the interaction between genes and the environment. The module concludes with discussion prompts centered around the bioethics of cancer genetic testing.

Teacher Resources

Student Activities

Video Tutorials

Written Tutorials

Supplemental Resources