Over the last decade genetic genealogy has redefined ancestry research on a scale larger than ever before. Genetic genealogy is inseparable from human genetics and learning about genetics can greatly improve one’s understanding of the many techniques used in the field. Genetics for Genetic Genealogists will help you gain a deeper appreciation of human genetics and its relevance to ancestry research. This class will briefly cover the history of heredity research and early evidence of complex understanding of genetic inheritance, long before the discovery of DNA. It will then explain the basics of Mendelian genetics as well as the mode of inheritance of various medical conditions and traits that often run in the families and how they can help in the genealogical research. Amongst other topics you will also learn more about recombination, why certain stretches of DNA are inherited together, differences in autosomal inheritance between men and women, how to estimate shared DNA between relatives and perform phasing and why the number of genetic ancestors – unlike the number of genealogical ancestors – does not increase exponentially. You will explore how the unique nature of X and Y chromosomes (including the pseudoautosomal regions) as well as mitochondrial DNA can benefit your family research.

No pre-requisites required but a basic background in mathematics and having taken a DNA test can be helpful.

Please note there will be five 1.5 hour classes in succession and the final class will take place on 16 December finishing with a quiz.