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The Human Genome Project

Overview

Recommended Year Level: Years 9 and 10 
Required Knowledge: Little                                                                                                                                                                    Duration: 1 x 50 minute lessons
 
The Human Genome Project is an international collaboration which officially began in 1990. The expected project completion date was 2005, but rapid technological advances saw the completion of this venture four years ahead of schedule in 2001.

The aims of the project were to:

  • determine the sequences that comprise human DNA
  • identify all of the genes in human DNA
  • store this information in databases and improve analytical tools
  • transfer technologies gained from the project to private industry (eg biotechnology companies), to develop new medical applications
  • address the ethical, legal and social issues that may arise from the project.

For more information on the Human Genome Project, including sections on medical aspects, social, legal and ethical issues and a student section, click here.  

The National Human Genome Research Institute is part of the US National Institutes of Health. They contributed to the International Human Genome Project, click here to view their site.     

Their educational resource section on the Human Genome Project can be found here and their Education Kit, called ‘Exploring our Molecular Selves’ can be downloaded here.  

Attachment Gallery

Shotgun sequencing of the private human genome project
Shotgun sequencing of the private human genome project Sequencing of the public human genome project