Risk Analysis in Human Genetics - A Team-Based Learning Exercise

Abstract

Abstract This resource is a team-based learning (TBL) exercise in calculating pedigree and population risks of inheriting mutant alleles. This TBL gives students excellent practice and rapid self-assessment in hands-on risk calculations in human genetics using data from pedigrees, population genetics, and Baysian Analysis (conditional probability). Students must be able to draw the pedigrees, infer the likely mode of inheritance, assign pedigree risk and use population risks where appropriate. This resource has been used in the Medical Genetics course at the Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend for the past 4 years as a TBL exercise. In our experience, the best way for students to learn to solve genetic risk problems is to be actively involved in solving a variety of different types of problems. The team-based learning format is a highly efficient way to accomplish this. Peer to peer teaching is extensively used. This resource has been well-received and evaluated by the students each year as an excellent TBL exercise that promoted their ability to competently solve a large variety of genetic risk questions. Following this exercise, student performance on high stakes exams on this material has been excellent.

Keywords

• TBL
• Team-Based Learning
• Cooperative Behavior
• Pedigree
• Inheritance
• Baysian Analysis