My Goal in BIO 211 Genetics, Essay Example

In my initial reflection paper, I stated that my greater career aim is to attend pharmacy school so as to become a pharmacist, whereas my goal in BIO 211 Genetics is to better understand genetics, so as to grasp the manner in which diseases may be determined by heredity.  With regard to my aim in this class, I have learned much. The class provided me a valuable introduction to genetics, as I became familiar with the basic concepts of the field. Furthermore, the practical experience I have gained through in-class laboratory work gives me a pragmatic edge, especially relevant if I am able to acquire an occupation in a pharmaceutical laboratory.

What I have most enjoyed in BIO 211 is the sense in which it speaks to the most fundamental issues of anthropology and the human being. Yet genetics has explicit practical applications, which are invaluable to a diverse number of areas, above all, according to my own personal interests, healthcare. The course challenged me to re-think the relationship between health and pharmacy from the perspective of genetics. From another perspective, the most challenging element of the class was grasping the full import of concepts. For this reason, I would advise any future students taking the class to emphasize grasping the concepts which underline practice. Without a firm understanding of the logic behind our laboratory work, for example, the latter loses its clarity with regards to the bigger picture of why we do what we do.

Collaborative work in the class was extremely beneficial. Being engaged in dialogue with classmates was an invaluable pedagogical tool, helping me better understand the course material. Whereas group work does contain inherent challenges, such as unequal contributions from various group members or quality of ideas, from my personal perspective, the process clearly aided me in grasping the fundamentals of the course.