Open-access, modular genetics learning materials designed for conceptual understanding, visual clarity, and evidence-based teaching.
This repository contains a growing collection of web-based genetics learning modules developed for an upper-division General Genetics course (BIOL 3023).
These materials were created to address a common gap in existing resources:
while many open textbooks exist, few align with how students actually learn complex biological concepts.
Rather than replicating traditional textbook structure, this project emphasizes:
- 🧠 Concept-driven understanding over memorization
- 🔗 Integration across molecular, organismal, and population genetics
- 👁️ Visual and spatial reasoning
- 🪜 Scaffolded progression of complex ideas
Built with Quarto, these materials are designed to be accessible, flexible, and continuously evolving.
Each module is self-contained and can be used independently or as part of a sequence:
| Module | Topic |
|---|---|
01_genomes |
Genome structure and functional organization |
02_chromosomes |
Chromosomal architecture and dynamics |
03_ploidy |
Variation in chromosome number and consequences |
04_prions |
Protein-based inheritance and disease |
These materials are grounded in research on how people learn science and reflect:
- Active learning & generative processing
- Cognitive load management
- Metacognition and learning from mistakes
- Multimodal engagement (visual + narrative + spatial)
They are designed to support flipped classroom environments, where students engage with content asynchronously and apply concepts through active, collaborative work.
This project intentionally prioritizes:
- ✨ Clarity over complication
- 🎨 Purposeful visuals over dense text
- 🔬 Mechanisms and reasoning over terminology
- 🗣️ Development of students’ scientific voice
Content is written to be accessible without oversimplification, making it suitable for both undergraduate instruction and broader science communication.
Current priorities:
- Converting PDF-based materials → web-native formats
- Enhancing and standardizing visuals
- Expanding topic coverage
- Improving accessibility and navigation
Content may change frequently as modules are refined.
- Quarto
- Markdown /
.qmd - Static HTML output (GitHub Pages compatible)
These materials are intended as an Open Educational Resource (OER).
You are welcome to:
- Use in your own courses
- Adapt or remix
- Share with attribution
Dr. Jodie Wiggins
Teaching Associate Professor of Biology
Oklahoma State University
- Genetics & genomics education
- Science communication
- Evidence-based pedagogy
Genetics is not inherently inaccessible—
it is often presented in ways that obscure its underlying logic.
This project is an attempt to make that logic visible.
Consider:
- Starring the repository
- Sharing with colleagues
- Adapting for your own teaching