Basic DNA and Genetic Genealogy

Optional Print Course Material: DNA: Introduction to Genetic Genealogy

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

NOTE: There is a lot of interest in DNA and Forensic topics. Please read carefully before registering to take one of these courses. The DNA and Forensic courses offered by the International Institute of Genealogical Studies provide instruction on DNA methods as used in genealogical research. We recommend that students without the basic knowledge of genealogy methods and genealogical research should register in the Methodology - Part 1: Getting Started and Methodology Part 2 - Organizing and Skill-Building courses prior to registering for this course.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to genetic genealogy. The basics of DNA and genetic inheritance are explained in detail. The three main test types, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), Y chromosome DNA (YDNA), and autosomal DNA (atDNA) are explored as they relate to genealogy. This includes an overview of laboratory procedures for each kind of test, data interpretation techniques, database searching, match interpretation, and case studies for the three kinds of DNA testing. This course will include comparisons of tools and companies, as well as the genetic stories of famous people.

Optional Print Course Material:DNA: Autosomal DNA - Testing for Everyone

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

NOTE: There is a lot of interest in DNA and Forensic topics. Please read carefully before registering to take one of these courses. The DNA and Forensic courses offered by the International Institute of Genealogical Studies provide instruction on DNA methods as used in genealogical research. We recommend that students without the basic knowledge of genealogy methods and genealogical research should register in the Methodology - Part 1: Getting Started and Methodology Part 2 - Organizing and Skill-Building courses prior to registering for this course.

Genetic genealogy is a great tool, but also has ethical concerns beyond scientific understanding. Explore and understand the three tests of genetic genealogy. Autosomal, that now includes X-Chromosome analysis, paternal lineage (yDNA), and maternal lineage (mtDNA).

Optional Print Course Material: DNA: Tracing Maternal and Paternal Lines

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

NOTE: There is a lot of interest in DNA and Forensic topics. Please read carefully before registering to take one of these courses. The DNA and Forensic courses offered by the International Institute of Genealogical Studies provide instruction on DNA methods as used in genealogical research. We recommend that students without the basic knowledge of genealogy methods and genealogical research should register in the Methodology - Part 1: Getting Started and Methodology Part 2 - Organizing and Skill-Building courses prior to registering for this course.

This course focuses on two types of DNA testing for genealogy: Y-Chromosome DNA (yDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing. You will learn how to determine when you should take these tests, what they will tell you, and more importantly what they will not tell you. We will also discuss how to read and interrupt your testing results.