Overview

Heredity, Prenatal Development, and Birth Overview

In this topic, we will explore prenatal development, prenatal growth and change, birth, and the newborn infant as they relate to nature and nurture.  Otherwise stated as the start of life relates to genetic information and the environments to which one is exposed. This week we will focus on navigating the TC Online/Moodle LMS and exploring the start of life.

By the end of this topic, students will:

• Read Chapter 2 Heredity, Prenatal Development, and Birth

• Review the Topic Two Resources

• Review the Topic Two Activities

Weekly Learning Aims

• Define genes 
• Distinguish between mitosis and meiosis, genotype and phenotype, homozygous and heterozygous, and dominant and recessive 
• Describe some genetic disorders, due to a gene defect, and chromosomal disorders 
• Define polygenic and incomplete dominance 
• Describe the function of genetic counseling and why individuals may seek genetic counseling 
• Define behavioral genetics, describe genotype-environment correlations and genotype-environmental interactions, and define epigenetics
  
• Describe the changes that occur in the three periods of prenatal development 
• Describe what occurs during prenatal brain development 
• Define teratogens and describe the factors that influence their effects 
• List and describe the effects of several common teratogens 
• Explain maternal and paternal factors that affect the developing fetus 
• Explain the types of prenatal assessment 
• Describe both the minor and major complications of pregnancy
  
• Describe how expectant parents prepare for childbirth 
• Describe the stages of vaginal delivery 
• Explain why a caesarean or induced birth is necessary 
• Describe the two common procedures to assess the condition of the newborn 
• Describe problems newborns experience before, during, and after birth