Blog #2: Week 6 Reflection

This week, I broadened my knowledge on probability and statistics. I’m more of a calc student than a stats student; therefore, before this unit, I can say I didn’t know anything about statistics and probability. I didn’t learn this the hard way, though. I was able to mix my learning of Punnett Squares to determine allele, genotype, and phenotype frequencies along with some statistical basics. First, I learned how to determine the possible genotype outcomes, and from this, I was able to determine the probabilities for the outcomes in a Punnett Square. The math involved in this unit of genetics is important because it is basic. This happens to be a kind of math that needs to be learned, one that can be applies anywhere.

For example, that lab we got to do in class where we analyzed six situations by using Punnett Squares pushed my knowledge farther of genetics than I could ever imagine. This learning not only spurred my understanding of genetics, but it enabled me to think in a statistical way.