January 1, 2015 (Vol. 35, No. 1)
Rating:
Strong Points: Good calculators and simulators
Weak Points: No background material provided
Platform:
iPad/iPhone
Cost:
Free
Summary:
Developed for an introductory genetics course at Duke University, the Genetics and Evolution app is a nice educational resource for new students of the subject. The app is composed of four sections. Within the “problem central” students will find four genetic calculators (for Hardy Weinberg problems, genetic cross mapping, population growth, and breeder’s equation heritability problems), as well as practice problem generators for each of these four types of calculations. Students are able to observe the results from different types of genetic crosses in the cross simulator and can follow the frequency of alleles over time using the “allele freak” simulator. Finally, the app includes a self-test quiz section. Although the app does not actually provide any educational background to the various calculations or topics, this could be a useful companion to any genetics course.
