Scientists involved in an international effort called the Human Genome Project are rapidly mapping genes in an effort to compile the complete human genetic blueprint by the year 2005-or sooner.

Heralded as the most ambitious scientific undertaking of all time-including splitting the atom or landing a man on the moon-the result promises news scientific knowledge, medicine, and therapies.

Geared toward the lay person, this clear, dynamic, slide-illustrated course provides access to leading geneticists, who provide an insiders tour of the research and a glimpse into the genetic medicine of the future. They demystify the jargon of genetics; explain how scientists find and map genes; describe personality genes; and discuss the use of gene therapy in battling diseases such as AIDS, cancer, arthritis, and osteoporosis.