It may come as a surprise to learn that both personality and life span are inherited, but the latest research shows that they are indeed governed at least in part by genes. The recent rapid advances in genomics have enabled personal genetic information to be analyzed speedily at low cost, and research on utilizing such genetic information to treat and prevent disease is also making big strides. In addition to genetic diagnosis and gene therapy, various biotechnologies such as iPS cell-based organ regeneration, animal cloning, and the genetic modification of crops are now being put to practical use. The impact of such technologies on society and related ethical issues need to be debated, and a sound understanding of the way genes work is vital to ensuring that such debate is not dominated by merely emotional arguments. In this course, together we will learn the basics of biological phenomena at the genetic and molecular levels, and ponder aging, cancer, and other mysteries of life.