The Human Genome Project (HGP) is a recent scientific milestone that has received notable attention. This article shows how a biology course is using the HGP to enhance students' experiences by providing awareness of cutting edge research, with information on new emerging career options, and with opportunities to consider ethical questions raised by new scientific discoveries. In addition, the course revision incorporates ideas from pedagogical research to create a student-centered, outcome-based learning environment where learning is tied to experience. This learning experience incorporates recommendations from the Advisory Committee to the National Science Foundation Directorate for Education and Human Resources stating that students need more experience solving problems in a cooperative manner. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)