Entry requirements

150 credits complete courses including biology 60 credits and chemistry 30 credits.

Learning outcomes

The course intends to provides advanced knowledge of the human genome and the importance of genetic factors for disease as well as of underlying molecular mechanisms.

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• account for molecular and cellular events at the origin, development and diagnostics of genetic diseases including cancer
• analyse, process and formulate scientific questions within the area and have an overview of current research in genetics and cancer
• account for and evaluate current techniques for diagnostics and treatment. For students who take the course as starting course in the Master's programme in Biology or Applied Biotechnology, an introduction to Master's studies is included. After passing this module, the student should be able to
• demonstrate an awareness of ethical aspects of research and development, including questions of plagiarism
• demonstrate insight into the potential and limitations of biology and its role in society
• demonstrate an ability to identify his/her need of further knowledge.

Content

The course comprises genetic variation and causes behind genetic diseases and cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the origin and progression of cancer. Current clinical diagnostics and treatment of genetic diseases and cancer will be treated as well as methods and techniques. The course will also give an overview of the current research within genetics and cancer.

Theoretical parts and computer-based assignments will illustrate, how molecular factors behind a disease can be determined. Methods for mapping of genetic diseases, genotyping with microsatellites and SNP markers and analysis of genetic variation in populations will be treated together with current techniques for the analysis of the structure and function of genes. Application of DNA analyses in forensic genetic studies will be illustrated. Ethical aspects will be discussed.

General tumour theory and tumour classification followed by cellular and molecular mechanisms important for the origin and growth of tumours and the body's immune defence against cancer will be discussed. The course treats e.g. epigenetic mechanisms for cancer, carcinogenesis, genomic instability, angiogenesis, tumour virus, oncogenes, growth factors, signal transduction, tumour suppressor genes and clinical oncology. Practical parts can be consist of demonstrations histopathologic aberrations at cancer. Also web-based material will be used. Seminars together with researchers will give the students the opportunity to discuss current problems within cancer research.

Instruction

Instruction is provided in the form of lectures, seminars, theoretical and practical laboratory sessions, demonstrations, problem-oriented exercises and presentations related to current research fields. Within the course, the students carry out a literature project. The students who follow the introduction to Master's studies which runs as a seminar series during the whole course period will instead carry out a smaller literature project. Participation in literature project, seminars, theoretical and practical laboratory sessions, demonstrations, problem-oriented exercises and presentations are compulsory.

Assessment

Modules: Theory 11 credits; Literature assignment 4 credits or literature assignment 2 credits and Introduction to Master's studies 2 credits the theoretical module is examined through a written examination and also requires completed laboratory sessions that are presented in written and active participation in seminars. The literature assignment is presented in writing. For the introduction to Master's studies, active participation in seminars, written report and fulfiled study planning are required.