Entry requirements

150 credits complete courses including alternative 1) 60 credits biology and 30 credits chemistry or alternative 2)60 credits chemistry including 15 credits biochemistry and 30 credits biology including 15 credits molecular biology and for both alternatives Functional Phenomics 15 credits and Medical Genetics and Cancer – Molecular Mechanisms 15 credits

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• formulate and process scientific questions theoretically and with laboratory techniques
• account for and evaluate current methods and techniques within the research field and also apply some of them
• compile, analyse critically and evaluate research results and present these both orally and in writing.

Content

The course mainly treats methods to study the human genome and changes therein, but also post-genomic methods for studies of molecular interactions are touched upon. Example of methods that are treated are: genotyping at monogenetic and complex diseases, identification and isolation and functional analysis of genes, advanced PCR techniques, detection of mutations, DNA-based diagnostics, fluorescence in situ hybridisaton (FISH). DNA techniques within diagnostics and forensic medicine are dealt with together with techniques for functional genome analysis, array technology for gene expression, comparative genomics, tissue expression and current methods for analysis of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms such as chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Furthermore, techniques and equipment for large-scale trials within genotyping and sequencing are treated.

Instruction

The teaching is given in the form of lectures, seminars, literature assignments and experimental laboratory work, if possible in the form of smaller project work. Participating in seminars, literature assignment and laboratory sessions are compulsory.

Assessment

Modules: Laboratory session 6 credits; Literature assignment 6 credits; Seminar 3 credits

The module laboratory sessions requires completed laboratory practicals. The module literature assignment is presented orally and in written form. The seminars require active participation.