Entry requirements

180 credits in biology, bio-/medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutical biosciences, medical science or equivalent education providing relevant knowledge in cell biology, genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

The course intends to provide 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

• describe the basic differences between a tumour cell and a normal cell
• 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
• account for current techniques for research, diagnostics and treatment of genetics diseases including cancer
• discuss current research in in genetics and epigenetics and how new knowledge can be applied clinically
• use basic laboratory techniques in genetic research
• use basic bioinformatical tools in cancer research
• apply an ethical and scientific approach.

Content

The course covers genetic variation and causes behind genetic diseases as well as the 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 as well as the body's immune defence against cancer will be discussed. The course covers e.g. epigenetic mechanisms for cancer, carcinogenesis, genomic instability, angiogenesis, tumour virus, oncogenes, growth factors, signal transduction, tumour suppressor genes, basic and applied immunology and clinical oncology. Seminars together with researchers will give the students the opportunity to discuss current problems within cancer research.

Instruction

Instruction is provided in English in the form of lectures and mandatory seminars, laboratory exercises, computer practicals and other theoretical and practical exercises such as problem-oriented exercises and presentations related to current research fields. A joint seminar series for Master programmes is included.

Assessment

Passing grades on the written exam, laboratory exercises, written assignments, oral presentations and seminars are needed in order to pass the course.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.