Entry requirements

180 credits within the natural sciences, medical, biomedical or civil engineering programmes.

Learning outcomes

The course intends to provide a deeper knowledge of the human genome and the importance of genetic factors for the origin of disease and underlying molecular mechanisms.

After this course, the student should be able to

• explain molecular and cellular events at the origin, development and diagnostics of genetic diseases
• describe and discuss current research in human genetics
• ​discuss ethical aspects in genetic research and diagnostics
• analyse, process and formulate scientific questions within the field
• describe techniques that are currently used within research, diagnostics and treatment.

Content

Contents

The course will focus on genetic variation and the causes of genetic diseases in man. Current clinical diagnostics and possible treatments of genetic diseases will be discussed. The course will also provide an overview of the current genetic research. Theoretical sections and web-based exercises will show how to determine the molecular cause to a disease. Methods for genetic mapping of diseases, genotyping using microsatellites and SNP markers and analysis of genetic variation in populations will be described as well as multiple current techniques used for analysis of the gene structure and function. The application of DNA analysis in forensics will be illustrated. Ethical aspects will also be discussed.

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

Written exams during the course and at its conclusion. A passing grade for the entire course requires attendance on all mandatory sessions, passing grades for assignments and a passing grade on the written exam.

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.

Grading System: VG (Pass with distinction), G (Pass), U (Fail).