Aim and Content

The course is aimed at giving the student a theoretical

overview of basic concepts in human molecular genetics. The course will include activities that will familiarise the student with basic study design in human molecular genetics. The course will include discussions on modern genetics and ethical issues.

Learning Outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to:

• Explain and place into context problems from human genetics
• Explain basic concepts in genetics: mutation /polymorphisms, heredity, Mendelian genetics, complex genetics.
• Plan and conduct simple experiments.
• Critically interpret and evaluate the results.
• Interpret articles in genetics of Mendelian diseases and complex diseases.

Course offered (semester)

Spring

Exam offered (semester)

Spring

Course Unit Level

Master

Pre-requirements

Fundamental knowledge of molecular biology. The student

must also be familiar with basic concepts of molecular biology such as replication, transcription, translation, meiosis, mitosis, gene structure (exon/intron, splicing). The student must also be familiar with basic methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing.

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge in statistics.

Teaching Methods

The course will consist of 2 parts (2 weeks).

The first week/part will cover basic knowledge

• Lectures to cover aspects of basic concepts (mutation and polymorphisms, Mendelian genetics, complex genetics, population genetics).
• Learning activities for designing and carrying association studies and sequencing studies.
  

The second week/part will cover more advanced topics in human genetic research and clinical genetics

• Lecture: clinical genetics and genetic counselling, personalized genomes.
• Research seminars.
• Learning activities: Ethical issues in genetics and genetic architecture of diseases.

Assessment methods

Online based examination for basic questions and team based presentation of literature search

Grading Scale

Pass/ Fail

Place of Teaching

Laboratory building / BBB, Haukeland sykehus