BIO3200 Molecular Genetics Course description

Molecular genetic methods are used in many of the health services- laboratories. The analysis results contribute to correct diagnostics, medication, personal identification, family analyses and determination of infectious microorganisms.

Additionally, genetic analyses are used to determine hereditary factors and risk of disease development in the future. This is strictly regulated in the Biotechnology Act. In order to perform genetic analyses and understand the results of such investigations, methodologic understanding and knowledge of genetics and molecular genetics is essential. Ethical aspects of genetic analyses is a central part of the course.

The course comprises genetics, molecular genetics, methods in molecular genetics, bioinformatics and ethics. 10 credits

Passed the first and second years of the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• is capable of describing the structure of the human genome and how it has developed
• is capable of describing different forms of genetic variation and their significance
• is capable of describing mutations, how they arise and how they can be repaired
• is capable of describing how genes are expressed and how they are regulated
• is capable of describing different types of inheritance and principles of genetic analysis
• is capable of describing the principles of the most common methods of analysis in molecular genetics
• demonstrates knowledge of basic quality requirements when working with gene technology methods

Skills

The student is capable of

• performing and interpreting results from a selection of molecular genetics analyses
• using different databases and bioinformatic tools for homology searches, primer design and sequence analysis

General competence

The student is capable of

• discussing social and ethical consequences of gene technology in a medical perspective

Work and teaching methods include lectures, assignments, group assignments, e-learning tests, visits to external laboratories and self-study. The students will also carry out practical laboratory analyses.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• a minimum of 90% attendance in practical laboratory work and data labs
• a minimum of 80% attendance in scheduled group work and visits to external laboratories
• laboratory reports in accordance with specified criteria

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Individual written exam, 4 hours

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Grade scale A-F

One external and one internal examiner will assess at least 20% of the exam papers. Two internal examiners will assess the remaining papers. The external examiner’s assessment shall benefit all the students.