BIOB3210 Genetics and Molecular Diagnostics Course description

The course deals with genetics, genes, DNA structure and function, and elucidates different approaches to how the field is studied and applied clinically. Gene technology methods are used in many of the health services’ laboratories - medical genetics, microbiology, pathology, biochemistry, hematology and immunology. Among other things, the methods are used in disease diagnostics, individually adapted medication, in vitro fertilisation, and in the detection of infectious microorganisms. New technology provides increasing opportunities to map hereditary factors and risks relating to the development of disease in future. This is strictly regulated in the Biotechnology Act. Ethical aspects of genetic analyses, both at the individual and societal levels, are therefore a key part of the course. The DNA analyses are used to identify persons, for instance in forensic medicine, which is not part of the health service.

In order to carry out the analyses and process and understand the results from the different fields, it is important to have knowledge of the methods used and have background knowledge of DNA and genes. Large quantities of data from new technology also makes requirements of competence and skills in bioinformatics.

• Passed first and second year or equivalent of the Bachelor’s Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, or
• Admitted to the Complementary Education in Biomedical Laboratory Science

All answers are assessed by two examiners. An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

Se omtale av praksis i programplanen

In order to be permitted to take the exam, the following must have been approved:

• a minimum of 90 per cent attendance in laboratory teaching
• laboratory reports in accordance with specified criteria
• oral presentation of group work on ethical issues in molecular diagnostics

Supervised individual written exam, 4 hours

Alphanumeric/financial calculator with cleared memory. A digital calculator is available to the student during the exam.

A-F.

All answers are assessed by two examiners. An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

• 10 credits overlap with BIO3200 Molecular Genetics
• 10 credits overlap with BIOB3200 Genetics and Molecular Diagnostics