Kursplan

COURSE TITLE

Medical Genetics, 7,5 points

COURSE CATEGORY   Single subject course
MAIN FIELD OF STUDY
SUBJECT AREA

COURSE CODE

8FA029

AIM OF THE COURSE

In this course the student will acquire advanced theoretical and methodological knowledge of medical genetics and the molecular mechanisms involved in monogenic and polygenetic traits and diseases. In a laboratory project the students study the strategies for disease gene identification with advanced genetic laboratory methods and interpretation of results. The student will also obtain knowlege in molecular epidemiology and how genetic variation in populations influence genetic predisposition for disease. The course comprises in-depth knowledge in medical biology.

Learning outcomes
By the end of the course the students will be able to:
-Integrate the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in monogenic and polygenic traits to understand the genetic basis of diseases and recognise the interplay with environmental factors
-Explain how concepts of genetic variation in populations are affecting evolution and population genetics
-Demonstrate how calculation of allele frequencies, genetic association and risks from genetic data are achieved and identify ethical problems associated with genetic analyses
-Identify strategies and explain methodological possibilities, interpret experimental results and apply computer-based methods to be able to identify disease genes
-Demonstrate the theoretical basis as well as practically explain selected molecular genetic methodology for gene identification and present, evaluate and communicate the pros and cons of these methods
-Summarise, integrate and assess scientific litterature within medical genetics

CONTENTS

-Molecular mechanisms involved in monogenetic and polygenetic traits and diseases
-Disease gene identification
-How environmental factors influence the genetic material and affect expression
-Genetic variation in populations and its influence on genetic predisposition, molecular/genetic epiodemiology
-Calculation of allele frequencies, associations and risk
-Principles of major molecular genetic laboratory methods and interpretation of results, hands-on knowledge of selected methodology
-Seminars on selected scientific papers

TEACHING

The educational methods include lectures, tutorial groups, seminars and laboratory work.

The educational method used is problem-based learning (PBL). PBL emphasises the student´s development of free, self-supporting, lifelong learning ability as an instrument for critical inquiry. The student´s own queries and the problems formulated form the basis of PBL. What is also important is the student´s ability to take responsibility for his/her own learning, and to seek and evaulate information and knowledge as well as to develop co-operative skills and a flexible attitude to different views and ideas.

EXAMINATION

Examination forms include active participation in tutorial groups and seminars, written and oral examinations, completed assignments and examinations of practical skills.

Students who have failed the course or part of the course twice are entitled to request another examiner for the following examination occasion.

Extent of re-examination
The extent of a re-examination shall be similar to the regular examination.

Entries for examinations
Rules for entries for examination are given in the course plan. In addition the "Regulations regarding examinations and examiners" laid down by decision of Linköpings University (Dnr LiU 1109/00-40) apply.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

At least three years of full-time undergraduate studies in a major subject area with relevance for Life Science, e.g. from faculties within medicine, technology/natural sciences, odontology, pharmaceutical science. The lowest acceptable grade from undergraduate studies is Pass.

Applicants with a degree from a non-Swedish university must enclose an official examination certificate of at least three years of full-time studies in subjects with relevance for Life Science, such as biology, chemistry, medicine or the like.
Documented knowledge of English equivalent to ”Engelska B”; i.e. English as native language or an internationally recognized test, e.g. TOEFL (miminum scores: Paperbased 550 + TWE-score 4.0, computerbased 213 and internetbased 79), IELTS, academic (minimum score: Overall band 6.0 and no band under 5.0), or equivalent.

GRADING

The course is graded on the following scale: Pass; Fail.

CERTIFICATE

Course certificate is issued by the Faculty Board on request. The Department provides a special form which should be submitted to the Student Affairs Office at the Faculty of Health Sciences.

COURSE LITERATURE

The course literature is decided upon by the department in question.

OTHER INFORMATION

Course Evaluation
Planning and implementation of the course shall be carried out on the basis of the wording in this course plan. The evaluation of the course should therefore consider the question how well the course agrees with the course plan. Oral and written evaluation will take place at the end of the course.
Electronic evaluation of the course will also take place in accordance with Linköping University´s regulations (Dnr LiU 780/06-04).

Certificate
At the student´s request, course certificate may be issued by the director of studies for courses or, according to delegation, by the head of the department/director of programme studies. Request for course certificate must be made at specific form (found at the course organiser´s or the educational office).

Additional Information
The course is given in such a way that both men´s and women´s experiences and knowledge are foregrounded and developed.

If the course is withdrawn, or is subject to major changes, examinations according to this course plan are normally offered on a total of three occasions within a year, one of them in close connection with the first examination.

Medical Genetics
Medical Genetics, advanced course

Department responsible
for the course or equivalent: MEDBIO - Medicinsk biologi

Registrar No: LiU 1410/06-41

Course Code: 8FA029

Exam codes: see Local Computer System

Subject/Subject Area :

Level		Education level			Subject Area Code		Field of Education
Avancerad					MBI		Medicin