Overview

Advances in DNA sequencing and gene editing technologies are leading to rapid improvements in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease. These developments are paving the way towards a future of personalised medicine, where each individual is managed according to their specific genetic make-up.  This unit explores the theoretical basis … For more content click the Read More button below.

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-BLENDED
S1-01-MALAYSIA-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Professor Robert Bryson-Richardson

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Sadequr Rahman
Professor Robert Bryson-Richardson

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1.

Explain the application of modern genetic techniques such as gene mapping, genome-wide association studies and individual genome-sequencing to: i) the characterisation, diagnosis and treatment of simple and complex human diseases; and ii) the identification of individuals and relationships between individuals by forensic genetics;

2.

Describe how variations in the DNA sequence of a gene can result in changes in gene function that ultimately lead to disease symptoms and explain how improved understanding of this molecular pathology can aid in the treatment of disease, and illustrate the value of model organisms in investigating the molecular pathology of human diseases;

3.

Demonstrate high-level skills in data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation, and apply these in written scientific reports and oral presentations;

4.

Apply advanced problem-solving skills to issues of medical and forensic genetics;

5.

Critically evaluate and summarise new discoveries from the scientific literature in medical and forensic genetics.

Assessment

1 - In–semester tests
2 - Cystic fibrosis report
3 - News and views article
4 - Oral presentations
5 - Forensic genetics report

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Lectures
Practical activities

Workload requirements

Workload

Learning resources

Required resources

Other unit costs

Costs are indicative and subject to change.
Lab coat required and safety footwear at your own cost.

Availability in areas of study

Biochemistry
Biotechnology
Genetics and genomics
Zoology