Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, 6.0 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Experimental and Industrial Biomedicine

Entry requirements

General entry requirements for undergraduate studies
and
English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (English 6)
And
Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology corresponding to the level in Swedish upper secondary education (Chemistry 2, Mathematic 4 and Biology 2)
Exemption from Swedish 3

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• Explain how genetic information is structured, inherited, expressed and regulated in eukaryotes
• Describe what epigenetics is and its role in gene transcription
• Describe the mechanisms that contribute to genetic variation in humans and explain the relationship between genetic variation and complex diseases
• Explain the theoretical background to modern methods in molecular genetics
• Describe the basic ethical problems arising from the medical application of genetics

Skills and abilities
On completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• Use and analyse results of modern molecular genetic techniques
• Identify an adequate analytical method to apply in relevant biomedical questions
• Critically assess scientific articles within the field of genetics from a scientific perspective

Judgement ability and approach
On completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical approach to seeking relevant information in the field of medical molecular genetics
• Evaluate the advantages, disadvantages and ethical problems that arise in connection with the use of genetic information and molecular genetic engineering in healthcare

Course content

The course involves the study of basic medical genetics. The course focuses on molecular genetics, including the structure and function of the human genome, transcriptional regulation and epigenetics. This molecular knowledge will be applied in order to understand the genetics of simple and complex diseases, the role of genetics in modern healthcare and ethical issues arising from its use in diagnostics and care. In addition, molecular genetic techniques that can be used in research and medical applications are introduced.
The course covers medical genetics, molecular biology and epigenetics, with links to pathology and medical ethics.

Teaching and working methods

At the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences student centred and problem based learning make up the foundation of the teaching. The student takes responsibility for, studies and researches current content of the courses and study programme. The methods of the course work challenge the students to independently formulate questions for learning, to seek knowledge and in dialogue with others judge and evaluate achieved knowledge. Students in the Bachelor’s programme in Experimental and Industrial Biomedicine work together in groups based on reality based and course related biomedical issues to apply their knowledges, develop their own learning, contribute to the fellow students’ learning and to practice cooperation. Throughout the study programme theory is integrated with practical modules. The course methods and integration modules stimulates and support the student’s ability to apply their knowledge and professional competence.
The working methods used in this course are tutorial groups, lectures, seminars and laboratory exercises.

Examination

The forms of examination are one individual written and one individual practical exam. In addition, active participation in compulsory components is required to pass the course. Compulsory elements include tutorial groups, seminars, laboratory sessions, reports and assignments.
Resource-demanding examinations, in this syllabus the individual practical examination, are limited to five attempts. The written examination may be performed an unlimited number of times by those students who have not achieved a passing grade.
Point of time for retake examination must normally be announced no later than the time of the regular examination. The extent of the retake examination must be the same as the regular examination.

CHANGE OF EXAMINER
A student who has obtained a failing grade twice for a course or a part of a course is, after request, entitled to be appointed another examiner, unless there are special reasons to the contrary.

APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION / WRITTEN EXAM
Instructions on how to apply for examinations are given prior to the beginning of each course.

Grades

Course literature

A literature reference list must be set no later than two months before the course begins by the programme committee for the Bachelor’s Programme in Experimental and Industrial Biomedicine. There is no compulsory course literature.

Other information

Planning and implementation of the course is to be based on the wordings in the course syllabus. A course evaluation is compulsory for each course and should include how the course is in agreement with the course syllabus. The course coordinator will analyse the course evaluation and propose appropriate development of the course. The analysis and proposal will be returned to the students, the Director of Studies, and as needed to the Education Board, if related to general development and improvement.
The course is carried out in such a way that knowledge of gender, gender identity/expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief system, disability, sexual orientation and age is addressed, highlighted and communicated as part of the programme.
If the course is cancelled or undergoes major changes, examination is normally offered under this course syllabus, at a total of three occasions, within/in connection to the two following semesters, of which one in close proximity to the first examination.

Department