Molecular Biology

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr A. M. Cumming

Pre-requisites

A degree or equivalent qualification, at the prescribed standard, in Genetics or other relevant discipline.

Overview

This 12 week course will include lectures, tutorials and practicals. The curriculum provides a range of molecular technologies for the study of genetic phenomena including the cloning and expression of genes using vector systems; the application of molecular information and genetic linkage analysis to locate genes; the utilisation of transgenic mice as disease models; practical experience in the cloning and analysis of a gene; searching for genetic variants using DNA technologies.

Structure

Five 1 hour lectures per week, 1 tutorial and seven 2 hour practicals.

Assessment

One 1.5 hour written examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr A. M. Cumming

Pre-requisites

A degree or equivalent qualification, at the prescribed standard, in Genetics or other relevant discipline.

Overview

This 12 week course will include lectures, tutorials and an essay assignment. The curriculum will include the role of gene markers in predicting disease susceptibility and therapeutic approaches to the treatment of disease. The diseases covered include neurological disorders, cancer, bone disease and human developmental defects. The essay assignment is restricted to a medical genetic topic of current interest.

Structure

Five 1 hour lectures per week and 1 tutorial per week.

Assessment

One 1.5 hour written examination (40%) and one essay (60%)

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Mr. A. M. Cumming

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

The 12 week course will include lectures, tutorials and a seminar. The curriculum will include population genetics, gene disease association; analysis of genetic disorders; genetic epidemiology; autoimmune disease in relation to the HLA complex

Structure

One or two 1 hour lectures per week, three 2 hour tutorials and four 3 hour tutorials

Assessment

One 2 hour written examination

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Mr. A. M. Cumming

Pre-requisites

A degree or equivalent qualification, at the prescribed standard, in Genetics or other relevant discipline.

Overview

This 6 week course will include lectures and tutorials. The curriculum includes information on the services provided within the health service for the diagnosis of genetic abnormalities. Particular attention is focused on cytogenetics defects and pre-natal diagnosis, and the increasing use of a DNA diagnostic service in providing detailed molecular information for the genetic counselling service.

Structure

Five 1 hour lectures per week.

Assessment

One 2 hour written examination.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr. A. Cumming

Pre-requisites

A degree or equivalent qualification, at the prescribed standard, in Genetics or other relevant discipline.

Overview

This 12 week course consists of lectures, tutorials and an essay assignment. The curriculum focuses on the population biochemical screening or metabolic disorders using a number of model systems e.g. phenylketonuria. The biochemical diagnosis and clinical management of a range of metabolic abnormalities are also dealt with. Also covered are ethical issues raised in the diagnosis debilitating diseases through molecular technologies. The essay will focus on the background to the topic of the research project.

Structure

Five 1 hour lectures per week.

Assessment

One 2 hour examination (40%) and one essay (60%)

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr. A. M. Cumming

Pre-requisites

A degree or equivalent qualification, at the prescribed standard, in Genetics or other relevant discipline.

Co-requisites

MB5002, MB5003, MB5003, MB5005, MB5502

Overview

Statistics - measures of central tendency - mean; measures or variability; distributions; t test; analysis of variance; correlation and regression analysis; non-parametric statistics; testing hypothesis; experimental design; genetic analysis of quantitative traits; linkage analysis; genetic risk assessment; bioinformatics. A series of practical sessions introduce the students to PCR-based methods for genotype identification and analysis of common diseases.

Structure

Statistics - 6 x 1hr lectures; 1 x 2hr computing practical; 2 x 2hr tutorials.
Data Analysis - 2 x 2hr tutorials; 1 x 3hr bioinformatics computer practical.
Genetics practical - 6 x 3 hr practical.

Assessment

Statistics 2 hr exam - 30%
Data Analysis 2 hr exam - 50%
Practical Report - 20%

Credit Points

0

Course Coordinator

Mr. A, M. Cumming

Pre-requisites

A degree or equivalent qualification, at the prescribed standard, in Genetics or other relevant discipline.

Co-requisites

A satisfactory level of attainment in examination and assignments within the MSc Medical Molecular Genetics programme.

Notes

Overview

Projects are restricted to research areas in the field of medical genetics. The nature of the project reflects the interest of research groups and workers within the Departments on the Foresterhill site.

Structure

Assessment

Lab 15%
Oral Presentation 15%
Thesis 70%