Course syllabus for Genetics, Genomics and Functional Genomics

Genetik, genomik och funktionell genomik

Specific entry requirements

At least the grade Pass (G) on the course Introduction to Biomedical Science, at least grade Pass (G) on the part Organic-chemical laboratory work, (5 credits), in the course General and Organic Chemistry, and the part Laboratory practicals (4 credits) of the course Cell-, stem cell and developmental biology, at the Bachelor's programme in Biomedicine

Outcomes

Regarding knowledge and understanding

• explain different hereditary patterns for human genetic diseases,
• describe different approaches to identify disease genes a basic level,
• explain different methods that are used to study the expression, regulation and function of
  biomolecules,
• describe strategies and methods to generate and analyse DNA sequence and gene expression data on genome-wide and single gene level,
• describe at a basic level the use of different model systems for the studies of specific biological questions and the function of genes,

Regarding competence and skills

• perform standard practical methods in molecular biology,
• analyse and present his/her own laboratory work by writing a well-structured report,
• be able to use relevant public databases to search literature and sequence data and to perform and
  interpret comparisons of sequences,
• demonstrate the ability to carry out and orally present biomedical projects.

Regarding judgement and approach

• describe ethical aspects related to the generation of human genetic information and biological
  materials.

Content

The course is divided into the following two parts:

Practical part, 4.0 credits

Grading scale: GU
Practice of the theoretical content of the course including laboratory work using molecular biology methods and lab-report writing in the format of a scientific article. This part also includes a written test, bioinformatics computer labs and exercises in clinical genetics and the ethics of human genetic information.

Integration of genetics, genomics and functional genomics, 6.0 credits

Grading scale: VU
Gives an overview of the relevant methods that are used in medical research to analyse DNA, gene expression and gene function; training in bioinformatics to study complex regulatory relationships and introduction to clinical genetics with an emphasis on human hereditary diseases.

The part integrates genomics and functional genomics, model systems, bioinformatics and genetics.

Teaching methods

The teaching includes lectures, discussions, demonstrations, self-study, seminars and a project work.

Examination

Practical part (4 credits). The examination consists of seminars, written reports and a written, oral or IT-supported test. Graded Fail/Pass

Integration of genetics, genomics and functional genomics (6 credits). The examination consists of an oral project presentation and a written final examination. Graded Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction.

For the tests, one additional occasion is organised before the written final examination.

The final grade for the whole course is based on the grade for the part Integration of genetics, genomics and functional genomics. To pass the whole course (grade pass or above), the grade pass must have been obtained for the other parts on the course.

Compulsory participation
It is compulsory to participate in laboratory sessions, certain stated seminars, safety lectures and safety sessions.

The examiner assesses if and, in that case, how absence from compulsory components can be compensated. The student must participate in all compulsory parts or compensate for absence in accordance with the examiner's instructions, in order to pass the course. Absence from a compulsory activity may result in the student not being able to compensate the absence until the next time the course is given.

Limitation of number of examination sessions
A student who does not pass an examination at their first attempt is entitled to participate in five additional examination sessions. If the student does not pass after four examinations, he/she is recommended to retake the course at the next regular course occasion, and may, after that, participate in two more examination sessions. If the student has failed six examinations, no additional examination sessions are provided.

Physically attending or otherwise commencing an examination is regarded as an examination session. Handing in a blank exam is considered taking part in an examination session. An examination, for which the student registered but did not participate, is not counted as an examination session.

Adaption of examination
If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced.

Other directives

The course language is English.

Course evaluation will be carried out according to the guidelines established by the Board of Higher Education.

Oral evaluation in the form of course council meetings will be carried out during the course.

This course replaces the course Genetics, Genomics and Functional Genomics, 10 credits (1BI038) and cannot be included in a degree together with the latter course.

Literature and other teaching aids

Mandatory literature

• Strachan, Tom; Read, Andrew P., Human molecular genetics, Fifth edition. : Boca Raton, Florida : CRC Press, 2019 - xiii, 770 pages ISBN: 0815345895, LIBRIS-ID: gq514rnfd2cr6zcw, *

In-depth literature

• Lesk, Arthur M., Introduction to bioinformatics, Fifth edition : Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2019 - xx, 408 pages ISBN: 9780198794141, LIBRIS-ID: lw49h2qtj72kxxxj,