Course syllabus for Molecular Genetics and Genomics

Molekylär genetik och genomik

Specific entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree or a professional degree worth at least 180 credits. At least 10 credits should be in mathematics and at least 20 credits in life sciences (such as cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, gene technology, or molecular biology). Proficiency in English equivalent to English B/English 6.

Outcomes

The aim of this course is to impart a foundational understanding of human genetics, including the organization and function of the human genome, and to introduce advanced genomic technologies. It also aims to provide students with an understanding of genetic disease mechanisms and the ability to critically evaluate and present genetic research in oral and written form.

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Regarding knowledge and understanding

• Explain the structure and function of genes and genomes, gene regulation and expression.
• Explain genetic variation between individuals and species,
• Explain the molecular mechanisms of genetic variation and the potential effects of genetic changes on gene function and phenotype,
• Describe the fundamentals of human genetic diseases.

Regarding competence and skills

• Select appropriate genomic technologies and data analysis strategies to identify disease‐causing genes and explain the rationale behind the selection,
• Evaluate candidate variants and genes using publicly available databases and tools,
• Extract genomic data from publicly available databases,
• Evaluate, interpret, and discuss relevant scientific literature and research findings related to topics within the course in speech and writing,
• Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to work cooperatively with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, for example managing differences/conflict when working in a multicultural team.

Regarding judgement and approach

• Identify their individual need for further knowledge and development,
• Reflect on research involving human and animal material from the perspectives of ethics and describe ways to ensure fair and ethical research practices,
• Reflect on the impact of different cultures on values, assumptions, perceptions, expectations, and behaviour
• Reflect on the societal impact of biomedical research, including the perspectives of planetary health (e.g. climate change and global health), sustainability, equality and gender dimension.

Content

Throughout the course, students will receive an introduction to genetic concepts and the latest genome technologies, with a focus on human genetics in the life sciences. The course will cover a range of themes, including basic principles of the gene structure, gene expression and regulation, genome organization, origin and consequences of genetic variation, basics of inheritance, current genomic
technologies and approaches to identify disease‐causing variants in alignment with the course objectives. The course includes self‐study, lectures, workshops, group work, and oral presentations.

Teaching methods

The learning experience in this course is active and involve integrated feedback. The course includes "flipped classroom" learning, in which course material is provided before teacher‐moderated discussions in workshops or seminars. The learning activities for this course include seminars, lectures, and video lectures from conferences or seminars as well as workshops. Particular emphasis is placed on peer learning and self‐study in both group and individual settings.

Examination

The examination consists of an oral presentation (graded Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction) and a written examination (graded Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction). To pass the whole course the grade "Pass" must have been obtained for both examination parts of the course. To attain the grade "Pass with distinction" for the whole course, a grade of "Pass with distinction" must have been obtained for both examination parts of the course.

Students must complete compulsory assignments to pass the course.

Students that fail to submit compulsory assignments in due time before the deadline will lose the opportunity to be graded with "Pass with distinction" for the course.

Compulsory participation
The introduction to the course, individual assignments, workshops, and group assignments as well as lectures linked to these parts are compulsory.

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.

Limit to the number of examinations or practical training 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 sections 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.

Literature and other teaching aids

Latest review articles from high impact journals in the field of genetics and genomics. The articles will be provided during the course.