Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2016 - 2017
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Description This module will provide an introduction to analytical, molecular and cellular genetics. The objective is to achieve an overview of advanced principles and techniques of human molecular genetics and genetic engineering relating to study of human health and disease from the molecular to the population level. An overview of the therapeutic development and potential of pharmacogenomics in human medicine will also be provided. Topics will include: DNA and RNA structure, synthesis and the genetic code; principles of gene expression and regulation – with illustrations of importance in human development, health, disease, phenotype; human genetic analysis - deciphering the genetics of disease - and insights from the human genome project; development of genetic technologies and their uses and impact on human health; variation in genetics among human populations and the influence on human phenotype such as sporting performance and pharmacogenomics; the genetic basis of common chronic illnesses such as cancer and cardiovascular disease; genetics of inheritanace; introduction to chromosomal biology, cytogenetics and karyotypes with respect to health and disease. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the fundamental molecular principles of genetics 2. Understand the structure and function of DNA, RNA and protein and have an understanding of the ‘omics’ technologies involved in their study in relation to human health 3. Explain the key experiments that led to its discovery of DNA, RNA and microRNA as genetic material 4. Explain the way in which genes code for proteins 5. From genotype to phenotype- understanding the relationship between phenotype and genotype in human genetic traits 6. Understand how gene expression is regulated- at the transcriptional, translational and post-transcriptional levels 7. Understand the genetic basis of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease 8. Predict the inheritance and expression patterns of alleles subject to the major categories of non-Mendelian behaviour 9. Understand the concept of polygenic inheritance 10. Predict gamete frequencies from allele frequencies in a population, and determine if a given set of allele frequencies are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium 11. Understand the concept of epigenetics, chromatin organization the influence of environment on gene expression and disease 12. Explain the key technologies, tools and strategies underpinning genome analysis, overview progress in the human genome program, and discuss future directions in human genome research- clinically relevant therapeutic avenues, targets and pipelines 13. Discuss the therapeutic progress and potential of pharmacogenomics in human medicine. 14. Identify appropriate literature sources required to research a topic in genetics, including a variety of media and access modalities 15. Use electronic literature search tools and data-bases to identify and access primary research articles and reviews in a particular topic 16. Scope the breadth of a contemporary issue in genetics, and plan a summary of the topic, encompassing background, current issues, and future perspectives 17. Write a concise review of a complex topic within a limited number of words, accomplishing a balanced, scientifically rigorous treatment of the issues relevant to a comprehensive summary of the topic 18. Select and refer to relevant peer-reviewed literature citations in the review article following conventional scientific protocol, and assemble a corresponding bibliography formatted in the appropriate style 19. Present a written scientific review in a professionally formatted style, observing relevant guidelines, and supported by appropriate graphics and tables as required | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities Research and review papersPapers will be outlined to students for directed reading | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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