Genetics of Infectious, Common and Complex Diseases
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE3140 | Life Sciences | 3 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- LIFE3140
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
Over the past decade, there have been many breakthroughs in our understanding of the molecular events underlying inherited diseases, the development of cancer, and susceptibility to infectious diseases. In some cases, these are monogenic (single gene) disorders and in others they are considered complex diseases involving multiple genes and environmental factors. This module aims to discuss the genetic basis of some simple and complex monogenic and polygenic human disorders. This course will also focus on presenting methods routinely used in genetics and genomics to study human diseases. It is designed to familiarise students with recent developments in the genetics of human disease, with particular emphasis on cancer as a (somatic) genetic disease and genomic tools to study pathogenesis. The module will also focus on understanding how molecular data are created and analysed – in particular with respect to the data generated by new technologies in field – and look at how these methods are shaping disease research and treatment (including infectious disease and cancer).
Target Students
Available to year 3 students registered for U6UBOLGY/U7UBOLGY (C100/C101) Biology, U6UZOLGY/U7UZOLGY (C300/C301) Zoology, U6UGNTCS/U7UGNTCS (C400/C401) Genetics.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
This module will be delivered in a variety of ways which may include lectures, seminars,etc.
Assessment
- 30% Exam 1 (1-hour): Data Analysis Examination
- 70% Exam 2 (2-hour): Short answers, and one extended answer on a topic researched during the module
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The aim of the module is to convey recently published and established research information, combined with hands-on data analysis, on the genetics of human disease in an integrated fashion.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge: To understand current progress and methodologies in the analysis of infectious diseases and complex inheritance in human disorders; the importance of genetics in human health and disease and its relevance to medicine; current trends and developments within human genetics.
Intellectual skills: Analysis of published research; critically analyse and interpret published information and data.
Intellectual skills: Integrate information from diverse sources in the aetiology of single gene and complex disorders; understand complex ideas and relate them to specific problems or questions.
Practical skills: Analyse and interpret modern molecular research data (acquire substantial quantities of information systematically, process it effectively, and draw appropriate conclusions).