On completion of this course, students will understand:
- A general understanding of the principles of molecular genetics.
- To provide an overview of key methods in molecular biology.
- To develop a critical appreciation of techniques used in the detection of nucleic acids.
On completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Use the World Wide Web to find information relating to molecular genetics.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of eukaryotic and prokaryotic mutation and their relevance to human health and disease.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the fundamental methods of molecular biology.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of current methods for mutation detection and their applications.
Indicative Content:
Intro to WebCT
- Use and navigate the functions of myWebCT.
- Explore the WebCT tools.
- Create a web page.
Introduction to molecular genetics
- Use URLs to access information on molecular biology and genetics.
Mutation
- Recognise the mechanisms by which mutations occur.
- Differentiate between different mutation classes and types.
General methods
- Appreciate that nucleic acids can be isolated from a wide variety of materials.
- Use restriction enzymes to cleave specified sequences of DNA.
- Differentiate between Northern and Southern blotting and understand when they are used.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the role of hybridisation in molecular biology including the labelling of use of probes to detect nucleic acids.
- Design primers for a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reaction and be aware of the key role of PCR in the revolution in molecular genetics.
DNA sequencing
- Use DNA databases to identify a DNA sequence.
- Appreciate the role of DNA sequencing techniques in the understanding of gene structure.
Advanced PCR
- Appreciate the contribution of PCR to contemporary advances in biomedical science laboratories.
- Identify carriers for specific genetic conditions and diagnose trisomy in amniotic fluid.
Techniques for mutation scanning
- Differentiate between mutation scanning and mutation detection.
- Understand the principles of mutation scanning methods.
- Develop a critical appraisal of different mutation scanning methods and determine when each should be used.
Techniques for the detection of specific mutations
- Understand the principles of mutation detection methods.
- Determine when different mutation detection methods should be used.
| Course
development supported by NHS Trusts
and the Health Protection Agency |
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