Medical Genetics

The course conveys an understanding of the structure of the human genome and the importance of genetic factors as causes of human disease. The course also provides knowledge about the different mechanisms by which genetic factors can affect the development of disease. It will also provide insight into current techniques and their application to disease gene identification, clinical diagnosis and the development of new means for intervention. Theoretical sections and web-based exercises will show how to determine the molecular cause of a disease. Methods for genetic mapping of diseases, genotyping using microsatellites and SNP markers and analysis of genetic variation in populations will be described as well as multiple current techniques used for the analysis of the gene structure and function. The application of DNA analysis in forensics will be illustrated. Ethical aspects will also be discussed.