Molecular Diagnostics

Introduction
In this subject, students will learn about the regulation of gene expression, the human genome and the techniques that are available to study genes. Students will be introduced to the tools of bioinformatics and use these to analyse human genes and genetic diseases. Advanced studies in the molecular biological techniques used to investigate patterns of gene expression will be an important part of this subject. This subject will interest students who wish to undertake a career in a research or a biomedical laboratory setting.

Learning Objectives
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the techniques that molecular biologists use to manipulate and analyse nucleic acids.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of how molecular biology is used in diagnostic laboratories for the detection and monitoring of disease.

3. Carry out DNA/RNA isolation and analysis methods including PCR, genotyping by RFLP, DNA sequencing,  RT-qPCR and FISH

4. Demonstrate understanding of the Human Genome Project and associated bioinformatics.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of associated molecular biology approaches including recombinant DNA technologies, stem cells and gene therapy.

6. Obtain, interpret and synthesise information from background reading and use it to effectively supplement lecture notes.

7. Efficiently and effectively communicate scientific knowledge, experimental results, and analyses, in both oral and written formats.