General Unit Information

The study of genetics and its applications to medicine and forensic biology including genetic disorders, genetic screening, multifactorial disorders, host pathogen interactions and forensic application of genetics. The impact and ethics of recent genetic advances on both the individual and society will be discussed.  Practical sessions will involve approaches to identify the genetic basis of disease, genetic testing and risk analysis, and forensic genetics.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Assess the application of modern genetic techniques to: i) the characterisation, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases; and ii) the identification of individuals and relationships between individuals by forensic genetics;
2. Evaluate how variations in  sequence can  affect gene function and  lead to disease symptoms; outline how understanding molecular pathology can aid in the treatment of disease; and illustrate the value of model organisms in investigating human disease;
3. Demonstrate high-level skills in data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation, and combine these in written scientific reports and oral presentations;
4. Combine advanced problem-solving skills to evaluate issues involving medical and forensic genetics;
5. Critically evaluate and summarise new discoveries from the scientific literature in medical and forensic genetics.

Specific Unit Information