Postgraduate taught 

Precision Medicine MSc

Pharmacogenomics & Molecular Medicine - Fundamentals of Molecular Medicine MED5381

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course provides students with an introduction into the basic molecular and genetic principles underpinning human variation and disease susceptibility. The course also introduces the concepts of gene therapy, molecular medicine and pharmacogenomics.

Timetable

Lectures weekly during the second semester.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Coursework - short answer and multiple choice online coursework focussing on lecture content and independent learning (20%)

Final written exam (80%)

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

The aims of this course are to:

■ allow students to develop critical understanding of the basis for genetic and molecular variation within humans as a basis for disease susceptibility

■ explain some of the research techniques commonly used in this field

■ introduce students to the fields of molecular and gene therapy and pharmacogenomics.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Demonstrate a critical understanding of how nucleic acids function to produce proteins.

■ Evaluate methods and laboratory techniques used to study nucleic acids.

■ Discuss in depth the theories and principles of monogenic and polygenic inheritance.

■ Identify and critically discuss the principles and concepts underlying the genetic dissection of molecular mechanisms of human disease.

■ Discuss and critique fundamental principles of pharmacogenomics.

■ Discuss and critique fundamental principles of gene therapy.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.