Entry requirements

Accepted to the Erasmus Mundus Master's Programme in Innovative Medicine.

Learning outcomes

The course intends to provide advanced knowledge of the human genome and the importance of genetic factors for disease as well as of underlying molecular mechanisms.

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• account for molecular and cellular events at the origin, development and diagnostics of genetic diseases including cancer
• analyse, process and formulate scientific questions within the area and account for an overview of current research in genetics and cancer
• account for and evaluate current techniques for diagnostics and treatment
• be able to describe how to work with an ethical and scientific approach.

Content

The course comprises genetic variation and causes behind genetic diseases as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the origin and progression of cancer. Current clinical diagnostics and treatment of genetic diseases and cancer will be treated as well as methods and techniques. The course will also give an overview of the current research within genetics and cancer.

Theoretical parts and computer-based assignments will illustrate, how molecular factors behind a disease can be determined. Methods for mapping of genetic diseases, genotyping with microsatellites and SNP markers and analysis of genetic variation in populations will be treated together with current techniques for the analysis of the structure and function of genes. Application of DNA analyses in forensic genetic studies will be illustrated. Ethical aspects will be discussed.

General tumour theory and tumour classification followed by cellular and molecular mechanisms important for the origin and growth of tumours as well as the body's immune defence against cancer will be discussed. The course treats e.g. epigenetic mechanisms for cancer, carcinogenesis, genomic instability, angiogenesis, tumour virus, oncogenes, growth factors, signal transduction, tumour suppressor genes and clinical oncology. Practical parts can consist of demonstrations of histopathological aberrations in cancer. Also web-based material will be used. Seminars together with researchers will give the students the opportunity to discuss current problems within cancer research.

Instruction

Instruction is provided in English in the form of lectures and mandatory seminars, laboratory exercises, computer

practicals and other theoretical and practical exercises such as problem-oriented exercises and presentations related to current research fields. A joint seminar series for Master programmes is included.

Assessment

Modules: Theory 11 credits; Literature assignment 4 credits. The theoretical module is examined through written examinations and in addition requires completed laboratory sessions that are presented in written form as well as active participation in seminars. The literature assignment is presented in writing.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.