Medical Molecular Genetics
Master
In Aberdeen
Description
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Type
Master
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Location
Aberdeen (Scotland)
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Duration
12 Months
The course gives instruction and training in the theory and techniques associated with identification, cloning and characterisation of genes and mutations associated with human disease, including cancer, heart disorders and inheritable diseases. It describes the use of this information in the diagnosis and prognosis of disease, the ways that environmental factors, including smoking and nutritional factors, interact with predispositions within the genome to produce abnormal clinical phenotypes, and developments in gene therapy. Suitable for: Students whose backgrounds lie in non-clinical areas.
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
Suitable candidates will hold an Honours degree, or equivalent qualification in Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related subject, and Medicine.
Reviews
Course programme
Syllabus
The first six months of the course contain lectures, practicals, tutorials and seminar presentations. Lecture topics include:
- Human population genetics
- Clinical biochemistry/genetics
- Genetic techniques
- Medical genetics
- Cancer genetics
- Cytogenetics
- Genetics of complex diseases
- Statistics
Practical instruction is provided in:
- gene cloning
- molecular genetics
- PCR
- RFLP
- haplotype analysis
Additional training is provided in laboratory safety and the use of computers in statistics, genetic linkage and bioinformatics.
This is followed by a five-month, individual research project on a topic chosen by the student with advice from course tutors. Projects may be laboratory or clinically based and are carried out in the Departments of Molecular & Cell Biology, Medicine and Therapeutics and Mental Health. The course also includes a visit to the DNA Diagnostic Laboratory, and seminars from visiting speakers working on aspects of medical molecular genetics.
Assessment
Each course has its own assessment based on continuous assessment of practical and course work, and a written degree examination. Progression to a research project is dependent on performance in the individual courses. If a student just fails to reach a satisfactory level in these, he/she may proceed to a library based dissertation towards a Postgraduate Diploma.
The MSc project is assessed with the submission of a dissertation and viva examination.
Dedication
12 months, full-time.
Additional information
Contact person: Mrs Myra Watt
Medical Molecular Genetics