This module is mapped against the QAA Benchmark for Biomedical Science areas of Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Clinical Genetics.

The module will begin by discussing the foundations of genetics, genomics and human variation, including the structure and function of genes, the principles of their inheritance, genetic disorders with particular biomedical
significance, evolution and population biology.

Following this you will explore the structure and function of biologically important molecules including DNA, RNA and proteins and the molecular events that govern cell function and their interaction and overlap with relevant areas of biochemistry and cell biology.

You will develop your understanding of bioinformatics and systems biology including the computation of high volumes of biological data and the properties of a network of interacting components in a system, the computation of high volumes of biological data and the properties of a network of interacting components in a system.

You will then build upon this knowledge to study clinical genetics and the identification of genetic mutations and polymorphisms and their influence on disease processes. Within this you will develop your knowledge of topics such as:

genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic methods used to analyse and study human
chromosomes and DNA;
the application of molecular biology and Bioinformatics in medicine;
pharmacogenetics and personalised medicine;
principles and practice of techniques used for genetic testing for screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease and associated ethical issues.

Assessment: 2-hour examination (LO 1,2,3)– a 2-hour online examination taken under formal examination conditions (including the use of online invigilation, for example via Microsoft Teams webcam, microphone and screen recording with question randomisation). Questions will include short answer, long answer and evaluative / interpretative questions.

This module is mapped against elements the QAA Benchmark for Biomedical Science and is available for graduate students requiring supplementary education to meet the Institute of Biomedical Science supplementary education for eligibility to register with the Health and Care Professions Council.

The module consists of 10 asynchronous learning units delivered over a 15-week semester. Each unit consists of core learning resources, supplementary reading and a short online progress check quiz required for progression to the next unit.

1: Understand the application of DNA technology to the study of humans, particularly related to health. Knowledge and Understanding
2: Understand the aetiological and symptomatic presentation of a range of medical genetic disorders in humans. Knowledge and Understanding
3: Recognise and evaluate the increasing and potential role and importance of molecular biology and genetics in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Application

Ahmed, N; Glencross, H; Wang, Q (2016) Biomedical Science Practice 2nd Edition, Oxford University Press

Warford, A; Presneau, N (2019) Molecular Diagnostics Oxford University Press

This module is only available to graduate students undertaking supplementary education for the purposes of Institute of Biomedical Science degree cross mapping.