652-305 Human Genetics

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Objectives:

By the end of the subject students should:

• appreciate the importance of genes in influencing human health, disease, behaviour, and evolution;

• recognise ways in which environmental factors may modify the effects of genes;

• appreciate the ethical issues raised by the 'New Genetics';

• understand the basic techniques and concepts of molecular genetics which permit findings at the DNA level to be related to phenotype;

• develop skills in use and application of methods of gene mapping and linkage in humans.

Content:

Genetics of human populations; behavioural genetics; mutation and its molecular basis; genetic basis of metabolic diseases and congenital malformations; detection and screening of genetic diseases; genetic counselling; immunogenetics; human cytogenetics; genetic engineering; human evolution and factors affecting our evolutionary future.

Assessment: