Applied Pharmacogenomics & Molecular Medicine MED5382

  • 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 in-depth knowledge on theoretical aspects, techniques, ethical considerations and applied translational examples of molecular medicine, gene therapy and pharmacogenomics.

Timetable

Lectures weekly during the second semester.

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

MED5381 Pharmacogenomics & Molecular Medicine: Fundamentals of Molecular Medicine

Assessment

Coursework (20%). An assignment focused on critical evaluation of the ethical issues associated with the use of patient genetic information.

Final written exam (80%).

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to provide students with in-depth, critical understanding of the key and advanced concepts, principles and examples of:

■ The genetic basis of disease and variability in responses to drug treatment

■ Gene manipulation, transgenic animals and translational gene therapy

■ Ethical considerations in relation to genetic medicine

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

■ Critically evaluate theories and concepts of molecular pharmacogenomics and demonstrate how principles of molecular and cellular biology can be used to explain the genetic basis of variability in drug response.

■ Articulate the principles of translational pharmacogenetics and evaluate the ethical issues it raises in a range of specialised drug treatment techniques.

■ Identify and critically discuss the principles of gene therapy and how it has evolved from our understanding of the molecular basis of disease.

■ Critique different approaches in gene therapy to treat monogenic and complex diseases.

■ Explain gene editing technologies as tools for understanding gene function and as a therapeutic intervention.

■ Describe the production of genetically modified animal models and evaluate their use in the understanding of gene function.

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.