4 ECTS credits
104 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4007318FNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
OBJECTIVE :In parallel with the progress of the human genome sequencing project, many new genes are being identified underlying genetic diseases. Hence, a course on the identification and analysis of disease-associated human genes will be beneficial to understand future approaches in human genetics and diseases. In addition, the ability to efficiently introduce genes into cells in vitro and in animal models is essential to determine the function of these newly identified genes and the development of efficient and safe gene transfer technologies is critically important to devise new treatments and alleviate human suffering by gene therapy. Therefore the second part of this course focuses specifically on the recent developments and challenges in gene transfer and gene therapy.
CONTENT: General principles of human genetics. Localization and identification of genes responsible for genetic diseases The technology and possible applications of gene transfer and therapy.
SELF-STUDY (20%): The students have to read some chapters from the book Jorde et al., Medical Genetics as well as a research paper on human genetics.
NIHIL
The student knows and understands how disease-associated genes are identified and analysed, how the function of these genes can be investigated and how this knowledge can be used to develop efficient and safe gene transfer technologies. He/she should know and understand recent developments and challenges in gene transfer and gene therapy
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 50% of the final mark.
Written Exam determines 50% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
EVALUATION PROCEDURE : Human genetics: written preparation followed by oral examination.
Gene therapy: written examination
Since the course consists of different subcourses, i.e. human genetics and gene therapy, exams have to be taken on each subcourse. The final mark is calculated as the weighted mean of the marks of the subcourses taking the number of class hours of the subcourses into consideration. In case a mark of one of the subcourses below 10 is obtained, the mark of the course as a whole is set to 9 when the average is higher, while the real average is given when it is lower than 9.
For the first subcourse by Prof. Van Hul the grade is based on an oral examination following written preparation. One third of the score is based on a discussion of a research paper which has been read by the student before the examination.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Molecular Biology: Standaard traject
Master of Biology: Molecular and Cellular Life sciences