Course Title: Molecular Genetics and Diagnostics

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Molecular Genetics and Diagnostics

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ONPS2639

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Danielle Kibell

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7401

Course Coordinator Email: danielle.kibell@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.


Course Description

This course will allow you to develop your theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of molecular genetics and diagnostics. In particular, the focus will be on genetic/genomic variation in disease and the impact of new technologies in this area. The syllabus is covered in a program of lectures, practical exercises, interactive tutorial workshops and computer-based activities designed to promote active learning and facilitate the acquisition of knowledge in the area of molecular genetics, genomics and the applications in diagnostics and medical research. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for MC158 Master of Laboratory Medicine:

  • PLO 1. Knowledge Capability: Understand fundamental theoretical and practical concepts of molecular genetics and diagnostic tools with the ability to use and apply the knowledge in problem solving and critical analysis.
  • PLO 2. Technical Capability: Ability to apply a range of diagnostic technologies and methodologies relevant to the fields of molecular pathology. These methodologies will identify genomic/genetic changes in health and disease, use logical and systematic thinking to solve problems with diagnostic techniques and procedures, and apply analytical skills in data management.
  • PLO 3. Professional Work Practices: Contribute to academic and professional work settings through self-directed, independent work and interpersonal skills which support constructive interactions with individuals and teams.

MC111 Master of Biotechnology:

  • PLO 1. Understanding Science: Understand fundamental theoretical and practical concepts of molecular genetics and diagnostic tools.
  • PLO 3. Application of Knowledge and Skills: Ability to apply a range of diagnostic technologies and methodologies relevant to the fields of molecular pathology and in problem solving and critical analysis of data.
  • PLO 5. Personal and Professional Responsibility: Contribute to academic and professional work settings through responsible, self-directed, independent work and interpersonal skills which support constructive interactions with individuals and teams.


On successful completion of this course you should be able to:

  1. Explain in detail the structure and organisation of genes, chromosomes and the human genome.
  2. Evaluate and detect various mutations and genetic abnormalities which can result in genetic diseases.
  3. Propose the use of appropriate molecular techniques for identification of gene modification/s for detection of human diseases.
  4. Critique the role of current molecular techniques in diagnostic pathology testing by considering the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques.
  5. Demonstrate competency in executing a range of molecular genetic techniques and critically analyse the experimental results.
  6. Assess the ethical considerations in the context of molecular testing. 


Overview of Learning Activities

The lectures in this course will provide students with comprehensive coverage of fundamental principles of the various topic areas. The practical program is designed to acquaint you with a number of technologies in the laboratory and in the use of bioinformatics software and genomic databases. The interactive tutorial workshops are designed to assist students in gaining a better understanding of how to use bioinformatics and molecular diagnostic/research tools, and provide formative feedback to students in an engaging way to promote active learning of course material. In this course, you are required to access independent learning materials on the RMIT Learning Management System.

Over the semester, students will participate and engage in lecture sessions, practical classes and interactive tutorial workshops. Independent study will be required during the semester.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1:Workshop / Laboratory assessments
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 

Assessment Task 2:Mid-semester assessment
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6 

Assessment Task 3:Bioinformatics assignment
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 6 

 

Assessment Task 4:End of semester Exam
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.