Course Title: Molecular Basis of Disease

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Molecular Basis of Disease

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
MEDS1138	Bundoora Campus	Postgraduate	160H Medical Sciences	Internet	Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014

Course Coordinator: Dr. Ronda Greaves

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925-7080

Course Coordinator Email: ronda.greaves@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 223.2.15

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

There are no pre-requisite courses for this course. The assumed knowledge and capabilities of students enrolling in this course are the knowledge and capabilities associated with undergraduate programs in the biological/biomedical sciences.

Course Description

This course is designed for practicing medical scientists and will acquaint them with some of the major advances in the use of molecular techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of disease in humans. It also examines the genetic basis of those diseases and how they may have arisen.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Upon successful completion of the course, you should:

1. be able to demonstrate an understanding of key concepts of the molecular basis of genetic diseases.

2. be able to demonstrate an understanding of the techniques that are currently used to diagnose and characterise genetic diseases.

3. be able to demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and social issues associated with genetic testing.

Capabilities

Having studied this course it is expected that you will be able to demonstrate the following capabilities:

1. You will have knowledge and understanding of the key molecular mechanisms responsible for genetic diseases.
2. You will be have understanding of the latest technologies employed in the study of genetic diseases.
3. You will be aware and sensitive to the ethical and social issues of genetic testing.
 

Overview of Learning Activities

The syllabus is designed to facilitate online acquisition of knowledge which extends to the leading edge of the discipline. Through electronic group discussions and use of other flexible learning tools, student critical thinking, scientific communication skills and teamwork will be developed.

Overview of Learning Resources

Online resources which cover most of the topic material will be available. Additional textbook references will be available for additional support.
Students will be required to continually monitor a wide range of journals to ensure the currency of their knowledge in this field.
 

Overview of Assessment

Students will be assessed on electronically submitted written assignments and participation in online conference discussions. An additional assessment task involves maintenance of an electronic learning journal detailing learning experiences and activities.