Appropriate background knowledge at level 8 of genetics and level 7 of cell biology.

Following the sequencing of the human genome, molecular medicine has become a rapidly advancing field where diseases are studied at the molecular level. In this module, you will learn the advanced principles of genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics in the context of furthering our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the diagnosis and treatment of disease. You will explore the concepts of precision medicine, including, pharmacogenomics and predictive medicine and study techniques involving manipulation and measurement of DNA, RNA and proteins.

You will also be introduced to in silico analysis and manipulation of RNA, DNA and protein sequence information (bioinformatics) and tutored in the use of online databases and tools for identification and comparison of DNA and protein sequences. Bioinformatics will form the basis of one of the summative assessments. You will take part in a series of laboratory sessions based on molecular cloning.

Through a series of lectures and tutorials, you will study the current developments that are taking place in molecular medicine and appreciate the application of techniques to areas of interest in biomedical sciences, microbiology and biotechnology. A series of practical laboratory sessions will help you gain experience in commonly employed practical techniques relating to the lecture material and will further hone your data analysis and presentation skills.

LO1: Apply knowledge of a range of ‘omics’ technologies and their applications in the field of molecular medicine.
LO2: Illustrate an understanding of how to interpret data from a wide range of techniques including; genome-wide association studies, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments, DNA methylation studies, RNA interference work and protein analysis studies.
LO3: Draw on a range of bioinformatics skills and apply in-depth knowledge to analyse genomic and proteomic sequence data.
LO4: Develop analytical and experimental laboratory skills using common molecular biology procedures.
LO5: Accurately analyse, interpret and evaluate experimentally derived data and demonstrate accurate scientific record keeping and writing skills through laboratory reports