Appropriate knowledge at SCQF Level 7 or 8 of Molecular Biology/Genetics

Following the sequencing of the human genome, Molecular Medicine has now 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 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. 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. You will also gain an understanding, from an ethical standpoint, of the implications of advanced molecular approaches such as the concept of personalised medicine and genome manipulation in embryo editing, synthetic biology and biohacking.

LO1: Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the complex features of genome organisation.
LO2: Apply knowledge of a range of ‘omics’ technologies and their applications in the field of Molecular Medicine.
LO3: Illustrate an understanding of how to interpret and discuss data from a wide range of techniques.
LO4: Employ a range of bioinformatics skills and apply in-depth knowledge to analyse genomic and proteomic sequence data.
LO5: Appreciate the arising ethical implications of predictive medicine, personalised medicine and embryo-editing technologies.