Biomedical and Health Sciences: Applied Molecular Biology

Introduces students to the nucleic acid and protein-based molecular diagnostics technology through class presentation, reading, and discussions. Focuses on diagnostic applications for understanding molecular mechanisms of disease. Prerequisite: CHEM 1580 or CHEM 2580.

MLS students must take lecture and lab (BHSC 3820 A); Med. diag. minor students need lecture only; Open to Degree and PACE students; Prereqs enforced by the system: CHEM 1580 or CHEM 2580; Colocated with BHSC 5810.

This course is designed to introduce students to the nucleic acid and protein -based molecular diagnostics technology through class presentation, reading, and discussions. The course will focus on the molecular mechanisms of human diseases and how applied molecular technology assists in diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. The course has a companion laboratory course (BHSC 3820), which will provide students an opportunity to perform some of the techniques covered in the lecture.

This is an upper level course and and students are expected to be fully engaged during class sessions. Coming to class prepared, having completed the assigned readings and formulating questions, will allow for a more enriched classroom experience for all. At the completion of this course students should be able to: 1. Understand the fundamental elements of molecular biology and genetics and apply this understanding to diagnostic applications. 2. Describe the theories and methodologies of common clinical laboratory diagnostic applications. 3. Describe the diagnostic method for both nucleic acid and protein-based analysis as appropriate for different clinical applications. 4. Describe the principles and procedures for nucleic acid isolation, quantitation, and quality control. 5. Describe the principles of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based detection of RNA and DNA. 6. Understand the uses for both classical and modern methods for DNA sequencing. 7. Compare and contrast the advantages and limitations of different molecular diagnostic techniques. 8. Discuss the molecular mechanisms of human diseases, in the context of clinical significance and describe the importance of laboratory procedures in diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Students will be evaluated through a variety of assessments which may include lecture exams (one per each unit), weekly quizzes, assignments, class participation, and a final written project.