BIOL 663 - Genetics of Human Disease

(3 units)

In this problem and discussion-based course, students will learn to apply basic principles of genetics to understand human health and disease. Topics include: patterns of inheritance, common genetic disorders, genetic testing, neonatal screening, cancer genetics, gene therapy, pharmacogenomics, personalized medicine, and ethics. This course is designed for students interested in applying genetics to clinical practice, teaching, or research in human health, and to their own health and wellness.

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Fall

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. draw a multi-generational pedigree from a detailed family history.
2. demonstrate familiarity with 21 Common Genetic Disorders (Genetics/Cell Biology/Biochemistry/Physiology and Diagnosis, Prognosis, Progression and Treatment).
3. demonstrate proficiency in solving Genetics problems (Risk of recurrence and carrier status, for 10 Patterns of Inheritance and Complications).
4. explain basic principles and describe examples of current clinical practices in Medical Genetics (linkage analysis, Genetic testing, Genomic medicine, Gene therapy, Pharmacogenetics, Ethics).
5. prepare and present an educational presentation for a novel genetic disorder.
6. evaluate other students’ presentations and provide constructive feedback.
7. identify questions that remain in the genetics diseases explored, and explore how these are currently being investigated.
8. describe basic elements of a Clinical Trial.
9. review a preclinical “proof of concept” study.

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