Molecular Diagnostics

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the principles of clinical molecular diagnostics, the use of molecular techniques to diagnose disease, quality assurance in the molecular lab and DNA based tissue typing.

Learning Outcomes

  • Compare and contrast DNA and RNA, including their structure, function, duplication, regulation, extraction, resolution and detection.
  • Define the term ‘nucleic acid amplification.’
  • Explain the process of DNA sequencing.
  • Describe chromosomal structure.
  • List methods used to detect chromosomal mutations.
  • Explain how genetic principles apply to the transmission of disease.
  • Describe the laboratory techniques used to detect: microorganisms, inherited disease, DNA polymorphisms, neoplastic processes, DNA based tissue typing.
  • Outline the quality assurance process required in a molecular diagnostic laboratory.

Prerequisites

Recommended: Prior completion of

  • BIO162
  • CHE142

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