Clinical genomics in veterinary medicine
Course description
The aim of the course is to give knowledge about the composition and function of the genomes of domestic animals, as well as the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in development of disease, malformations and developmental disorders.
Entry Requirements
or
• 60 credits animal science
or
• 60 credits biology
or
• 60 credits medicine
or
• 60 credits biomedicine
or
• 60 credits biotechnology
or
• 60 credits veterinary nursing
and 4,5 credits genetics.
Exemption granted from the general entry requirement of Swedish.
Course facts
VM0130, Clinical genomics in veterinary medicine, 7.5 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: PN-VH, 2024-04-23
Valid from : Spring semester 2025 (2025-01-20)
Level
First cycle (G2F)
Main field of study
Veterinary Medicine
Grading Scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
or
• 60 credits animal science
or
• 60 credits biology
or
• 60 credits medicine
or
• 60 credits biomedicine
or
• 60 credits biotechnology
or
• 60 credits veterinary nursing
and 4,5 credits genetics.
Exemption granted from the general entry requirement of Swedish.
Objectives
The aim of the course is to give knowledge about the composition and function of the genomes of domestic animals, as well as the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in development of disease, malformations and developmental disorders.
On completion of the course the student should be able to:
- describe the structure and function of genomes of domestic animals and explain basic concepts for gene expression and how disturbance of gene expression can increase the risk of disease,
- describe the clinical significance of epigenetic signatures and methods for their analysis,
- account for the significance of different genetic factors for the onset of hereditary diseases and the genetic variation of normal traits,
- account for mitochondrial inheritance and describe related diseases,
- describe genetic and epigenetic factors in the development of cancer,
- account for methods for molecular genetic diagnostics and its implementation,
- describe cloning, transgenic animals, genetic modification and gene therapy,
- discuss ethical aspects of genetics, molecular genetics and genetic modification,
- search and summarize scientific articles on veterinary genetics, molecular genetics and clinical genomics.
Content
The course deals with gene structure, chromatin structure, regulation of gene expression, different types of mutations and chromosome changes, damage to the DNA sequence and its repair. Methods for identifying genetic and epigenetic risk factors and diagnosing them, including clinical sequencing are included. The course aims to give an overview of various current molecular medical techniques and give examples of interpretations of results from these. The course also deals with cloning, transgenic animals and techniques for genetic modification, e.g. CRISPR / Cas9.
An introduction to bioinformatics is given during the course and associated exercises show how information about genes, genome and epigenome can be obtained from different databases. Implementation of diagnostic tests in breeding programs will also be addressed as well as ethical aspects related to clinical diagnostics.
The teaching takes place in the form of lectures, computer exercises, group discussions and laboratory work. Computer exercises and laboratory work are mandatory.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Passed written examination and written and oral presentation of the laboratory part. Participation in mandatory parts.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Animal Biosciences
Supplementary information
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 7.5 | 0101 |
The Course Replaces
VM0116
Other Information
Teachin within the course is given online. The requirement of 4.5 credits genetics can be fulfilled by passed courses
- Biomedicinsk baskurs och Populationsmedicin, eller
- Avel 1, eller
- Avel 2, eller
- Basic Animal Breeding and Genetics
It is recommended that the student has knowledge about basic genetic mechanisms (structure of the genome, replication, transcription), RNA-processing, translation, regulation of gene expression, and basic epigenetic mechanisms, basic genetics and population genetics.