Print Syllabus

Syllabus

VM0130 Clinical genomics in veterinary medicine, 7.5 Credits

Veterinärmedicinsk klinisk genomik

Subjects

Veterinary Medicine

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0101

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G2F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

• 60 credits veterinary medicine

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.

Grading form

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.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written examination and written and oral presentation of the laboratory part. Participation in mandatory parts.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional 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.

Responsible department

Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics