Required in stage
First term
Second term
Both terms
Not organised
This year
Next year
Alternating years
External
Prerequisites
Taught by
Language of instruction
Duration
Identical coursesAims
To gain knowledge and insight in the genetic causes of congenital and acquired disorders. To gain insight in the possibilities of genetic diagnostics ( pre-implantation, prenatal, postnatal) and genetic counseling. In addition, students have an idea of the ethical implications.
Previous knowledge
Basic knowledge of molecular biology and cell biology
Is included in these courses of study
- Postgraduate Studies in Pharmaceutical Research (Leuven) 60 ects.
- Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Leuven)
- Master in de farmaceutische zorg (Leuven) 120 ects.
- Master in de geneesmiddelenontwikkeling (Leuven) 120 ects.
- Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Leuven et al) 120 ects.
- Master in de klinische biologie (programma voor studenten gestart in 2023-2024 of later) (Leuven) 180 ects.
Activities
3 ects. Genetics (B-KUL-K07C9a)
Content
Basic principles of inheritance
Mendelian inheritance, dominant and recessive features and defects.
Non-Mendelian in heritance: epigenetic factors and imprinting
Multifactor disorders
Polymorphisms, theory of evolution
Molecular basis of mono-gene disorders
Point mutations, deletions, inserions, inversions, intrachromosomal rearrangements and gene conversions.
Trinucleotide expansions
Somatic versus germinal mutations and germline mosaicism
Mucoviscidose
Chromosomal aberrations
Aneuploïdie, polyploïdie (uniparental), disomies, trisomies, mosaicism, chimeres, …phenotypical implications are illustrated using exmples.
Numeric alterations in sex chromosomes
Translocations
Down syndrome
The sex chromosomes
X chromosome : X chromosome linked monogenetic disorders
Y chromsome : phylogenetic origin
The mitochondrial genome
Molecular base of cancer, family cancers
Breast cancer
Colon cancer
Knudson hypothesis
Somatic mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes
Difference between diagnostic and predictive genetic research
Prenatal genetic research
Pre-implantation diagnostics
Expanded genetic carrier screening
Ethical considerations concerning genetic resarch
Course material
Slides available in Toledo.
Format: more information
Attending courses
Assignment
Evaluation
Evaluation: Genetics (B-KUL-K27C9a)
Explanation
The exam will be based on what has been discussed in every course. Students will have to answer 4-6 open questions about different aspects of genetics. Those questions will be graded on 18 (out of 20 in total). Additionally, students will be given 4-6 multiple choice questions (no correction for guessing) which will evaluate their knowledge and insights on the course content. Students will be expected to gain a true insight in genetics, rather than to study by heart.