BIOL 226 Principles of Molecular Diagnostics

5 credits

This course provides an overview of fundamental principles of molecular diagnostics and explores the use of molecular techniques in disease diagnostics. Topics to be covered include: DNA replication, isolation, transcription, gene expression and regulation, recombinant DNA and RNA techniques, and DNA amplification such as QPCR and hybridization techniques used in infectious disease diagnosis. Course includes laboratory.

Prerequisites: BIOL& 160 or BIOL& 211

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Apply knowledge of cellular structure, especially DNA and RNA, to molecular procedures
Explain the basic principles of modern genetics as they apply to disease transmission
Evaluate methods for analysis and characterization of nucleic acids and proteins
Analyze chromosomal structure and mutations
Apply methods to detect mutations
Explain nucleic acid extraction, resolution, and detection
Analyze the most commonly utilized molecular diagnostic testing protocols
Analyze techniques used in a molecular diagnostics lab to detect: DNA polymorphisms, microorganisms, inherited diseases, neoplastic diseases, and DNA-based tissue typing

Total Hours: 70 Lecture Hours: 30 Lab or Clinical Hours: 40