MBS-661: Molecular Medicine

This course provides an in-depth foundation for understanding the relationship between molecular biology, genomics, molecular diagnostics and clinical medicine. It establishes a direct link between translational research and medical knowledge. This course delves into the molecular basis of the complex processes of human health and disease, their integration and control to translate clinical understanding into analysis at the level of the molecule, gene, chromosome and genome. Topics include organization and main characteristics of human genome and transcriptome, clinical ramifications of mutations, polymorphisms and chromosomal aberrations, molecular aspects of common diseases, such as cancer, principles of molecular diagnostics, gene therapy, personalized medicine and pharmacogenomics. Clinical relevance and application of the concepts covered in the course, as well as basic and advanced molecular methodologies used to integrate biological questions into molecular and translational medicine will be emphasized. Students will learn how molecular mechanisms drive disease, how these mechanisms are interrogated using modern technologies, and how molecular insights guide diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy along the patient care pathway. Course is designed to cover concepts that are of fundamental importance
to students transitioning to professional schools and to enable them to acquire essential skills required in clinical settings.