Catalog description: This
course will investigate advanced concepts of human genetics, emphasizing novel
genetic mechanisms and applications to medicine.
Expanded description and explanation: This
course will provide a framework for understanding advanced concepts of human
genetics, to complement and build on the content of GMS 6012 (Human Genetics I).
The format will be literature discussions of novel genetic situations,
mechanisms, and research tools in human genetics, so that students completing
both 6012 and 6015 modules will have a solid understanding of the major aspects
of, and tools in, human genetics. The
course will employ study of specific human conditions to illustrate the
concepts.
Evaluation of student performance: Students
are evaluated based predominantly on their participation in class
discussions/presentations of scientific publications.
A small portion of the grade may be based on a written assignment. Attendance is mandatory.
In cases of emergencies or illness, the student is required to get
approval from Dr. Wallace for the absent class time.
Faculty: Dr.
Margaret Wallace will be the course director.
She will be assisted by faculty from the UF Health Science Center whom
are experts in human genetics.
Summary of Planned Topics:
Genetic susceptibility in complex traits, mRNA Splicing and editing as a genetic modifier, cancer genetics, genetic heterogeneity in disease, prenatal/pre-implantation genetics, mutation effects at protein levels.
Assigned readings: Original
papers to be discussed will be assigned by the faculty.
The major reference for basic concepts is "Human Molecular
Genetics", by Strachan and Read, 2nd ed. (Wiley-Liss).
Subsequent semesters: In
subsequent semesters, discoveries/mechanisms/concepts which emerge from the
literature may be introduced. Repeat
of a module will only be allowed by consent of instructor, based on overlap with
previous years’ content.
updated 5-5-03 WTM