MCE5212 - Preimplantation genetic diagnosis - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL

Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Coordinator(s)

Dr Sally Catt

Unit guides

Offered

Monash Medical Centre

  • Second semester 2017 (Day)
  • Second semester 2017 (Online)

Synopsis

This unit will provide a detailed understanding of the molecular biology and genetic diagnostic techniques utilised in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) programs. Students will be taught the differences between Pre Implantation Screening (PGS) by array techniques, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of singe gene disorders and non-invasive pre-natal testing. This knowledge is enhanced by learning how biopsies are performed on embryos, how the biopsied cells are processed for the various different genetic tests, and how these tests are interpreted in a clinical setting On completion, students will possess a sound theoretical knowledge and understanding of the molecular and genetic techniques used in a clinical human genetics laboratory, and also be familiar with the different practical applications of these techniques. They will also appreciate ethical implications and societal expectation in PGS and PGD.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a sound theoretical knowledge and understanding of the techniques essential to chromosomal and molecular genetic analysis in a clinical human IVF program
  2. describe and explain the technical aspects and applications of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH)
  3. explain the applications of micro array technology and karyotyping
  4. explain the biopsy techniques performed using mouse embryos on mouse embryos
  5. determine the processes for extracting DNA from cells and develop knowledge required for carrying out PCR and genetic analysis
  6. critically and constructively analyse research papers in molecular biology and reproduction

Assessment

  • Journal review (10 minute oral presentation) (35%)
  • Peerwise (as in proposed) (5%)
  • Written examination (2.5 hours) (60%) (hurdle)

Workload requirements

12 hours contact per week (lectures, interactive tutorials, debates, self-directed study)

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

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