Medical and forensic genetics

Advances in DNA sequencing and gene editing technologies are leading to rapid improvements in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease. These developments are paving the way towards a future of personalised medicine, where each individual is managed according to their specific genetic make-up.  This unit explores the theoretical basis and application of genetic and genomic approaches to both medicine and forensics. Topics include genetic screening, clinical diagnostics, gene mapping, molecular pathology, genetic multi-factorial disease, gene therapy and DNA profiling. The impact and ethics of recent genetic advances on both the individual and society will be discussed. Practical sessions will include mapping of disease loci and its application to risk analysis, critical examination of recent literature, investigation of genetic disorders, genetic testing for disease mutations, and forensic profiling.