Molecular Epidemiology and Population genetics

Course Code:

MBS 7213

Course Credit Units:

2

Semester:

Semester 2

Year of Study:

Year 1

Undergraduate or Graduate Level:

Graduate Level

Academic Programs:

Master of Science In Molecular Biology And Biotechnology

College:

College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Bio-security

School:

School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources

Department:

Veterinary Parasitology and Microbiology

Course Discipline:

science

Course Description & Objectives:

Molecular epidemiology focuses on the contribution of potential genetic and environmental risk factors, identified at the molecular level, to the cause, distribution and prevention of disease within and across populations. The course is centered on the in-depth knowledge of health related states or events in specified populations and its application in disease investigations and mitigation. Objectives:

To introduce students to the basic molecular epidemiological principles and features of molecular epidemiological research
To provide students with the latest information in scientific molecular epidemiological approaches
To provide advanced knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking appropriate for the application of molecular epidemiology and population genetics in solving health related events.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this course, the student should be able to:

Distinguish between conventional and molecular epidemiology in terms of focus, investigative tools, study approaches and factors influencing outcomes
Demonstrate the molecular biomarkers applied in molecular epidemiological investigations, their selection and pivotal role in understanding health states and scientific applications in diagnostics, assessing disease progression and / or cure.
Clearly show the role of molecular evolution in population dynamics leading to the emergence of new agents/species/strains or microbes, changes of vector populations and competence and how this genetic diversification can be viewed phylogenetically and applied scientifically.
Demonstrate important markers for genetic relationships within and between populations and methods applied for delineating genetic relationships among individuals and groups.