Advanced Genetics

Extension of Genetics further explore the molecular basis of inheritance, variation and regulation of gene expression (previously acquired in Genetics, first course) by studying gene structure and function at the molecular level. Therefore, involves the so-called Molecular Genetics area.
The study of molecular structure of genomes reveals a surprising diversity between organisms, launching a debate on the role for DNA sequences arrangement in phenotype or even in their evolution. Studying transcription and translation mechanisms at the molecular level allows identification of relevant factors (sequences, proteins and other molecules) involved in those processes and unravels the diverse mechanisms for gene expression regulation that modify in quantity and/or activity gene products in response to environmental changes or different stages of cell/organism cycle.
At the professional level, Molecular Genetics is crucial in areas such molecular diagnosis, clinical laboratory, human reproduction or gene therapy, as well as in biotechnological applications for improvement of animal, plants and industrial production.

This subject is supported by the previous knowledge acquired by the student in the subjects of Genetics and Biochemistry in the first year, and Microbiology in the second year, and it is complemented by Molecular Techniques, also in the third year, mainly in the description of techniques for isolation, manipulation and analysis of nucleic acids. Those relationships are also important for the Applied Genetics subject in fourth year, where knowledge acquired in Extension Genetics is the basis for understand Molecular Genetics medical and industrial applications.

Course will consist of 60hrs of in class work and 90 hrs of independent work outside the classroom.

Course includes computer practicals and a lab component.