Learning Outcomes
The basic principles of Molecular Diagnostics, its applications and prospects are presented, emphasizing on cancer diagnosis. Through the presentation of selected research papers, students acquire experience in presenting scientific work and developing a project. They will also be able to possess knowledge that will help them understand the key diagnostic problems, established approaches, and recent and emerging methods. In addition, the application of established diagnostic tools merged with modern approaches of Molecular Diagnostics is presented from the perspective of the clinician, who is called upon to make decisions regarding the treatment of diseases. The latter integrates knowledge into a broader interdisciplinary environment, relevant to their field of knowledge, while highlighting social and ethical dimensions of issues related to the personalized approach to treating a disease, in this case, a type of cancer. Based on the previous, the purpose of the course is a brief introduction to mechanisms of carcinogenesis, the presentation of Molecular Diagnostics and the highlighting of the possibilities and prospects in the treatment of various types of cancer.
Upon successful completion of the course, the student has become able to understand the knowledge that will be communicated by the above areas. Specifically,
- to know the subject of Molecular Diagnostics and understand the main techniques, as well as their combinations,
- to understand the importance of classifying cancer types, their early diagnosis, as well as to formulate judgments for the selection of optimal techniques for diagnosis and prognosis,
- to understand and use methods of analysis of data related to techniques for diagnosis and prognosis.
- To reflect on the use of laboratory animals in research
- To acquire learning skills to continue their studies independently and autonomously.
Course Content
- Mechanisms of carcinogenesis – oncogenes
- Metabolism and cancer
- Gene expression and its role in carcinogenesis
- Introduction to Molecular Diagnostics
- Non-coding RNA and innovative diagnostic approaches
- Molecular Diagnostics and applications in clinical oncology: the example of lung cancer.
Student Evaluation
Course performance is assessed by written examinations on the syllabus and an oral presentation of a selected research article/topic related to the module. The topics include multiple choice questions, short answer questions and critical justification of the answers. All lecturers assign research articles for presentation based on the number of students. The grading of the oral presentation is done by the lecturer who assigned the assignment and the course coordinator.
All lectures and suggested articles related to the course are posted on the Eclass platform.
Recommended Bibliography
- Molecular Diagnostics. Patrinos G., Ansorge W. Parisianou Scientific Publications, 2008.
- Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer. Roulston J., Bartlett J. Humana Press, 2004.
Related scientific journals: