Students interested in this course should e-mail Dr. Osborne or Dr. Scherer with a summary of their background in molecular biology and genetics.

This course should encourage students to develop an approach to the genetic analysis, investigation and treatment of human disease. It will be a required course for IMS students wishing to graduate from the Molecular Medicine Training Program at the University of Toronto.

Introduction to molecular approaches:  Students will be introduced to useful tools and concepts that enable the study of a wide spectrum of human diseases. These include such topics as: population identification; sample collection; genome scanning with subsequent linkage analysis; mutation detection methods; and the use of animal models.

Specific examples of the genetics of human disease:   In the body of the course, a series of 28 lectures will cover the genetic analysis of specific diseases. Lecturers will be encouraged to discuss: a brief description of the disease they intend to cover (eg: the basic clinical presentation and pathophysiology); the approach to the study of this disease; and the molecular changes that occur. Integration with animal models and the potential for human gene therapy will be encouraged. Each lecture will provide an example of the application of molecular tools to the investigation of a specific human disease. Lecturers will provide weekly reading assignments.

The student will be required to identify a preceptor within the first term of the course to assist in the preparation of a final project proposal that discusses the genetic analysis of a specific human disease (due late April).  Preceptors must be a graduate faculty member with expertise in molecular genetics (not a current thesis supervisor) with peer-reviewed support. Students often choose their preceptors from the course lecturers, but are not restricted to these individuals. The preceptor will assist the student in the analysis of the problem and in the preparation of the proposal.  While the preceptor will act in an advisory capacity, the student must carry out the initial problem identification and the preparation of the proposal.  Considerable latitude will be allowed in the choice of project, preceptor and approach to the disease.

The weekly course lectures will be complemented by the Molecular Medicine Distinguished Lecture series held once a month at The Hospital for Sick Children. Attendance at this lecture series will be mandatory.

Prerequisites/Restrictions:  Students must have satisfied the course coordinators that he/she has a sufficient background in molecular biology and genetics to absorb the course material. This course will initially be restricted to 15 students; preference will be given to IMS students.

Grading:  A letter grade will be assigned.

2006/2007 Lectures

• Other Course offerings

  	Course ID	Description	Instructor(s)
  	MSC2020H	Diagnostic & Therapeutic Strategies in Genomic Medicine	Dr. Steve Meyn