Molecular Epidemiology, 7.5 credits

Contents

Molecular Epidemiological studies, and evaluation of these, are becoming increasingly important both in academia and industry. Molecular epidemiology is for example an important tool in the development of personalized medicine. With focus on different biological measurement approaches and epidemiological study designs, this course describes how molecular and epidemiological methods can be used to understand biological processes and infer disease mechanisms. The course also describes how molecular epidemiology can be used to identify new biomarkers and evaluate their clinical usefulness.

The course will highlight advantages and disadvantages of different epidemiological study designs and provides basic knowledge of the statistical methods used in molecular epidemiological studies

The following modules are included in the course:

Theory, 3.5 credits

Computer labs, 2 credits

Group project, 1 credits

Discussions, 0.5 credits

Project-based working methods, 0.5 credits

Expected learning outcomes

After completing this course, students are expected to show the ability to:
*Knowledge and understanding:*

Students must be able to

• Relate a study's statistical power to its feasibility and result interpretation.
• Evaluate the possibility of different methods and study designs to provide information about causal inference.
• Understand the differences between different biomarkers and evaluate their characteristics
• Show knowledge and understanding for project-based working methods.

Skills and ability

Students must be able to

• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of different study designs and experimental methods used in molecular epidemiological studies.
• Design, conduct basic statistical analysis, and interpret results from a molecular epidemiology study.
• Evaluate how different omics technologies can be used as molecular tools in epidemiological studies.

Judgement and approach

Students must be able to

• Critically discuss the ethical aspects of using large quantities of biological data collected from human subjects, and have an understanding of the balance between sharing data and protecting the personal integrity of study subjects.

Required Knowledge

60 ECTS from completed courses in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Laboratory Science, Medicine, or Molecular Biology, including at least 5 ECTS Classical Genetics; Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.

Form of instruction

Lectures and self-study are combined with seminars, computer exercises, and a group project. The course includes compulsory components in the form of group discussions, seminars, and computer exercises.

Instruction may be given in English.

Examination modes

The theoretical part of the course will be examined at the end of the course through an individual written exam in an exam hall. Computer exercises and discussion seminars will be examined in a group setting with individual evaluation and to obtain a passing grade active participation is required. Active participation is defined as when the student contributes with individual thoughts, reflections and questions, and includes that the student tries to answer questions asked to them or their group.

At the final written exam one of the following grades will be awarded: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), or Fail (U). For the remaining modules, either a Pass or Fail grade will be awarded.

To obtain the grade Pass at the written examination the final score needs to be at least 60% of the maximum obtainable score and the presented facts need to be mainly correct and related to the question, as well as integrated into a reasoning context. To obtain the grade Pass with distinction at the written examination the final score needs to be at least 80% of the maximum obtainable score and the presented facts need to be correct and the contents clearly related to the question without containing any irrelevant facts. When applicable, concrete facts shall be integrated within a reasoning context demonstrating a deeper understanding. Exception from the score limits (60 and 80%) can be made under exceptional circumstances.

To obtain the grade Pass on the full course a passing grade needs to have been obtained at the written exam and other modules.

To obtain the grade Pass with distinction on the full course the requirements for the passing grade needs to be fulfilled and in addition the Pass with distinction grade needs to have been obtained at the written exam.

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student’s needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination – and have received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator at the Student Services Office for students with disabilities – must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Other regulations

This course overlaps with course 3MD008 and cannot therefore be included in a degree together with that course.

Transitional provisions

In the event that a course has been terminated or that a new syllabus has replaced the previous one, students shall be guaranteed at least three examinations (including the ordinary examination) according to the previous syllabus for a maximum period of two years from the time when the previous syllabus expired or the course was no longer offered.