Revised 08/2022

MDL 243 - Introduction to Clinical Molecular Diagnostics (2 CR.)

Course Description

Provides the fundamentals of genetics and inheritance along with an overview of the basic principles of clinical molecular diagnostics. Discusses the use of common molecular techniques in the diagnosis of disease.

Lecture 2 hours per week. Total 2 hours per week

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the basics concepts and techniques used in molecular diagnostics. Topic to be covered include: history of molecular concepts; nucleic acid function and structure; human genetics; DNA structure; nucleic acid isolation; identification and amplification techniques; and components of a clinical molecular diagnostics laboratory.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Students must be enrolled in the second year of the Medical Laboratory Technology AAS degree program. Completion of the first-year core courses with a grade of “C” or better or receive program director approval.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Describe chromosome function and structure
  • Discuss the basic principles of genetics
  • Describe the structure and purpose of nucleotides and how they relate to amino acid formation
  • Describe chromosomal structure mutations
  • Describe methods for nucleic acid extraction and detection
  • Discuss the amplification of DNA and RNA
  • Summarize techniques used in the molecular diagnostics laboratory
  • List and describe the methods for analysis and characterization of nucleic acids and proteins
  • State the required quality assurance and quality control measures required in a molecular diagnostics laboratory

Major Topics to Be Included

  • History of Molecular diagnostics
  • Chromosome Structure and Function
  • Nucleic Acid Structure and Organization
  • Nucleic Acid Physiology and Regulation
  • Genetic Alterations & Mutations
  • Nucleic Acid Isolation
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification
  • Nucleic Acid Identification
  • Restriction Enzymes and Hybridization Techniques
  • Electrophoresis
  • DNA Sequencing
  • Specimen Collection and Handling & Quality Assurance Issues in the Molecular Lab
  • Molecular testing of Infectious Disease and Microorganisms
  • Molecular Oncology