Course Tutors
The purpose of this course is to teach students, both at a theoretical and practical level, methods that facilitate the understanding of Biology, with emphasis on Genetics and Developmental Disorders, by utilizing the appropriate resources and laboratories of the Department of Biomedical Sciences.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will:
- Be informed about the biology and genetics of developmental disorders.
- Recognize the role and importance of prenatal screening for genetic diseases related to developmental disorders and learning difficulties.
- Possess proven knowledge and understanding that is based on and enhances aspects related to the neurobiological basis of human behavior.
- Be trained in the reading and use of genetic techniques (and their new applications) as a biological tool. At the same time, they will acquire the background necessary for understanding learning difficulties.
- Be able to use their knowledge and skills to identify genetic diseases associated with learning difficulties.
General Competences
- Searching, analyzing, and synthesizing data and information, using the necessary technologies.
- Teamwork.
- Respect for diversity and multiculturalism.
COURSE CONTENT
- Basic principles of Genetics – Sex determination.
- Study of human chromosomes.
- Genome replication.
- Haplotypes, genetic linkage, and recombination.
- Mutations and DNA repair.
- Molecular phylogenetics.
- Learning difficulties – Definitions – Basic Concepts.
- Genetics of learning difficulties – Heritability.
- Speech and language difficulties.
- Written language difficulties.
- Mathematical reasoning difficulties.
- Other difficulties – visuomotor disorders.
- Autism – Genetics – Vaccines.