Course

Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment

describe the history of the development of molecular diagnostics

describe eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structures

explain the structure and function of DNA and RNA

explain semi-conservative DNA replication

explain transcription and translation

Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment

compare and contrast viral, bacterial, and human genomes

describe bacterial and human chromosome structures

characterize Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics

summarize the varying types of mutations and polymorphisms and their roles in disease

explain Epigenetic modifications of human genes

Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment

list human samples that can be used for molecular diagnostic testing

describe various methods to collect human samples for molecular diagnostic testing

describe appropriate specimen processing and transportation of samples for molecular diagnostic testing

state the proper storage of human specimens for molecular diagnostic testing

explain preanalytical variables that can impact samples used for molecular diagnostic testing

articulate the purpose of RNA and DNA extraction and isolation

outline the necessary steps involved in DNA and RNA extraction

Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment

describe the action of nucleic acid modifying enzymes

summarize the principle of nucleic acid electrophoresis

provide examples of different electrophoretic techniques and their use in a molecular diagnostics laboratory

compare and contrast western, northern, and southern blots

explain microarray technology and its use in a molecular diagnostics laboratory

describe Sanger Sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing methods in DNA sequencing

Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment

identify assay components required to amplify DNA and RNA targets

describe the phases (denaturing, annealing, and extension) of nucleic acid amplification

describe the logarithmic nature of nucleic acid amplification

evaluate how primer and target sequences affect cycling parameters

compare single target, multiplexed, quantitative, and reverse transcriptase PCR methods

describe the factors that can affect amplification of nucleic acids (storage, handling, purity, Mg+2, etc.)

identify intrinsic components of human samples that may interfere with nucleic acid amplification

describe the sources and impact of contamination and common methods used to eliminate contamination

Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment

identify assay components (e.g., intercalating dyes, probes) required to detect amplified nucleic acids

compare detection of amplified nucleic acids using endpoint and real-time PCR methodologies

explain the use of agarose gel electrophoresis, cycle threshold (Ct), and melting temperature (Tm) in endpoint and real-time PCR product analysis

compare the pros and cons of real-time PCR (closed system) and agarose gel-based end point PCR detection methods

identify the different types of probes (e.g., hydrolysis [TaqMan], FRET, molecular beacons, Plexor) used in real-time PCR methods

describe target amplification techniques

explain a PCR method used to detect a specific DNA sequence

summarize the importance of quality controls

Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment

describe ethical considerations associated with molecular testing

explain the role of molecular diagnostic testing in patient care

provide examples of clinical applications of molecular testing for inherited diseases, genetic links to cancer, infectious diseases, and pharmacogenetics