This course is a modern survey of heredity, disease, genetics in experimental animals and humans, and molecular genetics in the diagnosis and treatment of inherited disorders. The program combines JHU research expertise in medical genetics with JAX’s unique knowledge and experience in experimental genetics using the mouse system.
For nearly 6 decades the 'McKusick Short Course' has been the most influential annual training event in medical genetics. The course was initiated by Dr. Victor McKusick and Jackson Laboratory Faculty and remains a joint effort of Jackson Laboratory and Johns Hopkins University. A large number of the more than 6,000 alumni are now leaders in their fields and have returned to teach as faculty members.
The content of the annual Short Course focuses on three areas:
The development and uses of modern techniques in bioinformatics, mathematical genetics, genome manipulation, mutagenesis and phenotyping are taught in lectures and in afternoon workshop sessions. The Short Course includes a focus on understanding the molecular basis of genetic disease, animal models of disease, treatment and therapy.