We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Causes of Human Disease

Exploring Cancer and Genetic Disease

Phil Burns, Michael Routledge, and Heiko Wurdak

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in the science behind causes of human disease. No previous knowledge or experience is required. If you are working in nursing, healthcare or social care, or just wish to learn more, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time. You can use the hashtag #FLgeneticsdisease to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

The chemical structure of DNA, genes and chromosomes.
The importance of DNA in understanding the causes of genetic diseases.
DNA replication and cell reproduction.
The role of genes and proteins in controlling the activities of the cell and the cell cycle.
How genes and chromosomes can be permanently altered when mistakes happen during DNA replication.
The wide variety of different agents that can cause cancer.
The differences between normal cells and cancer cells.
Causes of genetic disease.
Different types of genetic diseases and how they may arise.

Enroll now

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Exploring cancer and genetic disease causes

According to learners, this course provides a largely positive introduction to the causes of human disease, focusing on cancer and genetic factors. Students particularly appreciated the clear explanations of complex topics like DNA, genes, and cell processes, making it highly suitable for those with limited or no prior scientific background. Many found the lectures engaging and the content well-structured, providing a solid foundational overview. However, some reviewers noted that while it offers a good starting point, the course content can be too basic for those with existing knowledge in biology or healthcare, lacking the depth needed for advanced understanding or professional application beyond a general refresher.

Covers key causes of disease broadly.

"It covers the basics well. Instructor is knowledgeable."

"Provided a good overview of both genetic diseases and factors contributing to cancer."

"The topics covered were exactly as described and gave me a good foundation."

"I appreciated learning about both the genetic and environmental causes."

Instructors explain topics effectively.

"The lectures were engaging and kept my attention throughout the course."

"Found the way the material was presented in the videos really easy to follow."

"Instructors are knowledgeable and present the content clearly."

"I enjoyed the teaching style of the presenters."

Accessible and suitable for those new to the topic.

"Excellent introduction, clearly explained complex genetics and cancer concepts. Great for someone with limited biology background."

"Suitable for anyone with a general interest in the science behind causes of human disease. No previous knowledge or experience is required."

"This is a perfect course for absolute beginners in genetics and cell biology."

"I learned a lot starting from scratch. They assume no prior knowledge."

Complex topics are made easy to understand.

"The course content was well presented and explained in easy to understand terms, particularly in relation to DNA."

"Very clear explanations of complex topics like genetics and cell division. Excellent for beginners."

"Found the way they broke down DNA structure and gene function really helped solidify my understanding."

"I had very little science background, but the instructors explained everything so clearly."

May be too basic if you have prior knowledge.

"Solid course, covers the basics well... A bit simplistic if you already have a science degree, but a good refresher."

"Okay course. Content is introductory, good for absolute beginners. Found it lacked depth in some areas, especially genetic testing implications."

"Too basic, wasted my time. If you know anything about biology, skip this."

"I was hoping for more advanced information, but it only scratched the surface."

Career center

Learners who complete Causes of Human Disease: Exploring Cancer and Genetic Disease will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Causes of Human Disease: Exploring Cancer and Genetic Disease.

Molecular Biology of the Cell

Save

Classic textbook of molecular biology, covering all aspects of the field.

Causes of Human Disease

Topics Covered

Save this course

Reviews summary

Exploring cancer and genetic disease causes

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses

Futurelearn Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Free Access on Short Courses

14-Day Cooling-Off Refund Window

Verified Academic & Industry Partner