BIO5025 - Molecular Diagnostics

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

LO1 - Demonstrate an understanding of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic methods used to analyse and study human chromosomes, DNA and proteins.

LO2 - Apply understanding of molecular biology and bioinformatics in medicine.

LO3 - Apply and synthesize knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of techniques used for genetic testing for screening, diagnosis and monitoring of disease, plus associated ethical issues.

LO4 - Implement understanding of emerging technologies in personalised medicine (for example, small molecular inhibitors, antisense therapy, biopharmaceuticals, novel drug delivery systems).

Content:

This module will explore how to identify genetic mutations and polymorphisms, and how these molecular changes influence disease processes. The module will focus on the application of molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics to identify and characterise mutations. The effects of these mutations on protein structure and function, and their link to biochemical testing will also be covered. The use of genetically mutated gene products as drug targets, and their influence on personalised medicine will be addressed.

The content of this module has been mapped to the IBMS QAA Benchmark requirements for:
- Clinical Genetics (Clinical Laboratory Specialism) including genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic methods used to analyse and study human chromosomes and DNA; application of molecular biology and bioinformatics in medicine; pharmacogenetics and personalised medicine; principles and practice of techniques used for genetic testing for screening, diagnosis and monitoring of disease, and associated ethical issues.

- Bioinformatics and systems biology including analysis of high volumes of biological data, use of appropriate computational tools and algorithms.

Learning and Teaching Information:

A series of 10 x 2 hr Lectures (1 per week) covering the key concepts of Molecular Diagnostics will be delivered.
A total of 5 x 2 hr Practical sessions will be given to introduce you to key Molecular Diagnostic techniques.
A total of 10 x 1 hr Tutorials (1 per week) will be provided to support the lecture and practical content, assessments, and general wellbeing.

Lectures
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort (40)

Practical sessions
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort (40)

Tutorials
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: Max 20

Guided independent study
Hours: 110

Further detail relating to assessment

Assessment tasks are designed to measure the extent to which you have satisfied the Level Learning Outcomes for your programme. Some modules, for example where there are professional body (PSRB) requirements, will also test for module-specific skills and knowledge.

Further details of assessment are available in the Assessment Handbook for your programme and in Assessment Briefs provided by Module Tutors.

Post-lecture, tutorial and practical session activities submitted through Moodle will facilitate ongoing formative assessment opportunities via lecturer or peer feedback.

The Integrated Practical report will be set at the start of Semester 2. For this assessment you will be analysing data generated in selected practical sessions from this module, the Clinical Biochemistry module, and the Cyto & Histopathology module. The data will be analysed and related to the Clinical Biochemistry, Cytopathology, Histopathology and Molecular Diagnostics covered in the associated lectures and tutorials. The report will be submitted Mid-Semester 2.

The Molecular Diagnostic Portfolio assessment will take the form of an annotated bibliography covering five peer reviewed data papers relevant to Molecular Diagnostics. Each paper will be from a list of specified disease areas that will be provided at the start of Semester 2. Tutorial sessions will cover annotation of example papers in each of the disease areas on a weekly basis, with you advised to annotate a paper of your choice in the specified disease area during guided independent study for that week. The portfolio of all the annotated bibliographies will be collated and will be submitted End of Semester 2.

The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) professional body requires students to achieve a pass mark in all assessment components for modules that cover the clinical laboratory sciences subject areas including this one. Since laboratory practical sessions contribute towards assessments these sessions should be considered compulsory. Condonement/compensation will not be permitted for this module, which contributes significantly to the benchmark statement and has learning outcomes that cannot be evidenced elsewhere for the accreditation of the degree.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 5
Credit Value - 15
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

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