2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL5207M Medical Diagnostics

15 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Prof. Aysha Divan
Email: a.divan@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

A first degree in biological sciences

Module replaces

BIOL5276M - Medical Diagnostics

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the current molecular tests used to diagnose three major areas of human disease including infectious disease, hereditary disease and oncology in a clinical setting as well as provide an overview of the role of genome and proteome scale analysis in disease diagnostics and its future potential.

Objectives

The objectives are to provide:
- A comprehensive understanding of the current molecular tests used to diagnose three major areas of human disease including infectious disease, hereditary disease and oncology;
- An overview of the role of genome and proteome scale analysis in disease diagnostics and its future potential;
- An overview of the quality systems involved in the introduction of diagnostic tests in a clinical laboratory.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Evaluate the techniques used in diagnosing bacterial, viral and fungal infections including culture techniques, microscopy, immunological testing, DNA and RNA analyses;
2. Evaluate the techniques used to diagnose a range of chromosomal abnormalities including FISH, RT-PCR, microarrays and sequencing;
3. Review current molecular biomarkers and tumour specific assays in solid tumour testing;
4. Evaluate the potential of genome and proteome scale analysis, particularly in relation to biomarker discovery and their role in disease diagnostics;
5. Critically appraise the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic methodology and the quality systems involved in the introduction of new diagnostic approaches into a clinical setting.

Syllabus

This module will cover techniques used to diagnose disease and decide which therapies will work best for individuals. Three major areas of human disease will be covered including infectious disease, hereditary disease and oncology. Both ‘traditional’ and novel methods of diagnosis will be discussed including PCR, immunological testing, FISH, microarrays, sequencing and the use of medical biosensors. In addition, the potential of genome and proteome scale analysis, particularly in relation to biomarker discovery and their role in disease diagnostics will be covered. Some of these sessions will be delivered by external speakers and hence will also provide an understanding of how a (industrial) career can be built in diagnostics or pharmaceutical development.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Practical	2	1.00	2.00
Practical	3	3.00	9.00
Seminar	1	2.00	2.00
Private study hours			127.00
Total Contact hours			23.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored through the practical classes and through the oral presentation tutorial.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Presentation	Group oral presentation on an allocated diagnostic area	30.00
Literature Review	Literature review question based on diagnostic approaches associated with a key disease area (2,500 words)	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Assessment in the form of group work will be an individual resit.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 31/07/2024

Disclaimer

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