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2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL5276M Medical Diagnostics

10 creditsClass Size: 35

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

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

A first degree in biological sciences

Module replaces

This is a variant of the existing BIOL5262M Molecular Diagnostics & Drug Delivery module (10 credits) that forms part of the Biotechnology Masters programme. Some sessions will be shared with BIOL5262M, others derived from BIOL5248M, BIOL5264M.

This module is not approved as an Elective

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;
- An understanding of employability prospects and how a (industrial) career can be built in diagnostics.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:

- Evaluate the techniques used in diagnosing bacterial, viral and fungal infections including culture techniques, microscopy, immunological testing, DNA and RNA analyses;
- Evaluate the techniques used to diagnose a range of chromosomal abnormalities including FISH, RT-PCR, microarrays and sequencing;
- Review current molecular biomarkers and tumour specific assays in solid tumour testing;
- Comprehensively describe the application of medical biosensors to detect a range of substances including glucose, cholesterol, hormones and pathogens;
- Evaluate the potential of genome and proteome scale analysis, particularly in relation to biomarker discovery and their role in disease diagnostics;
- 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 typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture101.0010.00
Practical53.0015.00
Seminar12.002.00
Private study hours73.00
Total Contact hours27.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

Private study will include reading associated with the lectures delivered, preparation for the practical sessions and work on the assessments.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

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

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
PresentationOral presentation on an allocated diagnostic technique30.00
Written WorkWorksheet: analysis of data generated through a range of diagnostic methods70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 04/04/2017

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