LF909-10 Medical Diagnostics
Introductory description
This module introduces the students to the scientific principles underpinning the format and application of biotechnologically based diagnostics assays and technologies.
Module aims
The focus is on medical diagnostics. The aim is to give the students a clear understanding of medically oriented diagnostics and the role of biotechnology in realising the clinical and commercial potential.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
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Diagnostic techniques: sensitivity and specificity. Selection of analytical methods and evaluation of advantages and limitations.
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Biotechnological techniques used in diagnosis, such as:
Nucleic acid-based techniques, including PCR based methods, microarrays and hybridisation techniques
Protein based techniques, including immunoassays.
Biological imaging techniques, including microscopy-based methods.
Mass spec methods, including biomarker detection and analysis of exhale gas or other volatile samples.
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Application of these techniques to specific areas of medical diagnosis, for example pre-natal screening, cancer diagnosis, neurodegenerative disorders, genetic disorders, preventative medicine or personalised medicine.
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Advantages and disadvantages of point-of-care and lab-based techniques
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Identify the advantages and disadvantages, issues and limitations of biotechnologically based diagnostic techniques.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific principles and attendant biotechnological techniques being exploited in medical diagnostics.
- Discuss the issues and problems in the clinical application of biotechnologically based diagnostic systems.
- Interact effectively with medics and clinicians on the validation/implementation of diagnostic techniques and assays via oral, written and visual means.
- Compare and discuss the alternative approaches to biotechnologically based assay and techniques in medicine based on a critical assessment of the known data.
Indicative reading list
Comprehensive Biotechnology 2nd edition Editor: Murray Moo-Young; Editor. Elsevier (2011) ISBN 978-0-44-453352-4
Biotechnology: Applying the Genetic Revolution. D.P. Clark and N.J. Pazdernik. Elsevier (2009)
ISBN 13: 978-0-12-175552-2
Biology and Biotechnology: Science, applications and issues. H. Kreuzer and A. Massey. ASM Press (2005) ISBN 1-55581-304-6
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
Compare and discuss the alternative approaches to biotechnologically based assay and techniques in medicine based on a critical assessment of the known data.
Transferable skills
Interact effectively with medics and clinicians on the validation/implementation of diagnostic techniques and assays via oral, written and visual means.
Study time
Type | Required |
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Lectures | 5 sessions of 1 hour (5%) |
Seminars | 4 sessions of 1 hour (4%) |
Practical classes | 15 sessions of 1 hour (15%) |
External visits | 1 session of (0%) |
Private study | 76 hours (76%) |
Total | 100 hours |
Private study description
Self-teaching / study / seminar preparation time.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group A4
Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
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Seminar Presentation | 40% | No | |
20 Minutes. |
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Poster | 60% | Yes (extension) |
Feedback on assessment
Generic oral feedback to cohort on poster and seminar assessments. Written individual feedback to each student on poster and seminar assessments. Face-to-face feedback on any assessment provided on request from the student. \r\n\r\n
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of TLFS-J7N2 Postgraduate Medical Biotechnology and Business Management