Introductory description

The multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches to research have become central components of biomedical sciences. With this, technologies (e.g.; genome editing, cell therapy or imaging techniques, etc.) that combine both life and physical sciences are developing rapidly. The understanding of these techniques and how to use them to address biomedical questions is an essential employability skill to acquire. The module therefore intends to expose students to cutting edge scientific techniques and methodologies that are the interface of biology, engineering, chemistry and computer sciences; and develop students’ knowledge of their applications. The module will combine seminars, tutorials and lectures and/or lab exercise and will be delivered by various experts academic or industrial partners. Each topic will include an interactive component (e.g.; journal club) to discuss scientific implications in a particular research area. Students’ learning will additionally be supported by TEL materials with formative quizzes or short reports to submit.

Module aims

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.

The module content will focus on new technologies in biomedical research, which are developing rapidly. Whilst sessions and topics will be revised periodically for the module to remain up-to-date, the syllabus will address research techniques that are interdisciplinary and will include genetics, proteomics, imaging technologies, cell therapies, tissue engineering, electrophysiology, biosensors, nanotechnologies or techniques in chemical and synthetic biology.
Examplar sessions:
Next Generation Sequencing and analysis including single-cell sequencing
Genome editing (e.g.; CRISPR)
“Omics technologies- genomics, advanced proteomics and metabolomics
Organoids engineering (e.g.; organ-on-a chip)
Cell therapies (e.g.; CAR-T cells and stem cell therapies)
In vivo imaging- MRI, Microtomography, CAT and PET scans
Biomaterial and nanotechnologies
Chemical genetics
Biosensors, microelectronics and bio-signal processing
Data mining in bioinformatics
Additional techniques in microbiology, neurobiology, immunology and reproductive medicine will also be covered.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of state-of-the-art methodologies (frontier techniques) in biomedical research
• Demonstrate critical appraisal of the use of frontier techniques applications in biomedical research and critically analyse biomedical research findings in various fields
• Present current research ideas to a scientific audience
• Prepare reports exploring the use of frontier techniques in a particular field

Interdisciplinary

The module will allow students to learn techniques that are multidisciplinary in nature, connecting biology to chemistry, physics or engineering in order to answer problems in biomedical research or healthcare.

Subject specific skills

1. Acquire current knowledge and awareness of modern research techniques in biomedical science
2. Ability to apply techniques to answer biomedical questions;
3. Critically appraise current techniques in biomedicine
4. Apply knowledge of new techniques to analyze and solve problems

Transferable skills

1. Demonstrate interdisciplinary knowledge
2. Apply appropriate methodologies and techniques to solve a problem
3. Adapt to the constant and rapid evolution of biomedical techniques
4. Understand the multi and interdisciplinary aspects of research in biomedicine.
5. Understand and appraise the necessity for continuous professional development