Introductory description

This module introduces the students to the scientific principles underpinning the format and application of biotechnologically based diagnostics assays and technologies.

Module web page

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.

1. Diagnostic techniques: sensitivity and specificity. Selection of analytical methods and evaluation of advantages and limitations.

2. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.