Summative:
Practical Assignment 70% (1, 2, 3). A write-up of practical work (max 4000 words) undertaken as part of the intensive practical course. Specific and detailed guidance to be provided by individual tutors.

Technical Report 30% (4). A written report (max 2500 words) providing a critical appraisal of a new molecular technique or method that is being applied in a diagnostic or other appropriate setting.

Formative feedback on practical work will be provided during the practical week. Feedback is available for the technical report via Blackboard.

This practical module will be delivered by a team of University tutors, technicians and external clinical experts providing hands-on guidance and support. It will run over seven full days at the University. Participants can reside at the University or travel daily if appropriate. Each day will include introductory and demonstration sessions and may also include workshop activities and group work.
Preparation for the practical week takes place via distance learning activities that develop the theoretical background to the laboratory work.
Assessment formally assesses practical and theoretical knowledge, skills of interpretation and data analysis.

Adequately equipped molecular biology laboratory
Full-time support of molecular biology technical staff
Appropriate molecular consumables
Suitable workshop and other rooms for the duration of the course
Access to library
Access to computers
Support in the preparation of Health & Safety and ethical documentation for the course

You may find the following texts useful:

Kessler, H (2012) Molecular Diagnostics of infectious Disease. de Gruyter publishing ISBN-13 978-3110278835
Patrinos, G (2009) Molecular Diagnostics. Academic Press (2nd Edition) ISBN-13 978-0123745378

This module offers you a short course in the application of molecular techniques in clinical diagnostics. It will provide you with instruction, skills development and hands-on experience. Not all techniques will be covered in hands-on practical, some will be studied in theory only. The module is focused on molecular diagnostic methods in five main areas namely; Cytology (Light and fluorescence microscopy, chromosome analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunology and immunocytochemistry techniques), Haematopathology including cardiology (Cardiac molecular profiling, gene probe, allelotyping, predisposition molecular genetics), Infectious disease diagnostics (detection, quantification and typing of pathogens), Inherited diseases (molecular methods for determination of inherited disorders e.g. Fragile X, Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin etc. Screening for gene abnormalities and predisposition) and Oncology (Molecular diagnostics in oncology; methylation specific PCR for detection to tumour suppressor gene function, microsatellite analysis for patients at high risk, Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE)). Other techniques may also form part of the above topics such as; PCR, Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Fluorescence immunoassays (IFA and FIA), western blotting analysis.