Module Descriptors
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS (DL)
BIOL70543
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 7
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Willian Da Silveira
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 50
Independent Study Hours: 100
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • Assignment - 3500 words weighted at 60%
  • Assignment - 1500 words weighted at 40%
Module Details
Module Resources
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
Module Texts
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


Learning Strategies
Content for the practical module will be delivered as a combination of workshops, seminars and practical classes.¿¿You will complete practical work in our state-of-the-art facilities during our residential.¿
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Workshop activities will deal with data analysis, interpretation and presentation.¿ In all activities the wider application of the techniques, beyond those exercises undertaken in the laboratory, will be emphasised and discussed,¿in particular the¿application to health-related matters as well as how with new technologies approaches to genetic analysis are rapidly changing.¿
Indicative Content
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; Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Oncology and Immunology. There will be an overarching theme of personalised and genomic medicine with a focus on how this developing area will influence modern healthcare.
Assessment Details
Summative:
Practical Assignment 60 % (1, 2, 3). Students will compile an electronic lab book, recording and analysing the laboratory data collected during the practical course (max 3500 words). Specific and detailed guidance to be provided by individual tutors.

Opinion Piece 40 % (4). A written account discussing the impact of genomic medicine on healthcare settings. This will be stimulated by online content and discussion with tutors (max 1500 words).

Formative feedback on practical work will be provided during the practical week. Feedback is available for the opinion piece via Blackboard and in person.
Web Descriptor
This residential module provides you with instruction, skills development and hands-on experience of molecular techniques currently used in clinical diagnostics.