This module offers practical and theoretical experience in the application of laboratory techniques from molecular research to clinical diagnostics. It will provide you with instruction, skills development and hands-on experience. The module will focus on methods in Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Cell Biology. These practical classes develop accuracy and technical competence in skills essential for successful molecular laboratory work. There will be discussion of complex sequential protocols, comparison of different protocols, development of experimental planning skills and time management. Data will be collected, analysed and presented using software applicable to molecular biology.

The assessment for this module is the completion of an electronic laboratory book, that will contain analysis, presentation and evaluation of data and methods. Proficiency of practical skills will be assessed through the generation of expected results (LO 1, 2, 3).


Formative feedback will be given over the activities and tasks associated with the module topics. These will be discussion in online tutorials. Discussion between students will be encouraged allowing peer and tutor feedback to be given.

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.

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.

1. Demonstrate independent learning ability to advance theoretical knowledge and understanding and applications of methods and techniques used to extract, manipulate and analyse nucleic acids, proteins, cells and biological samples.

Knowledge and Understanding, Enquiry, Application, Learning

2. Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding to analyse complex data effectively using appropriate methods and software related to the techniques.

Analysis, Problem Solving, Knowledge and Understanding, Application, Reflection

3. Demonstrate critical awareness and evaluation of current research to appraise a range of methods within molecular research and clinical diagnostics.

Analysis, Application, Communication, Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning, Problem Solving, Reflection

Adequately equipped molecular biology laboratory
Full-time support of science 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

Winfrey M. R, Rott M. A and Wortman A. T (1997) Unravelling DNA - Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-2700-344

T.A. Brown (2020). Gene cloning and DNA analysis, 8th edition. Wiley - Blackwell Science. ISBN: 978-1-119-64078-3

Michael R. Green MR, Sambrook J (2014) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual ISBN 978-1-936113-42-2

Carson, S., Miller, H., Srougi, M., Witherow, S. (2019) Molecular Biology Techniques: A Classroom Laboratory Manual. Elsevier. 9780128157756

This practical course will cover the key techniques in molecular biology. The module will provide you with instruction, skills development and hands-on experience of molecular techniques currently used in molecular research and clinical diagnostics.