BIOL07013 2019 Immunodiagnostics

Define immunodiagnostics and relate the structure, biochemistry and production of Immunoglobulins and antigens to testing.

Describe the methods of antibody conjugation, signal outputs, signal amplification and patient sampling commonly used in immunodiagnostic testing.

Recognise and evaluate the QC issues pertinent to immunodiagnostic techniques and the interplay between dynamic range, sensitivity and specificity.

Identify applications of immunodiagnostics and detail current and future applications.

Demonstrate key immunodiagnostic concepts and execute common laboratory assays, which are used in immunodiagnostics.

Analyse and report experimental concepts and data.

The module contact time will be split evenly between lectures and laboratory time.

Contact time will contain some tutorial elements which will be used to help students address problem topics and answer questions and provide feedback on assessments.

Lectures can comprise of elements such as: Powerpoint presentations, videos, articles for study and discussion on relevant topics.

The moodle platform will be used as a repository for course material.

Active Learning:

Students will be asked to read around and contextualize relevant articles and topics.

Students will be required to research relevant information for the production of experimental reports.

Tutorials:

Occasional time will be set aside for tutorials will allow time for students to discuss the quizzes and assessments in a face to face format during which problems can be addressed and additional explanations provided. 

Small group writing tutorials will be provided for students who require additional help in constructing elements of reports (for example data presentation).

Laboratory work:

Students will execute relevant experimental procedures within groups. When possible, students also work individually in the laboratory on certain experiments.

The laboratory classes are preceded by introductory lectures, so students are aware of the research question at hand, requirements, learning outcomes and any relevant health and safety concerns. Students are encouraged to raise learning issues, particularly with new techniques.

This module has an end of semester exam worth 50% and a laboratory element worth 50%.

The students’ performance will be evaluated through formative and summative assessments. 

Formative assessment:

The formative assessments may be delivered in class and through online quizzes so students can check their own progress. Assessments will be provided on an on-going basis throughout the semester and can be taken at a time of the students’ choosing. Typically, they will be made available at the end of particular topics during the module. Online quizzes and review questions and crosswords are provided on the moodle platform, students can access these resources at any time once made available.

Quizzes will be designed in accordance to Bloom’s taxonomy, assessing elements relevant to the level 7 module status.

Summative assessment:

Module theory will be assessed through an end of semester exam worth 50% of the module. Relevant elements of the module theory, pertaining to testing for example, will also be assessed during practical evaluation, entailing short quizzes on the practical applications of the module. The laboratory element of the module (50%) will undergo a Practical Evaluation over 4.5 weeks of the semester (or 26 hour equivalent). This evaluation will assess students’ basic laboratory skills and professional attitude, the students’ data presentation and analysis skills as well as their dissemination skills through submission of reports or individual report elements such as abstracts.

The moodle platform will be used by students to upload assignments and used in combination with Turnitin sorftware.

Students, particularly those from overseas. can avail of remote proctoring of exams.

The student must reach an assigned mark in the final exam and achieve 40% overall to pass the module. The student must attend a minimum of 75% in the laboratory element of the module or they may be required to repeat and re-attend the module.

If a student fails to achieve 40% in the module they will be required to resit the exam, resubmit or submit laboratory reports, write a theory assignment or a combination of these.

Define immunodiagnostics and relate the structure, biochemistry and production of Immunoglobulins and antigens to testing.

Antigen and antibody types. Antibody production.

Describe the methods of antibody conjugation, signal outputs, signal amplification and patient sampling commonly used in immunodiagnostic testing.

Bioconjugation. Signal outputs and amplification. Tissues used in testing.

Recognise and evaluate the QC issues pertinent to immunodiagnostic techniques and the interplay between dynamic range, sensitivity and specificity.

Antibody affinity specificity, sensitivity and dynamic range.

Identify applications of immunodiagnostics and detail current and future applications.

Common applications such as ELISA, immunohistochemistry and immunocytology.

Quantum dots, aptamers and multianalyte testing.

Demonstrate key immunodiagnostic concepts and execute common laboratory assays, which are used in immunodiagnostics.

Antibody titration, blocking and detection. Common assays such as ELISA, Dot blot and western blotting.

Analyse and report experimental concepts and data.

Presentation of data through elements such as abstracts, introductions and discussions, encompassing elements of graph, image and data tables.