BIOL08007 2019 Medical Diagnostics

Examine current examples of biomarker use in diagnostics.

Describe array-based, metabolomic and epigenetic methodologies for identification of biomarkers.

Appraise clinical data used for the analysis and discovery of disease markers and their application in clinical tests.

Illustrate the use of biosensors in the point of care analysis and monitoring of disease.

Execute experiments and methods used to identify molecular targets.

Analyse and present experimental data relating to biomarker discovery.

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 and contextualize relevant articles.

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 plan and execute relevant experimental procedures within groups.

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 8 module status.

Summative assessment:

Module theory will be assessed through an end of term 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. 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.

Examine current examples of biomarker use in diagnostics.

Biomarkers for sample diseases such as: Diabetes, Cystic fibrosis, cancers.

Describe array-based, metabolomic and epigenetic methodologies for identification of biomarkers.

DNA, protein and tissue microarrays. metabolomics and epigenetic analysis.

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Appraise clinical data used for the analysis and discovery of disease markers and their application in clinical tests.

Kaplein-Meier curves. Data clustering and correlations. New biomarker/array-based assays on the market

Illustrate the use of biosensors in the point of care analysis and monitoring of disease

Point of care testing and medical biosensors.

Execute experiments and methods used to identify molecular targets.

Immunohistochemistry and tissue array staining. Molecular detection of disease.

Analyse and present experimental data relating to biomarker discovery.

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