Module MSE-4089:
Molecular Diagnostics
Module Facts
Run by School of Medical and Health Sciences
20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 2
Organiser: Dr David Pryce
Overall aims and purpose
The module will enable students to develop both conceptual understanding and practical experience in molecular diagnostics, performed within the clinic, and in biomedical research.
Students will be provided with the opportunity to expand their theoretical knowledge, understanding and practical application skills in molecular genetics, utilised in clinical prognosis and monitoring of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia patients and in academic research, via application of immunoassays utilised for the detection of novel protein biomarkers.
Course content
The module is delivered over two weeks. One week students will spend 2 and a half-laboratory days preforming an RQ-PCR prognostic test, to determine the level of BCR-ABL transcripts present in peripheral blood-derived from a chronic myeloid leukaemia patient, undergoing standard tyrosine kinase therapy. Two half-day tutorials will then be utilised to develop proficiency in using the BioRad CFX manager qPCR analysis software to perform data quantification and report productions, to the level expected of a certified BCR-ABL monitoring laboratory. European Leukaemia Network
One week students will spend 2 and a half-laboratory performing an immunoprecipitation experiment, to detect 'novel' protein antigenic biomarkers present in peripheral blood-derived from a chronic myeloid leukaemia patient, undergoing standard tyrosine kinase therapy. Two days will then be used to develop proficiency in utilising the BioRad ImageLab analysis software to perform quantitative multiplex western blot analysis to a level required to produce publication-quality data.
Students will employ a number of molecular laboratory techniques; including plasmid extraction, purification, qualitative and quantitative analyse using fluorometer estimation, agarose gel electrophoresis and RQ-PCR analysis of cDNA. Protein work will include standardised extraction of total proteins from human cells, utilising RIPA buffer, estimation of protein concentration using BCA - standard curve analysis, immunoprecipitation utilising magnetic bead technology, SDS-PAGE protein separation and multiplex fluorescent western blotting.
Assessment Criteria
excellent
Distinction (A- to A**) (range 70-100%)
Primary criteria
Comprehensive knowledge & detailed understanding. Clear evidence of extensive background study & originality. Highly focussed, relevant and well structured answers. Arguments logically presented and defended with evidence and examples. Excellent presentation skills with very accurate communication.
Secondary Criteria
A* Outstanding
- Exceeds expectations for most primary criteria
- Complete command of subject and other relevant areas
- Ideas/arguments are highly original
A+ Excellent
- Exceeds expectations for some primary criteria
- Complete command of subject
- Ideas/arguments are highly original
A Good
- Meets all primary criteria
- Command of subject but with minor gaps in knowledge areas
- Ideas/arguments are mostly original
A- Meets requirements of Class
- Meets most but not all primary criteria
- Complete command of subject but with some gaps in knowledge
- Ideas/arguments are mostly original
good
Merit (B- to B+) (range 60-69%)
Primary criteria
Good students demonstrate strong knowledge & understanding of most but not all of the subject area. Limited evidence of background study. The answer is focussed with good structure. Arguments are presented coherently, mostly free of factual/computational errors. Some limited original interpretation. Well know links between topics are described. Problems are addressed by existing methods/approaches. Good presentation with accurate communication
Secondary Criteria
B+ Good
- Exceeds expectations for most primary criteria
- Command of subject but with gaps in knowledge
- Some ideas/arguments original
B Mid-level
- Meets all primary criteria
- Strong factual knowledge and understanding
- Ideas/arguments are well presented by few are original
B- Meets requirements of class
- Meets most but not all primary criteria
- Strong factual knowledge with minor weaknesses in understanding
- Most but not all ideas/arguments are well presented and few are original
threshold
Pass (C- to C+) (range 50-59%)
Primary criteria
A threshold student demonstrates knowledge of key areas & principles, and understands the main elements of the subject area, although gaps and weaknesses in the argument are evident. No evidence of background study and wider reading. Answer focussed on question but also with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure & argument. Answers have several factual/computational errors. No original interpretation. No links between topics are described. Limited problem solving skills. Some weaknesses in presentation accuracy & delivery.
Secondary Criteria
C+ Good within the class
- Exceeds expectations for some primary criteria
- Strong factual knowledge with some weaknesses in understanding
- Ideas/arguments are limited but are well presented
C Mid-level
- Matches all primary criteria
- Moderate factual knowledge with some weaknesses in understanding
- Ideas/arguments are limited presented with weaknesses in logic/presentation
C- Meets requirements of class
- Matches most but not all primary criteria
- Moderate factual knowledge with several weaknesses in understanding
- Ideas/arguments are limited presented with weaknesses in logic/presentation
Learning outcomes
-
Critically discuss molecular diagnostic data in the context of medical research
-
Correctly interpret, accurately and ethically report laboratory-derived molecular diagnostic and/or prognostic results
-
Identify and appropriately employ bioinformatic applications to generate, interpret and analyse molecular diagnostic data
-
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles and current limitations of molecular diagnostic applications and data
-
Demonstrate appropriate good laboratory practices and technical skills for accurate and precise generation of molecular diagnostic data
Assessment Methods
| Type | Name | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Report Presentation | 40.00 | ||
| Research Paper | 60.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
| Hours | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tutorial |
|
12 |
| Laboratory | Two consecutive weeks of laboratory-based experiment practical work
Results and analysis will be updated throughout laboratory stages, utilising cloud based electronic laboratory book. Panopto recordings of analysis and workshop sessions will be employed, as and when necessary. |
32 |
| Private study | Self-directed study to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding and preparation of assessments |
156 |
Please note this module will be delivered according to current Bangor University COVID-19 regulations
|
Transferable skills
- Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
- Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
- Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
- Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
- Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
- Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
- Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
- Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
- Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
- Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
- Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
- Mentoring - Able to support, help, guide, inspire and/or coach others
- Caring - Showing concern for others; caring for children, people with disabilities and/or the elderly
- Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
- Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
- Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
- Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in
Resources
Resource implications for students
All resources needed to complete this module are provided. Computers can be accessed in multiple locations across the university. All teaching materials will be available on Blackboard. Completed assignments will be uploaded onto Turnitin through Blackboard. A limited number of the recommended textbooks can be found within the library.