BGM3039 : Medical Biotechnology
BGM3039 : Medical Biotechnology
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Neil Keegan
- Lecturer: Professor Kevin Marchbank, Professor David Elliott, Dr Andrew Pike, Dr Philip Manning, Dr Bill Scott, Dr Andrew Knight
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
- Capacity limit: 100 student places
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module aims to:
1) inform students of the range of therapeutic molecules and diagnostic tools developed by the biotechnology industry over the last few years.
2) explain the mechanisms whereby these therapeutic molecules and diagnostic tools work.
3) identify the methods whereby these therapies and diagnostic tools are produced.
4) identify and explore new and novel areas of research in the biotechnology industry, including regenerative medicine and nanotechnology.
Outline Of Syllabus
The use of therapeutic proteins, including expression systems and importance of glycosylation. Applied immunology, how therapeutic antibodies can be selected and engineered for use as therapeutics. Further applied immunology relating to complement, chronic diseases caused by complement failure and potential therapeutic approaches. Vaccines, including live vaccines, recombinant vaccines, conjugate vaccines, cancer vaccines and Covid-19 vaccines. Antisense technology, RNAi, for use as therapeutics and recognition molecules in diagnostics. Diagnostics and biosensors including electrochemical sensors, enzyme and antibody detection systems, cutting edge new and novel areas in biosensor and diagnostic research including microsystems. Nanotechnology, the future potential of nanoscale objects, such as DNA scaffolds in electronics and sensing. A view into current developments in regenerative medicine research, specifically organ transplantation and tissue engineering.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to:
K1. Evaluate the current and potential uses of therapeutic proteins, vaccines, organ transplantation and tissue engineering in the treatment of human disease.
K2. Compare the current and potential production methods of therapeutic proteins.
K3. Discuss the principles and application of antisense technology
K4. Review current developments in biosensors, microsystems and nanotechnology and propose future trends.
K5. Critically evaluate the latest developments in the fields of applied immunology, biosensors, antisense technology, regenerative medicine and nanotechnology.
Intended Skill Outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to:
S1 Critically interpret and synthesize complex information relating to biomedical research
S2 Communicate complex knowledge and ideas clearly in a written format
S3 Source information on therapeutic and diagnostic aspects of Medical Biotechnology
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 26 | 1:00 | 26:00 | In person - Lectures will be used as primary method of knowledge transfer |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 40 | 1:00 | 40:00 | Assessment preparation and completion, including revision and extra reading for assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | In person x 1 seminar - class divided into groups and students will attend one session each |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 52 | 1:00 | 52:00 | Reflective learning. Writing up lecture notes and understanding basic material provided |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 81 | 1:00 | 81:00 | Updating lecture notes with extra knowledge from reading references & wider lit directed reading |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will provide students with key information, relating to knowledge outcomes (K1-5).
Seminar will encourage critical interpretation and synthesis of information through discussion (S1).
Private study will allow students to extend their knowledge through reading of journal articles and other recommended references (K1-5)(S3). Preparation for the timed essay will support the knowledge and skills outcomes, but most importantly provide the students with experience of a pressurised written exam condition in preparation for the final invigilated examination (K1-5; S1-3).
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 70 | In person Invigilated exam. 2 essay questions to be answered from a choice of 4. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 30 | In person Invigilated timed essay (1 hour) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The final exam provides evidence of knowledge and understanding of the topics (K1-5; S1-3). The timed essay and seminar tests the analytical and research skills of the students as well as developing their written communication skills which helps prepare them for the examination (S1-3).
FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BGM3039's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- BGM3039's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text:
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.