Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Whilst all Phase 1 biosciences modules will provide an essential foundation on which to develop this module, the three practical skills modules delivered across each semester of stage 1 are particularly important as pre-requisite modules. Along with CMB2000, these three modules provide students with the necessary basic laboratory skills and techniques upon which this module will build and develop further competence.

Co Requisite Comment

Students select two module options from paired lists for semester 2. Theory that underpins the practical content is taught in these modules and timetabling will provide an integrated learning experience.

Aims

•To enhance students’ practical skills in key techniques and data analysis.

•To develop an investigative approach and introduce students to experimental design in preparation for the final year project.

•To develop a deeper understanding of theoretical knowledge through related practical exercises.

•To develop practical report writing skills in preparation for the final year project.

Outline Of Syllabus

Practical lab classes will include:

•       Cell culture techniques
•       Epidemiological Investigation
•       Investigation of respiratory disease
•       PCR
•       Aseptic technique
•       Enzyme-linked and latex-agglutination immunoassay
•       Record keeping
•       Statistical analysis and presentation of data
•       Analytical sensitivity
•       Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity
•       Case study presentation

Theoretical supporting classes will include:

•       Epidemiological methods
•       Cell culture techniques
•       Oral presentation skills
•       Writing an IMRaD report
•       Analytical and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity
•       Receiver Operating Curves

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module the student will be able to:

1. Discuss theoretical principles of cell culture

2. Carry out an Epidemiological Investigation, using HIV as a model infection

3. Compare bacterial, viral and immunological causes of respiratory disease

4. Explain how heterophilic antibodies arise in EBV infection and how these are used in diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis

5. Explain the principles of a latex-agglutination type method

6. Select appropriate tools for method evaluation

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module the student will be able to:

1. Perform basic cell culture techniques

2. Perform microbiological culture

3. Perform PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis

4. Collect, summarise and interpret data

5. Determine the analytical sensitivity of a method

6. Compare the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of methods

7. Write an IMRaD style practical report

8. Deliver an oral case study presentation

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Online and in person teaching sessions are used to impart new information in a concise manner regarding method principles and applications that underpin the practical aspects of this module (LO1- 6). The practical lab classes are designed to develop practical skills in techniques commonly used in biomedical science laboratories (SO1-3), and through related assessment an ability to communicate their findings and understanding (SO4-8). Students will be able to relate the theoretical learning in BMS2011, BMS2012, BMS2013, BMS2014 and BMS2015 to the practical labs in this module (LO1-6) (i.e., immunology, virology, respiratory disease, mucosal infections).

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module assessments are designed to improve students ability to correlate practical work with research methods and to relay their own findings in a scientific manner.

The epidemiological investigation practical provides the opportunity for analysis of the virtual spread of HIV in a population. Provision of epidemiological data will enable students to focus on their critical and analytical skills and how to effectively write up sections of an IMRaD report. This formative experience follows on from activities completed in stage 1 and allows practise in scientific writing including an abstract, prior to their assessed IMRaD report. The work will be self and peer reviewed using a marking rubric and online feedback to allow for qualitative reflection.

Assessment of the Method Evaluation Practical via an IMRaD (Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results and Discussion) report allows students to develop their analytical skills in the laboratory and subsequently using their results. The report enables students to demonstrate understanding of the method principles and diagnostic rationale (LOs 4-6, data acquisition and analysis (LO’s 5, 10-12) and can prepare a meaningful and succinct report which will develop their critical analysis and reflection in preparation for their final year dissertation report.

The Cell Culture practical allows students the opportunity to practice and observe the key skills needed for aseptic cell passage (L01,SO7). Practical worksheet questions enable student experience of data interpretation and analysis. The formative timed essay based on a subset of practical skills allows students the opportunity to research in depth a key practical technique and subsequently practice their time limited writing skills. Feedback will emphasise the composition of an essay, the structure, depth and relevance to title.

To meet LO3, SO4 and 8, students will use the results of their Case Study Investigation Practical to present upon one of the clinical cases. Peer assessment will be used to provide students the opportunity to engage further with marking criteria but also to reflect upon presentation styles and critically reflect upon content presented. An academic assessor will also provide marks and feedback to encourage reflection and to further prepare students for presenting their own research in their project dissertations.

General Notes

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