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PHYS40100

Academic Year 2024/2025

Analysis of protein distribution in tissues - Immunohistochemistry (PHYS40100)

Subject:
Physiology
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Medicine
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor John Baugh
Trimester:
Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is designed to provide an introduction to antibody-based techniques for assessing protein distribution in cells (immunocytochemistry) or tissues (immunohistochemistry) with an emphasis on assay design and development. The primary aim of this module is to give students hands-on laboratory experience in immunocytochemistry and/or immunohistochemistry, and an understanding of the various controls that are necessary to ensure reliable data.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the basic principles of immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry. These include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

a. Protein processing
i. Intracellular processing, secretion, extracellular matrix

b. Tissue processing
i. Fixation
ii. Embedding
iii. Sectioning

c. Antigen retrieval

d. Antibody selection

e. Colour or fluorescence-based visualisation

f. Blocking non-specific antibody binding

g. Problems with autofluorescence or endogenous peroxidase activity

h. Relevant controls

i. Assay optimisation

j. Imaging techniques

2. Demonstrate laboratory competence in performing tasks relating to Learning Outcome 1.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Tutorial

12

Laboratories

60

Autonomous Student Learning

40

Total

112


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module involves approximately ten weeks of laboratory-based practical activity.
Students will work closely with a research active supervisor.
Teaching will involve laboratory work; active/task-based learning; critical writing; reflective learning; enquiry & problem-based learning.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Report(s): Laboratory Report Week 12 Graded No

100

No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

After the laboratory reports have been graded individual feedback will be available.