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BIOL40760

Academic Year 2024/2025

Biomedical Diagnostics (BIOL40760)

Subject:
Biology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Simone Marcone
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Biomedical diagnostics is the study of how diseases are detected, diagnosed and appropriately managed through a broad range of scientific technologies. In this module, students will have the opportunity to learn and discuss different types of biomedical tests, the technologies that underpin them, significant advances in the field and the challenges that remain. Students will utilise their learning through a group project, in which they will work together to innovate a novel diagnostic approach to tackle a key diagnostic challenge. As well as lectures, this module includes two topical industry case studies and an industry showcase, in which students can dialogue with cutting edge industry spokespeople working in this field.





About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts and measurable parameters in biomedical diagnostics.
2. Describe the importance of biomarkers in biomedical diagnostics.
3. Contrast the disparities in disease detection and management from the developed and developing worlds.
4. Discuss recent scientific and technological advances in biomedical diagnostics and how they are impacting human health across different parts of the world.
5. Critically evaluate the role that biomedical diagnostics plays in drug development and translational medicine.
6. Outline the steps involved in developing a diagnostic test and bringing it to market.
7. Identify industry leaders in biomedical diagnostics from across the world.

Indicative Module Content:

1. Introduction: core concepts in biomedical diagnostics
2. Role of biomarkers in disease detection & management
3. Advances & challenges in prostate cancer diagnostics
4. Companion diagnostics: improving drug response
5. Case study 1: Genomic Health
6. Screening tests
7. Role of pathology in disease diagnosis
8. Biomedical imaging
9. Applications and challenges of NGS technologies in disease detection & management
10. Case study 2: Theranos
11. Industry showcase: OncoMark, Biosensia, Hybergene
12. Translating biomedical research & developing a biomedical test

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Tutorial

4
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

79
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module contains a mixture of lectures, case-studies and an industry showcase, in which representatives from several biomedical diagnostics companies will share their experiences of working in the field with the class.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is recommended that students have a good understanding of cell and molecular biology.


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
Exam (In-person): Examination: A 2 hour end of trimester examination that will test the skills and knowledge obtained during the module End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No
Group Work Assignment: Group Project: A small group project that will challenge students' creativity in ideating a novel diagnostic test. Consists of both a group presentation and written report. Week 5 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Groups will receive oral feedback from the dragons after their pitch. This can be used to modify or improve the written report, which must be submitted one week after the oral presentation. Groups will receive a grade and written feedback on their reports, which they can take into consideration when revising material for the end of semester essay examination.

Name Role
Dr Simone Marcone Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Paola Valentini Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23 Mon 12:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 23 Mon 15:00 - 15:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 22 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23 Tues 14:00 - 14:50
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