PATH40020 Clinical Biomarkers

Academic Year 2022/2023

A Clinical Biomarker is defined as any measurable event that has linkage to a disease process - whether it be diagnosis of disease, monitoring patient response to treatment or measuring patient outcome. Although many biomarker tests are currently used to support clinical decision making it is widely recognised that new and better biomarkers are urgently needed to improve diagnosis, support emerging targeted therapies, monitor drug activity and evaluate therapeutic response. There has been much excitement about the potential of the `omics technologies to deliver novel biomarkers. Developments in genomics, proteomics and high-throughput imaging technologies hold promise for biomarkers that could herald an era of 'personalised medicine'. This module explores a diverse range of approaches for biomarker discovery and development with particular reference to (i) the integration of biomarkers, (ii) biomarkers that reveal changes in the microbiome, and (iii) biomarkers that monitor wellness and health in a 'one health' context. The material presented will include the discussion of the latest technologies, their application using clinical samples and the processes that may be required for their progression to clinical use.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should: i) be aware of current clinical biomarker measurements - their benefits and limitations - in specific disease areas; ii) understand how new 'omics methods are being applied to the discovery of biomarkers; iii) appreciate the steps involved in progressing new biomarker discoveries to clinical use; iv) be able to critically evaluate the potential of 'omics and other technologies to deliver biomarkers; and, v) understand the challenges faced in delivering new biomarkers for 'personalised medicine'.

Indicative Module Content:

Small group lectures/seminars are given to cover: General Introduction to Clinical Biomarkers; Biobanking; Role of biomarkers in disease risk identification and screening; Biomarkers in aiding diagnosis, assessing prognosis and treatment & monitoring; Discovery and Development of Biomarkers: A case study of aspects and issue of Biomarker Validation & Translation into the Clinic; Proteomics & Protein Biomarker Discovery; Making an imprint on tumour diagnostics: the role of Epigenetics, Translation of Prostate Cancer Protein Biomarkers; Imaging Biomarkers: In Vivo Context; Clinical Diagnostics in Practice; Commercialisation of Biomarkers; Principles of Clinical Biomarker Validation; Biomarkers of kidney injury

Tutorials on Preparing a Biomarker Literature Review and Oral Presentations

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12

Seminar (or Webinar)

2

Specified Learning Activities

6

Autonomous Student Learning

84

Total

104

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Interactive small group lectures/seminars are the key teaching and learning approach used in the module; students prepare a literature review which provides an opportunity for critical writing. Following guidance, students give a presentation to the class which includes reflective identification of the limitations of their literature review. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Clinical Biomarkers (PHYS40080)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Presentation: Students give a short presentation on the subject of their literature review. The presentation is given to the class. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

20

Assignment: A literature review is prepared on a subject of the student's choice (approved by module co-ordinator). Review format is according to a specific journal's guidelines. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

50

Assignment: Three questions will be set on various subjects covered in the module. Word count limited essay type answers will be requested. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

30


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Assignment: Post-assessment students are given a copy of the marked up review and given the opportunity for one-to-one feedback. Presentations: Using a series of written guided questions the students review each other's presentations. Collated copies of the individual qualitative peer assessments are provided to each student. At the time of the presentations, peers ask questions on the content of the presentation and are encouraged to give constructive feedback on style and delivery. Continuous Assessment Essays: Following grading, students can request and receive one-to-one feedback on their essay performance,

Name Role
Dr Stephen Lalor Tutor