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PATH40020

Academic Year 2024/2025

Clinical Biomarkers (PATH40020)

Subject:
Pathology
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Medicine
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Bill Watson
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
Yes
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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. 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.

About this Module

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;
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;

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

90
Lectures

15
Seminar (or Webinar)

9
Total

114

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Interactive small group lectures/seminars are the key teaching and learning approach used in the module; students prepare a critical review of the literature specific to their interests which provides an opportunity for critical writing. They will learn how to use Co-Pilot and evaluate its use. Students give a presentation to the class on their critical review and selected paper.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Clinical Biomarkers (PHYS40080)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Three questions will be set on various subjects covered in the module. End of trimester
Duration:
1 hr(s)
 Graded No
30
 No
Exam (In-person): The student will give a 10 minute presentation on their critical review of specific literature on biomarkers that they have selected. The presentation is given to the whole class or sub group. Week 11, Week 12 Graded No
30
 Yes
Assignment(Including Essay): A critical review of specific literature on biomarkers the student has read in line with their area of interest and/or research project. Week 6 Graded No
40
 Yes

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, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Critical review Assignment: Post-assessment students are given written feedback of their critical review. Presentations: Post-assessment students are given written feedback on their presentation. Exit examination: Following grading, students can request and receive feedback on their essay answer.

Name Role
Professor Amanda McCann Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Stephen Lalor Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Fri 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 6 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
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