Module Details

Module Code: GENE8001
Title: Molecular Diagnostics
Long Title: Molecular Diagnostics
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2021/22 ( January 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4212 - Genetics
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module evaluates current and prospective molecular-based testing strategies and the application of these techniques in the clinical laboratory.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate current and prospective molecular diagnostic techniques for clinical pathology testing.
LO2 Analyse and interpret data from molecular diagnostic testing.
LO3 Critically assess specific issues pertaining to molecular diagnostics including laboratory design, quality assurance and ethical considerations.
LO4 Determine appropriate molecular diagnostic methods for application in specific diagnosis.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
The student should have level 7 molecular biology or equivalent.
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
DNA based techniques
Nucleic acid blotting and hybridisation techniques. Probe design. Microarrays. Nucleic acid amplification techniques. Mutation detection. DNA sequencing.
Applications of molecular diagnostics
Genetic disease diagnosis. Detection of human cancers. Infectious disease.
Concepts of medical genetics
Principles of mendelian inheritance. Pedigree analysis. Single gene disorders and multifactorial or complex diseases.
General considerations in molecular diagnostics
Quality assurance and quality control in the laboratory. Genetic counselling considerations. Ethical, social and legal implications.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Evaluation of current and future methods and interpretation of data from molecular testing
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory and Application Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-directed Study Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Anthony Warford (Editor), Nadège Presneau (Editor). (2019), Molecular Diagnostics (Fundamentals of Biomedical Science), Oxford University Press, [ISBN: 978-019877706].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • George P. Patrinos (Editor), Wilhelm Ansorge (Editor), Phillip B. Danielson (Editor). (2016), Molecular Diagnostics, Third. Academic Press, [ISBN: 9780128029718].
  • Lela Buckingham. (2019), Molecular Diagnostics, Third. Davis Company, [ISBN: 978-080366829].
  • Coleman, William B. (Editor), and Tsongalis, Gregory J. (Editor). (2005), Molecular Diagnostics: For the Clinical Laboratorian, Humana Press, [ISBN: 9781588293565].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SBISC_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Science 8 Mandatory