Module: Bioanalysis Techniques - level 3 laboratory

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Bioanalysis Techniques - level 3 laboratory
Module Code	PS356 (ITS) / BIO1008 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Jennifer Gaughran
Module Teachers	Jens Ducree
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Array

Description

Module Aims: 1. To allow students to learn about various analysis techniques used in biological testing and monitoring with particular focus on techniques that can be incorporated in microfluidic systems. 2. To develop students' understanding and capability to use statistical data analytics techniques effectively. 3. To develop students' advanced measurement skills and good laboratory practice by doing general physics laboratories.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the physical principles involved in biological analysis techniques, in terms of their usefulness for identifying biological markers, including nucleic acid testing, immunoassays and single-cell analysis. Identify and discuss viability of different fabrication technologies in microfluidic systems. Solve related problems.
2. Design 3D biomedical systems using CAD drawing software.
3. Carry out in the lab experimental measurements using various measurements devices and applying the suitable error analysis.
4. Identify the physical principles involved in the laboratory experiments and discuss them in the context of their applications.
5. Apply safe laboratory practice.
6. Write reports on a scientific experimentation.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lectures on Bioanalysis Techniques
Laboratory	80	Laboratory work on general physics and biodesign
Independent Study	83.5	Independent study and report writing
Total Workload: 187.5

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction
Introduction to biological fluids, cell biology and cell culturing methods.

Bioanalysis systems
Introduction to systems used for bioanalysis e.g. immunoassays, cell-capture, single-cell analysis, nucleic acid testing.

Bioanalytical techniques
Concepts and principles of bioanalytical techniques including PCR, isothermal amplification, ELISA, western blots, mass spectrometry, chromatography and flow cytometry.

Sample preparation
Investigation of sample preparation requirements and basics in cell product analysis including genomics, proteomics and transcriptomic. Discussion of how these techniques can be miniaturised and incorporated into microfluidic systems.

Microfluidics
Basics in microfluidic fabrication and testing techniques . Building and testing of microfluidic structures.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Report(s)	Written reports for general physics labs	30%	n/a
Report(s)	Written reports for biodesign labs	30%	n/a
Written Exam	In-class terminal assessment of lecture material	24%	Week 12
Presentation	Presentation on bioanalysis technique	16%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 2

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

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