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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2020 - 2021

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 7.5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
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 laboratories relevant to common biomedical problems.

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, fabricate and test an array of microfluidic systems and use them to verify microfluidic principles.
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 biological situations.
5. Apply safe laboratory practice.
6. Write a report on a scientific experiment



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Lectures on Bioanalysis Techniques
Laboratory80Laboratory work on general physics and microfluidics
Independent Study83.5Independent 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% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

    Other Resources

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