AP0609 - Advanced Analytical Techniques

You will be taught through a combination of lectures and practical classes. The theoretical basis of an analytical principle or supporting biological technique or technology will be explained in lectures and illustrated with contemporary examples of diagnostic or research applications. Additionally, the characteristics of the analyte and its matrix and methods required for adequate preservation to ensure generation of meaningful data will also be discussed. The practical sessions will give you hands-on experience of key analytical techniques/technologies and associated data analyses. In all sessions the generic principles associated with the research and diagnostic processes will be reinforced.

You will be supported by a team of staff associated with the module in a number of ways. Staff will deal with your questions and queries in lecture and practical sessions on issues of module content and also to provide guidance on interpretation of the coursework briefs and the development of the core skills necessary to retrieve, evaluate, discuss and apply the research findings of others. Staff can be contacted outside of sessions via a variety of channels to deal with your queries. Supporting information will also be distributed by the eLP (Blackboard Ultra).

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1.Understand the fundamental principles of a range of illustrative analytical technologies
2.Critically evaluate the principles of operation of a range of techniques.
3.Evaluate the application of these techniques in biomedical diagnostics and research and their role in advancing our understanding of disease, developing diagnostics and improving patient health.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4.You will be able to apply theoretical knowledge to interpret, analyse and evaluate complex data.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5.You will develop an understanding and appreciation of the role played by methodology development in the screening, diagnosis and monitoring of disease.

The assessment in this module will involve two examination components, both involving Multiple choice and short answer format (weighted 50% each).
Both components will test your specific knowledge and understanding of the topic area and your ability to evaluate the rapidly advancing methodologies that underpin this discipline. In addition both assessments will test your ability to present, interpret and understand the significance of data. Assessment 1 will test material in the first half of the module and Assessment 2 the second half. This will ensure that all the module's MLOs are assessed.
You will be supported in preparing for these assessments via formative feedback obtained during the laboratory sessions and formative exercises delivered via the eLearning Portal (Blackboard Ultra) which will include multi-choice quizzes and problem-based question sets.

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Due to the impressive advances in recent decades in the methodologies available to biomedical researchers and diagnostic laboratories, the frontiers of biomedical science have never been so exciting. This module will equip you with the knowledge of those techniques and an understanding of how these are applied to diagnosis of disease and research of disease pathology. You will gain an understanding of genetic engineering strategies and purification of proteins for analysis. In addition you will also learn about advanced separation techniques such as flow cytometry and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) as well as automated enzyme analysis. You will also gain an insight into high throughput molecular research including next generation sequencing and microarray technologies in the context of both RNA (transcriptomics) and protein (proteomics) and small molecules (metabolomics). Thus this module will equip you with important key skills that will be invaluable in your future career.