Module Details

Module Code: PHAR S8013
Full Title: Biomolecular Therapeutics and Bioinformatics
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 )
Language of Instruction: 
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner:: Jade Pollock
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: The aims of this module are: To provide students with an in-depth knowledge of current biomolecular therapeutics (in use or under development). To provide students with an in-depth understanding of genomics, it's significance and potential applications within the biopharmaceutical and related industries. To provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of the principles, background, benefits and applications of bioinformatics.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Appraise modern biotechnology and the application of recombinant DNA/RNA technologies (theoretical and practical) in the development and production of a wide range of biomolecular therapeutics.
MLO2 Examine the importance of genomics in the diagnosis and identification of diseases, its role in the development of novel biomolecular therapeutics and the emerging field of personalised medicine.
MLO3 Evaluate and describe the applications, relevance, benefits and increasing importance of bioinformatics.
MLO4 Access current bioinformatics databases, conduct in-depth analysis of the available genomic and proteomic data relative to the course and critically evaluate findings.
MLO5 Critically analyse a relevant scientific article and present findings to peers.
Pre-requisite learning
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 DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Application of Molecular Biology:
Overview of modern biotechnology. Analysis of modern biomolecular therapies; cytokines, growth factors, antibodies, hormones and regulatory small molecules and their ability to treat a range of inherited and acquired disorders. Focus on the design, development and application of novel immunotherapies and cell-based therapies.
Genomics and Genomic Medicine:
Examining the emerging role of genomics in the biopharmaceutical industry. Application of genomic information for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Advancements in genomic sequencing, genetic engineering and gene editing technologies.
Delivery of Biotherapeutics:
Delivery methods of nucleotide- and protein-based therapeutics, including the use of vectors and nanoparticles for targeted delivery. Advancements in the design and delivery of modern biotherapeutics and issues with efficacy and administration.
Applications of Bioinformatics:
Overview of relevant scientific databases. Role of bioinformatics in development of novel biotherapeutics. Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data storage and integrity (in accordance with regulatory requirements). Computational methods of nucleotide or protein sequence analysis, incl. clustering techniques, pattern recognition protocols, similarity measures and their expression using software, predicting structures and functions of proteins. Identification of genetic biomarkers for the development of new biomolecular therapies.
Laboratory-based Practicals:
Many of the techniques are applicable to a range of biopharmaceutical products and so have a broad spectrum of merit. The following list is designed to serve as a resource of ideas for suitable practical’s to illustrate key concepts and techniques: • Isolation and analysis of DNA (genomic/plasmid) using PCR and gel electrophoresis • Cloning (and expression) of a gene using E. coli. • Characterisation of a protein based biopharmaceutical by SDS-PAGE. • Biomolecular detection methods (e.g. ELISA/Flow Cytometry). • Purification of an antibody with polyethylene glycol (PEG). Potential on-site visit to a relevant industrial, research or clinical laboratory, aimed at further advancing understanding of the therapeutic applications of molecular biology.
Computer-based Practicals:
Weekly computer practical sessions will be used to deliver the practical aspect of the bioinformatics section, using appropriate DNA and protein analysis software and key databases. Students will have the opportunity to engage in 'journal club' style critical discussions of relevant bioinformatics-based scientific articles.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work25.00%
Practical25.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Class Test % of Total Mark 15
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Computer-based practical sessions will be used for bioinformatics (incl. clustering, similarity and alignment algorithms, predicting protein structure from sequence information) and assessed by an end-of-semester 1 hour class test. Students will be required to attend a site visit to a relevant industrial/clinical or research facility.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing Every Week Learning Outcome 1,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be required to critically analyse a relevant scientific articles, participate in a 'journal club' style presentation followed by a student-led discussion session.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing Every Week Learning Outcome 1,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The requirement to submit regular laboratory reports is intended to focus students on the laboratory work and encourage academic writing skills. Submission of a laboratory notebook is intended to encourage GLP. Marks for reports will be based on clear understanding of theory, report writing skills, analysis of data and practical ability. Marks for laboratory notebooks will be based on recording of procedures, reagents used and observations made.
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
A 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.

DKIT 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 No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Practical Contact Laboratory-based (experiments) Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Practical Contact Computer-based (bioinformatics) Every Week 1.00 1
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 12.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 8.00
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Jeremy M. Berg. (2015), Biochemistry, 8th. [ISBN: 9781319153939].
  • Harvey F. Lodish. (2012), Molecular Cell Biology, 6th. W.H. Freeman, New York, [ISBN: 1464109818].
  • Keith Wilson; John M. Walker. (2009), Principles and techniques of biochemistry and molecular biology, 7th. Cambridge University, Cambridge, U.K., [ISBN: 0521731674].
  • Bruce Alberts. (2015), Essential cell biology, 4th. Garland Science, New York, [ISBN: 0815344643].
  • Terence A. Brown. (2015), Gene cloning and DNA analysis : an introduction, 7th. Wiley Blackwell, U.K., [ISBN: 9781119072560].
  • M. Michael Gromiha.. (2015), Protein bioinformatics [electronic resource] : from sequence to function, 1st. Elseiver, Boston, [ISBN: 8131222977].
  • Arthur M. Lesk. (2014), Introduction to Bioinformatics, 4th. Oxford University Press, Oxford, United Kingdom, p.400, [ISBN: 0199651566].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources