Module Details

Module Code: 57087
Full Title: Advanced Veterinary Laboratory Techniques
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 10
Module Owner:: Karen Dunne
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: This module will focus on the principles of molecular biology and genetics, and the practice of current and emerging laboratory techniques and skills required for modern veterinary practice. The relevant applications of these techniques and technologies, and their role in improving animal health, will be addressed.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Analyse the principles of molecular biology, genetics and genomics.
MLO2 Evaluate the importance of molecular diagnostics and identification of biomarkers.
MLO3 Examine the principles of current and emerging laboratory techniques and technologies.
MLO4 Appraise relevant molecular-based laboratory techniques and their applications in animal health, including identification of diseases and breeding studies.
MLO5 Critically evaluate the implementation of advanced laboratory skills into the field of veterinary practice.
MLO6 Demonstrate practical competence in selected laboratory techniques and relevant computer-based skills.
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
Introduction to Molecular Biology
Overview of genetics. Mendelian genetics. Chromosomes, inheritance and gene mapping. Composition, structure and interactions of cellular molecules (nucleic acids and proteins). DNA replication and repair. Transcription and translation. Control of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Animal Genetics and Genomics
Study of genes, genetic mutations and phenotypic changes leading to diseases. Genomes and genomic variation. Relevance of genomics in veterinary practice, including genetic identification of microbial pathogens and animal breeds. Importance of epigenetics and the environment. Role of nutrigenomics in animal health.
Principles of Molecular-Based Laboratory Techniques
Overview of current and emerging laboratory techniques for veterinary practice, R&D and industry-based laboratories. Molecular diagnostics and biomarker discovery in animal health. Principles of essential, molecular-based laboratory techniques, including protein-based assays, DNA manipulation and high-throughput screening technologies. Limitations of assays.
Applications in Animal Health
Overview of assays available for pathogen detection and characterisation, microbiome analysis, antibody detection, genetic identification and screening for diseases. Integration of molecular-based techniques into veterinary practices. Validation of diagnostic assays, GLP, quality assurance and regulatory standards/control measures e.g. ISO 17025, SOP’s. Importance of biobanking, biological sampling and processing techniques.
Practical Laboratory Skills
Students will gain practical laboratory skills in a wide range of advanced laboratory techniques. Biochemical techniques include affinity chromatography, electrophoresis and ELISA. Molecular-based techniques include recombinant DNA technology, RT-PCR and qPCR. Computer skills will include the application and use of bioinformatics software e.g. NCBI, for accessing databases, analysis of sequences and primer design. Students may be asked to attend a compulsory on-site visit to a relevant molecular laboratory during the Semester.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work30.00%
Practical20.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

No Course Work
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 5,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A 3-hour practical session each week will provide the student with the opportunity to back up the theory covered in formal lectures with practical experience. Students will be assessed weekly by a variety of methods including written reports, in-class quizzes and presentations. Marks for laboratory notebooks will be based on demonstrating GLP.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be assessed by a bell-ringer style, practical skills based exam. Students will be assessed on both practical skills and critical analysis of experimental results.
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
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 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Practical Contact Weekly laboratory practical Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 5.00 5
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 5.00 5
Online (non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 18.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact No Description Every Week 0.50 0.5
Practical Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 5.50 5.5
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 6.00 6
Online (non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 18.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Harvey F. Lodish. (2016), Molecular Cell Biology, 8th Ed.. W.H. Freeman - Macmillan Learning, New York.
  • Frank W. Nicholas. (2009), Introduction to Veterinary Genetics, 3rd Ed.. Wiley-Blackwell, p.328.
  • Monica V. Cunha and Joao Inacio. (2016), Veterinary Infection Biology: Molecular Diagnostics and High-Throughput Strategies, 1st Ed.. Springer Protocols, p.558.
  • John Dascanio and Patrick McCue. (2014), Equine Reproductive Procedures, Wiley Blackwell.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Margi Sirois. (2015), Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary Technicians, 6th. Elsevier, St. Louis.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources