This module is designed to review the impact of molecular diagnostics in the detection of infectious disease. The module will explore key concepts in assay design and validation in diagnostic microbiology and will review the application of nucleic acid based amplification and DNA sequencing technologies in the detection and investigation of a range of important pathogenic microorganisms
Lecture Programme
Review common foodborne, waterborne and community-acquired infections under the following headings:
a) Medical significance
b) Conventional laboratory procedures for pathogen isolation and identification
c) Principles, procedures and application of current molecular detection methods
Nucleic acid amplification technologies in diagnostic microbiology.
Molecular detection assays - design, optimisation and validation.
DNA sequencing technology in the investigation and analysis of bacterial pathogens and associated antimicrobial resistance.
Practical Programme:
Laboratory procedures for culture-based identification of a range of bacterial pathogens.
End-point PCR for the identification of common bacterial pathogens.
Real-time PCR assays for the investigation of bacterial pathogens.
Assay design workshop- assay type, target selection, sequence retrieval, sequence alignment, primer design.
Lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, workshop
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |