This module will introduce students to the modes of investigation and diagnosis of disease. Students will develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in cell and tissue analysis as applied to disease investigation. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutics and research of disease. The detection and characterisation of molecular biomarkers of disease will be explored and evaluated.
Lectures:
Models of disease – use of cell lines and transgenic animals in the study of disease.
Ethical handling and management of human samples, patient consent, anonymisation and ethics applications.
Cell and tissue harvesting from disease models, preservation, processing, storage and bio-banking.
Cytochemistry and histochemistry for morphology and detection of cell and tissue constituents.
Immunostaining of cells and tissues for biomarkers of disease; diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers.
Nucleic acid analysis methods for disease-related gene expression; in situ hybridisation for aneuploidy, translocations and deletions; Genetic analysis of disease-specific mutations, viruses and gene expression.
Overview of biomarkers of neoplasia, tumour-typing, markers of aggression and therapy response.
Diseases models to be studied will be selected from, by not restricted to, the following systems:
Respiratory tract, reproductive tract, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, nervous system and skin.
Practical programme:
Harvesting of cultured cells and rat tissues: freezing, preparation of cytospins, imprints, cell blocks and wax-embedded blocks.
Histochemical stains for disease associated alterations including structural and cellular constituents in cells and tissues.
Immuno-peroxidase optimisation and staining for tumour biomarkers.
Microscopy, image capture and analysis.
This module will be delivered through a series of lectures, laboratory based practical work, workshops and student directed learning.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |