University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This course provides a comprehensive overview for students of the fundamental principles of immuno and molecular diagnostics. Topics to be covered include: introduction to antibodies and their properties; ELISA and Western blot based processes for diagnostics; FACS analysis for diagnostic purposes with examples; Nucleic acid structure and function, genetics, introduction to nucleic acid isolation and amplification techniques used in infectious disease diagnosis in the clinical setting.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate a critical knowledge of the principles of antibody-based diagnostic systems
  2. Understand the concepts of validation and quality control as applied to antibody based analytical systems
  3. Apply knowledge of cellular structure and function, especially DNA and RNA, to molecular diagnostic procedures
  4. Demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of nucleic acid extraction, resolution and detection
  5. Evaluate the most commonly utilized molecular diagnostic testing protocols
  6. Demonstrate a wide, effective and critical reading of current relevant scientific literature and be conversant in the current trends and future possibilities for both immuno and molecular diagnostics
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Janeway's Immunobiology" by Kenneth Murphy
    ISBN: 9780815342434.
    Publisher: Garland Science
  2. "Nucleic Acid Diagnostics:Molecular Diagnostics: Current Research and Applications" by Jim Huggett and Justin O'Grady
    ISBN: 9781908230416.
    Publisher: Caister Academic Press
The above information outlines module MI5105: "DNA and Immuno Diagnostic Technology" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.