Unit information: General Laboratory Techniques in 2021/22

Unit name	General Laboratory Techniques
Unit code	SOCSM0008
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Bond
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Bristol Medical School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will introduce theoretical aspects and practical details of laboratory methods that are highly relevant to translational cardiovascular medicine research. The following techniques will be discussed: analysis of gene function (via approaches such as siRNA gene silencing and synthetic inhibitors), gene transfer (plasmid and viral based), analysis of gene transcription (via qPCR), analysis of gene expression (via Western blotting and ELISA), immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry (light, fluorescent and confocal microscopy and quantification), cell analysis using FACS, analysis of cell proliferation, migration/invasion and apoptosis, purification and culture of several relevant cell types, detection of polymorphisms and SNPs. Apart from providing a basic introduction to laboratory research methods this unit also importantly aims to provide an overview of essential skills experimental design such as choice of negative and positive controls, and biological and experimental replicates.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing this module will be able to:

• Discuss the theoretical principles of main research methods relevant and applicable to translational cardiovascular medicine.
• Recognize the suitability and current limitations of various methods for research in translational cardiovascular medicine.

Teaching Information

• Synchronous and asynchronous lectures; tutorials
• Online discussion forum(s)
• Self-directed study
• Practical workshops which will take place in Bristol if possible or will be taught in an alternative online format

Assessment Information

Coursework (contributing a total of 60% to the unit) consisting of:

• 3 sets of multiple choice questions (MCQs) of a simple format (select the best answer from 4 or 5 options), contributing 10% to the unit.
• 5 sets of short answer questions, contributing 50% to the unit.

Written exams (contributing a total of 40% to the unit) consisting of:

• Short answer questions paper contributing 40% to the unit.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SOCSM0008).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.