| Unit name | Laboratory Research Methods |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SOCS30002 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1A (weeks 1 - 6) |
| Unit director | Dr. Cordero Llana |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Bristol Medical School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
This unit will introduce students to the theoretical aspects and practicalities of a diverse range of laboratory techniques that are used in modern research. Recent trends and methods including physiological genomics and molecular medicine will be discussed. Students will be introduced to the concepts in the “omics” field of study including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics; high throughput sequencing and bioinformatics; the use of viral vectors for gene transfer and manipulation of gene expression; the use of model organisms and genetically modified mice as models of human disease; dynamic cell microscopy and imaging techniques as well as an introduction to stem cell biology.
The unit aims to: (i) Provide students with the knowledge of cutting-edge genetic and molecular techniques that can be used in the laboratory to study disease (ii) Provide students with knowledge of cellular and animal models of diseases that are used in biomedical research (iii) Provide the students with knowledge of visualisation techniques that can be used to image disease
At the end of this unit the student should be able to: (i) explain the theoretical basis of main research methods that are relevant and applicable to the biomedical sciences (ii) describe in vitro and in vivo research models that can be used to study disease (iii) assess the advantages and limitations of various research techniques that are used in the laboratory, particularly in biomedical research
This unit is taught through lectures and tutorials.
The unit will be assessed by two essays, selected from a list of titles on the theory, applications and limitations of a technique or disease model.
Selected relevant review papers from the literature
