Module Code - Title:

BC4008 - IMMUNO AND DNA DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

0

Tutorial

1

Other

3

Private

4

Credits

6

Grading Type:

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

To provide an overview of the immune system, structure and function of antibodies and usage of Immune and DNA diagnostics.

Syllabus:

Overview of the immune system. Development and diversity of the system. Cellular and humoral responses. Passive vs. active immunity, vaccination. Complement system. T cell structure and differentiation. Memory. Antibody structure and function. Polyclonal vs. monoclonal Becterial, insect and eukaryotic expression system used for protein production, especially those applied for antibodies production. Crystallisation of proteins. Usage of monoclonal antibodies for membrane proteins crystallisation. Introduction to crystal structure determination. Interpretation of 3D structure of antibodies. Immuno- and nucleic acids diagnostics (diagnosis for infectious and genetic diseases), for instance PCR and PCR variants, Real-time PCR, RAPDs, RFLPs, DNA profiling and DNA fingerprinting.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Describe the components and functioning of the human immune system. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the production of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the crystal structure of antibody and usage of monoclonal antibodies in structural biology. 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and various applications of antibodies. 5. Devise or critique suggested schemes/approaches appropriate to the identification, manipulation of antibodies for specific purpose(s).

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

N/A

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to prepare and deliver oral presentations.

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

This module will be taught over a 12-week period through a formal interactive lecturing mode with 2 lectures from guest lecturers/industry experts and oral group presentations by the students.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Kenneth Murphy, Casey Weaver (2017) Janeways Immunobiology, 9th edition , Garland Science, UK.

Other Relevant Texts:

Jean-Louis Serre (ed) and translated by Isabelle and Simon Heath (2006) Diagnostic Techniques in Genetics , Wiley and Sons Ltd

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

BSINBIUFA - INDUSTRIAL BIOCHEMISTRY

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Spring

Module Leader:

luis.padrela@ul.ie