Module Code - Title:
BY4041
-
LABORATORY TECHNIQUES FOR BIOSCIENTISTS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
In an era of rapid scientific and technological advancement, the ability to conduct and interpret laboratory experiments is a fundamental competency. Integrating theory and practice is essential for developing robust scientific skills in Bioscience. This module aims to provide students with comprehensive hands-on experience in modern cellular and molecular techniques applicable to Bioscience. By addressing the specific needs and technical demands of Bioscience research, this module ensures that students gain a deep and practical understanding of advanced laboratory methods. This approach will enable students to develop solid technical proficiency and refined analytical skills, preparing them to make significant contributions in their respective fields of study and research.
Syllabus:
Laboratory-based practical's and tutorials will support development of foundational and practical skills and technical understanding in the following areas:
• Foundational laboratory skills including pipetting, pH analysis, molar solution generation, bench organisation
• Microscopic techniques and image analysis
• Nucleic acid and protein quantification methods including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Realtime PCR
• Immunoassays including immunohistochemistry or immunoblotting
• Bioinformatic tools for genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses including pathway enrichment tools, data repositories and protein database mining.
The module will also include transferable skills training in
• laboratory report writing,
• use of SOPs and risk assessments,
• experimental troubleshooting,
• data processing and analysis of raw data,
• generation of raw data into publication-standard figures,
• collaboration and teamwork
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of this module students will be able to:
• Demonstrate proficiency in basic lab skills including pipetting, pH calibration and solution/buffer production.
• Demonstrate proficiency in nucleic acid and protein isolation, quantification and handling.
• Demonstrate proficiency in proteomic techniques including immunohistochemistry and immunoblot.
• Design primers and execute a PCR-based assay.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of bioinformatic tools for omics data processing and analysis.
• Conduct and record results from scientific experiments.
• Demonstrate proficiency in data handling, statistical analysis, interrogation and interpretation.
• Demonstrate competency in the presentation of scientific data.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Students will be guided to uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity. This includes being honest and transparent in their research practices, accurately reporting results, and acknowledging sources of information and contributions from others. Emphasizing ethical behavior ensures that the scientific work conducted is credible, reproducible, and contributes to the overall trustworthiness of scientific research. Students will be encouraged to approach their work with curiosity and enthusiasm, handle challenges with resilience, respect diverse perspectives, and commit to continuous improvement. These values will help them become responsible, collaborative, and innovative professionals in their future careers.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module emphasizes the attainment of practical competencies and application of knowledge in wet-laboratory and in silico-laboratory environments. State-of-the-art research findings in the areas of molecular biology and cell biology will be introduced in order to provide context and demonstrate how experimental techniques are applied to answer complex biological questions. Key concepts underlying each molecular biology technique will be introduced during lectures. Small group tutorials will be used to generate a "community of learning" where various techniques and scientific data will be analysed and discussed. Practical sessions will allow students to apply and perfect the practical knowledge generated through lecture-based learning and tutorials. Students will be evaluated for practical competency by continual assessment of laboratory-based activities that will cover different technical skills and abilities including data analytical and data presentation skills.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSBIOSUFA - BIOSCIENCE
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
sinead.odonovan@ul.ie