Module manager: Prof. Mark Harris
Email: m.harris@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
| BIOL3397 | Biotechnology Research Project |
| BIOC3160 | Lab/Lit/Comp Research Project |
| BIOL3306 | Biological Sciences Research Project |
| MICR3080 | Microbiology Research Project |
| MICR3110 | Medical Micro Research Project |
BIOL3230
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This is a practical-based module. Students will undertake a placement within the COVID-19 testing facility at St James’s University Hospital, Leeds. After successful completion of the training and testing the student will be issued with a Certificate of Completion of COVID-19 LAMP Work demonstrating their contribution to the response to COVID-19. This unique opportunity is possible because of the nationwide need to increase testing and will primarily serve to offer testing to front-line NHS staff. These people have proved to be vulnerable in the earlier stages of the pandemic and keeping the NHS working efficiently is essential. Although the work may be routine and repetitive at times, this module provides some ‘real life’ laboratory experience, which should also help employability. This placement will be part-time and thus will be combined with other academic activities. This includes a literature-based project worth 20 credits (BIOL3397).
This module provides a unique opportunity to gain skills in molecular diagnostics and work as part of the team delivering COVID-19 testing in the UK.
By the end of the module the student will have developed: Enhanced molecular biology laboratory skills, team-working and managing deadlines in the support of the testing laboratory.
On completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate enhanced molecular biology laboratory skills in a clinical setting;
- Collect, deliver, receive and assist in the processing of clinical diagnostic specimens for testing;
- Undertake routine clinical technical investigations. This may involve operating equipment following standard operating procedures under supervision;
- Operate and utilise the laboratory information system to enter and retrieve patient demographic details;
- Perform a range of routine tasks in support of other biomedical, scientific and medical staff whilst maintaining the confidentiality of patient data.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to function effectively in a work environment;
3. Communicate effectively with colleagues and other healthcare staff working as part of a team in a clinical setting;
4. Reflect on and apply prior learning to the workplace setting;
5. Critically evaluate learning from the workplace experience through analysis, self-reflection and the application of theory to practice;
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance and application of an aspect of clinical diagnostics in a written report.
Managing Knowledge - Assimilation of information; Sourcing/selecting/ interpreting; Data evaluation/problem solving; Data presentation.
Technical Competence - Laboratory techniques; IT skills.
Managing Self - Time Management.
Managing Inter-relationships - Team work; Learning from others (Lab working);
This is a practical-based module. Students will undertake a placement within the COVID-19 testing facility at St James’s University Hospital, Leeds. Training will be given on site.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private study hours | 60 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 0 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 60 | ||
Monitoring student progress will be undertaken informally by staff within the Testing Centre.
An academic visit at an early stage of the placement to assess student progression and identify any problems will be arranged (most likely after training is complete). A single visit by an academic should be sufficient (following agreement with the Facility).
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Report | A Reflective Report (3,000 words) on an aspect of clinical diagnostics drawing on the experience of the placement e.g vaccine development/ pandemic response | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
If students are deemed to be unsuitable (ie failing the training) or need to withdraw for any reason (eg COVID-positive and needing to self-isolate) they would be transferred on to the 40 credit version of the module and they would extend their 20c literature review/data analysis they will be working on. This may delay student completion but we will work through an extensions process on a case by case basis.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2025
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