2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL5178M High-Throughput Technologies

15 Credits Class Size: 60

Module manager: Professor David Westhead
Email: d.r.westhead@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Biochemistry and molecular biology to undergraduate level. Some familiarity with LINUX based computer systems and use of the R statistical software package.

Module replaces

BIOL5274M High throughput Technologies (10 credits)

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module aims to provide an understanding of the use of high-throughput biomolecular data generation methods. The emphasis will be on understanding methods and the data that they typically give. Data analysis methods will be discussed but there will not be a strong emphasis on statistical methods that are covered in other modules. Some experience of data analysis will be provided.

Objectives

The objectives of the module are to:
- Introduce students to a range of high-throughput experimental methods currently being used in biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics.
- Make students aware of data analysis methods and issues associated with the interpretation of high-throughput data.
- Allow students to appreciate the applications of high-throughput data generation to advance bioscience and medicine.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module, students should be able to:
1. Describe a range of currently important experimental methods which generate high-throughput data in molecular biology and genetics;
2. Explain how these high-throughput methods work;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the specific and generic data analysis methods and issues associated with high throughput data;
4. Describe how high-throughput data can advance bioscience and medicine;
5. Analyse and interpret high-throughput data; and
6. Critically evaluate relevant research papers.

Syllabus

High-throughput DNA sequencing and applications in genome sequencing (genetics, cancer, rare diseases), epigenetics and genetic regulation (methylation, histone modification, DNA accessibility, ChIP-seq), gene expression studies (RNA-seq), studies of other RNA species (miRNA, lncRNA, circle RNA) and translation.

High-throughput proteomics and metabolomics using mass spectrometry, NMR and other methods. Chemical proteomics, high-throughput analysis of protein interactions.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Practical 4 3 12
Seminar 7 3 21
Private study hours 117
Total Contact hours 33
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 150

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Seminars will occur weekly and progress monitored during the sessions through the discussions that will take place. Practicals will occur fortnightly and progress monitored during these sessions through completion of the formative tasks.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Essay 2,500 word analysis of a scientific paper in essay format 60
Presentation Verbal presentation (12 minutes plus 3 minutes questions) 40
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 7/31/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team