The aims of this course are:

• To provide students with the relevant tools to plan, and carry out investigations in an appropriate manner.
• To gain an understanding of principles behind a range of analytical techniques, and to be able to apply them in the relevant specialised field of investigation and the consequent data interpretation.

On completing this course successfully you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an in-depth appreciation of the theoretical aspects biological analysis.
2. Discuss the principles involved in undertaking standard sample preparation procedures, and recognise the critical importance of rigorous instrumental calibration procedures and the use of standards and reference materials.
3. Select the appropriate methodology and instrumental technique relevant to a particular task.
4. Competently carry out a range of biological techniques.
5. Critically appraise the techniques and methods adopted by scientific researchers.

Skills Learning Outcomes:
On completing this course successfully you will be able to:
1. Obtain and integrate several lines of subject-specific evidence to formulate and test hypotheses.
2. Recognize the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciate the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct.

Basic spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques.
Applications of chromatography and spectroscopic techniques in bioscience research and development.
RIA and ELISA.
Electrophoresis/Capillary Electrophoresis.
PCR.
Electron Microscopy – a tool for investigation.
Cell Analysis – Coulter principle and Flow Cytometry.
Robotics and Automation.
Point of Care Testing.

The course will be taught largely through lectures and laboratory-based work. The principles will be explained in the lectures, and the laboratory work will make practical use of the principles. Development of group working and presentational skills will also take place in the laboratory work.

The extensive practical programme of study will vary in style according to the particular part of the Indicative Content being supported.

Coursework - 25%
1500 words.
Essay on the Principle and applications of techniques.

Practical - 25%
GLP grading of original notebook. Plus assessment of 1 written laboratory reports.

Exam - 50%
3 hours.

Pass mark - 40% overall