LBIOL52104A Biological Samples Course Descriptor

Course Overview

This course provides a deep-dive into biological samples. It examines the rules and laws that regulate the way in which biological samples are collected and stored, and the manner in which they can be used in the future. The course also examines the positive and negative aspects of central and local laboratories.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

Teaching and Learning

This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year. 

This course can be offered as a standalone short course.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include: 

• Online learning
• Online discussion groups
• Online assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Learners are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Learners are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

• Off-the-job learning and teaching (6 days x 7 hours) = 42 hours
• On-the-job learning (12 days x 7 hours) = 84 hours (e.g. 2 days per week for 6 weeks)
• Private study (4 hours per week) = 24 hours

Total = 150 hours

Workplace assignments (see below) will be completed as part of on-the-job learning.

Assessment

Formative

Learners will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide students with developmental feedback. 

Summative

Feedback

Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Learners will also attend a formal meeting with their Academic Advisor or Success Manager (and for apprentices, including their Line Manager). These bi or tri-partite reviews will monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.  

Feedback is provided on summatively assessed assignments and through generic internal examiners’ reports, both of which are posted on the VLE.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to students; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books

Guder, W. G. (2003). Samples : from the patient to the laboratory : the impact of preanalytical variables on the quality of laboratory results (3rd, rev. ed. ed.). Wiley-VCH.

Weiner, Russell., & Kelley, Marian. (2016). Translating molecular biomarkers into clinical assays : techniques and applications. 

Wigglesworth, Mark., & Wood, T. (2012). Management of chemical and biological samples for screening applications. Wiley-VCH.

Journals

Learners are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on oncology as directed by their course leader.

Electronic Resources

 Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on the history and general design of clinical trials.

Indicative Topics

Students will study the following topics:

• Biological samples and clinical trials
• Ethical issues

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