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In this Experimental Design Module (EDM) you will participate in practical sessions undertaking a number of widely used modern laboratory techniques. You will develop both your laboratory and your data handling skills in preparation for your Research Skills Module in the next semester. Sessions will include PCR & clone analysis, bioinformatics, immunoblotting, histological tissue staining, ELISA and biostatistics. There will also be an opportunity to conduct human volunteer experiments, e.g. to examine glycaemic regulation in response to different carbohydrate loads.

Experimental Design Modules (EDMs) aim to equip students with the skills necessary to become proficient in a number of laboratory techniques that are carried out routinely in modern laboratories. EDMs place an emphasis on the design, data analysis and interpretation of experiments, building the expertise and knowledge that will be required to undertake the appropriate Research Skills Modules offered in Semester 2.

This unit will allow students to become proficient in making experimental choices enabling them to make amendments to technical protocols, analysing and critiquing research papers appropriate to the practical and using specialised laboratory equipment and procedures required to obtain data. Many practicals will consist of an element of data handling techniques, including statistical analysis and appropriate presentation of results.

• PCR & Clone analysis  
• Bioinformatics  
• lmmunoblotting  
• Histological Tissue Staining  
• Using ELISAs to Measure Hormone Levels  
• Glycaemic Regulation Biostatistics 

Written assignment (inc essay) 20% Practical skills assessment 70% Attendance and completion of pre-lab assessment 10% Students will be assessed using a combination of online and in-lab assessments. In addition, students will be required to complete a full experimental report for one practical as determined by their Programme Director and academic tutor. Marks will be distributed between the in-course assessments (70%) and the full write-up (20%). Attendance at all practical and lecture sessions is compulsory. An attendance mark (10%) will be awarded only if attendance and completion of practicals including pre-lab assessments is judged to be ‘satisfactory’. Satisfactory attendance is defined as attending at least 5 of the 6 practical sessions and obtaining at least 70% for each pre-lab exercise. A mark of at least 40% is required to pass this unit. Failure of this unit will result in a resit assessment.

During the practical sessions, there will be many opportunities to get immediate feedback from staff and demonstrators. Individual feedback on laboratory reports will be provided by your academic tutor.

An attendance mark (10%) will be awarded only if attendance and completion of practicals including pre-lab assessments is judged to be ‘satisfactory’. Satisfactory attendance is defined as attending at least 5 of the 6 practical sessions and obtaining at least 70% for each pre-lab exercise. A mark of at least 40% is required to pass this unit. Failure of this unit will result in a resit assessment.