5B011B - Molecular Basis of Disease 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 5B011B | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Molecular Basis of Disease | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biology and Chemistry | ||
| Module Leader: | Cerith Jones | ||
| Module Team: | Sky Redhead, Martin Powell | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 5 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 33 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100354 - molecular biology | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
The main aims of the module are:
To provide students with hands-on training in essential laboratory techniques in genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology through the investigation of authentic biomedical case studies.
To enable students to develop a deep understanding of how molecular and cellular processes underpin human disease, applying these concepts within case-based scenarios to the diagnosis, treatment, and investigation of pathological conditions.
To foster students’ ability to investigate molecular biomedical questions using a case-based, enquiry-led approach, enabling them to interpret experimental data and communicate evidence-based conclusions
Content Summary
This module integrates core concepts in molecular biology with practical laboratory training through a case-based learning (CBL) approach designed to reflect real-world biomedical practice. Students will engage with authentic clinical and experimental case studies to explore the molecular basis of a range of human pathological conditions and to understand how these conditions are diagnosed, treated, and investigated using molecular and cellular techniques.
Through guided analysis of case scenarios, students will use experimental data to develop and test hypotheses, interpret scientific results, and apply molecular concepts to disease contexts. This enquiry-led, investigative framework supports the development of critical thinking and enables students to confidently explain molecular mechanisms of disease and answer molecular-level research questions.
Practical competence will be developed alongside case analysis and assessed through direct observation to ensure proficiency in industry-relevant laboratory skills. By the end of the module, students will be able to confidently perform low-volume liquid handling, work using sterile technique, and set up, analyse, and interpret molecular, microbial, and genetic experiments within the context of biomedical case studies.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 56 |
| Digital Guided Learning | 12 |
| Independent Study? | 100 |
| Formative Assessment | 50 |
| Summative Assessment | 60 |
| Directed Study | 22 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Apply core concepts in molecular biomedicine to the understanding of disease processes. |
| LO2 | Design experimental approaches, gather and interpret molecular outputs to evaluate health challenges. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment | Practical Coursework (Onsite) | Assessment 1 is a synchronous, in-laboratory practical skills test in which students’ competencies are directly observed and assessed by academic staff. This assessment evaluates essential laboratory skills including safe working practices, sterile technique, low-volume liquid handling, experimental setup and professional conduct, providing robust and authentic evidence of practical capability that aligns with real-world professional expectations. | 180 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Practical Coursework (Asynchronous) | Assessment 2 is an asynchronous coursework assessment requiring students to use AI-enabled tools to generate laboratory protocols for a defined molecular biomedical task. Students must then critically review, evaluate and refine the AI-generated outputs, demonstrating scientific judgment, methodological understanding, digital fluency and ethical awareness in line with the AIAS framework | 0 | 2250 | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Practical Coursework (Onsite) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Practical Coursework (Asynchronous) | ✔ | ✔ | |