BMS356   Biomedical Technology and Drug Development   (10 credits)

Description

This module examines some of the key technologies that underpin modern biomedical research. Over the course of the module we will follow the development of a hypothetical antibody-based anti-cancer treatment through discovery, development and clinical trials. Teaching will be via a combination of lectures and site visits to local facilities. Led by experts in these technologies, site visits will demonstrate the application of cutting edge biomedical technologies at first hand. The aim is for students to gain a fundamental understanding of the biology, chemistry and physics that underlies some of the key techniques in modern biomedical research.This module will examine the steps involved in the development of a hypothetical new antibody- based treatment for malignant melanoma. This `bottom up' approach will be used as a framework from which to examine some of the technologies underlying modern biomedical science. Each of these key technologies will be studied at the level of the physics, chemistry and biology involved so as to gain a fundamental insight into how they work, what they can do and what their limitations might be.The course will begin by examining gene discovery approaches involving the use of next generation sequencing which could be used to identify genes whose expression is up regulated in tumours. High throughput screening of RNAi libraries will then be examined as a means of phenotypic / functional screening for gene validation.

Reading List