The module focuses on the ability to detect (diagnose in the clinical laboratory) specific causal factors and provide examples of how precision diagnosis (instead of conventional routine specific diagnostics) can be combined with precision therapeutics to transform conditions, such as specific forms of leukaemia, from a fatal disease into a manageable chronic illness.

Module aims:

Provide an overview of the different types of molecular biomarkers (macromolecules and/or metabolites) and how they are collected for diagnostics
 Provide an overview of the technologies available to measure these markers, as well as techniques used to analyse and interpret large, multidimensional data sets using biomedical informatics and systems biology techniques
 Highlight how precision molecular diagnostics (also known as companion diagnostics) enables the prediction of efficacies of targeted therapeutics and are mandatory prerequisites for cost-effective and safe use of individual drugs and combination therapies in the clinical care setting               
Key Objective: 

Stimulate original thought and understand how common principles, techniques and approaches underlie ‘Precision Medicine’ and apply across biomedical fields

To do this:

i) Each speaker will provide 2-3 review papers that introduce their topic area. These are made available as mandatory pre-reading.
ii) Each speaker delivers a 45min lecture on their topic.
iii) The lecture will be followed by a 15min Q&A session followed by a short break.
iv) Group discussion facilitated by either the lecturer or module facilitator. 30-45mins using a Structured Analysis Tool to analyse the topic area.

Discussion will be structured around a set of principles / questions to be addressed. This will include how the suggested novel precision approach differs from the existing construct, the technology it relies on, the benefits it affords, and how it may be further developed or expanded into different areas. You will be able to translate this approach into your own work

Mini Project: 

Through the lectures and accompanying structured discussions you will develop your own idea for a ‘Precision Medicine’ approach, building off lecture topics, your prior experiences/study or on a new topic.

This will lead into the 1000 word essay (Mini Project) arguing why your idea is worth pursuing along the lines of the Structured Analysis Tool addressed in each lecture.