Reference no: EM133118903

Learning Outcome 1: Formulate and test a hypothesis using appropriate experimental design.
Learning Outcome 2: Record, analyse and interpret scientific data and communicate the findings.

This is a group assignment where you will prepare a poster and deliver a short presentation to explain the poster to the markers.

The poster topic will be based on the role of three laboratory diagnostic techniques in the diagnosis of a disease condition.

Your group will he randomly assigned a disease condition, but you can choose any three techniques that you have studied in the BL2011 module to include in the presentation. Laboratory techniques that were not covered as part of the BL 2011 module should not be chosen.

Once you have chosen your techniques you should describe the principle and application of the techniques to the specific disease condition.

You should identify factors that influence the selection of diagnostic techniques in the UK. This could include NICE guidelines or standard methods. Formulate a hypothesis as to which techniques are the most appropriate for diagnosis of the condition and collect data from peer reviewed publications (e.g. open access journal articles on PubMed) to test your hypothesis. You may also use other sources of information to support your conclusions.

The poster presentations will take place during the final teaching week of semester 2 and will be held in a venue which will simulate a scientific meeting.

Each member of the group will be required to make part of the poster presentation which should last for 15 minutes and will be followed by 5 minutes for questions.

You will be assessed on the quality and accuracy of the material that you have produced, presentation of the materials, and both your verbal and non-verbal communication.

In addition, you will be asked to consider the contribution of each group member to the assignment. If you feel that members did not contribute equally, then as a group you must complete and sign the peer assessment forms available on Blackboard which will be used to adjust 20% of each individual member's mark. If you feel that all members contributed equally, there is no need to complete the forms, and all members will receive the same mark.

Marking Criteria
These criteria are based on the learning outcomes associated with the assessment.

Formulate and test a hypothesis using appropriate experimental design.

1.1 Introduction: Introduce the disease condition, aetiology and epidemiology.

1.2 Evaluation of diagnostic techniques: Describe the principle of three analytical techniques appropriate to the laboratory diagnosis of the disease condition. Compare and contrast the techniques for ease of use. timeliness and diagnostic accuracy. Formulate a hypothesis as to which diagnostic procedures would be most suitable for diagnosis of the disease.
Record, analyse and interpret scientific data and communicate the findings.

2.1 Data presentation and analysis. Research and select appropriate data to support your hypothetic

2.2 Present your conclusions, supported by appropriate evidence and references

Microbial culture, PCR , ELISA are the three analytical techniques