Module Specification
An online version of this specification is available to prospective students at
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section3_moduledescript/in
dex.html
GENERAL INFORMATION
Module name
Advanced Training in Molecular Biology
Module code
3158
Module Organiser
Dr Sam Alsford
Contact email
Sam.Alsford@lshtm.ac.uk
Home Faculty
Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases
Level
This module is at Level 7 (postgraduate Masters ‘M’ level) of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales & Northern
Ireland (FHEQ)
Credit
LSHTM award 15 credits on successful completion of this module
Accreditation
Not currently accredited by any other body
Keywords
Communicable diseases, Research, Laboratory science.
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
To give advanced students hands-on practical training in the molecular biology
of infectious diseases, together with a greater conceptual understanding of new
advances at the forefront of the discipline. The module also aims to
demonstrate what can be achieved with the molecular approach, and how
expertise in this area can be integrated into career development.
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
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Target audience
Distinguish between potential benefits and difficulties of laboratory work
in molecular biology, based on practical training experience;
Perform competently and independently some research procedures
involving recombinant DNA technology;
Select and design an appropriate research project involving molecular
biology;
Apply appropriate molecular biological techniques to various medical
research areas.
This module is intended for students who require a detailed understanding of
what practical work in molecular biology entails and who may need to use or
guide molecular biological procedures and research strategies in their future
careers.
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CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics
(though please note that these may be subject to change):

Structure, expression and function of genes;
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Planning experiments;
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Bioinformatics.
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
Handbook, reader.
Teaching and learning
methods
This module is based around core laboratory and computer work but
incorporates a wide range of other teaching methods including tutorials and
lectures. Approximately 50% of time will be devoted to experimental work in
the laboratory. There will be seven free sessions for private study.
Assessment details
Assessment will be based on:
(1) A written account of the experimental procedures in the format of a
scientific paper (50%).
(2) Oral presentation of a small group research topic (50%).
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the tasks will be a written account of the experimental procedures and
PowerPoint slides plus a 1-page summary and notes for each slide (no oral
presentation required).
Assessment dates
Assessments will take place or be due on (1) 23 March 2016 (2) 21st/22nd
March 2016. For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or
new attempt, the next assessment deadline will be a standard Schoolrecommended date in mid/late September 2016.
Language of study and
assessment
English (please see ‘English language requirements’ below regarding the
standard required for entry).
TIMING AND MODE OF STUDY
Duration
The module runs for 5 weeks at 2.5 days per week; this module runs between
Monday morning and Wednesday lunchtime.
Dates
For 2015-16 the module will start on Monday 22 February 2016 and finish on
Wednesday 23 March 2016.
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot D1
Mode of Study
The module is taught face-to-face in London. Both full-time and part-time
students follow the same schedule. For full-time students, other LSHTM
modules are available in the other half of the week for the C and D slots.
Learning time
The notional learning time for the module totals 150 hours, consisting of:
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Contact time ≈ 40 hours
Directed self-study ≈ 20 hours
Self-directed learning ≈ 50 hours
Assessment, review and revision ≈ 40 hours
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APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
It is advised that students clearly understand basic concepts of molecular
biology and genetics, and that they have some previous experience of
laboratory experimental work, for example that obtained by attending the
Molecular Biology & Recombinant DNA Techniques module (3131). Students
will be assumed to have basic computer skills.
English language
requirements
A strong command of the English language is necessary to benefit from
studying the module. Applicants whose first language is not English or whose
prior university studies have not been conducted wholly in English must fulfil
LSHTM’s English language requirements, with an acceptable score in an
approved test taken in the two years prior to entry. Applicants may be asked to
take a test even if the standard conditions have been met.
Student numbers
Student numbers are up to 30 per year; numbers may be capped due to
limitations in facilities or staffing.
Student selection
Preference will be given to LSHTM MSc students [particularly those registered
for MSc MBID or those who have taken relevant prior modules] and LSHTM
research degree students. Other applicants meeting the entry criteria will
usually be offered a place in the order applications are received, until any cap
on numbers is reached. Applicants may be placed on a waiting list and given
priority the next time the module is run.
Full Registration (full participation) by LSHTM research degree students is
required for this module.
Fees
For registered LSHTM MSc students, fees for the module are included within
MSc fees (given on individual course prospectus pages).
If registering specifically for this module, as a stand-alone short course,
individual module fees will apply.
Tuition fees must be paid in full before commencing the module, or by any fee
deadline set by the Registry.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not available for individual modules. Some potential sources
of funding are detailed on the LSHTM website.
Admission deadlines
For 2015-16:

For registered LSHTM MSc students, the module choice deadline (for Term
2 and 3 modules) is Friday 20 November 2015.

If registering specifically for this module, applications may be made at any
time but, as places are limited, applications ahead of the MSc deadline are
strongly advised. All applications should be submitted at the latest 8 weeks
prior to the start of the module. Formal registration will take place on the
morning of the first day of the module.
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This module specification applies for the academic year 2015-16
Last revised 21 May 2015 by Dr Sam Alsford
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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