BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 3 Curriculum ... · The module is assessed by a combination...

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science

Year 3 Curriculum

Semester 1: Option 2 (Final five weeks)

By clicking on the bookmarks you will see the full list of modules from which you select

one to take in the last part of semester 1.

Note that you do not choose your final year options until the end of year 2. If you select

two options that relate to a single subject area, you may graduate with a degree title that

is named according to this specialisation.

By clicking on the bookmarks you can navigate to each module in this part of the final

year of the course. In addition to a description of the module, you will also find a list of

the teaching sessions in the module. This level of details will help you to make an

informed decision about what subjects to study in your final year.

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 3 Modules: Cellular Pathology

Module Description The option aims to introduce students to current understanding of the mechanisms underlying many major human diseases and to show how this understanding can lead to qualitative and quantitative determination of parameters of diagnostic and prognostic value. The integrated lecture and practical programme has been co-ordinated by staff from Rheumatology, Immunology, Physiology (haematology) and Medicine to provide specific examples of disease mechanisms and allow a broad appreciation of the contribution of laboratory investigation to diagnosis and management. The course focuses on examples of inflammatory diseases with an immunological basis, leading to a critical discussion of mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, rheumatic diseases and circulatory disorders. Practice in more generic transferable skills is also achieved during individual and group presentations of the essay topic and in the Journal Club. The latter also highlights the need for a critical approach to the scientific literature.

Module Content

Session Session Title

Lecture Introduction to the course

Lecture Immunity revision

Lecture Inflammation

Tutorial Library projects - assignment and background reading

Tutorial Assessing Scientific Papers

Lecture Trauma and the acute phase response

Lecture The Circulation and Inflammation

Lecture Regulation of Leukocyte Circulation

Lecture The Circulation and Inflammation

Lecture Endothelial interactions in inflammatory disease

Lecture Resolution of inflammation

Lecture Pharmacological control of inflammation

Lecture Tolerance and Immune Privilege

Lecture Breakdown of tolerance

Lecture Immune-mediated tissue damage: I antibody and complement

Lecture Immune-mediated tissue damage: II Cellular Processes

Lecture Genetic associations in autoimmunity

Lecture Diabetes Mellitus

LabPrac Leukocyte adhesive behaviour

Lecture Cellular basis of atherosclerosis

Tutorial Problems of assessing leukocyte adhesion

Lecture Vasculitis

Lecture The principles and practice of flow cytometry

Tutorial Multiple sclerosis

Lecture Student Journal Club

Tutorial Epidemiology

Lecture Osteoarthritis

Lecture Aetiopathology of rheumatoid arthritis

Lecture Obesity and Inflammation

LabPrac Neutrophil function by FACS

LabPrac Death by FACS

Lecture Modern high throughput analysis of disease

Tutorial Allergic Diseases

Lecture Systemic Connective Tissue Disease: SLE

Lecture Inflammatory liver diseases

Lecture Biologics in the control of inflammatory disease

Tutorial Student Journal Club 2

Tutorial Tutorial on Library projects

Present Student journal club 3

StuPres Drop in session

StuPres Student Symposium - Library project presentations

Tutorial Drop in session/ Feedback

Learning Outcomes On successful completion of the module the student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the aetiopathology, laboratory assessment and therapy of the major immunity-based human diseases.

Performance Criteria:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the need to be critical in the assessment of the scientific literature

2. Demonstrate the ability to safely handle human blood to isolate viable leukocytes and to be able to assess their function and phenotype

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which clinical and laboratory diagnostic parameters are applied in the assessment of disease

4. Demonstrate an appreciation of how the understanding of disease aetiopathology can lead to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the role the immune system plays in overtly immune-based diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and allergy

6. Demonstrate an understanding of aetiopathology of and the emerging importance of the immune system in major human diseases including cardiovascular disease, trauma and shock

7. Demonstrate the ability to use the research literature to review in depth an aspect of human disease and to present this coherently in written and oral reports

8. Appreciate the need for a critical approach to the scientific literature.

Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of written examination (3 essay questions) and course work.

Examination 75% (Semester 2) Course work 25% (Semester 1)

The course work component will include the following:

Essay (3 to 5,000 words) 12.5% Practical write-ups (2 and case study) 12.5%

Linked modules Students would normally be expected to pass Immunology & Haematology (Level 2).

Hours 73.5 Hours. Lectures, advanced level laboratory practicals classes, Web-based practicals, tutorials, guided independent study and student symposium/presentation. Typically each week there are 5 hrs of lectures, 2hrs tutorials and a full day practical (6-7hrs), although this is weighted to have more lectures towards the start of the module, to allow students more private study time later on to prepare essays, presentations and practical write-ups.

Approximately 40% lectures, 40% practicals and 20% tutorials/presentations.

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 3 Modules: Cardiovascular Science (Integrative Mechanisms)

Module Description The major objective of this module will be to give students an understanding of how the cellular, tissue and organ systems forming parts of the cardiovascular systems are controlled and interact to ensure oxygen delivery and how the system responds and adapts to environmental challenges. It will also provide knowledge of new techniques and show how they have been used to further our understanding of cardiovascular control. Module Content


Seminar Introduction to Module/ Review of the cardiovascular & respiratory system

Seminar Introduction to Neuroanatomy and journal club: Brainstem Circuits and reflexes

Seminar Introduction to the baroreceptor reflex

Tutorial Online tutorial: baroceptor mechanisms

Seminar Homeostatic Control

Seminar Journal club: Brainstem circuits and reflexes

Seminar Sympathetic versus renal models of hypertension

Seminar Cardiac Vagal Control

Seminar Intrinsic cardiac ganglia and plexus: evidence for a functional role?

Seminar Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia

Seminar 'Sensing hypoxia'

Seminar 'Sensing metabolism: a role for the carotid body?'

Seminar Respiratory chemoreflexes in health and disease

Seminar Journal club: Chemo Receptors (Students Talks)

Seminar Experimental Data Handling - Introduction

Seminar Experimental Data Handiling – Feedback

Seminar Primary & secondary responses to chemoreceptor stimulation

Seminar Chemoreceptors & systemic hypoxia

Seminar Intermittent Hypoxia and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Seminar Sytemic hypoxia in health and disease

Seminar Student Talks

Seminar Cardiovascular components of the defence response

Seminar Developmental programming of cardio respiratory responses'

Prac Hypertension and Hypoanalgesia

Prac Lab Visit Group 1

Prac Practical Group 1

Prac Practical Group 2



Seminar Exercise – Exercise Reflex vs Central Command

Seminar Where is/what is central command

Seminar Exercise in Health and Disease

Seminar Feedback Session

StuPres Student Poster Session

Learning Outcomes By the end of the module the student will:

1. Understand the basic plan of the mammalian cardiorespiratory system 2. Have a knowledge of current research on the integrative physiology of

specific areas of cardiovascular and respiratory control 3. Have acquired competence with simple laboratory skills, experience of the

scientific method and application of theoretical knowledge in a practical context.

4. Be experienced in the critical appraisal of scientific literature 5. Be able to assemble, a logical argument, substantiated facts and present this

in writing and orally Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of a written examination (3 essay questions) and course work:

Examination 75% (Semester 2) Course work 25% (Semester 1)


2500 Word essay 10% Practical write up 5% Poster presentation 10%

Linked modules Students would normally be expect to pass Cardiovascular and Respiratory Science (Level 2).

Hours 73 Hours (38.5hr Seminars, 15hr practicals, 17.5 hr student-led poster/oral presentations/feedback sessions, 2 hr computer-based practicals)

MedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 3 Modules: From Genes to Therapy

Module Description The aim of this course is to provide informed answers to the commonly asked questions: how do genes shape our appearance, behaviour and health? How can we investigate the genetic basis of disease? How can genetics help in tailoring new therapies and developing personalized medicine? How will the availability of our own genome sequences effect our lives? Module Content


Lecture Introduction to the course

Lecture Gene hunting

Lecture Understanding DNA variation and mutations

Lecture A human is a mouse is a fish: non human genome projects and comparative genetics

Tutorial Bioinformatics

Tutorial Bioinformatics

Lecture Model organisms of human disease

Lecture How to understand gene function1

Lecture How to understand gene function 2

Lecture Bioinformatics of genomes/ next gen sequencing

Lecture Genomic disorders and arrays

Lecture Developmental genetics and human disease 1

Lecture Development and cancer: the patched paradigm

Lecture Familial cancer syndromes and the human cancer paradigm

Lecture Genetic causes of colorectal cancer

Lecture DNA repair and disease

Tutorial Clinical Genetics

Tutorial Genetics and the Public Presentations

Lecture Neurogenetics

Lecture Epigenetics

Lecture Epigenetics

Lecture Mitochondrial diseases

Lecture Genetics of common/multifactorial disease

LabPrac Practical

LabPrac Practical

LabPrac Practical

LabPrac Practical

Lecture From bench to bedside: clinical genetics in practice

Lecture Genetic therapies and medical practice

Learning Outcomes By the end of the module the student will be able to:

1. Describe the principles and methodology involved in the cloning of human disease genes including the use of computerised data bases;

2. Outline the methodology and application of advanced cytogenetic techniques such as FISH in the diagnosis of chromosomal problems;

3. Construct and evaluate simple pedigrees; 4. Understand the mode of action of gene control and how it can be altered

including the relationship between the structure and function of genes and how mutation can affect this relationship;

5. Comprehend concepts such as gain of function and loss of function with respect to human disease;

6. Realise how some genetic problems are related to epigenetic phenomena such as methylation or other non-Mendelian inheritance such as triplet repeats;

7. Be aware of some of the complex issues involved in genetic counselling; 8. Understand linkage and the concept of LOD scores; 9. Be able to carry out and interpret PCR reactions 10. Be able to carry out simple gene expression analysis experiment in a model

organism (fish embryo)

Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of a written examination (3 essay questions) and course work:

Examination 75% (Semester 2) Course Work 25% (Semester 1)


Essay 40% Practical write up 50% Poster/presentation 10%

Linked modules Students would normally be expected to pass Cell and Molecular Biology (Level 2).

Hours 51 Hours (21 lectures, 16hr practicals (4 sessions), 4 x1hr tutorials and student presentations).

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 3 Modules: Liver cell biology and function in health and disease

Module Description The course will provide a detailed introduction into normal anatomy, physiology and functions of the liver and use this basis to explain how the liver changes in disease. There will be a strong focus upon the cell biology of the liver to provide a sound understanding of how disease alters liver function and the course will have a clinical emphasis. The course will develop to explain the etiology and nature of the major types of liver disease (viral hepatitis, alcohol and drug-related dysfunction, autoimmunity, cancer and diseases of the biliary system) and describe the diagnostic methods used to identify such diseases. Finally, current and future options for treatment of liver disease will be investigated. The taught material is reinforced by the practical sessions which run over six sessions throughout the module, and provide an opportunity to learn basic laboratory and diagnostic techniques as well as supporting the lecture content. Module Content


Lecture Introduction to the Course

Lecture Normal Liver Anatomy

Lecture Liver function - Digestion and metabolism

Lecture Liver regeneration

Lecture The liver blood supply and immune system

Lecture Liver Function - detoxification

LabPrac Biochemical assessment of liver disease 1

LabPrac Biochemical assessment of liver disease 1

Tutorial Cellular constituents of the liver

Tutorial Introduction to SGT assessment exercise

Lecture Jaundice

Lecture Alcohol and Drugs

Lecture Liver cancer

Lecture Acue Liver Failure

Lecture Biliary Disease

Lecture Regulation of liver glucose and fat metabolism

Lecture Inflamatory Liver Disease

Lecture Viral hepatitis

Lecture Histological assessment of liver disease

Lecture Liver Fibrosis

Lecture Imaging technology for the diagnosis of liver disease

Visit Liver Imaging Technology (hospital visit)

Lecture Testing for Autoantibodies

LabPrac Testing for autoimmune disease

LabPrac Testing for autoimmune disease

Lecture Non-transplant surgical treatment of liver disease

Lecture Autoimmune liver diseases

Lecture Standard drug therapy for liver disease

Lecture Transplantation

SGT Hepatitis C

Lecture NASH/fatty liver pathogenesis

Lecture Biochemical assessment of liver function

SGT Current research into liver disease

StuPres Student discussion of ICA exercise 1

Lecture Future therapies 1 : Stem cells

Lecture Future therapies 2 : Immunotherapy for cancer

Lecture Future therapies 3 : Anti viral therapy

Tutorial Presentation of cases and clinical data for practicals

Tutorial Cell biology refresher

SGT Biochemistry behind liver function tests

SGT Normal liver review session - QUIZ

SGT Cirrhosis

LabPrac Histological and pathological assessment of liver disease 1

LabPrac Histological and pathological assessment of liver disease 2

Learning Outcomes By the end of the module the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the different cell types which make up the adult liver and what the role of each is

2. Understand the major functions of the liver, how such functions are performed and what biochemical processes underlie each function

3. Understand the underlying mechanisms which explain the more common liver disorders and be able to interpret/understand how different liver diseases are diagnosed

4. Have a basic knowledge of strategies currently used to treat liver disease and appreciate newer therapeutic developments


Examination 75% (Semester 2) Course Work 25% (Semester 1) The course work component will include the following:

Practical write-up including clinical data interpretation (75%) Patient Data sheet production exercise (25%)

Linked modules Students would normally be expected to pass Digestive system 1 (year 1) and Cell Biology (year 2) Hours 80 Hours (Up to 40hrs of lectures and tutorial type taught sessions; - 35hrs laboratory-based practicals, external visits, up to 5 hrs student presentation sessions and self directed study.)

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 3 Modules: Molecular Medicine (Endocrinology of Metabolic Disorders)

Module Description The aim of this option is to dissect the cellular and molecular endocrine basis for human metabolic diseases and to relate this understanding to possible therapeutic directions. This module will be composed of four related components, which will describe the basic and clinical science of endocrine signalling and illustrate how these signalling systems are disrupted in disease. The areas upon which attention will be focused are endocrine signalling, bone disorders, metabolic syndrome, to include obesity and diabetes. Module Content


Lecture Introduction to Molecular Metabolism

Lecture Steroid Hormone Signalling

Lecture Steroid hormone metabolism 1

Lecture Steroid hormone metabolism 2

SGT Essay Tutorial

Lecture Cellular control of hormonal uptake

LabPrac DNA expression practical 1

Lecture Steroid hormone receptors as therapeutic targets

Lecture In-born errors of steroidogenesis

Lecture Thyroid Disease

Lecture Endocrine Cancer

SGT Tutorial - Essay Plans


Lecture Osteoblasts and osteoclasts

Lecture Osteoporosis

Lecture Adipocytes

Lecture Genes associated with obesity

Lecture The metabolic syndrome and obesity

SGT Presentation Tutorial

Lecture Introduction to diabetes

Lecture Further molecular techniques in endocrinology

Lecture Insulin signaling

Lecture Mechanisms of diabetes complications



Lecture Translational mechanisms in Diabetes

SGT Future directions in diabetes research

Lecture The immunology of T1D



SGT Diabetes Journal Club

Tutorial Tutorial


1. Discuss the application of molecular biology within key areas of endocrinology. 2. Understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that are fundamental to

endocrine signalling, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, bone disorders, and their inter-relatedness

3. Understand and perform simple techniques to characterise the molecular basis for endocrine signalling in cell systems

Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of a written exam paper (essay type question) and course work:


The continuous assessment component will include the following:

Practical on DNA purification and expression written up as a 'short-communication 40% Essays on basic science of endocrinology (3000 words) 35% Diabetes Journal Club presentation/oral seminar 25%

Linked modules Students would normally be expected to pass Cell and Molecular Biology (Level 2).

Hours 44 Hours (22hr lectures, 15hr laboratory practical and 3hr tutorials. Oral presentations are also included.).

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 3 Modules: Neurobiology of the Brain Module

Module Description This course aims to deepen your knowledge and understanding of cognitive brain functions like learning and memory, perception and motivation, in order to enable you to appreciate the causes and consequences of a selection of brain diseases that impair these functions.

Based on the teacher’s active research into brain dysfunction, this course is designed to demonstrate how a real understanding of underlying mechanisms can provide clues for the development of better treatments for these brain diseases. We will start at the level of single neurons with neurophysiological, biochemical and anatomical detail and study their ability to form functional networks. We will discuss how unexpected properties emerge from neuronal networks and how memory can be stored in them. We will gradually move up in the levels of analysis towards the psychobiological level of global brain function, with current concepts of memory and motivation. Based on this understanding we will discuss brain dysfunction in diseases like epilepsy, addiction, dementias, stroke as well as normal ageing. Diseases will be approached in a way that integrates all levels of analysis from the clinical symptoms, through the systems and neuronal networks involved, down to the molecular level.

The course is fully supported by WebCT, which provides all relevant course content, back ground information and up-to-date course information. Module Content


Tutorial Introduction to the course

Lecture The brain: what is it good for?

Tutorial Orientation on essay subjects

Tutorial Optional catching up for non-Neuroscience III students

Lecture Functional Brain Anatomy

Lecture Neuronal firing characteristics

ComPrac Synaptic potentials

Lecture Development of neuronal networks

ComPrac Synaptic interactions

Prac Practical: neuron morphology

Lecture Integrative properties of CNS neurons

ComPrac Synaptic integration

Tutorial Consolidation and paper discussion on integration

Lecture Modulation of cellular excitability

Lecture Synaptic Plasticity

Tutorial Synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus; preparation for the practical

LabPrac Practical: Synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus


Tutorial Analysis and practical write up

Lecture The cortical neuronal network

Lecture Neurobiology of motivation and reward

Lecture Neurobiology of addiction

Lecture Mechanisms of memory consolidation

Lecture Memory in primates and humans

Lecture Hippocampus and memory

ComPrac Psychological experiments

Lecture Feedback of psychological experiments

Lecture Emotional memory - the amygdala

Tutorial Consolidation and paper discussion on memory

Lecture Brain rhythms, synchronising mechanisms

Lecture Thalamus in sleep and epilepsy

Tutorial Gamma rhythms and cognition

Lecture The impact of epilepsy on normal brain function

Lecture Basic mechanisms of focal epilepsy

Lecture Chronic models of epilepsy

Lecture Antieplieptic treatments

Lecture EEG recording practical set up

Lecture Presurgical evaluation in epilepsy: Integration of multimodal data

LabPrac EEG recording


Tutorial Consolidation and discussion of epilepsy paper

Lecture Neurobiology of ageing

Lecture Imaging the ageing brain

Lecture The impact of neurodegenerative diseases on normal brain function

Lecture Alzheimer's disease

LabPrac Practical: AD pathology

Lecture Mechanisms of neurodegeneration

Lecture Non-AD dementia's

Lecture Stroke and Brain Injury: A Pharmacological Approach

Tutorial Consolidation and discussion of ageing paper

Tutorial Student presentations


1. Understand the basic functioning of neurons, neuronal networks, memory and cognition

2. Relate a selection of brain diseases to the malfunctioning of underlying networks and brain systems.

3. Evaluate and integrate material from different sources in order to present a balanced in-depth analysis of a controversial neuroscientific issue.

4. Perform advanced laboratory procedures, collect, analyse and present data with reference to relevant literature.

5. Defend one position in a controversial neuroscientific issue Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of a written exam paper (3 essay questions) and course work:



3 practical write-ups 15% 2000-word essay 7% topical debate 3%

Linked modules Students would normally be expected to pass Neuroscience (Level 2).

Hours 70 Hours (27 Lectures, 8 tutorials, 4 laboratory practicals, 5 CAL sessions, topical debates)

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 3 Modules: Neurobiology of the Brain Module

Module Description This course aims to deepen your knowledge and understanding of cognitive brain functions like learning and memory, perception and motivation, in order to enable you to appreciate the causes and consequences of a selection of brain diseases that impair these functions.

Based on the teacher’s active research into brain dysfunction, this course is designed to demonstrate how a real understanding of underlying mechanisms can provide clues for the development of better treatments for these brain diseases. We will start at the level of single neurons with neurophysiological, biochemical and anatomical detail and study their ability to form functional networks. We will discuss how unexpected properties emerge from neuronal networks and how memory can be stored in them. We will gradually move up in the levels of analysis towards the psychobiological level of global brain function, with current concepts of memory and motivation. Based on this understanding we will discuss brain dysfunction in diseases like epilepsy, addiction, dementias, stroke as well as normal ageing. Diseases will be approached in a way that integrates all levels of analysis from the clinical symptoms, through the systems and neuronal networks involved, down to the molecular level.

The course is fully supported by WebCT, which provides all relevant course content, back ground information and up-to-date course information. Module Content


Tutorial Introduction to the course

Lecture The brain: what is it good for?

Tutorial Orientation on essay subjects

Tutorial Optional catching up for non-Neuroscience III students

Lecture Functional Brain Anatomy

Lecture Neuronal firing characteristics

ComPrac Synaptic potentials

Lecture Development of neuronal networks

ComPrac Synaptic interactions

Prac Practical: neuron morphology

Lecture Integrative properties of CNS neurons

ComPrac Synaptic integration

Tutorial Consolidation and paper discussion on integration

Lecture Modulation of cellular excitability

Lecture Synaptic Plasticity

Tutorial Synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus; preparation for the practical




Lecture The cortical neuronal network

Lecture Neurobiology of motivation and reward

Lecture Neurobiology of addiction

Lecture Mechanisms of memory consolidation

Lecture Memory in primates and humans

Lecture Hippocampus and memory

ComPrac Psychological experiments

Lecture Feedback of psychological experiments

Lecture Emotional memory - the amygdala

Tutorial Consolidation and paper discussion on memory

Lecture Brain rhythms, synchronising mechanisms

Lecture Thalamus in sleep and epilepsy

Tutorial Gamma rhythms and cognition

Lecture The impact of epilepsy on normal brain function

Lecture Basic mechanisms of focal epilepsy

Lecture Chronic models of epilepsy

Lecture Antieplieptic treatments

Lecture EEG recording practical set up

Lecture Presurgical evaluation in epilepsy: Integration of multimodal data

LabPrac EEG recording


Tutorial Consolidation and discussion of epilepsy paper

Lecture Neurobiology of ageing

Lecture Imaging the ageing brain

Lecture The impact of neurodegenerative diseases on normal brain function

Lecture Alzheimer's disease

LabPrac Practical: AD pathology

Lecture Mechanisms of neurodegeneration

Lecture Non-AD dementia's

Lecture Stroke and Brain Injury: A Pharmacological Approach

Tutorial Consolidation and discussion of ageing paper

Tutorial Student presentations


1. Understand the basic functioning of neurons, neuronal networks, memory and cognition

2. Relate a selection of brain diseases to the malfunctioning of underlying networks and brain systems.

3. Evaluate and integrate material from different sources in order to present a balanced in-depth analysis of a controversial neuroscientific issue.

4. Perform advanced laboratory procedures, collect, analyse and present data with reference to relevant literature.

5. Defend one position in a controversial neuroscientific issue Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of a written exam paper (3 essay questions) and course work:



3 practical write-ups 15% 2000-word essay 7% topical debate 3%

Linked modules Students would normally be expected to pass Neuroscience (Level 2).

Hours 70 Hours (27 Lectures, 8 tutorials, 4 laboratory practicals, 5 CAL sessions, topical debates)

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 3 Modules: Neuropharmacology

Module Description The aim of this module is to develop an appreciation of how current research into the neurotransmitter systems of the brain can further our understanding of normal brain function and dysfunction. The module starts by considering some of the experimental techniques used in neuropharmacological research from the molecular to whole animal level. Then the distribution and functional relevance of the major neurotransmitters will be considered. Finally, some of the disorders of the nervous system, such as anxiety, depression and pain are used to illustrate how the integration of neurotransmitter action is important in normal functioning and how researching this can lead to an understanding of how dysfunction arises and the possible identification of new therapeutic targets. The module is delivered by a combination of academic-led lectures to outline a topic to then enable students to undertake guided independent learning. The application of this knowledge to cutting-edge research is explored in the practical and demonstration sessions.

Module Content


Lecture Coffee and introduction to the Department

Tutorial Coursework and how to read a paper

Lecture Transmission in the CNS

Lecture Electrophysiological methods

Lecture Electrophysiological methods - Workshop

Lecture Neuroanatomy and neurochemistry

Lecture Behavioural Methods

Tutorial Data Handling Exercise session 1

Lecture Noradrenaline and adrenaline

Lecture Acetylcholine

Lecture Neuronal development

Lecture Dopamine

Lecture Neuropeptides

Lecture Journal Club

Lecture Journal Club

Lecture Novel neuronal signalling mechanisms 1

Prac In vivo microdialysis and HPLC

Prac Autonomic junctional transmission and

electrophysiology

Prac Radioligand binding

Lecture Inhibitory amino acids


Prac Autonomic junctional transmission and electrophysiology


Lecture Excitatory amino acids

Lecture Novel Neuronal Signalling Mechanisms II

Visit Intro to clinical CNS imaging

Lecture 5-hydroxytryptamine




Lecture Epilepsy




Tutorial Data Handling Exercise session 2

Lecture Motor Neurone Disease

Lecture Pain and analgesia

Lecture Anxiety

Lecture Depression and mania




Lecture Neurobiology of Feeding Behaviour

Lecture Schizophrenia




Tutorial Essay 1

StuPres Student Seminars


Tutorial Essay 2

Tutorial radio-ligand binding data analysis

Tutorial Essay 3


Tutorial Essay 4

Tutorial Feedback


1. Demonstrate current knowledge of the functioning of the main neurotransmitter systems within the brain,

2. Explain how the dysfunctioning of these systems can lead to disease, 3. Recognise how these various transmitter systems can be integrated to produce

coordinated responses 4. Compare the different experimental approaches used to further our

understanding of these systems. 5. Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses relevant to the field of

neuropharmacology 6. Analyse and interpret experimental data to enable conclusions to be drawn

relating to the original experimental hypothesis




Essay plans 20% Essay 20% Lab book 20% Lab Report 20% Student led seminar 20%

Linked modules Students would normally be expected to pass Pharmacology (Level 2).

Hours 70 Hours (25 lectures, 8 tutorials, 3 laboratory practicals, 1 demonstration and student-led seminars (15 minutes), spread over 5 weeks.)

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science

Year 3 Modules: Reproduction and Development

Module Description This module will investigate basic and advanced concepts associated with reproduction. Time will be spent understanding spermatogenesis and oogenesis, fertilisation and early development and pregnancy. Techniques currently associated with assisted reproduction for the treatment of infertility will be discussed. The latest advances in reproductive biology will also be discussed in relation to new methods of contraception, infertility treatment and the generation of animal models for the study of disease and the physiological role of individual genes.

Module Content


Lecture Introduction to the Module: The Testis

Prac Practical 1 (Group One)

Lecture The Ovary


Lecture Gamete Maturation and Transport


Lecture Capacitation - a historical perspective


Lecture Sperm Chemotaxis


Lecture Capacitation - current research

Prac Practical 1 (Group Two)

Lecture CatSper Proteins


Lecture The zona pellucida


Lecture Sperm-Egg Interactions


Lecture Applied Reproduction 1


Lecture Fertilisation and post-fertilisation events


Lecture Patterning the early embryo


Lecture Stem Cells 1


Lecture Stem Cells II


Lecture Placenta I


Lecture Placenta II


Lecture Contraception


Lecture Infertility


Lecture Assisted Reproduction Techniques


Lecture Single embryo transfer


Lecture Sex Selection

Lecture Embryo Screening

Lecture Applied Reproduction 2

Lecture In vitro Gametogenesis

Lecture Ethical Dilemmas in assisted reproduction

Lecture Formative assessment


1. Understand basic concepts associated with: testicular and ovarian function; development and maturation of gametes; and the role of gametes in fertilisation and early development.

2. Understand the concepts, principles and ethics associated with a variety of assisted reproductive techniques, including fertility treatment, stem cells, reproductive and therapeutic cloning and contraception.

3. Discuss the use of these tools for genetic manipulation.

4. Discuss the applicability of animal models to an understanding of disease.




Coursework will consist of two practical write-ups. One must be written up in the format of a paper to Biology of Reproduction – http://www.biolreprod.org/. This work will represent 50% of the coursework marks.

The other practical should be written in the format of an abstract. The abstract will make up 20% of the coursework marks.

Finally, as part of the module coursework, students are expected to write an essay (2500 words) on a topic given at the start of the module. This will be assessed and constitute 30% of the coursework marks..

Linked modules Students would normally be expected to pass Endocrine and Reproduction (Level 2).

Hours 64 Hours (26hr lectures, 2 Practicals (each 30 hours) Student- led seminars (5 hours) Formative assessment/tutorials (3 hours)

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 3 Modules: New Targets and Drugs in Cancer Therapy Module Description This module will introduce the student to state of the art efforts to identify novel targets and develop new drugs for cancer treatment. The overall structure of the module is pathology based, and the methodologies used have relevance to a wide range of diseases that have a significant impact on modern society. This module focuses on the identification and validation of targets for the treatment of cancer as this is a major killer in the UK. The module will show how expression data can be analysed by bioinformatics techniques to identify new targets and will introduce the student to modern drug development and how industry works with academia and clinicians to develop new treatments. Module Content


Lecture Introduction and overview of the module

Lecture Targeting growth factor receptor signalling in cancer I

Lecture Targeting growth factor receptor signalling in cancer l I

Lecture Development of pro-apoptotic therapeutics for tumour treatment

Lecture Targeting Ras and MAP kinase signalling in cancer

Lecture Design of hypoxia-targeting drugs as new cancer chemotherapeutics

ComPrac Bioinformatics I

ComPrac Bioinformatics II

Lecture Targeting cell cycle in cancer I

Lecture Journal Club I

Lecture Signalling tutorial

Lecture Targeting cell cycle in cancer II

Lecture Targeting DNA repair I

Lecture Targeting DNA repair II

Lecture New targets and treatments in the treatment of lymphoma and leukaemia

Prac Immunohistochemistry I

Prac Immunohistochemistry II

Lecture Targeting chromatin modification I

Lecture Clinical Practice in Oncology

Lecture Targeting chromatin modification II

Tutorial Tutorial on Cell cycle and DNA repair

Lecture Approaches to the development of cancer vaccines

Lecture Immune modulation in the treatment of cancer

Lecture Anti-aniogenic treatments background to aniogenesis and VEGF based treatments

Prac Validation of inhibitors of cell signalling pathways

Lecture Vascular targeting

Prac Harvesting cells and RNA preparation

Tutorial Journal Club II

ComPrac Analysis of data from P05

Prac Preparation of cDNA for real time PCR

Lecture Technologies to identify cancer driver and targets

Lecture New approaches: Nanotechnology and targeting cancer stem cells

Prac qPCR set up

Tutorial Tutorial on angiogenesis and cancer vaccines

Lecture Improving hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Prac FACS experiment I

ComPrac Analysis of data from P09

Prac FACS experiment Il

Tutorial Tutorial on tumour heterogeneity and evolution

Exam Short talk assessment


1. Datamine and interpret gene expression analyses 2. Understand the importance of identifying drug targets that have therapeutic

relevance 3. Have an appreciation of the methodologies used to identify new targets for

cancer therapy 4. Describe the principle pathological changes associated with cancer 5. Demonstrate a knowledge of the steps involved in validation and development of

new drugs for cancer therapy

Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of a written examination (3 essay questions)

and course work Examination 75% Course Work 25% The course work component will include the following: Journal style write-up 35% Lab book write-up 15% (5 x 3% for each of the five groups of practicals) Presentation 10% 3000 word Essay 40%

Linked modules Students would normally be expected to pass Cell Biology and Pharmacology (Level 2).

Hours 57 Hours: (20hr lectures, 7x1hr tutorials, 30hr advanced level practical classes)

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 3 Modules: Viruses: Threats & Defences

Module Description To introduce advanced features of the interactions of viruses with the human host; the armoury of defences that the normal host deploys to combat infection and limit disease; the strategies that viruses employ to overcome these defences; the major current and emerging virus threats; the development of clinical strategies to enhance the body’s responses to virus infection; and the harnessing of the agents themselves in the service of clinical therapies. Module Content

Lecture Introduction to the Module

Lecture Global disease and viruses

Lecture Review of virus life cycle

Lecture Review of virus classification

Lecture Virus replication machinery

Lecture Lytic, latent & persistent infections

Lecture Transformation by viruses

Lecture Body systems & associated viruses

Lecture HIV and AIDS

Lecture HBV & Introduction to HBV Practical

ComPrac ComPrac 1

Lecture Human tumour viruses

Tutorial Tutorial 1

ComPrac ComPrac 2

Lecture Vaccines

ComPrac ComPrac 3

Lecture Human papilloma viruses

ComPrac ComPrac 4

Tutorial Intro to Presentations

ComPrac ComPrac 5

ComPrac ComPrac 6 (Finishing Off)

Lecture HCV

Tutorial Into to HCV Practical

Lecture Cytomegalovirus

Lecture EBV 1

LabPrac

Lecture Innate defences

LabPrac

Lecture Acquired immunity

Lecture KSHV & Kaposi's sarcoma

Tutorial

LabPrac

Lecture Viral evasion of host defences 1

Lecture Vaccines for PV & cervical cancer

LabPrac

Lecture Vaccine successes & challenges

Lecture Antiviral drug design & resistance

LabPrac

Lecture Viruses in gene therapy 1

Lecture Surprise Lecture

LabPrac

StuPres Presentations

Lecture Viruses in gene therapy 2

Lecture New & emerging viruses

Lecture Zoonoses

Tutorial Final questions

Tutorial Feedback on course


1. Understand the impact of viruses on the human population. 2. Understand the risks that viruses pose for the future. 3. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the transmission and replication cycles

of the major viruses responsible for disease and their interactions with the host. 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the natural defences against viruses and

antiviral therapies. 5. Demonstrate an understanding of the methods for detection of virus components

and interpret acquired data. 6. Have a working knowledge of bioinformatics relating to genomics and

proteomics.


Examination 75% (semester 2) Course Work 25% (semester 1)


2 practical write-ups 20% Journal club presentations 5%

Hours 60 Hours (27 Lectures, 30 hrs practical 2hrs tutorial and 2hrs seminar)

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 3 Curriculum ... · The module is assessed by a combination...

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