| Semester 2 |
C/O |
TYP |
ECTS | CATS |
|
~
|
LSC-20005 |
Endocrinology and Cell Signalling |
O |
M
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
This module will explore some of the ways in which cells transmit, receive and interpret signals. You will consider how information is encoded, secreted and transmitted to target cells and how incoming signals are recognised and transduced into meaningful information, to elicit the appropriate responses of target cells to signals. Specific details of a number of mammalian cell signalling pathways are used to illustrate principles and concepts and may include G-protein coupled receptor signalling, examples of second messengers, such as the inositol phosphates, insulin signalling as an example of receptor tyrosine kinase signalling and the regulation of gene transcription in mediating the actions of lipophilic hormones.
|
|
#
|
LSC-20011 |
Medical Laboratory Sciences II |
C |
M
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
Continuation of LSC-20010. |
|
+
|
LSC-20016 |
Metabolism in Health and Disease |
C |
M
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
This module will describe and explain the specialisation and
interdependence of metabolism within the bodies of mammals and of
man: homeostasis; adaptation to nutritional state; elimination of
drugs and harmful substances and will explore the issues
surrounding the changes in metabolism associated with inherited
and acquired disease.
|
|
|
LSC-20056 |
Research and Analytical Skills |
C |
M
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
This module looks at the skills and techniques used by scientists to collect, analyse and present scientific information to a specialist and wider audience. It includes specific skills such as writing, experimental design, data analysis and presentation within an ethical framework. In addition these skills will be invaluable for 3rd year projects and dissertations.
Indicative content:
- Analysis of the structure and content of scientific papers, with particular reference to the design and analysis of scientific experiments within an ethical dimension.
- How data is arranged (tables, graphs, figures), presented using Word, Excel and PowerPoint, summarized (summary statistics) and compared.
- Searching for scientific information on the internet, electronic databases, libraries and its collation and oral presentation in a seminar.
- Statistical analysis of the data is a major component of the module with in-depth study of the most commonly used statistical analyses, including: T-test, ANOVA, regression, correlation, non-parametric tests, categorical data, linearity, cross-reactivity, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and precision.
|
| Semester 1 |
C/O |
TYP |
ECTS | CATS |
|
+
|
LSC-30001 |
Behavioural Neurobiology |
O |
M
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
This is a multidisciplinary module whose aim is to develop an understanding of animal (including human) behaviour in terms of the function of the nervous system. This module concentrates on the brains of mammals, especially humans, and on sub-cortical systems. There are occasional references to lower vertebrates and even invertebrates where the study of shared mechanisms in simpler animals is useful. Modern neuroscience is an interdisciplinary study, and this is reflected in the syllabus in that it draws on information from anatomy and microanatomy, physiology, neurochemistry, neuropharmacology and neuroendocrinology to bring about an understanding of behaviour.
Lectures are supported by a series of student-led seminars based on recent research publications. Topics covered include pleasure and pain, fear, stress and sleep all linked through the pervading theme of learning and memory. There are no pre-requisites, but students who have done little or no neuroscience before are likely to find it difficult and would be well advised to read Part 1 of the main recommended text, Bear Connors and Paradiso: Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain (Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 3rd edition 2007) before taking the module.
|
|
#
|
LSC-30016 |
Structural Biology & Macromolecular Function |
O |
M
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
Advances in biotechnology, biology and biomedicine, and their impact on the quality of life, the economy, medicine and health care increasingly depend on the application of structural biology which provides detailed three-dimensional structural information at the atomic level of the proteins which are central to all life processes. While structural biology includes a variety of different techniques such as crystallography and electron microscopy, this module concentrates on the outcomes of these techniques rather than the techniques themselves, with in-depth analysis of how proteins, enzymes and viruses recognise and bind their targets, and how detailed structural information is used to intervene in or enhance these processes. An important aspect of health and well being in all forms of life is the ability to prevent, resist, fight and recover from infection and disease, and much of the course concentrates on how an increased understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved provides a unique opportunity for the design of potential diagnostic and therapeutic agents and strategies. |
|
+
|
LSC-30020 |
Neurobiological Basis of Brain Disease |
O |
M
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
The lectures in this module will review the occurrence, cause, aetiology and neuropathology of a number of common neurodegenerative diseases and neurobiological conditions. The lecture material will be complemented by a number of Clinical Presentations which will stress the clinical aspects of neurodegenerative disease. |
|
#
|
LSC-30028 |
Advances in Medicine |
O |
M
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
This module will describe and promote the understanding of advances in medicine that have impacted on diagnosis, treatment, prevention of a range of diseases. It will highlight fast emerging areas of research which are striving to improve diagnosis including nanotechnology and new biochemical tests in the fields of heart disease, cancer and fertility investigations which will potentially improve patient care. The module will provide insight into the advancing field of Personalised Medicine, which allows optimisation of treatment based on an individual&©s genetic and clinical information and also an area of cutting edge research into the use of non-coding RNA as a therapeutic tool. The module will also provide an opportunity to discuss new developments in the fields of Tissue engineering and Stem cell technologies, which have seen huge advances in recent years.
All the sessions will be in the form of lectures or case studies and will be delivered by academics and Clinical Scientists who are currently engaged in active research in these fast moving areas. There will be tutorial sessions which will provide a forum for discussion of some of the topics covered in this module. In addition there will be opportunities for the student to appraise the current thinking in these areas and develop and present their own views in the form of an oral and poster presentations.
Indicative content includes:
Stem cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
Stem cells for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders
Advances in Clinical Diagnostic Medicine
Magnetic Nanoparticles in Biology and Medicine
Developments of new biochemistry tests and their translation into routine clinical practice
Non-coding RNA and its potential as a therapeutic tool.
|
|
#
|
LSC-30036 |
Human Parasitology |
O |
M
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
This module will promote the understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of Parasitic diseases of Humans with particular reference to protozoan, helminth and nematode infections. Protozoan infections will include Malaria and Leishmaniasis. Other infections covered will be Shistsomiasis (blood fluke) and Filariasis (worm). The module will address the life cycle of the parasites, which is critical to understanding how the parasite is transmitted, pathogenesis of the parasitic infection and diagnosis and treatment. A basic understanding of immunology will be useful in understanding the human host-parasite interactions that determine pathology in these parasitic infections. Understanding of the parasite life cycles will also be important in grasping the current methods of controlling transmission and also the infection. The module will also address challenges to effective delivery of treatment and control of transmission, including socio-economic and cultural issues. The module will be delivered by academics who are currently active in Parasitology and Entomology research and will be able to provide an insight into the current developments and knowledge of these parasitic diseases. There will be tutorial sessions which will provide a forum for discussion of some of the topics covered in this module. Additional practical sessions will provide the opportunity to examine specimens and discuss film material, which will enhance the students&© understanding of Human Parasitology.
Indicative content includes:
Comparative overview of life cycles of parasites with particular emphasis on Malaria, Leishmaniasis, Schistosomiasis (blood flukes) and Filariasis (worm).
Human host-parasite interactions in parasitic infections:
Immune response
Immunosuppression and co-infection
Immunity and vaccine development and associated problems.
Pathology and symptoms of Parasitic infections, discuss and compare current knowledge of mechanisms involved in pathogenesis, also discuss symptomatic versus asymptomatic infection tissue damage, anaemia, organ-failure.
Diagnosis of parasitic infections in the field and in the laboratory and discuss invasive and non-invasive methods of diagnosis (blood smear, ELISA for parasite antigens, urine, stool, tissue biopsy, ocular imaging).
Treatment of parasitic infections, discussing prophylactic measures available and chemotherapy regimens with particular reference to mode of action of the drugs, problems such as drug resistance
Socio-economic problems associated with effective delivery of treatment such as accessibility of treatment, cost of treatment, compliance with treatment.
Vector Biology
Control of Transmission, vector avoidance, prevention of transmission, socio-economic and cultural problems associated with use of preventive measures e.g. (bed nets: cost, child versus adult, health education).
|
| Semester 1-2 |
C/O |
TYP |
ECTS | CATS |
|
#
|
LSC-30008 |
Research Project 1 - ISP |
C |
C
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
In the first two years of the course, students have developed a range of technical and analytical skills by following established protocols in large laboratory classes. In the final year project, students will get a taste of what it is like to work in a real research environment by working on their own specific research topic under the supervision of a member of academic staff from the School of Life Sciences or the Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine (ISTM). The topics are set by the supervisors and are designed to allow the students to expand their portfolio of technical expertise and to apply that expertise to investigate a research question. The very varied list of topics reflects the diversity of reseach interests within the School and ISTM. Students will be expected to spend the equivalent of 1 day per week, which may be spread over several days, working in the laboratory during semester 1. In semester 2 they will write a report where they present and interpret the results of their experiments and place them in context with existing literature in the field. |
|
|
LSC-30034 |
Applied Biomedical Science Placement - ISP |
C |
C
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
This module is the culmination of the Applied Biomedical Science Placement, where students spend - depending on the placement offer - either 14 or 46 weeks between Levels 2 and 3 in a Pathology Laboratory, gaining work experience and engaging with a Placement Training Programme. On entering their final year of study, successful students will have completed their ABMS Placement Portfolio during this placement, demonstrating their competence in the HPC Standards of Proficiency for Biomedical Scientists. |
| Semester 2 |
C/O |
TYP |
ECTS | CATS |
|
+
|
LSC-30005 |
Neurobiology of Vision and Hearing |
O |
M
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
Vision and hearing are arguably the two most important human senses. In this module, we will examine the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of vertebrate visual and auditory systems, from sensory transduction in the retina and cochlea to cortical processing and integration of sensory information within specific brain regions. The module is taught as a series of lectures linked with interactive tutorials. The tutors have active research programmes in this area of neuroscience, and recent relevant research papers are discussed during the module. Assessment is via a scientific paper comprehension test and end of module exam. |
|
~
|
LSC-30009 |
Clinical Pathology |
O |
M
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
The majority of staff that contribute to the module are employees of the University Hospital of North Staffordshire (UHNS). In these cases, their principle responsibilities are towards patient care and well-being. These staff, therefore, hold significant posts across a spectrum of clinical and clinical related areas. Students will benefit from lectures and expertise in Clinical Diagnostic Pathology,Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Inflammatory Diseases. Students will gain insight how patients from their initial presentation at the UHNS are managed from the perspective of diagnosis and treatment. The course will cover both standardised testing options and the development of new diagnostic procedures with a particular emphasis on genetic and epigenetic aspects of disease. Student will also gain an appreciation of the cost benefit of particular routes for diagnosis and treatment and the importance of identifying false positive and false negative results. Finally, the students will have the opportunity to perform their own extensive literature review of a disease related topic that is not covered by the course through formal lectures. |
|
|
LSC-30010 |
Biochemistry in Practice: Acquisition, Analysis and Communication of Information |
C |
M
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
The module aims to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate scientific knowledge. It begins with a hands-on mini project involving the acquisition of sequence information from remote
databases and the subsequent analysis using bioinformatics tools. This is followed by advanced training in the skills required for communicating scientific information verbally, visually and in writing
and culminates in student verbal and visual presentations. Also included is training and practice in the analysis of published information, a skill of particular importance, even for those entering
careers that do not involve practical experimental work. |
|
#
|
LSC-30015 |
Biology of Disease - ISP |
C |
C
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
This module gives students the opportunity to investigate a specific disease topic from a range of options provided and is designed to allow the students to adopt a self-learning approach in which they will conduct their own research on a defined topic in consultation with the module manager. The module consists of the preparation of an independently researched critical appraisal, in the form of a 4000-5000 word essay, of the current level of understanding of a particular disease along with tutorials based on student-centred learning. The tutorial sessions provide a forum for addressing problems, for assessing and monitoring progress, and for developing the required skills. Tutorial sessions include topics on information and retrieval, improving essays and discussion of their essay outlines. |
|
#
|
LSC-30018 |
Biochemistry and Therapy of Disease |
O |
M
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
This module is intended to describe and promote understanding of the
molecular basis of therapeutic intervention in a range of diseases,
including bacterial, neurodegenerative, parasitic and neoplastic
pathologies. It will also address the questions arising from the failure of
disease therapies and describe the molecular events underlying
resistance to therapy.
2 lectures |
|
#
|
LSC-30026 |
Case Studies in Biomedical Sciences |
C |
M
|
7.5 |
15 |
|
|
This module aims to give you an understanding of the UK health trends and the factors that affect these trends. Through clinical case studies and small group tutorials, you will explore why the UK has some of the highest incidences of certain diseases and conditions in Europe and consider what factors contribute to making them some of the most common and/or rising health problems faced by this country. This will include understanding the relevant socioeconomic factors as well as understanding the bioscience of the disease process and its diagnosis and management. You will also focus on what is being done by Government and the NHS to tackle these major health problems. |
