The Cellular Basis of Disease
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MGEM3009 | Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine | 3 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- MGEM3009
- School
- Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module will introduce students to some of the molecular and cellular processes that drive normal cell function and how changes can lead to a range of common diseases including cardiovascular disorders, infectious/inflammatory based diseases, and diseases related to the CNS such as neurodegeneration. Instruction in practical methods used to investigate diseases will also be given, and combined with tutorials and case studies.
Target Students
BSc (Hons) Medical Physiology and Therapeutics. There are a limited number of spaces on this module.
Classes
- One 1-hour tutorial each week for 8 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
- One 2-hour laboratory each week for 2 weeks
Delivery via approximately 10 lectures, complemented with tutorials and laboratory-based practical sessions. Online learning and directed components provide an approximate content hourage of 22 hours. Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: 500 word synopsis of a disease and a critique of 10 major references
- 60% Exam 1 (24-hour): 24 hour open book with students taking 3 hours or less to complete.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To provide students with key academic and transferable skills. The module will introduce students to the genetic and molecular basis of a number of common diseases, and build upon knowledge and understanding from Qualifying Year and Year 1 of the MPT program. The diseases covered will include cutting-edge research that highlights how research outcomes can inform development of novel technologies and drugs to improve clinical outcomes.Learning Outcomes
Explain the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie a range of common diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, infectious/immune diseases and neurodegenerative diseases.
Appreciate how an understanding of the pathogenesis or progression of specific diseases improves diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Understand a number of laboratory methods to study diseases.
Analyse scientific literature, integrate and contrast scientific data from different sources to produce a synopsis of a disease in written format and briefly evaluate 10 core references used to product the synopsis
Interpret and analyse experimental data generated through online tutorials
Demonstrate the use of digital skills via the preparation and presentation of a disease as an infographic
An understanding of laboratory and digital skills via online practicals, data interpretation and scientific writing
Demonstrate development of written communication skills, critique of published literature, succinct-writing skills, and understanding evidence based literature and its scientific dissemination (courseworks)
Analyse the process of scientific research and understand strategies for translation of research into technologies and treatments
Utilise genomic databases to gain an understanding of gene structures and functional genomics in relation to disease
Develop skills associated with production a written synopsis for a target audience of a lay person (as used for a grant application) and graphical presentation of a disease that is public-facing
Ability to communicate science for a layperson/public audience, particularly relevant to science-writing careers