BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 2 Modules: Advanced Molecular and Experimental Genetics

Module Description The aim of the module is to provide a more detailed understanding of the methods and approaches made to investigate the new functions of known proteins or the functions of new proteins discovered as part of the Human Genome Project or similar projects, taking advantage of available research expertise for teaching. Particular emphasis will be given to proteins and chromatin modifications involved in the cellular response to DNA damage including those that, when deficient, result in human disease. A description of the modern molecular methods for investigating these protein functions including the use of animal models will be an important part of the module as will the use, where appropriate, of lecturers’ own published research results.

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

1. Describe at a basic level the scientific methods involved in the Whole Genome Sequencing Project and other Projects such as the Cancer Genome Sequencing Project.

2. Describe at a basic level the methods used in bioinformatics. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the objectives of genomics, transcriptomics,

proteomics and metabolomics and how these can be used together to investigate the basis of human disease.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the methods for exploring the functions of new proteins including the use of cloning and expression vectors, methods for knocking down protein function and use of specific small molecule inhibitors of protein function.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the different pathways and chromatin modifications in the cellular response to DNA damage.

6. Apply your knowledge of the DNA damage response pathways to explain the role of their deficiency in different disorders in man.

7. Demonstrate an understanding of how animal models can be used to investigate protein function.

Assessment Module assessment will consist of a combination of a written unseen paper and a single in course assessment. Examination; 75% Consisting of a 1 hour written examination (10 MCQ, 2 short answer questions and 1 essay question).

In Course Assessment: 25% Reading a published paper and providing a written abstract of it. Hours Total contact hours 33; 20 hr lectures; 4 hr tutorial; 9 hr practical/classes workshops

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 2 Modules: Cancer and Stratified Medicine

Module Description The aim of the module is to provide students with an up to date knowledge of what cancer is, what the risk factors are for different cancers and the cellular events that result in cancer development. The molecular origin of different cancer types will be described in order to show how this knowledge contributes to devising treatments for cancer. The broad principles of the treatment of cancer will be described with emphasis on how information on individual tumours can be used to stratify them into different categories so that the most efficacious treatment can be used for that particular tumour.

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

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of individual tumour cells compared with normal cells.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of malignant tumours including genetic variation, self-sufficiency in growth signals, insensitivity to growth supressing signals, resistance to apoptosis and limitless replicative growth in cancer growth.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of malignant tumours including the role of invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis in tumour development.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of environmental factors including, cigarette smoking, diet and viruses in tumour development

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of cancer as a genetic disorder at the cellular level.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of the roles of tumour suppressor gene, oncogenes and DNA damage response genes in cancer development.

7. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the importance of the immune response in cancer control

8. Demonstrate an understanding of the approaches to screening for and prevention of cancer.

9. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the approaches to treating different cancers

10. Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for drug trials

11. Demonstrate an understanding of the necessity for an integrated approach to treatment based on biology of the tumour and stratification of the tumour type into subgroups with common biological features.

Assessment Module assessment will consist of a combination of a written unseen paper and a single in course assessment. Examination; 75%. Consisting of a 2 hour written examination (20 MCQ, 4 short answer questions and two essay questions). Two in Course Assessments: 25% 1. Write an abstract based on a published article. 2. Data analysis Hours Total contact hours 46; 35 hr lectures; 7 hr tutorial; 4 hr supervised time in studio/workshop/lab

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 2 Modules: Endocrine and Reproductive Science

Module Description This module provides a basic understanding of endocrine and reproductive physiology. Information is delivered on the mechanisms of hormone biosynthesis, transport, interaction with receptors, action and control.. Physiology will be put into context by describing diseases related to endocrine and reproductive function. Early lectures will outline general features of endocrine physiology and these will be followed by more detailed lectures in which the function of each of the major glands will be dealt with in turn. Sex differentiation and control of developmental processes occurring during puberty will be discussed. This will be further developed by studying the function of the reproductive organs. With particular emphasis on the endocrine control of germ cell production and the processes associated with fertilisation, placental development, hormonal regulation of pregnancy, parturition and lactation. Further aspects related to current contraception and infertility treatment will also be covered in detail.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Describe the basic anatomy of the major endocrine and reproductive glands.

2. Explain the synthesis, secretion, physiological action and regulation of each of the hormones from all of the major endocrine glands.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of diseases which can arise due to endocrine malfunction and their treatment.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of hormones in homeostasis.

5. Describe the processes associated with puberty.

6. Explain and compare testicular and ovarian function.

7. Describe the processes associated with fertilisation and report on how infertility can hinder these and select appropriate treatment.

8. Describe and compare the mechanism of action of various contraceptives.

9. Demonstrate an understanding of the hormonal regulation of pregnancy, parturition and lactation.

Assessment

The module is assessed by a combination of a 1 hour written examination (20 MCQs and 4 short questions) and course work. Examination 75% (Semester 2) Course work 25% (Semester 2) The course work component will include the following: Essay under examination (40 min), title will be available at the start of the module. 25% Hours Total contact hours 29; 20 hr lectures; 7 hr tutorial; 2 hr practical classes/workshops

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 2 Modules: Immunity and Infection

Module Description This module interweaves the study of human pathogens with the study of the main avenues for their control.

The key biological features of viruses and bacteria and other pathogens are described together with their mechanisms of disease. The module introduces the cellular and humoral components of the innate and adaptive immune response and then moves on to discuss the complex interactions of these components with pathogens in the defence against infection. The development of antimicrobial agents and other clinical responses to infection are discussed. The mechanisms of the immune system will be placed in context with human disease by discussing the application of immunology to vaccine development as well as the description of the dysregulated immune response in autoimmunity and allergy.

The practical sessions will integrate both immunology and infection related laboratory skills and illustrate the effector functions mediated by antibodies.

A computer based case study of emergent drug resistance in both viruses and bacteria will be used to introduce key skills in Bioinformatics and after an initial period in the computer cluster will be a guided independent study.

The basic science underpinning immune responses in the context of infection are emphasized in a series of guided tutorials. These will be structured to include student presentations and will combine discussion of material covered in the lectures and preset activities all designed to reinforce the understanding of immunity and infection and of their intimate relationship.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of major virus and bacterial families in human disease.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the principal methods by which pathogens cause disease

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes involved in developing treatments for immune related disease.

4. Describe the organisation of the immune system and the key properties of each of its major features

5. Describe the methods by which the immune system discriminates between pathogens and self and the complementary roles of both innate and adaptive immunity in control of disease

6. Apply their knowledge of the differentiation of components of the immune system to describe the basic processes leading to self tolerance.

7. Explain the main cell types involved in the development of a T cell dependent antibody response and understand how they interact to produce high affinity antibodies.

8. Apply their knowledge of the components of the immune system to predict how and why patients with genetic deficiencies affecting the function of immune cells are susceptible to various pathogens

9. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic determinants of immune homeostasis and the factors which lead to deficiencies in normal immunity

Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of a written examination (4 x 30 minute essay questions in 3 sections; 2 from 4 on immunology, 1 from 2 on Virology, 1 from 2 on Bacteriology) and by course work. Examination 75% (Semester 2) Course work 25% (Semester 1) The course work components will include the following: Practical write-up 12.5% (10 pages max.) Bioinformatics write-up 12.5% (10 pages max.) Hours Total contact hours 70; 39 hr lectures; 15 hr tutorial; 16 hr supervised time in studio/workshop/lab

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 2 Modules: Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology

Module Description The module uses a case-inspired approach to consider organism-level interactions between body systems, integrating the student’s knowledge of molecular, cellular and systems-level functions. The case studies are introduced at the start of the module, then sets of lectures discuss related content; student learning is then reinforced through either small group tutorials or online-guided self-directed learning (depending on the cases). A practical and demonstration augment the students’ understanding of integrative cardiovascular physiology.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of examples of how major body systems interact, with a knowledge of intrinsic control systems and the systemic response to drugs.

2. Interpret data in an integrative science setting.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of how body systems inform the rational development of new drugs and treatment strategies.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the physiological changes that occur, in the

short and long term, following ascent to altitude.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the physiological changes that occur in response to exercise.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of the main classes (with specific examples) of

antidysrthymic, inotropic, vasoactive, lipid-altering, anticoagulant and antithrombotic drugs. Demonstrate an understanding of their mechanisms of action and be able to apply this knowledge to resolve or induce cardiovascular perturbations.

7. Demonstrate an understanding of the adaptive and maladaptive responses in

heart failure and the drugs used in its management.

8. Demonstrate an understanding of the main side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs (for cancer) and understand how these can be explained on the basis of the mechanisms of drug action.

9. Demonstrate an understanding of the common antiemetic drug classes with examples, and understand their central and peripheral mechanisms of action.

10. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical and psychological basis of drug dependence and withdrawal, including recall of the mechanisms of drug desensitization.

11. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes of drug metabolism and

excretion that lead to clearance, then apply such understanding to address qualitative and quantitative problems in pharmacokinetics.

Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of written examination (1 hour, including 10 MCQs, 2 SAQs & 1 essay [from a choice of 4]) and course work. Examination 75% (Semester 2) Course work 25% (Semester 2) The course work component will consist of a data analysis question, consisting of stimulus material (typically data from a research project or paper) and a set of short-answer questions. The total maximum response length is 2000 words (excluding tables, graphs, legends and references). Hours Total contact hours 30; 19 hr lectures; 6 hr tutorial; 2 hr Demonstration; 3 hr practical classes/workshops

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 2 Modules: Neuroscience

Module Description This module builds upon information given in Foundations of Neuroscience and focuses primarily on the central nervous system. The module progresses from a detailed description of the properties and functioning of individual neurones and synapses through to a discussion of the mechanisms underpinning functional control of CNS systems and their roles in behaviour. The impact of brain pathologies on normal function is also given substantial focus.. The topics covered include: Cell and molecular biology of neurones and synapses; Cellular basis of learning and memory; Pain transmission in the CNS; CNS control of motor function (especially, motor cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum) Manifestations and cellular/molecular basis of neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases; Mechanisms underlying disorders of cortical functioning such as Epilepsy, Depression and Schizophrenia; Role of Glial cells in synaptic plasticity and pathophysiology; Therapies for many neurological/psychiatric conditions; Cellular and molecular aspects of the responses to trauma in the CNS

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students will be able to:

1. Describe the topography of the CNS including aspects of its functional organisation.

2. Outline methodologies used to measure ion channel activity of neurones and explain how channel properties are deduced using these methodologies and how they predict cellular electrical activity. Relate the structure of voltage-gated ion channels to their function.

3. Explain the mechanisms by which different classes of neurotransmitter receptors are able to regulate electrical activity of neurones. Describe the mechanisms leading to long-term changes in synaptic function.

4. Describe the involvement of higher brain centres in the control of motor function in terms of both behavioural control and neuronal network activity and distinguish the effect of CNS motor disorders on each aspect.

5. Describe the cellular make-up and activity of simple neuronal circuits. 6. Describe the principle behavioural features of a variety of processes and

disorders of the central nervous system (especially pain, epilepsy, schizophrenia, dementia, depression and anxiety) and relate the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms to each of these conditions.

7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of action of the pharmacological agents used for a range of CNS disorders and conditions and

relate these to an impact upon any or all of behaviour, network activity and cell function.

8. Relate the emerging roles of glial cells to synaptic transmission and nervous system damage and disease.

9. Describe the basic concepts of the responses to CNS trauma. 10. Critically appraise scientific information (the context in which this will be

assessed, both summatively and formatively, is described below)

Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of a written examination (20 MCQ and 1 essay question) and course work Examination 75% (Semester 2) Course work 25% (Semester 2) The course work component will include the following

Practical write-up (1; 500 - 1000 words) 25 % Hours Total contact hours 38; 20 hr lectures; 12 hr tutorial; 6 hr practical classes/workshops

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 2 Modules: Respiratory Sciences

Module Description The aim of this module is to introduce the structure and function of the respiratory system and to place its role in an integrated body systems context. The module covers the fundamental principles underlying the respiratory system and gas exchange and fundamental knowledge on how the respiratory system is controlled. Compliance and airway resistance is covered in this module as well as the central role that these variables play in respiratory diseases. Further, the module covers integration of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and the concept of respiratory failure. The module is delivered by a combination of lectures, SGTs, practicals and journal clubs. Following on from earlier cardiovascular modules, this module provides the grounding for students to undertake the Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology module in semester 2 and then onto the Cardiovascular Science (Integrative Mechanisms) module in year 3.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Describe the major structure and function of the respiratory system and demonstrate an understanding of its relationship to the cardiovascular system.

2. Describe the major respiratory control mechanisms present in humans. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of how lung compliance and airway

resistance works and recall examples of how these change in respiratory diseases.

4. Describe the mechanisms involved in the carriage of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the control of the pulmonary vasculature and airways in matching ventilation and perfusion.

6. Describe the links between respiration and its control with metabolism. 7. Display an ability to use skills and aptitudes to manipulate, interpret and

discuss experimental data related to research on the respiratory system. 8. Appreciate experimental approaches for evaluating respiratory function. 9. Use published material and independent thought processes to discuss

and evaluate scientific material.

Assessment Final exam 75% (10 MCQ, 2 SAQ, 1 DIQ) ICA 25% Journal club written submission Hours Total contact hours 30; 19 hr lectures; 5 hr tutorial; 6 hr practical classes/workshops

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 2 Modules: Stem Cells and Development

Module Description This course builds on the year 1 embryology lecture series to give an overview of the broad concepts involved in developmental processes, and some of the experimental approaches used to understand this area of biology. The module will use a number of integrated learning environments: (i) Lectures will introduce the fundamental concepts of developmental biology, using a range of animal models to emphasise the unifying aspects of animal development, and how some models are more appropriate to understand distinct developmental processes. Lectures will focus on cellular and molecular events, and will build on previous discussion of gene expression and signalling in Year 1 modules. A specific number of lectures focus on adult stem cells, and act as an introduction to these areas in Year 3. (ii) SGTs will reinforce lecture topics but from a data analysis viewpoint, where we will focus on data interpretation. We will also introduce critical thinking on research articles via a journal club format, and around bioethics via a group discussion (iii) Lab practicals will focus on key technologies used in the field (immunofluorescence, animal models), but will also act as a forum for discussing experimental design. ICA will focus on a student–selected aspect of developmental biology, and will form the basis of a group-work poster presentation. All students will be expected to orally defend the poster, and a mark for both individual contributions and group work will be given.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Describe the fundamental principles of development and select examples to illustrate specific concepts.

2. Explain the origin of stem cells and how they are maintained in vitro and in vivo. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of stem cells in cell differentiation

processes, and outline how experimental manipulation of these cells may lead to cell based therapies.

4. Summarise how differentiated cells can be reprogrammed outlining the methodology employed and evaluate its effectiveness.

5. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a small team, as demonstrated by the ability to contribute appropriately to integrated and well-designed scientific poster, and its oral communication.

Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of a written examination and course work Examination 75% (Semester 2) In-course assessment 25% (Semester 1) (1) Final exam (1hr) to include:

- 4 short answer questions - 1 essay

(2) In-course assessment consists of a group report on an Experimental design (1500 words) on a given specific research question within the field of stem cells and development. Students will be provided with a report template to complete the in course assessment and will cover; i) hypothesis; ii) rationale iii) experiemental approach iv) controls employed. Hours Total contact hours 29; 15 hr lectures; 7 hr tutorial; 7 hr practical classes/workshops

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 2 Modules: Student Selected Science Project (3SP)

Module Description The module will continue and expand the sets of research and experimental skills introduced in the 1st year module. The specific point of this module, and in preparation for the actual engagement of the students with a research project in the 3rd Year, is to help develop students’ understanding of how research projects take shape. Under the supervision of the Research Area Leader the students will focus on a specific topic and through reading and/or discussions will identify a research question. The purpose of the module will then be for the students to apply the principles of the scientific method and the practical information gathered during the first year, to produce a research project aimed at testing the specific research question generated. Thus, the project will involve a number of specific stages: i) generating a hypothesis (and provide the rationale) ; ii) develop an experimental plan to test it, and iii) propose a number of experimental approaches that might answer that question.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the skills of independent learning, utilising library and computer- based learning to resource relevant information and seek expert advice as necessary.

2. Formulate a relevant and specific hypothesis to test a research questions relevant to the selected project, and to provide a rationale for these proposals and develop and justify a basic plan of experimental investigation.

3. Justify the experimental model proposed and generate an effective practical approach to investigate it.

4. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing, presenting arguments in a clear and logical manner, using appropriate language and correctly referencing all source material.

5. Demonstrate effective group interaction to prepare a Research poster showing an ability to exchange information, select appropriate information and defend all aspects of the joint work orally at a poster presentation.

Assessment The module will have several assessment components:

1. A research proposal (1500 words) on a specific research question generated by the student, which will take the form of a research grant application, using a given template dealing with:

i) hypothesis; ii) rationale and previous work; iii) plan of addressing and investigating the hypothesis; iv) experimental approaches to be used.

2. A poster presentation to be prepared in collaboration by the whole of the Research Topic Group (2-4 students, see section 34) on the topic chosen. The posters will be presented during an end of term Festival of (BMed) Sciences.

- Final mark will be a combination of

Research Proposal – 75%

Poster presentation (single mark given to the poster) - 15%,

(Students will be asked to sign a declaration that they have;

i) contributed fully to this task

ii) all members of the group contributed to this task. If (ii) is not signed the students will have an opportunity to highlight whether a member of the team did not contribute

Poster defence (presenting material and/or answering questions) - 10%

Hours Total contact hours 18; 5 hr lectures; 3 hr Seminar; 6 hr tutorial; 4 hr project supervision

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 2 Modules: Vascular Biology and Haematology

Module Description The aim of this module is to review both fundamental and clinical aspects of haemostasiology, vascular biology and haematology. The first part of the module will focus on basic aspects of thrombosis, haemostasis and angiogenesis. In particular, the following areas will be covered: haematopoiesis, blood cells, haemostasis, endothelial biology, rheology/haemodynamics, nervous control of blood flow and pharmacology. The second part of the module will then be devoted to both hereditary and acquired haematological diseases. In particular, red blood cell diseases and haemato-oncological pathologies will be explored. The combination of fundamental aspects and clinical implications will allow better understanding the mechanisms and therapeutic approaches to the diseases. The module will explore these concepts through a combination of lectures, small group tutorials, and a laboratory practical session. Sessions in this module will build upon the core concepts of blood composition and vessel structure, introduced in the BMedSc Cardiovascular Sciences module for the first year. This provides a solid grounding in haemostasiology and haematology from which the student will develop through Years 2-3. Therefore, in planning this module, Steve Thomas and Manoj Raghavan have met with year 1 and year 3 cardiovascular module co-ordinators to ensure that this occurs.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Describe basic principles of vascular biology and haematology. 2. Understand the formation of the various blood cells and the role of the bone

marrow environment in this process. 3. Describe the normal functions of the red and white blood cells 4. Describe basic mechanisms of haemostasis and thrombosis and explain

differences between conditions and mechanisms of thrombus formation in arteries and veins

5. Describe endothelial cell structure and function and relate them to mechanisms of angiogenesis

6. Understand the nervous control of blood flow and local control of endothelial regulation

7. Understand how red blood cell dysfunction can lead to clinical conditions such as anaemia.

8. Describe the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of clonal haematological diseases, i.e. acute leukaemia, lymphoproliferative diseases and myeloproliferative diseases.

9. Relate clinical features of haematological diseases and appraise treatments used.

10. Interpret clinically relevant data and use their knowledge to compose possible reasons for their observations.

Assessment Module assessment will comprise a combination of a written unseen paper and in-course assessments: Examination: 1 hour examination in the summer consisting of 4 SAQ and 1 essay - 75% of module mark In course assessment: Essay. Choice of topics and to be marked by SGT tutors - 25% of module mark Hours Total contact hours 23; 15 hr lectures; 5 hr tutorial; 3 hr practical classes/workshops

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 2 Curriculum Please set your programme to show “bookmarks”. By clicking on the bookmarks you can navigate to each separate module in the second 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 will help you to gain detailed information about the Medical Science course. The modules in the first term are:

Advanced Molecular and Experimental Genetics Respiratory Sciences Stem Cells and Development Immunology and Infection

In the second term you will study:

Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Neuroscience Student Selected Science Project Cancer and Stratified Medicine Endocrine and Reproductive Science Vascular Biology and Haematology

Please note that all modules in the first and second years are compulsory. This means that by the end of two years you will have a good breadth and depth of understanding in all of the disciplines of medical science. Therefore, you will have a large choice of options to study in the final year. With this format there is no less choice than on a different course; but, for our course the choice is delayed to a time when you can make an informed decision.