MSc in Biomedical Sciences - modules

• Human Disease - This module covers the basic biological principles underlying the development of diseases in humans. The major diseases covered include cancer, diseases of the GI tract, atherosclerosis, clotting disorders, brain diseases (Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, anxiety disorders), rheumatoid disease, growth and in some disorders.
  
  
• Infection - This module explores clinical microbiology and infectious disease within the community and hospital setting. Infections caused by microbial pathogens, primarily bacteria, one considered in terms of the major body systems in which they can establish themselves and cause disease. Principles and theory of common laboratory investigations undertaken to diagnose bacterial infection is considered and incorporated into case studies. The second part of the module covers the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying microbial pathogenesis and aims to develop an understanding of clinical intervention, including vaccines, immunomotherapy and targeting of pathogenic mechanisms.
  
  
• Immunology - To understand the cellular and molecular basis of immunity and examine how these may be controlled and develop a more detailed knowledge of the functioning of the immune system in health and disease. The practical course includes the major techniques applicable to immunology: radial immunodiffusion; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; phagocytosis and the respiratory burst; immunofluorescence microscopy; flow cytometry; tissue culture; analysis of an inflammatory response generated in vitro.
  
  
• Therapeutic Agents from Natural Sources
  The course is designed to emphasise the increasing awareness of natural chemicals in the scientific treatment of illness and other medical aspects are also included. Therapeutic agents chosen for this module include those active against cancer, microbial infections and abortifacients (contraceptives). The course consists of lectures and analyses of the relevant scientific literature.
  
  
• Toxicology
  This course is aimed at those with little background in chemistry, but a predominantly biological experience. The course begins with an overview of the major structure of Toxicology as an area, followed by a view of the summarized routes whereby toxins damage cells. How cells protect themselves then leads into biotransformational toxicity, whereby cellular systems convert exogenous chemicals to metabolites. The second part of the course outlines the impact of biotransformational and direct toxicity on the major organ system (liver, gut, kidney, lung and CNS). The Student grasp the main tenets of human molecular toxicology.
  
  

• Clinical and Molecular Endocrinology - This module provides an in-depth understanding of the normal human endocrine system, disease associated with abnormalities with this system, the molecular causes of some of these abnormalities and how the disease are treated. Practicals are designed to help the student gain hands-on experience of laboratory techniques in diagnostic and research endocrinology. Real case studies, from initial presenting systems to full Clinical work-up and treatment will help the student gain a deep understanding of endocrinology as applied in Endocrine Clinics. In Parallel, lectures on cell receptors and second messenger systems will be provided and lead to a sound understanding of how endocrine therapies have been developed.
  
  
• Research Methods
  This module includes the following: critical analysis of published work, reviewing papers; writing abstracts, writing research papers, preparing poster presentations and oral presentation skills.
  
  
• Research Project
  The research project involves experiential learning with the completion of a comprehensive literature review appropriate to the project. This involves the preparation of a detailed project plan including resourcing and costing of materials and appreciation of experimental design, power calculations where appropriate for study design, ethical and logistic considerations. In addition, an individual research project that includes practical work that involves data production, processing and analysis. The preparation of a detailed final project report (mini-thesis) and the preparation of a poster to illustrate the main findings from the project to an audience of fellow students and staff.