Learning Outcomes:
Under each of the 5 themes, on completion of this module you will be able to:
1. Macromolecules of Life
Detail the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids.
Attain a deep understanding of the regulation of gene and protein expression.
Be able to identify certain disease situations where disturbances in gene/protein expression contribute to disease state and mechanisms thereof.
2. Cellular Metabolism
Describe the biochemical basis for energy generation within the cell and detail the chemical processes underpinning the synthesis and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, nucleotides and porphyrin.
Detailed understanding of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism (from synthesis to metabolism).
An understanding of disorders associated with impaired glucose and lipid metabolism.
Ability to differentiate between disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
3. Cellular Adaptation Injury and Death
Outline the range of adaptive cellular responses in the body occurring secondary to stress, increased or decreased workload.
Describe the main morphological features and intracellular signalling cascades associated with necrotic and apoptotic cell death.
4. The Immune System in Health and Disease
Describe structure and function of the innate and adaptive arms of the immune response.
Understanding of the types and functions of the various cells involved in both the innate and adaptive immune systems.
Detailed understanding of the role of cytokines and chemokines in mediating signals from immune cells to support host immunity.
Synthesize the involvement of the innate and adaptive immune response in responses to infection and the induction of immunopathology.
Ability to recognise and describe disorders associated with a dysfunctional immune system.
Ability to describe and molecular basis of how we can harness the immune systems to prevent infection (vaccines).
5. Principles of Pharmacology:-
Describe the basic principles that determine absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs.
Predict the time course of drug concentrations in the body, and formulate therapeutic dosage regimes.
Explain the principles of drug-receptor interactions, understand the concepts of receptors and signal transduction systems and describe the basis on which receptor subtypes are distinguished.
Indicative Module Content:
The module provides a broad overview of 5 major subject topics:
The macromolecules of life - proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids.
Cellular metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, nucleotides and porphyrins. Deep understanding of the TCA cycle and role of the electron transport chain in energy generation.
Adaptive cellular responses leading to activation of cell death.
Cellular composition of the immune system and its function in health and disease.
Principles of pharmacology that determine absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs and their mode of action.