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BMOL30020

Academic Year 2024/2025

Molecular basis of disease (BMOL30020)

Subject:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Mario Manresa
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will address key biochemical systems and processes within the body associated with disease development and treatment. Amongst the topics to be discussed will be gastrointestinal disorders, the microbiome and bacterial-mediated diseases (e.g TB, MRSA), neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. The goal is to demonstrate the importance of a holistic approach to understanding human biochemistry and demonstrate the central role played by basic biochemistry in disease pathogenesis.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
• Explain the main biochemical causes of disease.
• Through specific examples, explain the molecular basis of bacterial- and viral-mediated disease.
• Describe our current knowledge of various gastrointestinal and neurodegenerative diseases and of the more prevalent diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
• Having completed the course, the student should be able to explain the approaches that can be exploited for the treatment of that disease.

Indicative Module Content:

The main modes of indicative learning on this module will be:
Lectures

A laboratory component involving 4 lab practicals and submission of written reports;
Reflective Learning;
Practical Problem Solving;

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Laboratories

15
Specified Learning Activities

8
Autonomous Student Learning

66
Total

113

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The main learning approaches on this module will be:

Lectures;
A laboratory component involving 4 lab practicals and submission of written reports;
Reflective Learning;
Practical Problem Solving;
Suggested Reading.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is recommended that students taking this module will have successfully completed either BMOL20090, BMOL20110 and BIOC20060 or other modules with equivalent learning outcomes.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Report(s): Laboratory reports are submitted within 1 week from the date of the lab. Approximate submission weeks are indicated below. Week 4, Week 6, Week 8, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Exam (In-person): Essay questions. Divided in two sections, two questions per section of which only one must be answered. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
70
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Lab reports with annotated feedback will be returned to the students.

Name Role
Dr Jennifer Mitchell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Seema Nathwani Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Mary O'Brien Tutor
Dr Joan Simon Tutor
Dr Heather Wood Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Mon 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 33 Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Laboratory Offering 1 Week(s) - 22, 24, 26, 30 Tues 10:00 - 12:50
Spring Laboratory Offering 2 Week(s) - 22, 24, 26, 30 Fri 10:00 - 12:50
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