VET30500 Cell metabolism and dynamics

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module focuses on the molecular, biochemical and cellular function of cells and tissues in health and disease, with particular function in domestic animals. Students learn about pathways of carbohydrate and protein metabolism, along with their regulation, illustrated using examples from domestic species. The biochemistry of blood is covered, with respect to its components, clotting and the role of its cellular components. The second part of the module discusses the pharmacokinetics and the effects of drugs on body systems and cellular metabolism, with particular reference to cancer chemotherapeutics.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
Describe how amino acids contribute to protein structure and apply the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.
Explain how enzymes function in catalysis, and describe mechanisms by which they are regulated.
Describe the central pathways of carbohydrate, amino acid and protein metabolism in domestic animals, and explain how they are regulated by insulin and glucagon, with reference to examples from different species.
Explain how mitochondria generate energy in the form of ATP in mammalian cells.
Describe the cellular and non-cellular components of blood, in normal and pathological states and interpret the significance of alterations in the abundance of these.
Describe basic pharmacokinetics of drugs in body compartments.
Describe, with veterinary examples, how xenobiotics (drugs) can be used both as a tool for studying normal physiological function and also as therapeutic agents in cancer treatment.

Indicative Module Content:

Amino acid and protein structure
Enzymology, enzyme kinetics
Carbohydrate metabolism, including its hormonal regulation and pathways in ruminants
Oxidative phosphorylation
Protein and amino acid metabolism
Haem, glutathione metabolism
Blood biochemistry, cellular components of blood
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
Molecular control of cell proliferation; chemotherapeutics, mode of action of cancer drugs
Autonomic nervous system and effect of drugs on this

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Tutorial

31
Practical

4
Autonomous Student Learning

85
Total

120
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
In this module, students learn through:
Lectures
Group work answering questions and problem solving
Laboratory practical classes (2 x 2-hour laboratory sessions) 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: Multiple Choice Question Exam (mid-semester) Week 7 n/a Other No

30
Examination: Short essay-type questions 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Other No

70

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring 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
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Group feedback will be provided to the class after the MCQ exam. In some cases, students seek individual feedback, especially if they perform badly in the exam. This will be provided if requested by the student.

Name Role
Professor David Brayden Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Daniel Crean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Fiona McCartney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Deirdre Campion Tutor
Mr Mark Carty Tutor
Dr Gina Duggan Tutor
Mr Maurice Kinsella Tutor
Ms Margot Labberté Tutor
Ms Elise O'Byrne-White Tutor
Ms Michelle Purcell Tutor
Mr John Wyatt Tutor