Accessibility statement

Understanding Health & Disease - BIO00055I

« Back to module search

  • Department: Biology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Katie Smith
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

This module will use exemplar models of human diseases to provide an in-depth and integrated understanding of pathogenic mechanisms, and of the methodologies used in biomedical research.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module will use exemplar models of human diseases to provide an in-depth and integrated understanding of pathogenic mechanisms, and of the methodologies used in biomedical research. The module will initially be separated into 4 pathologies: metabolic disease, haematology and haematological malignancies, cardiac disease and vascular disease. Block 5 will focus on post-genomic biomedical research and block 6 on biomarkers. Each disease block will contain lectures on the genetics and pathogenesis of exemplar diseases, in addition to epidemiological examples. A key aim is to provide an understanding of how physiological processes are altered in disease states and how this is identified at a fundamental/mechanistic level, through to diagnostics and epidemiology.

Module learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this module will have the ability to:

1. Explain the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms of exemplar human diseases.

2. Discuss the application of epidemiological findings to public health and the control of disease.

3. Identify and explain appropriate scientific techniques and experimental approaches, and describe strategies for post-genomic biomedical research.

4. Work independently and in a team to solve problems and critically evaluate current scientific literature in relation  to 21st century diseases.

Module content

This module builds on the physiological concepts that were covered in the module ‘Introduction to Biomedical Sciences’. In stage 1, students were taught the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology, in addition to introductory epidemiology. This stage 2 module will build on these core concepts by advancing the understanding of pathophysiology using exemplar diseases to provide an in-depth account of each condition. The practical, analytical, and team skills that students developed in stage 1 will also be built upon in practical and workshop activities.

This module will prepare students for a range of stage 3 modules, in particular ‘Mechanisms to Therapies’. Students will develop skills in written and oral communication, and in the critical analysis of scientific literature. In addition, the grant proposal open assessment will encourage students to consider appropriate experimental techniques as well as planning and design. These skills will prepare students for a range of stage 3 modules, including the research project.

 

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Grant application		 N/A 40
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Understanding Health & Disease		 6 hours 60

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Workshops will take place in each teaching block and will include formative activities to support the lecture content. There will also be a workshop at the end of block 2 to prepare students for the grant proposal assessment. The lectures in blocks 1-4 will be supported by formative VLE based MCQs where appropriate.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Grant application		 N/A 40
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Understanding Health & Disease		 6 hours 60

Module feedback

Cohort-level feedback will be provided on performance in closed exams and made available via the VLE. Marks for open assessments will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Individual comments will be added to your script and/or on separate summary feedback document.  Histograms of module marks will be posted on the notice boards outside the Biology Student Services office. Individual marks will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Exam scripts will be made available at the end of either the Spring or Summer terms. You should take the opportunity to discuss your marks and feedback with your supervisor.

During the teaching of the module you will receive feedback that may be at a whole class or individual level. Forms of feedback may include: model answers and discussion of workshop questions, summaries of performance in practicals, VLE-based quizzes, individual spoken comments during workshops, individual written comments on formative work.   

Indicative reading

These are accessible through the VLE module site.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.