The broad aim of the module is to give students a critical awareness of research into the molecular basis of disease. Topics will be drawn from biomedical research specialisations in the Department, including cancer, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience and parasitology. | |||||
Several research case studies will be presented, each covering initial ideas, preliminary findings, basic research and how an understanding of molecular mechanisms can translate into potential disease interventions. | |||||
In addition to learning about mechanisms of disease pathology, the lectures will provide students with a critical insight into the research process, including how various factors, such as funding opportunities, new technology, methodological development, competition and often, serendipity, contribute to important breakthroughs. | |||||
As appropriate, the lecture sessions will include a lab visit/tour and/or opportunity for post-docs to tell students about their research, in order to provide hands-on exposure to the underpinning methodological approaches, technologies and molecular mechanisms being studied. | |||||
Supported by tutorials and inspired by the lectures, students will undertake research of the literature in a disease of their choosing and write a critical review that appraises the validity and impact of mechanistic data in the design of potential therapies. |
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Spring Term 2022-23 |
The broad aim of the module is to give students a critical awareness of research into the molecular basis of disease. Topics will be drawn from biomedical research specialisations in the Department, including cancer, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience and parasitology. | |||||
Several research case studies will be presented, each covering initial ideas, preliminary findings, basic research and how an understanding of molecular mechanisms can translate into potential disease interventions. | |||||
In addition to learning about mechanisms of disease pathology, the lectures will provide students with a critical insight into the research process, including how various factors, such as funding opportunities, new technology, methodological development, competition and often, serendipity, contribute to important breakthroughs. | |||||
As appropriate, the lecture sessions will include a lab visit/tour and/or opportunity for post-docs to tell students about their research, in order to provide hands-on exposure to the underpinning methodological approaches, technologies and molecular mechanisms being studied. | |||||
Supported by tutorials and inspired by the lectures, students will undertake research of the literature in a disease of their choosing and write a critical review that appraises the validity and impact of mechanistic data in the design of potential therapies. |
Students will have a comprehensive and critical understanding of: |
the mechanistic basis of selected diseases at the molecular level |
how research has been designed and implemented to investigate a specific disease. |
the theory of, and when to apply, various experimental techniques to study the molecular basis of disease. |
Academic and graduate skills |
Students will be able to: |
Write a review that critically evaluates peer-reviewed scientific literature in an area of molecular medicine. |
Synthesise an argument that draws on several (potentially contradicting) sources. |
Provide constructive feedback on written work. |
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework 3,000 word review |
N/A | 100 |
None
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework 3,000 word review |
N/A | 100 |
Feedback on your progress is important to your learning process; your draft review will be commented on and returned to you, your final submission will also be returned with comments.
These are available through the VLE module site.