Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH DNA damage pathways in human disease
School	Cancer Studies
Department	Inst of Cancer / Genomic Sci
Module Code	01 33875
Module Lead	Dr Roger Grand. Deputy: Dr Grant Stewart
Level	Honours Level
Credits	40
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	It is a requirement that students achieve a mark of at least 35% in their summative exam
Contact Hours	Lecture-25 hours Tutorial-6 hours Practical Classes and workshops-20 hours Guided independent study-349 hours Total: 400 hours
Exclusions
Description	The major theme of the option is to understand the mechanisms of DNA damage recognition and repair in the maintenance of genomic integrity and the relevance to a range of human disease. The module will cover deregulation or disruption of the cellular pathways involved in the development of a range of human disease including tumour predisposition, ageing, neurodegeneration and immunodeficiency, as well as viral infection. Research by members of our ‘teaching faculty’ has focused on a number of proteins that are essential for DNA damage repair. Unrepaired DNA damage arising from obstacles encountered during DNA replication may also contribute to disease pathogenesis such as ageing and developmental disorders. Maintenance of DNA replication is also an important mechanism to prevent genomic instability in proliferating cells. The results of these investigations have been instrumental in our understanding of the cellular pathways involved and shed light on fundamental biological processes. These topics will be introduced in lectures, and explored further in student-led journal club and tutorial sessions. Practical classes will complement and reinforce this teaching by providing students with experience of current methods for investigating cellular responses to DNA damage.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module, students should be able to: Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the consequences of deficiency in the cellular DNA damage response. Apply a detailed understanding of DNA damage responses to explain how a specific deficiency in a cellular DNA damage mechanisms can underlie tumour disposition, immunodeficiency, or aging Be able to apply an understanding of the components of each DNA damage response pathway into an integrated, coherent explanation of that pathway Critically evaluate, and apply a practical knowledge of laboratory techniques used to investigate a defect in response to cellular damage Critically evaluate and summarise newly published papers on DNA damage pathways in human disease.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: The module is assessed by a combination of a written 3hr examination (3 / 6 questions) and course work. Examination 50% (Semester 2) Course Work 50% (Semester 1) The course work component will include the following: In course assessments: (total 25%): 1. Poster Presentation (12.5%) 2. Written Experimental Interpretation (12.5%) Reassessment: Academic failure: Level H modules are not offered as resit attempts. Failure to submit: Submission of coursework is compulsory for the programme. Students are advised that failure to submit without justifiable reason could result in failure of the module. Students will be required to submit outstanding work to meet the module outcomes.
Other
Reading List