The option aims to introduce students to current understanding of the mechanisms underlying many major human diseases and to show how this understanding can lead to qualitative and quantitative determination of parameters of diagnostic and prognostic value. The integrated lecture and practical programme has been co-ordinated by staff from the Institutes of Inflammation & Ageing, and Immunology & Immunotherapy to provide specific examples of disease mechanisms and allow a broad appreciation of the contribution of laboratory investigation to diagnosis and management. The course focuses on examples of inflammatory diseases with an immunological basis, leading to a critical discussion of mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, rheumatic diseases, and circulatory disorders. Practice in more generic transferable skills is also achieved during individual and group presentations of the essay topic and in the Journal Club. The latter also highlights the need for a critical approach to the scientific literature.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the modules, student should be able to:
Demonstrate an ability to design and test an experimental protocol to test a hypothesis in biological research.
Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and use the scientific literature to review in depth an aspect of human disease in this area.
Demonstrate an understanding of molecular and cellular processes involved in regulating inflammation and immunity, and how these processes breakdown to give rise to chronic human diseases
Demonstrate an understanding of the role the immune system plays in a broad range of major inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
Demonstrate an appreciation of how the understanding of disease aetiopathology can lead to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches
Assessment
33901-01 : Overall module mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
The module is assessed by a combination of a 3 hour written examination (50%) and course work (50%) - grant proposal Reassessment: Academic failure: If a student fails the module then they will be required to repeat the failed components only. 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.