Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Liver function in health and disease
School	Inst of Immunol + Immunoth
Department	Inst of Immunol + Immunoth
Module Code	02 33913
Module Lead	Dr P Lalor and Dr Z Stamataki
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 Seminar-10 hours Tutorial-5 hours Practical Classes and workshops-28 hours Guided independent study-332 hours Total: 400 hours
Exclusions
Description	The course will provide a detailed introduction into normal anatomy, physiology and functions of the liver and use this basis to explain how the liver changes in disease. There will be a focus upon the cell biology of the liver to provide a sound understanding of how disease alters liver function and the course will have a clinical emphasis. The course will develop to explain the etiology and nature of the major types of liver disease (viral hepatitis, alcohol and drug-related dysfunction, autoimmunity, cancer and diseases of the biliary system) and describe the diagnostic methods used to identify such diseases. Finally, current and future options for treatment of liver disease will be investigated. The taught material is reinforced by the practical sessions which run over six sessions throughout the module, and provide an opportunity to learn basic laboratory and diagnostic techniques as well as supporting the lecture content
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module, students should be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of the different cell types which make up the adult liver and what the role of each is Understand the major functions of the liver, how such functions are performed and what biochemical processes underlie each function Understand the underlying mechanisms which explain the more common liver disorders and be able to interpret/understand how different liver diseases are diagnosed Have a basic knowledge of strategies currently used to treat liver disease and appreciate newer therapeutic developments
Assessment	33913-01 : 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%) - experimental data interpretation 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.
Other
Reading List