Course Details in 2023/24 Session

Module Title	LC Health Sciences 1
School	Institute of Clinical Sciences
Department	Pharmacy
Module Code	01 39101
Module Lead	Vivek Dhir and Jonathan Mueller
Level	Certificate Level
Credits	40
Semester	Full Term
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	All coursework must be passed with an internal hurdle of 40%
Contact Hours	Lecture-61 hours Seminar-3 hours Tutorial-18 hours Practical Classes and workshops-7 hours Supervised time in studio/workshop-3 hours Guided independent study-308 hours Total: 400 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module will be delivered in Year 1, commencing in semester 1 and spans the academic year. The module starts with providing the basic grounding in human cell structure and pharmacology to support future therapeutics learning. Students will learn the basic functions of human cell systems including basic cell structure, function, membrane transport, cell biochemistry and cellular genetics of the healthy body. The module will then consider the structure, basic anatomy and function of nerves and synapses and structure and function of the sensory, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems. The concept of homeostasis will be introduced, and the endocrine system’s role outlined, including the thyroid and parathyroid glands, the pituitary gland, the adrenal glands, and the hypothalamus. The normal function of sex hormones in sexual development, puberty, pregnancy, and the menopause will be introduced. The function of the pancreas will be explained, along with the normal control of blood sugar. The gross anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract will be taught, as well the function and processes of the digestive tract. The structure and function of the liver, along with an introduction to its role in drug metabolism will also be discussed. This module also includes an introduction to microbiology and infection, the structure and classification of bacteria and viruses, principles of antibiotics, an introduction to the immune response, which will be built on in Years 2 and 3. Key pathological conditions of the systems covered will be explored, as well as the pharmacology of drugs for key conditions discussed. Students will develop an appreciation of how knowledge gained through this module may be applied to other first year modules, specifically Applied Pharmacy Practice 1 and Science of Medicines 1.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Describe the synthesis, biological properties and functions of the macromolecules from which cells are made. Identify the internal structures of the cell and cell surface and explain the basic functions they perform, differentiating between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Describe the regulation of gene expression at cellular level. Identify basic human tissue cell types covered within the module and describe how the characteristics of these basic cells and tissues relate to the functions they perform. Explain the basic biochemical reactions occurring within human cells during normal function and give examples of the importance of these to healthy human function. Describe the principles by which neurons receive and recognise information from the internal and external environments and generate electrical signals and communicate with other cells via synapses. Discuss the importance of cell signalling in health and implications in disease management. Describe aspects of human anatomy aligned to the module themes, including the topographical organisation of the nervous system and the associated pharmacology. Explain the basic principles of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion and apply this to specific drug examples. Explain the mechanisms of drug action at receptor level and, using examples, illustrate the importance of parameters such as affinity, efficacy, agonist, antagonist and partial agonist activity in determining drug pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Identify the major neurotransmitters and associated receptor sites associated with the autonomic nervous system. Describe the gross anatomy of the organs of the digestive systems and its functions and processes, including mechanisms of digestion, motility, absorption and elimination as applied to the major GI structures and classes of food. Describe the major endocrine systems within the body, their normal regulation and regulatory role and related pharmacology. Describe the major pathological processes and key diagnostic tests of the GI and endocrine systems. Discuss the basic anatomy and function of the liver and define its role in the metabolism of drugs. Compare the structures, growth requirements and classification of bacteria and viruses and describe the basic mechanisms and actions of antibacterials and anti-viral treatments. Demonstrate a basic understanding of immunology. Locate suitable forms of clinical evidence to inform decision making in therapeutic areas covered in this module. Produce required work in an appropriate structure and style, demonstrating a reflective, professional approach to feedback and teamworking.
Assessment	39101-01 : Group webfolio (non-clinical) : Log Book/ Portfolio (10%) 39101-02 : In-course Test (non-clinical) : Exam (School Arranged) - Computer-based (20%) 39101-03 : Poster : Group Assessment - Coursework (10%) 39101-04 : End of Year Exam (non-clinical) : Exam (Centrally timetabled) - Computer based (60%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Coursework:: Digital asset (10%): Group webfolio (non-clinical) In-course test (20%): MCQ/SAQ (non-clinical) Digital asset (10%): Poster (non-clinical) Examinations:: On-campus timed closed book: MCQ/SAQ 3-hours (60%) (non-clinical) Reassessment: Students who fail to achieve a minimum module mark of 50% will be reassessed in every element (examination and coursework) in which they achieved less than 50%. Students who achieve a minimum module mark of 50% but fail to achieve more than 40% in any elements will have to resit those elements. Group work: upon submission of group work, students are requested to declare if any students did not contribute equally to the assessment. If unequal contribution is declared, each student is asked to independently complete a ‘Self and peer assessment form’, scoring different aspects of contribution and teamwork. Individual student marks can be reduced based on their contribution. A failure of a single student would require re-submission of an alternative aligned assessment, appropriately weighted to an individual assessment.
Other
Reading List