Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LM Systemic Autoimmunity & Therapy
School	Institute of Clinical Sciences
Department	Biomedical Sciences
Module Code	03 40308
Module Lead	Dr Rowan Hardy, Dr Helen McGettrick
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-10 hours Seminar-11 hours Tutorial-5 hours Practical Classes and workshops-4 hours Guided independent study-170 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	Joint and related inflammatory diseases are major clinical burdens. This module will draw on excellent local expertise to study the pathophysiological features of selected rheumatological and autoimmune musculoskeletal disorders. The clinical presentation and management of these problems will be addressed. lectures will address current topics in orthopaedic practice, translational research and novel drug development and will demonstrate the close relationship between the disciplines. The module will use a mix of seminars, interactive sessions with group activities and interactive task setting with subsequent review sessions.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Appraise the different autoimmune musculoskeletal diseases and summarise the evidence underlying current imperatives to treat as early as possible. Discuss how modern imaging modalities allow us to effectively identify and manage musculoskeletal diseases and delineate disease driving mechanisms Evaluate how different animal models of disease and innovative technologies can be used to interpret mechanisms of disease and pathophysiology Evaluate how the variety of pathogenic mechanisms found in autoimmune musculoskeletal disease can be targeted pharmacologically Appraise the processes involved in, and the complexities of delivery progressing translational research to clinical outcomes for patients as applied to autoimmune musculoskeletal diseases
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: The module is assessed by a combination of a written examination and course work: Examination; (50%) Two hour written exam Coursework total 50%: Poster presentation and oral defence of poster: Written synopsis (500 words) of poster and defence Overall Pass mark for the module is 50%. It is a requirement that students achieve a mark of at least 45% in their summative exam. 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. Reassessment: Academic Failure: Overall Pass mark for the module is 50%. Student will be required to repeat any failed component of the module 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. In the event of failure in a module students will have a further opportunity to retrieve lost credit and the mark capped at the pass mark at the next available opportunity. It is a requirement that students achieve a mark of at least 45% in their summative exam. Student will be required to repeat any failed component of the module
Other
Reading List