Skip to content

Please note

This document only provides information for the academic year selected and does not form part of the student contract

School:

School of Applied Sciences

Credit Rating:

20

Level (including FHEQ):

H (FHEQ Level 6)

Graded or Non Graded:

Graded

Version Valid From:

2023-09-01

Module Leader:

Simon Allison

Version Number

2023.03

Learning Methods

Practical Classes and Demonstrations

Lecture

Supervised Time in Studio/Workshop

Guided Independent Study

Synopsis

Aims of this module are to Introduce students to a range of chronic diseases and their global significanceExplain in detail molecular and cellular mechanisms that are responsible for the development of chronic diseasesDescribe the symptoms and progression of chronic diseases and modern methods in diagnosis and screeningDiscuss targets and treatments … For more content click the Read More button below. Pathobiology (the biology underlying disease) is a critical element of biomedicine. This course considers the aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of some of the major chronic diseases that affect human health with an emphasis on cancer and will also include neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, diabetes and others. The course will also include chronic conditions associated with the disruption of the normal human immune system including inflammatory conditions, auto-immune diseases and hypersensitivities.

Learning Strategy

Learning will be facilitated by lectures, student-centred workshop discussions, practical activities and, as Lent term concludes and prior to examinations, revision workshops. A VLE site will host learning resources and Panopto-captured lectures; students will be encouraged to access this for regular announcements, guidance, and supplementary information.  

Outline Syllabus

Introduction to definition of and types of chronic diseases Epidemiology and global economics of chronic diseasesBiological and molecular mechanisms of initiation and progression of chronic diseasesScreening, diagnosis and monitoring of diseasePrevention, treatment and cure of chronic diseases The above will be studied across a range of chronic diseases topicality for … For more content click the Read More button below. a)  Neurological and neurodegenerative diseases e.g. i. Parkinson’s disease ii. Alzheimer’s disease iii. Prion disease iv. Epilepsy b)  Addiction c)  Circulatory System and Cardiovascular Disease i.  Atherosclerosis ii. Ischaemic heart disease. d) Cancer – the Hallmarks of cancer with further discussion of several aspects of the disease e.g. i. The micro-evolutionary nature of cancer ii. Leukaemias and Lymphomas iii. The role of oncogenes and tumor suppressors iv.  Invasion and metastasis v.  Tumour immunology e) Diabetes and Obesity i.  Early-onset diabetes ii.  Late-onset diabetes iii. Obesity f)  Immunological Disorders i.  Hypersensitive reactions – allergies and asthma - arthritis ii.  Autoimmune disease iii.  Inflammatory bowel and other digestive tract diseases g)  Aging as a chronic disease            

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will
1.
Understand the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of chronic human diseases.
2.
be able to explain which regions of the human brain, and which associated transmitter systems are affected in some key neurological diseases.
3.
be able to describe the causes, pathology and current strategies for treatment of some of the major human immunological disorders.
4.
Understand the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis and other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
5.
be able to describe the human cardiovascular system in health and in disease.
6.
Have in depth understanding of the causes of and molecular events in metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity.
7.
be able to discuss, using examples, the relative contributions of a range of mechanisms implicated in modulating ageing and lifespan in the consideration of ageing as a disease.
8.
Understand how disruption of the cell cycle and/or balance of cell survival and cell death may cause cancer.
9.
be able to describe different types of cancer and their treatment strategies.
10.
be able to develop strategies to enable them to update their knowledge of human disease.
11.
be able to interpret data and observations in a biomedical context.
12.
be able to source, analyse and précis scientific literature.
13.
be able to appreciate how scientific papers are written and peer reviewed.
14.
be able to write scientific information in a manner accessible to the general public.

Formative Assessment

Assessment 1: Practical skills assessment

Summative Assessment

Assessment 1: Exam

Assessment 2: Written Assignment

Assessment Criteria

Demonstration that learning outcomes have been met will be through (i) a written examination that assess each student’s critical understanding of chronic disease biology and (ii) production of a flyer for public information in a time limited session to provide experience of working to deadlines and writing for the public … For more content click the Read More button below. Practical competency will be assessed in class by teaching staff.

My Reading

Reading List