2018/19 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

BSc Cell Biology of Human Disease

Total credits: 120

Entry requirements:

There is no direct entry to this one-year intercalated programme of study. Entry is from an MBChB Degree programme or equivalent, and is dependent on satisfactory completion of, and performances in, the first and second medical years or other programme, as appropriate.

School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:

School of Molecular and Cellular Biology

Examination board through which the programme will be considered:

School Molecular and Cellular Biology Exam Boards

Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:

See: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Bioscience benchmarks include:

- be able to access and evaluate cell biology information from a variety of sources and to communicate the principles both orally and in writing (eg essays, laboratory reports) in a way that is well organised, topical and recognises the limits of current hypotheses
- have ability in a broad range of appropriate practical techniques and skills relevant to cell biology. This will include the ability to place the work in context and to suggest lines of further investigation
- have a secure and accurate understanding of the explanation of biological phenomena at a variety of levels
- be able to plan, execute and present an independent piece of work (eg a project), in which qualities such as time management, problem solving and independence are evident, as well as interpretation and critical awareness of the quality of evidence
- be able to construct reasoned arguments to support their position on the ethical and social impact of advances in cell biology
- be able to apply relevant advanced numerical skills (including statistical analysis, where appropriate) to biological data
- have well-developed strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing their knowledge of cell biology

Programme specification:

This programme will offer experience and training in contemporary topics in the cell biology of human disease that are relevant to intercalating medical students. There are core modules in genetic engineering and the cell biology of disease. These lecture-based modules will be complemented with practical training in fundamental molecular biology techniques through the completion of a PCR, gene cloning and protein expression mini-project combined with research skills training in experimental design, data analysis, abstract writing and scientific communication to both expert and non-expert groups. In addition, students will be exposed to cutting edge research developments in cell biology topics relating to human disease through the study of two Advanced Topic Modules (ATU s). ATUs covered include cancer biology and therapy, stem cell biology, tissue replacement, RNA biology and therapy, protein folding and diseases. Students also complete a literature-based research project enabling them to focus on and research in-depth a topic relating to the cell biology of human disease that is of interest to them.

On completion of the programme, students should have:
- Gained knowledge and understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of contemporary topics in human diseases and therapeutics, including cancer biology and therapy, protein folding diseases, stem cell biology, gene therapy, RNA therapy and diagnostics and development of novel antibiotics.
- Gained hands on practical experience of molecular biology techniques and understood their application to molecular medical research and molecular diagnostics.
- Applied their knowledge and understanding in order to initiate and carry out a research project in the field of cellular and molecular biology of human disease and written up the work in the form of a dissertation.
- Gained experience in understanding and evaluating biomedical research, making appropriate use of scholarly reviews and primary sources; and demonstrated an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limitations of knowledge in this field.
- Developed competency in transferable skills, including the ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate data; acquire and integrate information, and use information to solve problems.

Year1 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study 20 credits from the following optional modules:

Last updated: 18/04/2018

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