2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
MEDI1216 Introduction to Medical Sciences
Module manager: Dr Hannah Hawrot
Email: H.Hawrot@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
Compulsory strand of MBChB programme- all students study IMS on entry to the programmeCo-requisites
| MEDI1204 | Individuals and Populations |
| MEDI1214 | Innovation, Development, Enterprise, Leadership and Safety 1 |
| MEDI1215 | Campus to Clinic 1 |
| MEDI1220 | Body Systems |
| MEDI1224 | Enquire 1 |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
The purpose of this ICU is to introduce students to basic cell biology, showing how this underpins the normal structure and function of the human body. Students will then apply these basic science principles to aid their understanding of disease and consider ways in which we might treat it. The topics covered will be integrated across and through the curriculum by linking to the other ICUs and forming a foundation for the Essential Medical Sciences (EMS) ICU.Lectures will provide the framework for the learning objectives and cover all new material, with the small group tutorials, supported by clinical and academic staff, allowing students to consolidate the lecture material and apply it to different clinical scenarios.Objectives
1. Understand the structure and function of RNA/ DNA, and how mutations contribute to disease.2. Know about the structure and function of different organelles, cells and tissue.
3. Understand how protein structure affects function, being able to use haemoglobin and collagen
as examples.
4. Understand the structure and function of enzymes, and how we can use them to monitor or
treat disease.
5. Understand the steps in early embryo development.
6. Know about the range of infections that can occur, and our approach to diagnosing and
treating them.
7. Understand cell membrane structure, how cells communicate with one another and the
importance of lipids.
8. Know about the different functions of blood, including oxygen transportation and clotting.
9. Be aware of the organs involved in the endocrine system, and the diseases that may arise
when it goes wrong.
10. Understand basic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
11. Know about the indication for genetic testing, and some of the tests that can be used.
12. Understand the basic functioning of the immune system and know about some of the diseases
that may arise when it goes wrong.
13. Know about the structure and function of nerves, the neuromuscular junction and the different
types of muscle.
Skills outcomes
- Application of scientific principles to medical practice as appropriate.
- Application of anatomical dissection techniques.
Syllabus
The ICU is divided into thirteen strands:
NUCLEIC ACIDS
This strand looks in detail at what makes up the human genome. It examines DNA structure, DNA replication, transcription, translation and trafficking, and highlights how key these processes are for general cell function. It also looks at how mutations contribute to hereditary diseases and their role in cancer progression.
CELLS AND TISSUES
This strand explores the relationship between organelles, cells, tissue and organs. It looks in detail at how cells grow and divide, and also at the ways in which cells and tissues die.
PROTEINS
In this strands students will learn how proteins acquire their unique three dimensional shape. They will look at haemoglobin and collagen in great detail, and study diseases that may arise when either of these two proteins are defective.
ENZYMES
This strand looks at the structure and function of enzymes, looking specifically at the metabolism of alcohol and paracetamol, the arachidonic acid pathway, and the interpretation of liver function tests.
EMBRYOLOGY AND ANATOMY
In this strand students will become familiar with using correct anatomical terminology. It looks in detail at the development of the embryo, from fertilisation to week 4 of gestation. It also covers some common congenital abnormalities and how they arise.
INFECTION
This stand explores the range of human infections and how each type of infection differs in their transmission, presentation, investigation and treatment.
MEMBRANES AND SIGNALLING
In this strand students will learn about the functions of the different molecules and receptors making up a cell membrane. They will explore all the different ways cells communicate with one another and examine the role of lipids in both physiological and pathological processes.
BLOOD
This strand looks at the different components of blood, specifically those involved in the control of bleeding in clotting. Students are also introduced to the interpretation of the full blood count.
ENDOCRINOLOGY
The endocrinology strand looks at the physiological control of the many endocrine systems in the body. It also introduces the range of clinical presentations of endocrine conditions and how we approach treating them.
PHARMACOLOGY
This strand introduces students to pharmacology, looking specifically at the administration, absorption, metabolism, mechanism of action, interactions and excretion of a drug.
CLINICAL GENETICS
In this strand students will be made aware of the indications for genetic testing and the range of tests available to a clinical geneticist. They will look specifically at some of the more common genetic diseases and syndromes, including Trisomy 21.
IMMUNOLOGY
This strand looks at the numerous parts of the immune system and how they play a role in fighting off infection. It also examines the diseases that may arise when the immune system goes wrong, including immunodeficiency syndromes, allergy and autoimmunity.
NERVE AND MUSCLE
The nerve and muscle strand examines the structure and function of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, the neuromuscular junction, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and smooth muscle. It also touches on the pathophysiology of specific neurodegenerative diseases.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| In Course Assessment | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Discussion forum | 4 | 2.00 | 8.00 |
| Lecture | 45 | 1.00 | 45.00 |
| Practical | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Tutorial | 11 | 2.00 | 22.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 12.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 40.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 79.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 131.00 | ||
Private study
Private study and independent learning will allow students to reflect upon and apply the information and knowledge from the themes that they have discussed and explored in the group sessions and seminars they have attended. Weekly directed independent study with regular on-line test (quizzes) will be set.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Student progress will be monitored through attendance and contribution to tutorials by their tutors. Results will also be provided after each of the three in-course assessments, and further feedback will be provided in the in-course assessment feedback sessions, during which answers and the cohort performance breakdown for each of the questions is reviewed.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| In-course MCQ | Non-graded Pass required | 0.00 |
| In-course MCQ | Non-graded Pass required | 0.00 |
| In-course MCQ | Non-graded Pass required | 0.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 0.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Exam with advance information on questions | 3 hr 00 mins | 0.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 0.00 | |
- Assessment for learning tools (online quizzes etc) - Regular revision tests as part of group tutorials - Multi-choice in course exam with non-graded pass required - For progression graded pass in the Integrated Year 1 Written Exam is required
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 23/05/2024
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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