Topics in Medical Biosciences

Neurobiology and neurotransmitters, pharmacology and anaesthetics, blood constituents and haemostasis, complement and immunity.

Programmes

• BSc Biochemistry, BSc Medical Biochemistry, BSc Human Biology

Level

Year Two

20 Credits

In this module you will study 4 key areas:

Blood constituents and their functions. You will learn about the types and roles of blood cells, haemogloblin synthesis and degradation, blood coagulation and homeostasis, blood lipids, and immunology methods.

Cancer. You will learn about the biology of human cancer, the role of genetics and environmental factors in the origin of cancer and the development of anti-cancer treatments.

Neurobiology. You will learn about molecular neurobiology and neurotransmitters and how they affect brain functions such as memory and how the brain responds to opiates.

Pharmacology. You will learn about the biochemical principles of drug/target interactions, different types of drug actions on their target and the distribution and metabolism of drugs.In the workshop you will learn about sources of information on anti cancer drug effects, clinical trial outcomes and analysis of drug efficacy in the light of costs.

In the practical classes you will perform and develop skills in a number of immunochemical procedures that are commonly used clinically and in research. The action of drugs on their enzyme target will also be investigated.  This module builds upon aspects of biochemistry, cell biology and physiology learnt in year 1 and will be useful for a number of advanced modules such as cell signalling, neurobiology, cancer biology and immunology taken in years 3.

Delivery

Lectures, seminar, practical Classes and workshops, guided independent study

Assessment

Coursework (40%); Exam (60%)