Dr April Rees

• EMB1010A Genetics/Biochemistry support tutorial

  The aim of the support tutorial is to provide academic support and guidance to students on a year 1 Integrated programme with The College, Swansea University and the Department of Biochemistry.

• PM-000 Foundation Biological Chemistry

  The module aims to provide the student with a broad overview of biological chemistry, explain the differences between different classes of compounds from both a chemical perspective and a biological function emphasis. Students will appreciate the different functions of these bio-molecules and gain an understanding of key examples of each in relation to human biology.

• PM-127 Energy and Metabolism: The Reactions of Life

  This module provides an introduction to bioenergetics and the chemical structure of carbohydrates as well as a discussion of the central metabolic pathways by which energy from food is used to fuel the synthesis of the energy currency molecule ATP (with particular attention to glycolysis, the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation). The concept of tissue and organ specificity is introduced, and finally the role of the hormones insulin, glucagon, epinephrine, growth hormone, thyroid hormone and leptin in controlling these pathways and producing effects on the body is considered.

• PM-130 Fundamental Research Skills

  This module is designed to develop the skills required for students of biochemistry and genetics degree programmes. Students meet with their tutors and will be given a series of assignments designed to develop skills in key areas such as essay writing, presentations and general numeracy.

• PM-150 Introductory Biochemistry

  The module provides a broad study of the interactions between chemical processes and biological systems. It addresses the chemical processes used by organisms to utilize chemicals for energy production, structural functions and as building blocks of macromolecules.

• PM-243 Clinical Biochemistry & Physiology

  The module begins with a discussion of selected metabolic disorders of carbohydrate metabolism and their pathological consequences with particular emphasis on diabetes mellitus. The molecular mechanisms underlying polycystic ovarian syndrome are then considered. Next, there will be a discussion of the analytical tests used by the NHS to diagnose and monitor diseases such as diabetes (for instance the glycated haemoglobin or Hba1c test) how the test(s) can be affected by haemoglobinopathies and the length of time that has elapsed since someone has taken their medication. Finally the module reviews mechanisms of protein transport and their relevance to storage diseases.

• PM-341 Human Biology and the Environment

  This module is intended to provide an understanding of how our environmental factors impact on key aspects of human biology. Various environmental factors such as diet, stress, and pollution will be considered with a focus on their effects on epigenetics, inflammation, gut microbiota, mitochondrial health, and oxidative stress in non-communicable diseases in particular (e.g. chronic respiratory disease, cancer and metabolic disorders). The effect of extreme environments (e.g. altitude, space) and ageing on multiple organ systems will be considered. Students will gain practical experience in communicating these issues to scientific and non-scientific audiences.

• PM-344 Capstone Project

  The aim of this module is to provide a capstone experience to students¿ learning, through participating in their own enquiry-based research project, with guidance from an academic supervisor. The project may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, but it will always involve a research question that is drawn from the literature, and focused on a topic relevant to the life sciences. It will ask a research question and involve the critical analysis of research findings. Students will refine their oral and written communication skills to a graduate level through an oral presentation and dissertation on their research findings and conclusions.

• PM-347 Human Immunopathology

  The module aims to provide students with a greater understanding of the human immune system and the causes of a range of diseases associated with immune dysfunction including autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders and neurological conditions.

• PM-352 Reproductive Biology and Medicine

  This module is designed to provide students with knowledge of the biochemistry, physiology and pathology of human pregnancy, fetal development, parturition and menopause. Particular focus will be given to fertility treatments and pharmacological interventions of menopause. Lectures will cover a recap of endocrinology of reproduction, and provide details of assisted reproductive technologies. Lectures will be supported by case studies which include current clinical approaches used to treat infertility (both male and female) and menopause.

Mae April yn ymgysylltu â'r cyhoedd ac mae wedi cyfranogi yng Ngŵyl Wyddoniaeth Abertawe. Mae'n awdur gweithredol yn The Conversation, gan ledaenu gwybodaeth bwysig am ei diddordebau ymchwil.

https://theconversation.com/profiles/april-rees-775074/articles

Endometriosis: how the condition may be linked to the immune system

Endometriosis: su posible relación con el sistema inmunitario

Vaccinating mothers during pregnancy protects their babies from COVID

COVID vaccines are safe during pregnancy – but catching the virus isn’t

Breast milk can contain COVID antibodies – good news for babies

COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective for pregnant women and their babies – new study

Nuevo estudio: Las vacunas de COVID-19 son muy efectivas para las mujeres embarazadas y sus bebés

COVID-19 vaccines do not make women infertile

COVID-19 and pregnancy: what we know about what happens to your immune system

How pregnancy changes women’s metabolism and immune systems