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PM-138
Skills for being a Medical Scientist
The aim of this module is to provide students with an initial experience of what it is to be a modern medical scientist, from the initial experimental planning, to performing experiments within the laboratory with data acquisition and analysis and finally to the communication of scientific findings to a wider audience.
Students will develop basic skill sets in the four most important research skill areas of practical laboratory skills, data analysis, collaboration and communication. The module will be both theoretical and applied, where the student will be instructed in methods essential for data acquisition and data analyses but will also actively participate in the laboratory, using broadly applicable experimental techniques. In addition, students will learn about health and safety within a laboratory environment and the current ethics regulations surrounding the use of humans, human tissue and animals within medical research.
Furthermore, students will develop their communication skill sets not only through essay writing but also will develop their oral presentation skill set and their collaboration skills through a group presentation and tutorial classes.
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PM-148
Foundations of Community Medicine
Communities now play a key role in improving and sustaining good health and the delivery of care. Community Medicine is often considered synonymous with Preventative and Social Medicine (PSM), Public Health, and Community Health because of a shared concern with the prevention of disease and promotion of health and wellbeing. This module introduces students to the wide range of approaches encompassed within Community Medicine. These include preventative, promotive, curative and rehabilitative approaches aimed at improving population health through community-based health and care.
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PM-149
Genetics, Genomics & Evolution
The module will provide a foundation in genetics and evolution. Concepts such as DNA discovery, structure and replication, gene transcription and translation, mechanisms of gene transmission, genome organisation, epigenetic modifications and mutations will be covered with an appreciation of how how these mechanisms have an impact on human disease and antibiotic resistance.
The latter part of the module will start with the work of Plato, Cuvier, Lamarck, Wallace and Darwin and how they (and others) influenced the development of an evolutionary theory framework. Using this knowledge the module will then look at the processes involved in speciation and how they can be applied at both the gene and whole organismal level.
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PM-164
Genetics, Genomics & Evolution
The module will provide a foundation in genetics and evolution. Concepts such as DNA discovery, structure and replication, gene transcription and translation, mechanisms of gene transmission, genome organisation, epigenetic modifications and mutations will be covered with an appreciation of how these mechanisms have an impact on human disease and antibiotic resistance. The latter part of the module will start with the work of Plato, Cuvier, Lamarck, Wallace and Darwin and how they (and others) influenced the development of an evolutionary theory framework. Using this knowledge the module will then look at the processes involved in speciation and how they can be applied at both the gene and whole organismal level.
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PM-252
Molecular Evolution
The module aims to critically evaluate concepts and apply the scientific methods pertaining to the study of molecular evolution, in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
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PM-267
Pharmacogenomics: Genes on Drugs
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how a person¿s genomic information can affect their response to drugs and therapeutics, predicting if a patient will respond badly, too much or too little to a chosen therapy. This is the underlying principle of `personalised medicine¿, ensuring the right patient, gets the right drug, at the right time.
Within this module, students will look at the principles of pharmacogenomics, namely the variation in genomic sequences from patient to patient which can alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutics. In this module, students will learn about the role of pharmacogenomics in chemotherapy, gastrointestinal drugs, cardiovascular drugs, respiratory drugs, neurological drugs and drugs used in the treatment of infectious disease.
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PM-317
Genetics of Cancer
This module extensively explores the molecular and genetic foundations underlying key aspects of cancer, including angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell signalling, DNA damage, molecular pathology, invasion and metastasis, inflammation, and the Warburg effect. Expert insights will be shared by a consultant gastroenterologist and a consultant pathologist during select lectures. This approach aims to offer students a well-rounded understanding that integrates academic knowledge, research insights, and practical clinical expertise.
Additionally, the module seeks to broaden students' perspectives by dedicating a final lecture to an individual who shares firsthand experiences of living with cancer. This unique session provides students with valuable insights into the human aspect of the disease, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation of the patient's journey.
An appreciation for the way in which an individual¿s own genome can influence diagnosis, prognosis and treatment is also included.
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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.
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PM-354
Cancer Pharmacology
Cancer remains a significant cause of mortality in the modern world. Current and emerging chemotherapies, and the rationale, experimental, and clinical evidence of the pathways or molecules targeted will be explored. Causes of treatment-related side effects, and the therapies used to address these, will be discussed along with the mechanisms that lead to anti-cancer drug resistance.
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PM-400
Advanced Research Project A
The advanced research project is a key component of the final year of study, providing students with experience of conducting cutting-edge research in the Institute of Life Science and Centre for Nanohealth over an extended period of time. The project will fall into one of the current medically-related research themes: Biomarkers and Genes; Microbes and Immunity; Devices and health informatics. Students will employ a range of advanced analytical procedures to investigate a specific topic. In addition, they will gain experience in preparing a research proposal and presenting their data in various formats. Research topics will be assigned that are appropriate to a specific degree title. For example, a Genetics student could be assigned a project investigating gene function in an insect vector of a tropical disease, using the technique of RNA interference.
The advanced research project is divided between 2 modules, PM-400 and PM-405.
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PM-405
Advanced Research Manuscript
The advanced research project is a key component of the final year of study, providing students with experience of conducting cutting-edge research in the Institute of Life Science and Centre for Nanohealth over an extended period. The projects undertaken will fall into one of the current medically-related research themes. Students will employ a range of advanced analytical procedures to investigate a specific topic. In addition, they will gain experience in preparing a research proposal and presenting their data in various formats. Research topics will be assigned that are appropriate to a specific degree title.
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PMGM11
Introduction to Human Genetics and Genomics
The Introduction to Human Genetics and Genomics module is a subject-specific module in the MSc Genomic Medicine programme. This unit will provide essential and contemporary knowledge relating to genetic science and genetic disease. The module will prepare participants to understand disease genetics, how genomic medicine can be utilised to elucidate disease mechanisms and biology in the context of genomic medicine. It will provide core knowledge underpinning later modules.
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PMGM15
Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease
In this module the student will learn about the genomic structure of infectious agents, implication of acquisition or loss of nucleotides, genes and plasmids on pathogenicity, sensitivity of a pathogen to drug treatment and outbreak control.
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PMGM16
Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Disease
This module will provide an introduction to the clinical presentation and manifestations of rare inherited and common diseases, and considers the patient and family perspective with respect to the role and impact of genomics. It reviews traditional and current strategies and techniques used to identify genes responsible for both common multifactorial and rare inherited diseases.
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PMGM17
Post Graduate Taught Masters Dissertation
The module is for students to build on their previous knowledge, skills and experience by undertaking a laboratory based or suitable non-laboratory based project on a specific subject related to genomics.
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PMGM22
Introduction to Human Genetics and Genomics
The Introduction to Human Genetics and Genomics module is a subject-specific module in the MSc Genomic Medicine programme. This unit will provide essential and contemporary knowledge relating to genetic science and genetic disease. The module will prepare participants to understand disease genetics, how genomic medicine can be utilised to elucidate disease mechanisms and biology in the context of genomic medicine. It will provide core knowledge underpinning later modules.
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PMGM23
Cancer Genomics
This module covers the molecular mechanisms that underlie cancer development, growth and metastasis, and the differences between different cancers. It will explore the different molecular and cellular actions of anti-cancer treatments, the genomic factors affecting response and resistance to treatment, and the research approaches to anti-cancer drug design and development. Broad situations which confer a high cancer risk to a person and/or to other members of the same family will be discussed in the context of how genomic information may be integrated into cancer screening programmes. This module will also prepare the students to interrogate and interpret various cancer data sets.
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PMGM24
Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease
In this module the student will learn about the genomic structure of infectious agents, implication of acquisition or loss of nucleotides, genes and plasmids on pathogenicity, sensitivity of a pathogen to drug treatment and outbreak control. Students will learn about infection as a cause of national and global morbidity and mortality, transmission of human infections: person to person, food and water-borne, sexually transmitted, vector-borne, prokaryotes, their¿genome, replication and population¿genetics, genomic characterisation of viruses:¿DNA¿and¿RNA¿genomes, single-stranded, double stranded, segmented, genomic comparisons of microbial strains in the context of outbreaks and transmissions in hospitals and the community, laboratory diagnosis, including genomic techniques and technologies, and appropriate sample type, analysis and interpretation of genomic data, and the role of bioinformatics, anti-infective drug action, mutation¿rate and drug resistance, genomic evidence of individual susceptibility to specific infection and the role of genomics in: infectious disease diagnosis, drug selection, resistance, monitoring and epidemic control. The students will also learn how to perform aspects of in-silico analyses on microbial gene sequences, in a workshop setting.
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SHT101
Foundation Sciences for Occupation
This module will examine foundation sciences needed to understand occupational engagement throughout the lifespan. This module explores fundamental sciences linked to the human body and behavioural sciences relevant to understanding occupations. Learners will explore fundamental concepts of human anatomy, physiology, psychology and sociology. This module is designed to help understanding of occupational interruption in later modules.
