BSc Biochemistry with a Modern Language / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Advanced Endocrinology (L)

Course unit fact file
Unit code BIOL31571
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 3
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

Endocrinology is the study of hormones and their control of a wide range of physiological activities. In this unit you will study the molecular and cellular processes which determine the function and control of the human endocrine system and learn about the defects in these processes which can cause endocrine diseases including diabetes and adrenal dysfunction. You will also look at the clinical treatments for these diseases and current research in the area.

Aims

To explore the impact of cell and molecular biological techniques on our understanding of endocrine control mechanisms and endocrine disease.

Learning outcomes

A student completing this unit will have an:

  • Understanding of the molecular and cellular processes which determine the function and control of the human endocrine system.
  • Appreciation of the defects in these mechanisms that underlie the development and progression of endocrine disease.
  • Awareness of current strategies for the clinical management of endocrine malfunction and of current research in these areas.

Syllabus

 

•    Endocrine control of extracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. PTH, vitamin D3 & calcitonin: production, receptors & roles. Clinical abnormalities of Ca2+ metabolism: Hyper- and Hypoparathyroidism, Osteoporosis & Rickets. Current research on Ca2+-sensing receptors and their therapeutic potential.

•    Clinical investigations, consequences & management of diabetes mellitus and hyperinsulinism.

•    Gut hormones in health & disease. Current research in I-cells & gastric banding.

•    The biology and physiological role(s) of Growth Hormone: interaction with the IGF-I axis. Disorders of growth hormone action; the clinical role of growth hormone replacement therapy. Disorders in the control of IGF bioavailability & their clinical consequences.

•    Pituitary-adrenal axis: The principal pathologies of the pituitary gland and their molecular basis; the clinical and surgical management of pituitary tumours. The diagnosis and management of adrenal pathologies. Disorders of glucocorticoid signalling; their consequences, diagnosis & management.

 

Employability skills

Group/team working
Peer assessment of submitted essay plans
Problem solving
Past paper questions
Research
Students directed towards Henry Stewart Talk podcasts and Endotext.org for additional self-directed learning
Written communication
Essay writing in the unit summative assessment. Use of Blackboard in the practice paper

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 25%
Written exam 70%
Written assignment (inc essay) 5%

2-hour (tbc) written examination (70%), comprising 1 essay from a choice of 5. MCQ assessment held in class in the final week of the unit (25%). Essay plans (2) from a past paper, followed by peer assessment (5%)

Feedback methods

 

•       Marked scripts available, with comments, on Blackboard following marks release

•       Blackboard Discussion Board - checked regularly by Unit Coordinator.

Recommended reading

 

There are no specific textbooks for this unit, though "Essential Endocrinology and Diabetes" by Richard Holt & Neil Hanley (Wiley-Blackwell, 6th Edition; External Link to book) may be found useful. The Endotext website (requires free login) is also useful for the topics listed above: http://www.endotext.org/.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam 2
Lectures 18
Independent study hours
Independent study 80

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Donald Ward Unit coordinator

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