BSc Biochemistry / Course details

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.

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

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.

•    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.

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%)

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

•       Blackboard Discussion Board - checked regularly by Unit Coordinator.

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/.