Unit information: Cellular and Molecular Medicine 3 in 2009/10

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Cellular and Molecular Medicine 3
Unit code PANM32010
Credit points 120
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director Professor. Pullen
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

PANM22041-Infection and immunity; PANM22042 - Cellular and Molecular Pathology; MOLG22100 Recombinant DNA Technology; MOLG22200 Gene Expression and Rearrangement

Co-requisites

None.

School/department School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Faculty Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit aims to provide an advanced level of understanding of topics relevant to human disease at the cellular and molecular level and introduces students to the handling and management of a research project. Four topics will be chosen from the following list, but excluding combinations that lead to other programmes: Genetics & Development Neoplasia 1 Neoplasia 2 Advanced Immunology Immunopathology & Applied Immunology Molecular & Cellular Bacteriology Medical Microbiology Frontiers of Virology Medical Virology Regenerative Medicine Stem Cell Transplantation

Aims:

1. To reflect the research strength in the department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, (which is internationally reputed and attracts substantial external funding), in the design, content and delivery of the unit so as to produce graduates with an advanced knowledge and understanding of the field.

2. To accept well motivated students with high academic potential from a variety of backgrounds and to provide them with a unit which will further the contribution of graduates in a medical science of importance for the health and benefit of society.

3. To instil an up-to-date knowledge of the scientific literature pertaining to cancer biology, immunology, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, and microbiology including virology at the cellular and molecular level, and an ability to evaluate this literature critically.

4. To allow students to apply their skills to a research project of their own.

5. To develop the ability to present talks on the published literature and on their own research.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this Unit a student should:

1. have developed knowledge and understanding in depth, critical ability, and independence of thought in cellular and molecular medicine.

2. be well motivated, have the skills and attitudes appropriate to his or her career aspirations in the field, and be well placed to meet the recruitment needs of employers.

3. be fully informed and aware of all relevant aspects of teaching, learning and assessment.

4. be able to evaluate and discuss the key research papers underlying a range of topics in modern cellular and molecular medicine.

5. be able to carry out a research project and to interpret and present the results.

6. have developed skills of value in further study or employment in cellular and molecular medicine and in related areas.

Teaching Information

Approx. 80 lectures (students are expected to read recommended reviews and the primary scientific literature); approx. 300 hours laboratory work on the research project or a literature- or computer-based research project; approx. 3 hours student project talks in small-groups.; approx. 5 hours. relevant departmental research seminars.

Assessment Information

Written examinations at end of session (75%):

4 x 3 hour essay papers (16.25% each), one per topic, and a 3 hour Data Handling Paper (10%).

Examination of a dissertation based on the laboratory research project including a viva (25% overall):

Marks will be awarded for Initiative (5%), Industry (5%), Technical Ability (5%), Abstract (5%), Introduction (30%), Materials and Methods (5%), Results and Discussion (25%), Presentation (10%), Viva (10%).

OR

Examination of a dissertation based on the literature- or computer-based research project including a viva (25% overall):

Marks will be awarded for Initiative (5%), Industry (5%), Originality/Independence of Approach (5%), Abstract (5%), Introduction (15%), Scope (10%), Detail (15%), Conclusions/Analysis (15%), Presentation (10%), Viva (10%).

Reading and References

Current Research Literature.