| Unit name | Next Generation Methodologies and Therapies |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BRMSM0086 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Kemp |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Bristol Medical School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
Why is this Unit important?
The establishment of new methodologies has been the foundation for many of the greatest discoveries in science. For example, sequencing techniques allowed the human genome to be mapped, and coding and non-coding genes to be identified. Examples of recent methodological advances include the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs); CRISPR gene editing; gene silencing using miRNA pathways, advanced viral and non-viral vector technologies. In this unit students will be taught the biology of important emerging research techniques, and how their application is leading to advances in our understanding of neurobiology and facilitating therapies for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric illnesses.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit will equip you to understand the most recent and advanced molecular and cellular methodological approaches being applied to the modelling, study, and development of therapies for neurological illnesses. This unit therefore complements the other programme units. It provides a logical progression from the Methods in Molecular Neuroscience unit and extends and provides context for the information covered in the Units on Neurodegeneration and Mental Health and Disease. An understanding of advanced techniques at an intellectual and practical level is taught and this will help prepare you for your research project.
An overview of the content
Areas covered in this unit will be: (i) Stem cells and their application; (ii) Regulatory RNAs and Epigenetics: (iii) Gene therapy and its application. Important components of this Unit are both workshops and the laboratory-based practical classes which will prepare you for the summative assessment and teach transferable skills.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will gain an understanding of how advances in stem cell, viral and genetic methodologies have increased our understanding of disease processes and facilitated the modelling and treatment of neurological disease. As a result of this unit, you will be able to think critically about cutting-edge molecular and cellular techniques, both in terms of their potential, current use, and limitations. You will explore different communication methods commonly used by scientists to share their findings.
Learning Outcomes
After completion of this unit, you will be able to:
You will primarily learn through lectures, where core information is presented. Importantly, these sessions are interactive, where you will be given opportunities to ask questions, and short tasks may be given so that you can confirm your own understanding of the taught topics.
You will undertake independent learning by reading relevant materials that have been chosen to re-enforce information presented during lectures.
You will learn through interactive workshops and a practical where, working in small groups, you will discuss ideas and understanding with others and work together to solve problems.
These ways of learning will prepare you for the summative assessment, which involves synthesising the information you have learnt throughout the unit in the form of a grant application.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
The formative task for the unit comprises a two-day workshop which will develop your understanding of how research is funded by grants and your ability to write a grant proposal yourself. Students (in small working groups) will be provided with the research proposal topic and all the materials needed. You will work together with your student group and the lecturers through each aspect of a grant proposal (e.g., hypothesis, background, experimental plan, justification). Examples of mini grant proposals will also be provided for assessment, ranking and comment by the student groups. Input and feedback will be provided to you during and after the workshops and there will also be an element of peer review.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
The summative assessment (100%) for the unit comprises a piece of coursework, which will take the form of the writing of a grant proposal.
When assessment does not go to plan
If you do not pass the unit, you will normally be given the opportunity to take a reassessment as per the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes. Decisions on the award of reassessment will normally be taken after all taught units of the year have been completed. Reassessment will normally be in a similar format to the original assessment that has been failed.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. BRMSM0086).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
