| Unit name | Neurodegeneration |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BRMSM0083 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Scott Miners |
| 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?
Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide. Current treatments only alleviate some of the mental and physical symptoms and there are currently very limited disease-modifying treatments to slow the inevitable progression of disease. In this unit, ‘Neurodegeneration’, you will learn about the cutting-edge research within the fields of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis. You will discover how advances in the molecular understanding of each disease is informing therapeutic design using case-studies from the current literature and real-world examples from research and clinical trials. The unit is research-led and will provide an up-to-date molecular and clinical perspective of the therapeutic approaches currently being investigated to tackle these debilitating diseases.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit will allow you to build upon and apply knowledge from previous and concurrently taught units in a disease setting. It will bridge molecular and clinical research and build upon core features such as hippocampal function, cell signalling, and neuroanatomy introduced in other taught units. It will also allow you to draw upon your understanding and knowledge of next generation research methodologies and advances in research models to develop an in-depth understanding of pre-clinical and clinical research within each disease. Workshops and formative assessments will consolidate this knowledge and prepare you for your summative assessment.
An overview of content
In this unit, you will learn about current advances in the understanding of the aetiology and pathogenesis of common neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis. You will develop a detailed understanding of the neuroanatomy and neuropathology of the brain in a disease context. You will learn about the molecular mechanisms that underpin current treatments and how pre-clinical research and cutting-edge advances in research methodologies are shaping the future drug design within each disease.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
At the end of this unit, you will know the core molecular pathways involved in disease pathogenesis in common neurodegenerative disease. You will be able to combine this core knowledge of disease pathogenesis with key advances made in the development of models and next generation technology to discuss how pre-clinical research is moving us closer to developing disease-modifying drugs.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the unit the student should be able to:
You will learn through a combination of structured lectures, tutorials, workshops, online materials and self-directed study. Core principles underpinning disease pathology for each disease will be taught via structured lectures and supportive asynchronous materials. A lab practical will help you understand and identify core features of neuropathology of common neurodegenerative diseases. Workshops will provide a supportive environment for you to build on core knowledge and to discuss and relate how improved understanding of disease, through advances in disease models, and identification of therapeutic pathways, is shaping future pre-clinical and clinical research within the field.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Your learning and preparation for the summative assessment will be supported by formative class workshops and case studies that will expand on core concepts of disease pathogenesis introduced within the unit. You will study recently published papers to discuss how the development of models and key advances in research methodologies (learnt in previous and ongoing taught units) can be used to address gaps in our current understanding. These workshops and case studies will provide a supportive environment to encourage you to discuss and exchange ideas with classmates. You will receive written feedback from the unit director that will prepare you for the summative assessment.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
The summative assessment (100%) for the unit comprises a coursework assessment. The assessment will test your knowledge of the core principles that shape the current understanding of disease pathogenesis using some of the diseases covered within the unit. You will need to apply your knowledge of research models and key methodological advances, using case studies within the field, to address gaps in our understanding of disease or to move promising pre-clinical research towards the clinic.
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. BRMSM0083).
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.
