BSc Biomedical Sciences Honours Guide 2014 2015

8/12/2019 BSc Biomedical Sciences Honours Guide 2014 2015

1/48

1

University of EdinburghMedical Sciences Senior Honours Guide

for the Academic Year

2014-2015

A guide to the BSc Biomedical Sciences

Honours Degree Programmes.

Produced by the Biomedical Teaching Organisation


2/48

2

STAFF WHO WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR ENQUIRIES

All enquires about individual programmes should initially be made to the appropriate

Honours Programme Organiser or Administrators.Their contact details are given at the start

of the section describing each programme.

Biomedical Teaching Organisation (BMTO)

Medical School

Teviot PlaceEdinburgh

EH8 9AG

[email protected]

Phone 0131 650 3160

Director, BMTO Professor John Stewart 0131 650 8267

Academic Administrator, BMTO Ms Karen Harris 0131 651 3029

DISCLAIMER

Every effort has been made to ensure the contents of this booklet are accurate at the time of

printing. Unforeseen circumstances may, however, necessitate changes to the procedures,

curricula and syllabuses described. The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

undertakes to operate within the rules and regulations as set out in the University Degree

Regulationsand Programmes of Study. It will also honour undertakings made in writing to

individual classes, insofar as these do not conflict with the Universitys regulations.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


3/48

3

CONTENTS

Structure of the Honours year .... 5

Criteria for Admission to an Intercalated B. Med. Sci6

Pre-registration for Compulsory Courses and Electives 6

Advice on Choosing Electives 7

How Electives will be Allocated 8

Honours Elective Courses

Infectious Diseases .. 9

Medical Biology .. 13

Neuroscience ... 17

Pharmacology ..21

Physiology ... 25

Reproductive Biology .. 29

Biomedical Sciences Courses listed by course title 33

Biological Sciences Courses listed by course title .. 47


4/48

4


5/48

5

STRUCTURE OF THE HONOURS YEAR

All years of undergraduate degree programmes in the University consist of 120 credit points

made up from separate courses, in units of 10, 20 or 40 credit points. To conform to these

regulations and to ensure uniformity across programmes the Board of Studies in BiomedicalSciences decided to adopt a common structure for the Senior Honours year. The common

structure has the following features:

Semester 160 credit points, 3 x 20 credit point courses:

One of these will be compulsory courses that are taken by everyone doing a

particular programme. Others are elective courses, with guidance being given

through programme-specific lists of recommended and suitable courses. Semester 1

courses are examined at the end of the semester. There is in-course assessment in

most courses, some are 100% in-course assessment.

Semester 2

1 x 40 credit point research project.

The assessment of the research project will comprise a project report (87.5%) and

oral presentation (12.5%).

20 credit points, 2 x 10 credit point courses.

A synoptic examination and a project-related course.

The details of the courses you are required to take and possible elective courses are set out in this

guide.

The degree classification awarded will be based on the marks obtain in the Junior and Senior

Honours years at the ratio of 1:2. For students who have spent the Junior Honours year abroad

degree classification is based on the Senior Honours year only.

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO THE SENIOR HONOURS YEAR

The requirements for progression into the Senior Honours year were published in the BSc

Biological Sciences Pre-Registration Guide 2013/2014 which students were given in April 2013.

Students have already fulfilled the year 1 and year 2 requirements for their current programme.

In order to proceed to fourth, Senior Honours, year you must have obtained at least 360 creditpoints. From third year you must:

obtain at least 80 credit points by passing Level 9 or Level 10 courses.

have an overall aggregate mark of at least 40% in 120 credit points worth of Level 9 or

Level 10 courses taken in the Junior Honours year.

meet the specific programme requirements for third year as set out in the Pre-Registration

Guide 2013/2014.


6/48

6

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATING WITH AB.SC.BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

DEGREE

In the fourth, Senior Honours, year compulsory courses must be taken, but passing these courses

is not a requirement for award of an Honours degree in the specific discipline (although clearly a

fail mark will impact on your overall mark and therefore the final degree classification).

You must have obtained 480 credit points over the degree programme to graduate with Honours.

No exceptions can be made to this rule, although up to 40 credit points can be awarded by

aggregation in each of the Honours years as long as the overall aggregate mark for the 120 credit

points of course taken in each of these years is at least 40%.

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR COMPULSORY AND ELECTIVE COURSES

All students admitted to a programme will be automatically registered for the relevant

compulsory courses. However, it is necessary for all students to submit their choices for electivecourses. This guide explains the structure of the individual programmes and the decisions that

have to be made for the selection of elective courses. You will be sent a choice form towards the

end of this academic year. On this form you will be asked to rank your preferred course choices.

It is important that you return your elective course choices by the date specified in the letter.

Students who do not return their elective course choices by the required date will probably

miss out on the initial allocation of elective courses and will therefore have less chance of

getting their desired courses.

In the Senior Honours year the Honours Programme Organiser (HPO) has a responsibility for

approving a student's academic programme. This is because the HPO is a specialist in the degree

subject and is best placed to advise the student. Your Personal Tutor is also an important source

of advice and guidance in curricular matters and should be consulted when considering elective

course. Students who wish to deviate from the standard programme are advised to discuss this

with their HPO who will consult as necessary with the Schools Director of Teaching.

All of the compulsory courses are "owned" by a specific honours programme. This means that

they come under the control of the programme's Board of Examiners. They are described in the

relevant programme section of this guide. Only the students registered for a programme are

admitted to that programme's compulsory courses.

Students will be informed, through their Honours Programme, as to which elective courses theyhave been admitted.

ADVICE ON CHOOSING ELECTIVE COURSES

The Senior Honours year is an opportunity for in-depth study within a particular degree

programme and it is essential for your studies to be suitably focussed on your degree subject

area. The section of the guide dealing with your honours programme explains the choices open

to you. The advice in these sections varies from programme to programme; it has been

specifically tailored to the subject areas.


7/48

7

After a general introduction to the year the compulsory courses are listed and you are told how

you must choose your two elective courses to make up the 120 credit points for the year. Please

note the instructions carefully. Each programme can have a List 1 and List 2. List 1 contains

courses which are recommendedfor your programme, and List 2 contains courses also judged to

besuitablefor your programme. Full descriptions of these courses can be found at the back ofthis guide in the section called List of Elective Courses by Course Title.

School of Biomedical Sciences elective courses are managed by the Biomedical Teaching

Organisation and queries about these courses should be directed to the course administrator in

the first instance. If you have any questions about the elective courses outwith Biomedical

Sciences please direct these to the Honours Programme Organiser of the owning programme.

The course lists and descriptions indicate which programme owns the courses.

The number of students admitted to elective courses is more open and the course descriptions

give an indication of maximum class sizes. Unnecessary restrictions will not be applied.

However, there must be some limits as it is appreciated that honours teaching and learning ismuch more effective in smaller rather than larger classes. We also know that students look

forward to smaller classes in their final year after being in large classes in the previous years. In

allocating elective courses preference will be given to students for whom the course is

particularly relevant but we will do what they can to admit other students.

A number of the courses have prerequisites in terms of requirements or recommended courses.

Students who spent their third year abroad, will be unable to meet requirements specified

in terms of specific third year biological/biomedical science courses. These students will be

excused these requirements but are advised to check with the course organiser to ensure

that they have the appropriate background.

HOW ELECTIVE COURSES WILL BE ALLOCATED

Access to Biomedical Sciences elective courses is controlled by the Biomedical Teaching

Organisation.

In an ideal world all students would get their top or other high choices but of course this is

unlikely to happen as demand will be uneven. Specific criteria will be taken into account when

allocating the students to elective courses. These will include:

1) Preference will be given to School of Biomedical Sciences students.2) The ranking given to the elective course by the student on their choice form.

3) Whether the elective course is on the lists of recommended (List 1) and suitable (List 2)

elective courses for the student's programme.

4) Availability of places on other chosen courses and where these rank in the choice form.

A key aim will be to arrive at the 'best' overall solution taking account of the available

information. The Boards of Studies has agreed that if too few students wish to do a course it

may be withdrawn.


8/48

8

CHANGING HONOURS PROGRAMME

At the end of second year all students were admitted to a specific Honours Programme. Most

students will have taken course in third year that would qualify them for the final year in another

discipline. Any student who wishes to apply to transfer to a different Honours Programme within

Biomedical Sciences should complete an Honours Transfer Form which can be found on the

Learn pages of Biomedical Sciences 3 or by e-mailing [email protected]

Students wishing to transfer to a programme in another School should contact the other School

directly.


9/48

9

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Programme Organiser: Programme Administrator:

Dr Douglas Roy Ms Tracy NodenDivision of Pathway Medicine BMTO, Medical School

Chancellors Building Teviot Place

49 Little France Crescent Edinburgh EH8 9AG

Edinburgh EH16 4SB 0131 650 3717

0131 242 6279 [email protected]

[email protected]

Infectious diseases represent a massive global healthcare burden, accounting for 25% of global deathsannually, which rises to 43% in the developing world. Malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoeal disease

account for the majority of child mortality. As well as the current burden of infectious diseases,healthcare systems are faced with the rapidly growing problem of antibiotic resistance and we are under

the constant threat of emerging and re-emerging infections that could lead to uncontrollable globalpandemics.

Infectious disease pathology is a result of a complex interplay between pathogens and their hosts. A widespectrum of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, nematodes, fungi and other agents) cause hundreds of different

diseases. It is only by gaining a thorough understanding of the complex interactions between pathogenand host biological pathways that we can unravel the pathogen-induced disease mechanisms and thenapply this fundamental research to improve diagnostics and therapeutics so that we can more effectivelydetect, control and cure infectious diseases.

This programme provides a comprehensive coverage of infectious diseases by integrating together thefollowing key themes: mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, and global health and applied aspectsof infectious disease. Throughout there is an emphasis on modern research approaches applied to theseinteracting themes, from the molecular to the population level. The programme is designed to appeal tobiomedical science students as well as intercalating students from medicine and veterinary medicine.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


10/48


11/48

11

As an honours student studying Infectious Diseases:

(a) You must do the following compulsory coursesPoints

MIBM10041 Infectious Diseases Project 40

MIBM10042 Infectious Diseases Synoptic Examination 10MIBM10053 Review Essay for Infectious Disease 10MIBM10052 Host-pathogen interactions in Infectious Diseases 20

Points 80

(b) In addition you must take at least one of the following level 10 courses.These must be from List 1(below).

(c) In addition you can take 1 20pt, or (subject to availability) certain 2x10pt level 10 courses.

These will normally* be from List 1 or List 2 (below).

Total points 120

Compulsory Courses in the Infectious Diseases Honours Degree Programme

Code Course Name Prog Sem Time Slot

MIBM10052 Host-pathogen interactions in InfectiousDiseases

InfDis 1

Description: Lectures: This course focuses on fundamental aspects of pathogen-hostinteractions and covers the biological mechanisms and processes which lead to pathogenesis

and disease following infection. There is an emphasis on the application of modern researchmethods and approaches in this field. This course comprises three main themes:

Experimental approaches to study Microbial pathogenesis:Identification of virulence factorsAnimal models

Genome wide approaches to study host-pathogen interactionsMonitoring host response and immunity to pathogens

Pathobiology of Infection:Survival strategies of bacterial, viral and parasite pathogens.Modulation of the host immune response

Mechanisms of pathogenesisManipulation and reprogramming of the intracellular environmentInfection of the human hostGastrointestinal Infections, Respiratory infections, CNSinfections, Neonatal infection

Pathogen ecology and evolution:Evolution of bacterial virulenceMolecular evolution of viruses and other pathogens

Tutorials: A series of tutorials will cover essay, abstract and report writing, scientifictechniques, presentation skills, scientific calculations and statistics, and the critical analysisof scientific papers. The tutorials will provide important formative feedback/forward for

assignments and activities in the course as a whole. This course is only available to studentson the Infectious Diseases Degree Programme.


12/48

12


MIBM10041 Infectious Diseases Project InfDis 2 Wed am

Description: A laboratory, literature or data handling research project in a topic of infectious

disease. Presentation of research findings is a feature of this project. This course is onlyavailable to students on the Infectious Diseases Degree Programme.

MIBM10053 Review Essay for Infectious Disease InfDis Full yearProduction of a review essay which links to the topic of the research project. This course is

only available to students on the Infectious Diseases Degree Programme.

MIBM10042 Infectious Diseases SynopticExamination

InfDis 2 None

Description: Synoptic examination assessing general expertise in Infectious Diseases. This

course is only available to students on the Infectious Diseases Degree Programme.

List 1: Recommended Elective Courses for the Infectious Diseases Degree Programme.

Further details may be found starting on page 33.

Code Course Name Prog Sem Time Slot MaxClass

BIME10025 Diagnostics and therapeutics forinfectious disease

BiomedSciences

1 Thur &Fri am

25

BIME10021 Global Health and InfectiousDiseases

BiomedSciences

1 Mon &Tue am

25

List 2: Suitable Elective Courses for the Infectious Diseases Degree Programme.


Code Course Name Prog Sem Time Slot Max

Class

BIME10031 An introduction to the analysisand modelling of biological

pathways

BiomedSciences

1 Thurs &Fri pm

25

BIME10023 Forensic Investigation BiomedSciences

1 Mon &Tue pm

25

BIME10019 Inflammation BiomedSciences

1 Thur &Fri pm

25

BIME10015 Science Communication BiomedSciences

1 Mon &Tues pm

25

BIME10013 Social and Ethical Aspects ofMedicine

BiomedSciences

1 Mon &Tue pm

25

Subject to availability: 2 x 10 credit courses from BTOCode Course Name Prog Sem Time Slot Max

Class

EVBI10007 Evolutionary Medicine ofInfectious Disease

EvolBio 1 Tue pm

GENE10004 Genetics of Host-Parasite

Interactions

Genetics 1 Mon pm 20

ZLGY10015 Parasitic Diseases of PublicHealth Importance

Zoology 1 Thurs pm 25

IMMU10013 Th2 in Immunity, Allergy andHealth

Immun 1 Fri am 25


13/48


14/48

14

As an honours student studying Medical Biology:


MBBM10008 Medical Biology Project 40MBBM10015 Medical Biology Core 20

MBBM10017 Critical Analysis Skills in Medical Biology 10MBBM10018 Medical Biology Synoptic Examination 10

Points 80

(b) In addition you must take 2 level 10 coursesfrom List 1 (see below).

Total points 120

Compulsory Courses for the Medical Biology Honours Degree Programme


MBBM10008 Medical Biology Project MedBiol 2 None

Description: Most students will do group library projects based on an important topic in thegeneral area of medical biology. Students will have considerable freedom to follow up their

own ideas and to decide with project supervisors the exact content of the project. A typicalproject will focus on a disease/disorder/health topic that has important social, economic and

medical significance. Assessment will mainly be based on a set of deliverables that willinclude a dissertation report, oral presentations, a project plan, and a lay communicationsassignment. A typical report will include 4-5 specialised chapters (1 chapter per student,assessed individually) together with a general introduction and an integrated discussion. Whileeach student will be responsible for a chapter, the final project report will be the communalwork of the group and thus involve team writing and editing. A small element of peerassessment will be included in the marking scheme. One purpose of these group projects is for

students to learn teamwork, and part of the assessment will be based on the minutes ofstructured weekly management meetings that the team will hold. There will thus be apreparatory teaching session for all students on project planning and teamworking. There mayalso be opportunities for students who wish to do a laboratory-based individual researchproject. This course is only available to students on the Medical Biology Programme.

MBBM10015 Medical Biology Core MedBiol 1&2 Wed am

Description: The course addresses the theme of the Medical Biology Hons BSc Programme,namely the scientific basis of human medicine. Through lectures from experts in the field andstudent led presentations we will explore: diseases and disorders important nationally andinternationally, including their identification and the role of biological science in advancingunderstanding and laying the foundation for their raional management and treatment;implementation of drug design and discovery; integration of new technologies, including

genomics and stem cell techniques; international health; resources; ethical and socio-economicfactors. The course also aims to provide familiarity with statistical techniques commonly-usedin the biomedical literature, and with the principles of designing and conducting clinical trials.

Development of communication skills will be through student-led sessions discussing andcritically evaluating recent papers. Teaching methods: Lectures, seminars and student-ledpresentations. This course is only available to students on the Medical Biology Programme.


15/48

15


MBBM10017 Critical Analysis Skills in MedicalBiology

MedBiol 2 Wed am

Critical evaluation of published primary research articles, and skill in clear and accurate scientificcommunication are two explicitly identified learning objectives of the Medical Biology Honours

BSc Programme. These will be assessed through a Critical Analysis Task in which students willdemonstrate their ability to interrogate research papers in depth by critically evaluating an originalpublished research paper (i.e. not a review) relating to the topic of their Project. To ensure thatappropriate papers are chosen, each student is initially required to select two potential papers andto send these to their project supervisor, who will then decide which of these two papers should beused (to prevent selection of an inappropriate papereg because it is far too complex, or becauseit is too trivial, lacks data, etc). Each student will provide an independent report (1500 wordsmax.) of that published paper for assessment, according to a specified format. Critical evaluationof papers depends in part on being able to understand enough of statistical techniques to make areasonable judgement about what conclusions may be legitimately drawn from data. Teachingsessions on statistics/data analysis will therefore be held to help develop/consolidateunderstanding of these issues. A tutorial session will focus on how to construct a balancedevaluation of a specific example paper. Teaching methods: Lectures, tutorial/seminars. This courseis only available to students on the Medical Biology Programme.

MBBM10018 Medical Biology SynopticExamination

MedBiol 2 Wed am

The synoptic examination gives students the opportunity to display what they havew gained from

the Medical Biology Honours BSc Programme as a whole by displaying their ability to integrateknowledge and understanding obtained from different elements of the Programme. Students will

be asked to write an essay that draws on different areas of their knowledge and understadningobtained from any or all of the courses that they have taken. The essay will be marked for style,clarity and fluency and for logical structure and evidence of critical thinking. Credit will be givenfor the appropriate use of good examples to support or explain particular points and extra credit

will be given where examples are drawn from diverse aspects of the Programme. This course isonly available to students on the Medical Biology Programme.

List 1: Recommended Elective Courses for the Medical Biology Honours Degree Programme.


Code Course Name Prog Sem Time Slot Max Class


pathways

BiomedSciences

1 Thurs & Fripm

25

BIME10030 Cancer Biology and Medicine Biomed

Sciences

1 Mon &

Tue am

25

BIME10029 Cardiovascular Pharmacology& Therapeutics

BiomedSciences

1 Thur am &pm &

Fri am

25

BIME10028 Conception to Parturition BiomedSciences

1 Thur & Fri am 25

BIME10027 Development and Disease BiomedSciences

1 Mon& Tuepm

25

BIME10026 Developmental and ClinicalNeuroscience

BiomedSciences

1 Mon &Tues am

25

BIME10025 Diagnostics and therapeutics

for infectious disease

BiomedSciences

1 Thur &Fri am

25

BIME10024 Endocrine Physiology andPharmacology

BiomedSciences

1 Thur &Fri am

25


16/48

16



1 Mon &Tue pm

25

BIME10022 Genetic and EnvironmentalInfluences on Behaviour and

Mental Health

BiomedSciences

1 Mon &Tue pm

25


BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tueam

25

BIME10020 Hormones & Behaviour BiomedSciences

1 Thur & Friam

25


1 Thur &Fri pm

25

BIME10018 Integrative Physiology BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tuepm

25

BIME10011 Neural circuits for learning andmemory

BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tueam

25

BIME10010 Neurobiology of Cognition BiomedSciences 1 Mon & Tuepm 25

BIME10032 Neurodegeneration, obesityand cancer: genetics and

beyond

BiomedSciences

1 Thur & Friam

25

BIME10009 Neuroimaging BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tuepm

25

BIME10008 Neurotransmitters In Action Biomed

Sciences1 Thur & Fri

pm

25

BIME10007 Receptors, signalling andregulation of cell

responsiveness

BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tuepm

25

BIME10017 Regenerative Medicine BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tueam

25

BIME10006 Reproductive Systems BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tueam

25


1 Mon & Tuespm

25

BIME10014 Sensory Physiology andDysfunction

BiomedSciences

1 Thur & Fri pm 25


BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tuepm

25

BIME10012 Synaptic Function and

Plasticity in Health and Disease

Biomed

Sciences

1 Mon & Tue

pm

25


17/48

17

NEUROSCIENCE


Dr Thomas Theil Miss Caroline Morris

School of Biomedical Sciences BMTO, Medical School

Hugh Robson Building Teviot Place

George Square Edinburgh EH8 9AG

Edinburgh EH8 9XD 0131 651 3255

0131 650 3721 [email protected]

[email protected]

Neuroscience 4 is taught jointly by staff members in the School of Biomedical Sciences with major inputfrom several research Centres and Institutes.

The Aims of the Programmeare to:-

A. provide a thorough grounding in the basic concepts of neuroscience;

B. identify and explore current areas of debate and controversy;

C. encourage active participation through discussion and criticism of recent research in

selected areas of basic, translational and clinical neuroscience research.

The programme in the first Semestercomprises a compulsory course on General Neurosciencetogetherwith two Elective Courseschosen by the student. These optional courses allow students to specialise inparticular aspects of neuroscience in which they have an interest. In the second Semester studentscontinue with General Neuroscience, take a Project management course as well as carrying outsupervised research, either for a laboratory-based or for an individual or small group library-basedDissertation. Laboratory places are limited and cannot be guaranteed. Students are required to submittheir Dissertations after presenting them at a reading party, after the Spring vacation.

The General Neuroscience and Elective Courses employ a variety of teaching methods, which mayinclude lectures, seminars, Problem-Based Learning tutorials, and demonstrations. There are somerestrictions on choice due to time-tabling and resource availability. Some courses also have differentrequirements for entry from the programme as a whole.

Examinations

The Dissertation is worth 40 credits, General Neuroscience is worth 20 credits, the ProjectManagement course is worth 10 credits and each Elective Course is worth 20 credits. The first

Semester Elective courses are assessed by a combination of In-Course Assessments and written

examination at the end of the first Semester, while the Project Management course is examined by

In-Course Assessment. The Examination for the General Neuroscience course comprises In-Course

Assessments in Semesters 1, and a written paper taken in the May diet along with a Synoptic

Examination (10 Credits). The written examinations assess evidence-based critical reading skills

and the knowledge and understanding of Neuroscience that students are expected to have gained

from their studies throughout the year.

Please contact the Programme Administrator for examples of reading lists and Elective CourseHandbooks.

Exam papers from previous years athttp://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/information-services/library-museum-gallery/exam-papers
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/information-services/library-museum-gallery/exam-papershttp://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/information-services/library-museum-gallery/exam-papershttp://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/information-services/library-museum-gallery/exam-papersmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


18/48

18

Career Prospects

The demand for graduates in neuroscience is broadly similar to that for other biomedical sciencesgraduates. Many companies in the pharmaceutical industry have major programmes of drug development

for the treatment of nervous system disorders. There are also openings in Universities in Departments orSchools of Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience or Psychology for students interested in doingpostgraduate research. The evidence-based, critical skills that students acquire and develop during theHonours Neuroscience programme are also transferable and of generic value to employers in many otherwalks of life.

As an honours student studying Neuroscience:

(a)You must do the following compulsory coursesPoints

NEBM10005 Neuroscience Project 40NEBM10028 General Neuroscience 20

NEBM10019 Neuroscience Synoptic Examination 10NEBM10034 Project Management 10

Points 80

(b) In addition you must take 2 level 10 courses.One is required from List 1, the second elective canbe from List 1 or 2 (see below).

Total points 120

Compulsory Courses for the Neuroscience Honours Degree Programme


NEBM10028 General Neuroscience Neurosci 1&2 Wed am

Description: This course covers aspects of cognitive, systems, cellular, molecular, developmentaland clinical neuroscience with the aim of educating students in the breadth of the subject, andproviding training and development in evidence-based critical reading and writing skills, dataacquisition and analysis. The course will include critical reading of original research literature andanalysis of experimental results in neuroscience. We also highlight current controversies andchallenges for the 21st Century in Neuroscience, partly by asking teachers and experienced

researchers to speak about their subject area then leading students through specific aspects of thetopic. The aim is to encourage critical thinking and evaluation of evidence, crucial to thedevelopment of a neuroscientist. These skills are also of practical value in dealing with material onthe Elective Courses and students' independent research towards their Dissertation. Only availableto students on the Neuroscience Degree Programme.

NEBM10034 Project Management Neurosci 2 Wed

Students will receive education and training in project management. This course will be based onlectures and small-group teamwork and shall normally include training in literature searching,database mining, research funding, teamworking, project planning, ethics, experimental design,

report writing, publishing research in academic journals, press releases, public engagement andpatenting procedures. Only available to students on the Neuroscience Degree Programme.


19/48

19

NEBM10005 Neuroscience Project Neurosci 2 None

Description: Students will spend the second semester on original studies either based on libraryresearch or projects in individual research laboratories. During the first teaching block studentswill mostly work on their projects and will be trained in research methods by the Project

management course. The second block will be spent by the student on full-time research. The

results of the students research will be formally presented to the whole class and examiners andalso written up as a Dissertation, which is independently marked by at least two markers. Projectswill normally be selected from a list approved by the Board of Examiners but students may choosetheir own topics, subject to approval by the Board of Examiners. The number of laboratory-basedprojects is limited and acceptance for a laboratory project is therefore competive. Acceptanceonto a laboratory-based project may depend on a students academic record and an interview with

the intended supervisor. However, both library-based and laboratory-based projects areconsidered of equal value: both provide ample opportunities for students to demonstrate their

creative, critical and analytical skills. Only available to students on the Neuroscience DegreeProgramme.

NEBM10019 Neuroscience Synoptic Examination Neurosci 2 None

Description: Synoptic examination assessing general knowledge and understanding ofNeuroscience and its contemporary relevance. Only available to students on the NeuroscienceDegree Programme.

List 1: Recommended Elective Courses for the Neuroscience Honours Degree Programme.


Course

Code

Course Name Prog Sem Time Slot Max

Class


1 Mon & Tuepm

25

BIME10026 Developmental and Clinical

Neuroscience

Biomed

Sciences

1 Mon &Tues

am

25


Mental Health

BiomedSciences

1 Mon &Tuepm

25


1 Thur & Friam

25

BIME10011 Neural circuits for learningand memory

BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tueam

25

BIME10010 Neurobiology of Cognition BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tuepm

25


beyond

BiomedSciences

1 Thur & Friam

25

BIME10008 Neurotransmitters In Action BiomedSciences

1 Thur & Fripm

25


responsiveness

BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tuepm

25


BiomedSciences

1 Thur & Fri pm 25

BIME10012 Synaptic Function and

Plasticity in Health and

Disease

BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tuepm

25


20/48

20

List 2: Suitable Elective Courses for the Neuroscience Honours Degree Programme.


Course Code Course Name Prog Sem Time

Slot

Max

Class

BIME10031 An introduction to the analysis

and modelling of biologicalpathways

Biomed

Sciences

1 Thurs &

Fri pm

25

BIME10030 Cancer Biology and Medicine BiomedSciences

1 Mon &Tue am

25


BiomedSciences

1 Thur am& pm &Fri am

25

BIME10028 Conception to Parturition Biomed

Sciences

1 Thur &

Fri am

25


BiomedSciences

1 Thur &Fri am

25

BIME10024 Endocrine Physiology andPharmacology BiomedSciences 1 Thur &Fri am 25


1 Mon &Tue pm

25

BIME10021 Global Health and Infectious

Diseases

BiomedSciences

1 Mon &Tue am

25

BIME10019 Inflammation Biomed

Sciences

1 Thur

&Fripm

25


1 Mon &Tue pm

25

BIME10009 Neuroimaging Biomed

Sciences

1 Mon &

Tue pm

25

BIME10017 Regenerative Medicine Biomed

Sciences

1 Mon &

Tue am

25


1 Mon &Tue am

25

BIME10015 Science Communication Biomed

Sciences

1 Mon &

Tues pm

25

BIME10013 Social and Ethical Aspects of

Medicine

BiomedSciences

1 Mon &Tue pm

25


21/48

21

PHARMACOLOGY


Professor Mark Evans Mr Neale Summers

School of Biomedical Sciences BMTO, Medical SchoolHugh Robson Building Teviot Place

Edinburgh EH8 9XD Edinburgh EH8 9AG

0131 651 1501 0131 651 3094

[email protected] [email protected]

Pharmacology is taught by biomedical scientists and clinicians from the schools and research centres inthe College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, hospitals. Teaching staff are pharmacologists, clinicalpharmacologists and specialists from other relevant disciplines (neuroscience, physiology, cardiovascularand inflammatory diseases, and endocrinology) and all have active research students. Courses within the

programme reflect the research interests of these laboratories. The Pharmacology Honours programme

provides insight into current concepts and experimental techniques in various areas of pharmacology,physiology, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

The programme has two main objectives to develop generic skills of critical analysis and to developunderstanding of pharmacological experimentation. To achieve the first objective, the programme willdevelop the effective and critical use of primary and secondary sources of published information. This isachieved by teaching mainly in the form of interactive seminars with pre-circulated reading lists,supported by a tutorial system. Transferable skills (e.g. knowledge of information technology and use ofcomputer packages, good written and oral presentation, group working) are also emphasised. The secondobjective seeks to gain an understanding of experimental approaches to biological questions, and tofacilitate the acquisition of the wide range of skills needed to solve pharmacological problems. This isachieved by placing a strong emphasis on individual library or laboratory research projects, to which alarge part of the second Semester is devoted.

In the first Semester all students attend the CoreDrugs, Receptors and Therapeutics course (Wednesdaysmorning) plus two elective courses. Students are required to take at least one elective course which isdirectly pertinent to pharmacology (see List 1), the second elective may be chosen from either List 1 orList 2. List 1 electives include courses which focus on cardiovascular pharmacology, endocrine

pharmacology, cancer biology, neuropharmacology and neurotransmitter action and receptor signallingand regulation. The choice of the second elective can be broader and reflect a students own specific

interests although in the past, students have benefited from selecting courses with a strongpharmacological component(such as those in List 1) and/or where there is synergy in content.

In the second Semester the Core Drugs, Receptors and Therapeutics course continues but the focus turns

to the dissertation which will either be laboratory or library-based. Students can elect to carry out alibrary-based research project in, for example, a pharmacological topic in which they have developed aparticular interest. Alternatively, students may decide to carry out a laboratory-based project during thesecond Semester. The number of laboratory-based research projects may be limited and we cannotguarantee a project for all students. If demand exceeds the number of projects available then

prioritisation will be based according to previous academic record, in particular the overall Pharmacology3 mark. Finally, students can go Dutch or Deutsch by applying to carry out their laboratory-basedproject at the University of Leiden (Netherlands) or University of Saarland in Saarbrucken (Germany) for3 months supported by the Erasmus scheme.

Assessment

Pharmacology 4 assessment is based on 120 points. The dissertation (including oral presentation) isworth 40 points. Elective Courses (see List 1 and 2 below) taken in Semester 1 will be assessed by

written examination during weeks 12/13 and will each carry 20 points. These electives may also containan element of in-course assessed work. The compulsory course, Drugs, Receptors and Therapeutics (20points) runs in Semester 1 and part of Semester 2. This course will be assessed by examination in the
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


22/48

22

December Diet of Semester 1 together with in-course assessments in Semester 2. The PharmacologyProject Milestones Dissertation (10 points) and the Synoptic Examination (10 points) in the May Dietmake up the remaining credits of your Senior Honours Year.

Career prospects

There is a strong demand for graduates in pharmacology from the pharmaceutical, chemical, and

biotechnology industries. Graduates are recruited with either Honours degrees or higher degrees (MSc,PhD) in Pharmacology for employment including pure laboratory-based research, routine analysis of drugpotency, manufacturing processes, clinical trials, toxicology, regulatory affairs, information technologyand administration - sales, marketing, and project management. Each year about 40% of thePharmacology graduates proceed to a higher degree, usually a PhD, in a variety of academic departmentsand research institutes. Various other careers are possible, including: research assistants in clinicalpharmacology; management in the civil service, retail and financial sectors; forensic science; schoolteaching. Further details and advice are available from the Careers Service.

(a) As an honours student studying Pharmacology:You must do the following compulsory courses:

PointsPHBM10018 Pharmacology Project 40PHBM10017 Pharmacology Synoptic Examination 10

PHBM10036 Drugs, Receptors and Therapeutics 20PHBM10035 Pharmacology Project Milestones Dissertation 10

Points 80

(b) In addition you must take 2 level 10 courses.One is required from List 1, the second elective can

be from List 1 or 2 (see below).

Total points 120


23/48

23

Compulsory Courses for the Pharmacology Honours Degree Programme


PHBM10018 Pharmacology Project Pharm 2

Description: Dissertation based on a library or a laboratory based research project. This course isonly available to students on the Honours Pharmacology Degree Programme taking a laboratory

based research project and is compulsory for those students. Contact teaching hours/weeks: (a)Library based Project: Normally full time weeks 19-25. (b) Laboratory Project: Normally part

time weeks 14-18 then full time. This course is only available to students on the HonoursPharmacology Degree Programme.

PHBM10036 Drugs, Receptors and Therapeutics Pharm 1 & 2 Wed

An understanding of the molecular pharmacology of receptors in relation to the action of drugs

underpins many aspects of the courses within the Honours Pharmacology Programmes. A series oflectures will be given to provide an overview of topics including: action of drugs at receptors,

structure-function relationships for the different classes of receptor, the signalling processesfollowing receptor activation and receptor cloning and expression. This course will also provide acoherent perspective of how drugs are developed from a molecular target through preclinical

development to clinical trials. It will consider how academic pharmacology can interact with drugdevelopment or can be focussed on discovery of molecular mechanisms independent of immediate

therapeutic potentials. The economic drivers and processes (project proposal, grant funding, andhypothesis formulation) in the industrial and academic domains will be considered. There will beopportunity to meet with Programme tutors in small groups. The purpose of the tutorials is toprovide student access to a member of staff and to cover general aspects related to Pharmacology.Students will be encouraged to submit essays to tutors in order to practice and obtain feedback on

their writing skills. This course is only available to students on the Honours Pharmacology DegreeProgramme.

PHBM10035 Pharmacology Project MilestonesDissertation

Pharm 1 & 2

Dissertation = Pharmacology Project Milestones Dissertation.

This course is only available to students on the Honours Pharmacology Degree Programme.PHBM10017 Pharmacology Synoptic Examination Pharm 2 None

Description: Synoptic examination assessing general expertise in Pharmacology.

This course is only available to students on the Honours Pharmacology Degree Programme.

List 1: Recommended Elective Courses for the Pharmacology Honours Degree Programme.




1 Mon &Tue am

25

BIME10029 Cardiovascular Pharmacology &Therapeutics

BiomedSciences

1 Thur am &pm &Fri am

25

BIME10024 Endocrine Physiology and

Pharmacology

Biomed

Sciences

1 Thur &

Fri am

25


1 Mon & Tuepm

25


Sciences

1 Thur & Fri

pm

25

BIME10007 Receptors, signalling andregulation of cell responsiveness

BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tuepm

25


24/48


25/48

25

PHYSIOLOGY


Prof Mike Ludwig Mrs Anne Law

Biomedical Sciences BMTO

Hugh Robson Building Medical School

George Square Teviot Place

Edinburgh EH8 9XD Edinburgh EH8 9AD

0131 650 3275 0131 650 3161


Physiology, aims to understand the normal processes and functions of the bodyand is central to our

ability to identify and ultimately treat disease. Completion of the human genome only serves to re-emphasise the significant knowledge gap between the basic parts catalogues generated from powerful

reductionist strategies and our understanding of how gene products integrate at the cellular, systems andwhole-organism level. This has led to a renaissance in Physiological research with advances in theintegration of molecular and proteomic analysis with genetically tractable model organisms, imaging

technology, and predictive modelling. Such an integrative approach, bridging multiple organ systems, isbeginning to reveal novel mechanisms, fundamental physiological principles and therapeutic targets fortreatment of major human diseases. The modern physiologist requires the creativity and literacy to fullyexploit the strengths of the reductionist and predictive biology approaches with the relevance of whole-organism analysis. Importantly, public dissemination of the basic mechanisms that underpin medicine isessential for rationale debate for new treatments and the debunking of the many pseudo-scientificapproaches that widely pervade the media.

Students study in depth selected topics in physiology that encompass analysis and integration from genesto cells to the whole organism to generate understanding of physiological processes in the context ofwhole body homeostasis. The programme reflects the research interests of staff that contribute to it.Students are encouraged to develop a critical knowledge of the subject, based where possible on their own

practical experience.

All students take the compulsory Physiology Core course, that emphasises core skills and a broad range

of current hot-topics in Physiology. The Core Physiology course will be assessed by a paper analysisexamination along with an ICA at the end of the second semester, which will require data analysis andinterpretation skills acquired during the programme. All students will select two taught elective courses insemester one (running over 11-weeks). The first semester elective courses will be assessed by writtenexam at the end of the first Semester. Physiology is an experimental science relying on the scientificmethod, in which experiments may be rigorously designed, critically evaluated and reproduced to test keyhypotheses with open access and freely distributed to scientists everywhere. As such a major component

of the programme is the 11-week research project undertaken in the second semester. The research projectis assessed by a written dissertation and oral presentation of the research project. Students also sit a

Physiology Exam at the end of the Semester 2, The exam provides an opportunity for students to criticallydiscuss broader questions in Physiology.
mailto:M.Cousin%[email protected]:anne/[email protected]:anne/[email protected]:anne/[email protected]:M.Cousin%[email protected]


26/48


27/48

27

List 1: Recommended Elective Courses for the Physiology Honours Degree Programme.



Class


1 Mon & Tuepm

25


BiomedSciences

1 Thur &Fri am

25


Mental Health

BiomedSciences

1 Mon &Tue pm

25

BIME10020 Hormones & Behaviour Biomed

Sciences

1 Thur & Fri

am

25


beyond

BiomedSciences

1 Thur & Friam

25


responsiveness

BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tuepm

25


1 Mon & Tueam

25


BiomedSciences

1 Thur & Fripm

25

BIME10012 Synaptic Function andPlasticity in Health and Disease

BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tuepm

25


28/48

28

List 2: Recommended Elective Courses for the Physiology Honours Degree Programme. Further



Class


pathways

BiomedSciences

1 Thurs & Fripm

25


1 Mon &Tue am

25


BiomedSciences


25


1 Thur & Friam

25

BIME10026 Developmental and Clinical

Neuroscience

Biomed

Sciences

1 Mon &

Tues am

25

BIME10025 Diagnostics and therapeuticsfor infectious disease

BiomedSciences

1 Thur &Fri am

25


1 Mon &Tue pm

25


BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tueam

25


1 Thur &Fri pm

25


1 Mon & Tuepm

25

BIME10011 Neural circuits for learning and

memory

Biomed

Sciences

1 Mon & Tue

am

25

BIME10010 Neurobiology of Cognition Biomed

Sciences

1 Mon & Tue

pm

25


1 Mon & Tuepm

25


Sciences

1 Thur & Fri

pm

25

BIME10017 Regenerative Medicine BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tueam

25


1 Mon & Tuespm

25

BIME10013 Social and Ethical Aspects ofMedicine BiomedSciences 1 Mon & Tuepm 25


29/48

29

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Programme Organiser: Programme Secretary:

Dr Chris Harlow Mrs Anne Law

Queens Medical Research Institute BMTO, Medical School

47 Little France Crescent Teviot Place

Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh EH8 9AG

0131 242 6624 0131 650 3161


Perhaps more than any other biological discipline the fruits of basic research in mammalian reproductive

biology have been applied to solve problems in agriculture and medicine. Laboratory-based researchcontinues to provide new insights into reproductive processes and has helped to shape some of thepowerful new analytical research tools such as the production of transgenic animals and cloning.Reproductive Biology has also provided the scientific background for in vitro fertilization, intra-

cytoplasmic sperm injection and other assisted conception techniques that have revolutionisedreproductive medicine and veterinary practice in the last decade. Increasingly the reproductive system isrecognised as a unique model for many other physiological processes in health and disease. It involvescyclical episodes of inflammation, angiogenesis and tissue remodelling, normally associated only withdevelopment or pathology.

This honours programme focuses on the role of reproductive biology in the fields of veterinary andhuman medicine. Specific training areas emphasize reproduction and early development, pregnancy andlactation, biotechnology and reproduction, reproductive neuroscience, and the reproduction of domesticand endangered animals. This programme therefore offers both breadth and focus to students withinterests in the field of reproductive biology as they pertain to understanding basic biologicalmechanisms, and their potential application to abnormal and disease processes.

Aims and objectives of the Programme

The honours year should provide a base of information and knowledge from which a career can bedeveloped in reproductive biology or cognate subjects, and in any other chosen profession requiring thediscipline of a challenging education in depth and breadth. We also aim to develop the potential ofindividual students to allow the fulfilment of their talents, and to equip them for high personal and

professional achievement.

Learning Outcomes

Through attendance on interlinked courses in reproductive biology, to develop an in depth and

critical understanding of the field. Acquire the ability to apply principles of reproductive and biomedical science, both within

reproductive biology and beyond.

Develop generic professional skills of critical appraisal, scientific presentation and scientific

writing.

Accrue the ability to utilise a wide range of generic biomedical science skills including:

developing and testing a scientific hypothesis; designing, planning and then implementing theseexperiments; and collecting, interpreting and analysing a data set.

Across semesters 1 & 2 students take a compulsory core course (Research Skills in ReproductiveBiology). In addition, there are 2 elective courses. These courses are assessed by a mix of in course

assessment (ICA) and examination.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


30/48

30

In Semester 2 students do the compulsory Reproductive Biology Project Planning and Practical Skillscourse (ICA), and a research project, usually laboratory based, but which can also be a clinical/audit orlibrary based project. The assessed components of the honours project include the project report, and theproject presentation. Projects will be offered by staff in the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health,Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Biomedical Sciences, Royal Dick Veterinary School, The Roslin Institute,Biological Sciences, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Royal Infirmary and Western General

Hospital.

The Synoptic Examination at the end of Semester 2 will cover a range of material from the across theHonours Programme.

As an honours student studying Reproductive Biology:


REBI10004 Reproductive Biology Project 40REBI10005 Reproductive Biology Synoptic Examination 10REBI10009 Reproductive Biology Project Planning and Practical

Skills10

BIME10033 Research Skills in Reproductive Biology 20

Points 80

(b) In addition you must take 2 further level 10 elective courses.

At least one of these elective courses must be from List 1 (below) Reproductive Systems and

Conception to Parturition are highly recommended.

The other elective course can be from list 2 (below)Total points 120

Compulsory Courses for the Reproductive Biology Honours Degree Programme


REBI10004 Reproductive Biology Project RepBiol 2 None

Description: A laboratory or library based project carried out throughout the second semester. Thiscourse is only available to students on the Reproductive Biology Honours Degree Programme.

REBI10009 Reproductive Biology ProjectPlanning and Practical Skills

RepBiol 2 Mon pm

Description: Planning and preparation for laboratory based project. This course is only available tostudents on the Reproductive Biology Honours Degree Programme.

BIME10033 Research Skills in ReproductiveBiology

RepBiol 1 & 2 Wed am

This course aims to equip you with core research skills and covers the experimental systems usedin reproductive biology, together with key transferable communication skills to assist you duringthe honours programme. This course is only available to students on the Reproductive BiologyHonours Degree Programme.

REBI10005 Reproductive Biology SynopticExamination

RepBiol 2 None

Description: A synthesis of knowledge gained from the different components of the ReproductiveBiology Honours course. This course is only available to students on the Reproductive BiologyHonours Degree Programme.


31/48

31

List 1: Recommended Elective Courses for the Reproductive Biology Honours Programme.




1 Mon & Tueam

25

Description: This course aims to provide an overview of male and female gametes and gonads,incorporating the latest research in ovarian and testis biology, and examines in detail the various

mechanisms controlling gonadal function and the wider reproductive system, together with an overviewof pathology and male reproductive cancers.


1 Thur & Fri am 25

Description: This course aims to give you an understanding from the molecular mechanisms through thephysiology and pathophysiology of conception, contraception, assisted reproduction, pregnancy and

parturition, and reproductive cancers. It will develop your understanding of the experimental evidencefrom in vitro, in vivo, animal models and clinical trials. This will be set in the translational context ofclinical issues in the fields of gynaecology, obstetrics, urology and neonatology.

List 2: Suitable Elective Courses for the Reproductive Biology Honours Programme.




BiomedSciences


25

BIME10027 Development and Disease Biomed

Sciences

1 Mon& Tue

pm

25

BIME10025 Diagnostics and therapeutics for

infectious disease

Biomed

Sciences

1 Thur &

Fri am

25

BIME10024 Endocrine Physiology and

Pharmacology

Biomed

Sciences

1 Thur &

Fri am

25


1 Mon &Tue pm

25

BIME10022 Genetic and Environmental

Influences on Behaviour and

Mental Health

BiomedSciences

1 Mon &Tue pm

25


1 Thur & Friam

25


1 Thur &Fri pm

25

BIME10018 Integrative Physiology Biomed

Sciences

1 Mon & Tue

pm

25

BIME10032 Neurodegeneration, obesity andcancer: genetics and beyond

BiomedSciences

1 Thur & Friam

25


1 Mon & Tuepm

25

BIME10008 Neurotransmitters In Action BiomedSciences

1 Thur & Fripm

25

BIME10007 Receptors, signalling and

regulation of cell responsiveness

BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tuepm

25

BIME10015 Science Communication Biomed

Sciences

1 Mon & Tues

pm

25

BIME10014 Sensory Physiology and

Dysfunction

BiomedSciences

1 Thur & Fri pm 25


32/48

32



BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tuepm

25

BIME10012 Synaptic Function and Plasticityin Health and Disease

BiomedSciences

1 Mon & Tuepm

25


33/48

33

Biomedical Sciences Elective Courses

List of elective courses organised by course title.

Code Course Name Prog Sem Time

Slot

Max

Class

BIME10031 An introduction to the analysis andmodelling of biological pathways

Biomedical

Sciences

1 Thurs &

Fri pm

25

Description: Pathway models define extent of knowledge and functional relationships betweencellular components and support systems level appreciation of biological function.This course is part of an experiment now in its 8

th year. Over this time we have been developing

the knowhow and tools to allow us to draw pathway diagram of biological systems in astandardised way such that the information presented in multiple papers can be collated into asingle diagram. During this course you will be taught how to synthesise complex ideas andinformation into informative and easy to read, computational pathway resources. In addition youwill be introduced to some of the molecular methods used to analyse biological systems fromwhich networks of interactions may be generated. And also how genetically modified animals maybe generated and used to study normal physiological and pathological processes. A number ofpathway diagrams produced during the course of previous years can be found at:http://www.macrophages.com/macrophage-pathways. Assessment: 100% ICA.

Course Organiser: Dr Tom Freeman.Course Administrator: Neale Summers.Location: Central Area.

BIME10030 Cancer Biology and Medicine BiomedicalSciences

1 Mon &Tue am

25

Description: This course will consider the genetic, molecular and cell biological processes involvedin susceptibility to cancer and in the initiation and progression of the disease and show how thisknowledge is being translated into improved cancer therapies. The requirement for multiple geneticchanges in the development of a metastatic cancer will be illustrated and the role of tumour

suppressor genes and oncogenes will be described. The role of DNA repair in preventing genomeinstability will be discussed and some inherited DNA repair deficiency/ cancer susceptibility

syndromes will be described. Alterations in cell cycle control, in proliferative cell signalling andcell death pathways in cancer cells will all be covered. Conventional surgical, radiotherapeutic andchemotherapeutic cancer treatments will be considered and new rational therapies that take intoaccount both individual and cancer biodiversity will be discussed and illustrated for a number of

major cancers: breast, ovarian, colorectal, lung and melanoma. Molecular profiling of cancers,identification of novel therapeutic targets, cancer drug development and trials of novel cancertherapies will all be considered and the use of animal models in cancer research will be discussed.The course will consist mostly of lectures, with some teacher-led discussions and non-assessedpresentations by students working in groups. Before any student oral presentations there will be afeedback session on an assessed exercise where individual students will be asked to prepare and

submit a 5-slide Powerpoint presentation on an early topic from the course.Assessment: 40% ICA, 60% exam.Course Organiser: Prof David Melton.Course Administrator: Neale Summers.Location: Western General Hospital.
http://www.macrophages.com/macrophage-pathwayshttp://www.macrophages.com/macrophage-pathways


34/48

34


Slot

Max

Class


BiomedicalSciences

1 Thur am& pm &

Fri am

25

Description: Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics will focus primarily on drugs used inthe treatment of cardiovascular disease, both current drug classes and those in development. Theaim is to understand how these drugs work and where new development is required. The coursewill introduce the basics of vascular biology, including a practical class on function of the vascularendothelium; as well as blood pressure control and the kidney, and mechanisms of angiogenesis.The course will then cover the major cardiovascular diseases, including the role of the endotheliumin protection against vascular disease, antioxidants, and the the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis thatcan result in thrombosis, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. The course will also address thepotential for new treatments to reduce injury associated with MI and to treat heart failure. Non-drug related therapeutics, such as stem cells and microRNAs will also be covered within thesetopics. The course will be taught as a combination of traditional lectures and linked tutorials basedon analysis of original research papers. Students will be expected to contribute to tutorial sessionsand will be required to make presentations to their classmates related to the themes of the course.The teachers on this course are drawn from a variety of backgrounds, mostly active researchers andclinicians from the Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Little France.Requirements: Required Pharmacology 3 (BIME09003) and either Biomedical Sciences 3(BIME08007) or enrolment on BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences. Physiology 3 (BIME09004)recommended.

Assessment: 20% ICA and 100% exam.Course Organiser: Dr Gillian Gray.Course Administrator: Neale Summers.Location: The majority of teaching will take place in the Chancellors Building at Little France.

BIME10028 Conception to Parturition Biomedical

Sciences

1 Thur &

Fri am

25

Description: This course aims to give you an understanding from the molecular mechanismsthrough the physiology and pathophysiology of conception, contraception, assisted reproduction,pregnancy and parturition, and reproductive cancers. It will develop your understanding of the

experimental evidence from in vitro, in vivo, animal models and clinical trials. This will be set inthe translational context of clinical issues in the fields of gynaecology, obstetrics, urology andneonatology.

Summary of learning outcomes:At completion of this course you will have gained a:

Knowledge of conception, contraception, assisted reproduction, pregnancy and parturition,

and reproductive cancers, from their molecular mechanisms, physiology andpathophysiology.

Critical understanding of experimental evidence from a wide range of in vitro, in vivo,

animal models and clinical trials.

Knowledge and critical understanding in the translational context of clinical issues in thefield.

Scientific communication skills including oral and poster presentations

Assessment: 50% ICA, 50% exam.Course Organiser: Dr Simon Riley.Course Administrator: Neale Summers.Location: Litte France (with occasional lectures at BMTO and WGH).


35/48


36/48

36


Slot

Max

Class


BiomedicalSciences

1 Thur &Fri am

25

Description: Lectures: This course will focus on applied and translational aspects of infectious

disease research. The course emphasises modern research trends for the in diagnostics andtherapeutics which are being developed to improve the detection, prevention and treatment ofinfectious disease. This course will cover 4 main themes

Pathogen diagnosticsChallenges of pathogen detection and surveillance

Principles of pathogen diagnosticsMolecular diagnostics for infectious disease

Case studyinfection diagnostics in the clinicThe role of the host response and biomarkers as a diagnostic tool for infection and disease

Drugs targeting pathogensPrinciples, challenges and opportunities of drug therapeutics for infectious disease

Case studies covering:Viral disease

Bacteria and the antibiotic crisisParasitic and fungal disease

VaccinesPrinciples of vaccinology

Challenges and opportunitiesCase studies covering:Viral, bacterial and parasitic disease

Immunotherapy for infectious diseasePrinciples of immune modulation and biologics for the treatment of infectious diseaseManipulating T-cells and dendritic cellsAntibody technologies

Manipulating the immune response for bacterial diseaseManipulating the immune response for viral disease

A series of in-class sessions will be held to provide formative feedback for the summativeassessments of the course.Requirements: Medical Microbiology 3 (BIME09002) and either Biomedical Sciences 3(BIME09008) or enrolment on BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences required. Immunology 3(BILG09007) or Clinical Immunology and Haematology 3 (MSBM09005) recommended.

Assessment: 30% ICA, 70% exam.Course Organiser: Dr Simon Talbot.

Course Administrator: Neale Summers.Location: Central Area.


37/48

37


Slot

Max

Class


BiomedicalSciences

1 Thur &Fri am

25

Description:Endocrinology is the study of hormones and how they impact of target organs distinct

and far from their site of origin. This course will cover physiology and pharmacology of adrenaland gonadal steroids hormones. We will discuss both the conventional and evolving actionselicited by these hormones and the nature of disease states where their action is aberrant, includingcardiovascular disease (hypertension obesity), reproductive disorders, breast and prostate cancer,and ageing. Targets for therapeutic intervention (existing and future) will be evaluated. Teachingmethods will include seminars, workshops, discussion and presentation of scientific papers, groupliterature exercises.Requirements: One or more of the following courses are required: Pharmacology 3 (BIME09003)or Physiology 3 (BIME09004) or Clinical Biochemistry and Endocrinology 3 (MSBM09001)Assessment: 100% exam.Course Organiser: Dr Ruth Andrew.Course Administrator: Neale Summers.Location: Little France.

BIME10023 Forensic Investigation BiomedicalSciences

1 Mon &Tue pm

25

Description: An introduction to forensic medicine and science and the application of techniquesand methods from the biomedical sciences to the investigation of crime and death.Assessment: 100% ICA.Course Organiser: Dr Tim Squires.Course Administrator: Neale Summers.Location: Central Area.

BIME10022 Genetic and Environmental Influenceson Behaviour and Mental Health

BiomedicalSciences

1 Mon &Tue pm

25

Description: The course aims to give students an understanding of how genetic and environmentalfactors may influence behaviour and cognition with an emphasis on the impact of stress and agingon mental health. There will be a special focus on how reprogramming of the stress response as aresult of prenatal factors during pregnancy, life experiences and ageing impacts susceptibility topsychiatric disorders. Psychiatric disorders attributable to chronic stress that will be discussedinclude generalised anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, impairment of cognitiveability, addiction and schizophrenia.Assessment: 30% ICA70% exam.

Course Organiser: Dr Pauline Jamieson.Course Administrator: Neale Summers.

Location: Central Area.


38/48

38


Slot

Max

Class

BIME10021 Global Health and Infectious Diseases BiomedicalSciences

1 Mon &Tue am

25

Description: This course is designed to consolidate many of the themes of global health and

infectious diseases that students will have been exposed to in their earlier years at the University ofEdinburgh.Lectures:This course will split broadly into five themes:What is global health?Epidemiology and surveillance of infectious disease.

Infectious disease in the developing worldThe ages of man (and management of infectious disease)?

Global health challengesThe lectures are organised to provide a clear transition from the origin and establishment ofinfectious diseases to their management and control.Utilisation of Learn:The course will also provide asynchronous support for student via the virtual learning environmentLearn. Students will be encouraged to discuss the lectures and their content on the discussionboards provided.Direct contact with course staff will be provided via Learn, formative feed-back, feed-forward andany assignment queries will be provided here. This allows full transparency for all students withregards the information provided.

Additional reading and relevant information, as well as up-to-date discussion relating to local,national and international events of interest will also be presented within this resource. It is hopedthat at the end of this course, students will be aware of the current events and developments withinthe sphere of global health and infectious diseases. Ongoing engagement with this informationstreams will be encouraged beyond the duration of this course.

Requirements: Medical Microbiology 3 (BIME09002) and either Biomedical Sciences 3(BIME09008) or enrolment on BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences required.Assessment: 60% ICA40% exam.Course Organiser: Dr Kim Picozzi.Course Administrator: Neale Summers.


BIME10020 Hormones & Behaviour BiomedicalSciences

1 Thur &Fri am

25

Description: This course focuses on the regulation of reproduction and energy balance. The brainand the periphery interact in complex neurohormonal networks to control several core, motivatedbehaviours like eating, drinking, social and sexual behaviour. These behaviours are essential to life,

share overlapping control systems and common underlying neurophysiological principles. In

addition understanding these systems in health, we will address how these systems are altered in,for example, obesity. The course will be integrative in nature, highlighting commonalities insystem control of diverse behaviours.Assessment: 100% exam.

Course Organiser: Professor Mike Ludwig.Course Administrator: Neale Summers.Location: Central Area.


39/48

39


Slot

Max

Class

BIME10019 Inflammation BiomedicalSciences

1 Thur &Fri pm

25

Description: Details of the cellular and molecular basis of inflammatory responses and the

development of inflammatory diseases. Developing an integrated view of inflammatory responsesin terms of cell biology, physiology and pathology, with teaching sessions moderated by bothbiomedical and clinical scientists. Examination of the mechanisms underlying control ofinflammation at a molecular and cellular level will provide a background for discussions of thepathophysiological consequences of inflammatory diseases in specific organs, including the lung,gastrointestinal tract, and the cardiovascular system.Requirements: It is RECOMMENDED that students have passedClinical Immunology & Haematology 3A(MSBM09005)ORImmunology 3 (BILG09007).

Assessment: 30% ICA - 70% exam.Course Organiser: Professor Ian Dransfield.Course Administrator: Neale Summers.Location: Central Area.

BIME10018 Integrative Physiology BiomedicalSciences

1 Mon &Tue pm

25

Description: What has dietary salt got to do with hypertension? How can an ion channel coded bya single gene have distinct properties and physiological roles? Why is controlling cell volume so

important for normal physiology? How may oxygen and thus energy (ATP) supply be regulated atthe cellular and whole body level?Questions such as these will be addressed in a course that examines how fundamental cellular andtransport processes are regulated and co-ordinated to control whole organism physiology. Keyconcepts will be illustrated with examples drawn from the following topics:1: Ion transporter control and the regulation of blood pressure2: Regulation of potassium channels: molecules to maladies

3: Calcium signaling and metabolic control: from cell to system4: Cell volume control: a key regulator of cell life and deathThe roles of pumps, ion channels and cotransporters will be examined, and we will consider howthe diversity and activity of these regulatory elements are affected by posttranscriptional andposttranslational modifications.

The elective is designed to convey the stimulating atmosphere of cutting edge science with anemphasis on experimental approaches and evidence - from single molecules, through theirinteractions and functional roles in intact organisms, to the insight this provides into diseases andtheir treatment. Participants will develop skills in critical evaluation and prcis of scientific studiesand experimental design, and will make scientific presentations to a critical audience.During the module you will:become acquainted with key topics through a series of seminars, readings and practical problems.

become familiar with the major experimental methods through a series of seminars anddemonstrations.critically review, summarise and present original research.Requirements: Biomedical Sciences 3 (BIME09008) or enrolment on BSc (Hons) MedicalSciences) and either Physiology 3(BIME09004) or Pharmacology 3 (BIME09003) required.Assessment: 20% ICA - 80% exam.Course Organiser: Professor Mike Shipston.Course Administrator: Lisa Ketchion.Location: Central Area.
http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/dpt/cxmsbm09005.htmhttp://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/dpt/cxmsbm09005.htmhttp://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/dpt/cxmsbm09005.htmhttp://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/dpt/cxmsbm09005.htmhttp://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/dpt/cxbilg09007.htmhttp://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/dpt/cxbilg09007.htmhttp://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/dpt/cxbilg09007.htmhttp://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/dpt/cxbilg09007.htmhttp://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/dpt/cxmsbm09005.htmhttp://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/dpt/cxmsbm09005.htm


40/48

40


Slot

Max

Class

BIME10011 Neural circuits for learning andmemory

BiomedicalSciences

1 Mon &Tue am

25

Description: The course addresses circuit-based approaches to investigate neural mechanisms used

for learning and memory. The course will focus on brain systems used for spatial and episodicmemory. Other memory systems such as those used for motor learning will also be considered.Classic anatomical, electrophysiological and behavioural approaches will be explored alongsidemodern circuit-based techniques including optogenetics, chemical genetics and other geneticallyencoded sensors and circuit manipulations.Requirements: Neuroscience 3 (BIME09012) required. Not to be taken in conjunction withNeurobiology of Cognition (BIME10010).Assessment: 50% ICA - 50% exam.Course Organiser: Dr Emma Wood.Course Administrator: Lisa Ketchion.Location: Central Area.

BIME10010 Neurobiology of Cognition BiomedicalSciences

1 Mon &Tue pm

25

Description: Progress in contemporary neuroscience is beginning to give us a handle on thenetwork, cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie cognition. This course is intended tocomplement the Learning and Memory course of Neuroscience 4, and will cover related butdifferent material. It will consist of a mixture of lectures and seminars, led by RM with occasionalcontributions from colleagues, including Chancellors Fellows, senior postdoctoral staff and guest-lecturers. Research using both humans and animals will be covered. Key ideas to be coveredinclude, in Section 1: identifying cognition as a fundamental aspect of brain function; theimportance of innovative new techniques for novel analyses of neural circuits and neural plasticity;Section 2: the concepts of attention, working-memory and executive function with a digressioninto mirror neurons; Section 3: scientific hypotheses such as the idea that activity-dependent

synaptic plasticity (such as LTP and LTD) may play a role in memory, the synaptic tagging andcapture hypothesis of memory persistence, systems consolidation and schemas, and the possibilityof active processes of forgetting; Section 4: social cognition and its disorders, notablyneurodevelopmental disorders, and the need for effective new animal models of neurological

diseases such as Alzheimers. Thus, the course will cover both normal cognitive function, and howcognition can suffer and might be ameliorated in genetic abnormalities of a neurodevelopmental orneurodegenerative nature.Requirements: Neuroscience 3 (BIME09012) required. Not to be taken in conjunction with NeuralCircuits for Learning and Memory (BIME10011).Assessment: 67% ICA - 33% exam.Course Organiser: Professor Richard Morris.

Course Administrator: Lisa Ketchion.



41/48

41


Slot

Max

Class

BIME10032 Neurodegeneration, obesity andcancer: genetics and beyond

BiomedicalSciences

1 Thur &Fri am

25

Description: In modern societies, the increase in life expectancy is accompanied by an increased

risk of aging-associated diseases such as obesity, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Thesediseases pose enormous challenges in terms of life quality and economic burden so that it hasbecome an urgent need for societies to address these health concerns. In an attempt to prevent oreffectively treat these disorders, research interest in defining the molecular mechanisms underlyingthese diseases has been particularly intense. We will consider how studies on a variety of animalmodels have contributed to our growing understanding of the molecular basis of these diseases. Inpresenting the cellular processes that are disrupted in neurodegenerative disorders, obesity andcancer, particular emphasis will be given to molecular commonalities existing between thesediseases, which, at a first glance, seem to have very little in common. We will also criticallyevaluate the advantages and pitfalls of every model system and the importance of using a variety ofdifferent models to ga

Documents

BSc Biomedical Sciences Honours Guide 2014 2015