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EMB1010A
Genetics/Biochemistry support tutorial
The aim of the support tutorial is to provide academic support and guidance to students on a year 1 Integrated programme with The College, Swansea University and the Department of Biochemistry.
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PM-127
Energy and Metabolism: The Reactions of Life
This module provides an introduction to bioenergetics and the chemical structure of carbohydrates as well as a discussion of the central metabolic pathways by which energy from food is used to fuel the synthesis of the energy currency molecule ATP (with particular attention to glycolysis, the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation). The concept of tissue and organ specificity is introduced and a brief introduction to hormonal regulation by insulin and glucagon.
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PM-130
Fundamental Research Skills
This module is designed to develop the skills required for students of biochemistry and genetics degree programmes. Students meet with their tutors and will be given a series of assignments designed to develop skills in key areas such as essay writing, presentations and general numeracy.
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PM-156
Immunology Insights
This module introduces students into the complex world of immunology and the human immune system. It will explore the intricate network of cells, tissues, and organs that guard the body against external threats. Starting with the innate and adaptive immune systems, students will gain insights into the body¿s frontline defenses (e.g., complement system, phagocytes, and physical barriers to infection), as well as more specialized responses (e.g., the use of T-cells and B-cells). This module also will highlight the clinical relevance of immunology, and provide understanding on auto-immune diseases, hypersensitivities, immunodeficiencies, and vaccine development.
Through a combination of lectures and laboratory sessions, students will gain insights into the molecular and cellular basis of the immune system, how it responds to disease, but also how aberrations can lead to disease itself. Students that complete this module will be equipped with foundational knowledge in the field of immunology.
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PM-243
Clinical Biochemistry & Physiology
The module begins with a discussion of selected metabolic disorders of carbohydrate metabolism and their pathological consequences with particular emphasis on diabetes mellitus. The molecular mechanisms underlying polycystic ovarian syndrome are then considered. Next, there will be a discussion of the analytical tests used by the NHS to diagnose and monitor diseases such as diabetes (for instance the glycated haemoglobin or Hba1c test) how the test(s) can be affected by haemoglobinopathies and the length of time that has elapsed since someone has taken their medication. Finally the module reviews mechanisms of protein transport and their relevance to storage diseases.
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PM-270
Immunopathology Insights
This module provides a comprehensive look into the intricate interactions of the human immune system and various pathological conditions. It will explore the ¿other¿ side of our immune system, when it turns against our own body, causing disease rather than preventing it. Starting with various immune response anomalies, students will learn about autoimmune disorders, metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, immunodeficiency states as well as different hypersensitivities, and their root cause. This module will explore several different diseased states, the molecular mechanisms behind the diseases and various therapeutic strategies used to alleviate symptoms associated with immune dysfunction.
Through a combination of lectures and laboratory sessions, students will gain insights into the molecular and cellular basis of the immune system during dysfunction. Students that complete this module will build on prior immunology knowledge to have a more advanced understanding of the immune system.
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PM-341
Human Biology and the Environment
This module is intended to provide an understanding of how our environmental factors impact on key aspects of human biology. Various environmental factors such as diet, stress, and pollution will be considered with a focus on their effects on epigenetics, inflammation, gut microbiota, mitochondrial health, and oxidative stress in non-communicable diseases in particular (e.g. chronic respiratory disease, cancer and metabolic disorders). The effect of extreme environments (e.g. altitude, space) and ageing on multiple organ systems will be considered. Students will gain practical experience in communicating these issues to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
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PM-344
Capstone Project
The aim of this module is to provide a capstone experience to students¿ learning, through participating in their own enquiry-based research project, with guidance from an academic supervisor. The project may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, but it will always involve a research question that is drawn from the literature, and focused on a topic relevant to the life sciences. It will ask a research question and involve the critical analysis of research findings. Students will refine their oral and written communication skills to a graduate level through an oral presentation and dissertation on their research findings and conclusions.
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PM-347
Human Immunopathology
The module aims to provide students with a greater understanding of the human immune system and the causes of a range of diseases associated with immune dysfunction including autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders and neurological conditions.
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PM-352
Reproductive Biology and Medicine
This module is designed to provide students with knowledge of the biochemistry, physiology and pathology of human pregnancy, fetal development, parturition and menopause. Particular focus will be given to fertility treatments and pharmacological interventions of menopause. Lectures will cover a recap of endocrinology of reproduction, and provide details of assisted reproductive technologies. Lectures will be supported by case studies which include current clinical approaches used to treat infertility (both male and female) and menopause.
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PMC100
Chemistry for Biochemists
The module covers transition metals, elements of bio-inorganic chemistry, forensic chemistry, antibody-drug conjugate chemistry, the chemistry of nanoparticles and the chemistry of biosensors.
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PMCB02
Clinical Biochemistry in Pathology
This module will explore the key clinical biochemical principles that are relevant to the application of the principles of clinical biochemistry to evaluate the function of the various physiological systems, the biochemistry of the processes involved that support life; from the cellular to whole physiological systems and explore how clinical biochemistry can detect pathological dysfunction. It will critically develop your understanding of the various biochemical processes involved in the analytical detection of function and dysfunction within health and disease states across the life span.
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PMRM04
Dissertation (Research)
This module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in teaching components in part one of their relevant programme. Students will work independently in order to critically explore and add to the evidence base for a topic of relevance to their area of study.
