Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module BISS2211: CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

Department: BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

BISS2211: CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2005/06 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to B940
Tied to B941

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop a knowledge and understanding of the clinical laboratory and the uses of biochemical tests in the diagnosis of disease.

Content

  • The clinical laboratory, accuracy and precision, quality control, coefficient of variation.
  • Overview of hormones.
  • paracrine, autocrine and endocrine systems, homeostasis.
  • Receptors and second messengers.
  • Pancreatic and gastrointestinal hormones, glucose tolerance.
  • Hypothalmic-pituitary axis, trophic hormones, growth hormone, prolactin, oxytocin, vasopressin.
  • Hormones acting at the nucleus, thyroid hormones.
  • Hormonal control of calcium homeostasis.
  • Adrenal system and steroid hormones.
  • Renin/angiotensin system.
  • renal function tests.
  • Clinical enzymology.
  • Fluid and electrolytes.
  • Blood gases.
  • acid-base homeostasis.
  • Nutrition, total parental nutrition, malabsorption, Fe, Zn and Cu.
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, muscle disorders.
  • Newborn, paediatric and geriatric biochemistry.
  • Therapeutic drug monitoring and toxicology.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On completion of this module students should have a knowledge and understanding of hormones, hormone action and their role in homeostasis.
  • They should be able to appreciate the biochemical and endocrine difference between healthy and diseased states.
  • Students should have a knowledge of the role of biochemical testing in the clinical laboratory.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students should be able to analyse and interpret clinical and experimental data as encountered in a clinical laboratory.
  • Students should develop an understanding of the importance of quality control, precise and accurate measurement and reporting in clinical analysis.
Key Skills:
  • Students will be able to use the case study approach in the investigation of disease.
  • Students should be able to demonstrate an ability to handle and interpret experimental data.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Theoretical knowledge will be delivered in lectures and practicals.
  • Learning knowledge and understanding will be assessed by course work and end of year examinations
  • The ability to handle and interpret data will be assessed by practical reports and case study.
  • The variety of methods of teaching and assessment will contribute to learning by providing details and rapid feedback.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 34 0-3 per week 1 Hour 34
Practicals 3-4 per term 17
Other (Site Visit) 4
Other (Workshops) 4
Preparation and Reading 141
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
examination 2 hours 100%
Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
practical report 1 33.33%
data handling exercise 1 33.33%
case study 1 33.33%

Formative Assessment:

Four practical reports


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University