Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module BISS3123: BIOLOGY OF DISEASE WITH LABORATORY PROJECT

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

BISS3123: BIOLOGY OF DISEASE WITH LABORATORY PROJECT

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 60 Availability Available in 2006/07 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to B940
Tied to B941

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Biology of Disease with Project.

Aims

  • To develop knowledge and understanding of the biology of disease in man.
  • to appreciate the importance of the research process in the furthering of our knowledge of the biology of disease.
  • to study a chosen topic of Biomedical Sciences in depth.
  • to design a work schedule and experiments to investigate a specified biomedical problem.
  • to work Independently.
  • to integrate knowledge and skills acquired in other parts of the course.
  • to communicate a written account of research work done in a logical and concise manner.

Content

  • The formal taught component of this module is divided into six themes relating to emerging areas of biomedical sciences.
  • Biology of Stem cells and their potential therapeutic benefits.
  • developmental neurobiology and neurological disorders.
  • oncology and advanced biomedical cell biology.
  • genetic disorders and inherited disease.
  • metabolism and metabolic basis of disease.
  • and physiological basis of systemic dysfunction.
  • The project is supported by sessions on research skills and by tutorials with the research supervisor.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • At the end of the module students should be able to integrate knowledge from different disciplines studied in Biomedical sciences and discuss disease processes.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students should be able to describe the fundamental tenets of a chosen research project.
  • Students should be able to undertake a literature search to place the project in context.
  • Students should be able to design and carry out lab investigations to address a biomedical problem
Key Skills:
  • Students should demonstrate self-motivation.
  • Students should be able to critically assess scientific literature for strengths and weaknesses.
  • Students should be able to produce a clear and concise project report.

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

  • Lectures will provide the necessary information, critical insight, overview and study guide required by the aims and learning outcomes.
  • Additional reading lists will be provided to allow students to extend the information provided in lectures.
  • Laboratory practicals will reinforce material from lectures and provide first-hand experience of quantitative techniques.
  • Two x three hour unseen written examinations (one of which will contain case-study type questions) and an essay will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of topics.
  • A laboratory report will enable students to demonstrate their ability to analyse and interpret data correctly and to present results appropriately.
  • The project will be assessed on the basis of the quality of the literature search, the experimental design and implementation, and the project report.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 85 1 Hour 85
Tutorials 6 1 Hour 6
Seminars 6 1 Hour 6
Practicals 4 1 hour 4
Project 126
Preparation and Reading 373
Total 600

Summative Assessment

Component: Examinations Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 1 3 hours 50%
Written Examination 2 3 hours 50%
Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 4000 words 50%
Assessment on Scientific Literature Comprehension 50%
Component: Dissertation Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Dissertation 12000 words max 100%

Formative Assessment:

There are no formal formative assessments associated with this module.


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