LSC-20016 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

In this module you will explore the specialisation and interdependence of metabolism within the body, exploring the issues surrounding the changes in metabolism associated with inherited and acquired disease (including obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis and cancer). You will explore key aspects of metabolic regulation, particularly the hormonal control exerted by insulin and glucagon. In other areas of the course, you will focus on the metabolic activity of different muscle fibre types and the association with exercise and pathology.
Tutorials and workshops will include active group discussion sessions using selected case examples supporting the core module content, with guided private study. The laboratory report in the module will be based on sessions delivered in LSC-20107 (Practical Skills in Bioscience) and supporting tutorials in this module, where you will develop a more independent, enquiry-based approach, developing skills in experimental design in the form of a mini-project, and further developing skills in the evaluation of primary scientific literature.

To describe and explain the specialisation and interdependence of metabolism in the body; homeostasis, adaptation to nutritional states, elimination of drugs and harmful substances and to explore the issues surrounding the changes in metabolism associated with inherited and acquired disease.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe the metabolic relationships of the various tissues and organs of the mammalian body and discuss the responses of tissues to altered nutritional states and specific diseases/conditions: 1
discuss the specialised metabolic requirements of muscle, fat, liver and nervous tissue with respect to their normal function and in specific disease states: 1
explain the digestion, absorption and excretion of nutrients and other substances: 1
explain the role of hormones in the integration and regulation of metabolism, and the maintenance of homeostasis: 1
describe the routes by which xenobiotics are processed in the liver and discuss the importance for pharmacology and pharmacokinetics: 1
communicate the results of an experimental project effectively in written form in the style of a scientific research paper: 2
design and conduct an experimental study, analysing and interpreting data using statistical packages and appropriate statistical tests: 2
2
locate and retrieve information from scientific literature:

Study hours

16 hours of tutorials/discussion activities supporting asynchronous content
4 hours of IT workshops and tutorial content related to the report assessment
9 x 4 hours engagement with asynchronous content
3 hours class test/online tasks
36 hours independent study; preparation for in-course assessment (report)
55 hours independent study; revision and engagement with directed reading/discussion tasks to support end-of semester class test.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment