LSC-30065 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

LSC-20072

Description for 2024/25

Carbohydrates are a major class of biologically relevant molecules that are rapidly increasing in clinical significance.
In this module, you will investigate the structure, biosynthesis, and biochemistry that underpins medically important carbohydrates, prior to a case by case discussion of their relevance to a wide range of clinical areas. You will examine the possibility of novel carbohydrate-based therapeutics for a wide range of pathological conditions, examples may include cancer, Alzheimer's disease, prion based disease, malaria, HIV and influenza.
The emerging field of glycomics will be explored, including current and impending techniques for glycan analysis, with particular relevance to future roles in diagnostics.
You will also be able to design your own Wiki pages to help you evidence a broader set of communication skills.

The principal aim of this module is to provide students with a working knowledge of the core concepts of Glycobiology. The module will consist of two parts, the first covering the basic science underpinning carbohydrates and their application to biochemistry and medical sciences, the second covering physiological and pathological states, of clinical relevance, that present in relation to changes in their structure and function.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe the biosynthesis for the major glycan classes: 1,2
explain how glycosylation may alter the physicochemical properties and function(s) of proteins: 1,2
discuss the key role that carbohydrates play in biological recognition: 1,2
examine the role of carbohydrates in both physiologic and pathologic states: 1,2
appraise carbohydrate-based molecules as potential glycotherapeutics with reference to appropriate scientific literature: 1,2
interpret and evaluate complex scientific data: 1,2
design, construct and edit an online encyclopaedia (wiki) web-page in a relevant area of glycobiology: 1
recognise and discuss the structure and/or properties of biologically relevant carbohydrates: 1,2
recall and explain carbohydrate nomenclature and terminology: 1,2

Study hours

12 hours workshops
12 hours seminars and tutorials
2 hours lectures
14 hours asynchronous lecture material
110 hours independent study, preparation for workshop sessions, and preparation for assessments.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment