University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USSJ64-30-M Title: CLINICAL CHEMISTRY A Version: 4

Level: M UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15

Module type: Standard

Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field: Natural & Life Sciences

Valid from: September 2006 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

      • demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology of selected endocrine disorders.

      • critically discuss the role of research and technology in the advancement of the understanding of disease and diagnosis of disease.

      • evaluate critically the nature and significance of clinical biochemistry and its role in the diagnostic process.

      • demonstrate skills in presenting scientific reviews of research in the field of clinical biochemistry.

Syllabus outline:

This module will contain a number of selected topics which will reflect current advances and concerns in that topic area. Each of the topic outline will provide an indicative, but not exhaustive list of subjects likely to be covered in the topic area.

Topics in hypothalamic-pituitary mediated hormones

This unit will reflect current understanding of the molecular biology of hormonal disease associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. For example the role of human growth hormone in health and disease; thyroid and adrenal hormonal disorders.

Endocrinology and intermediate metabolism

This unit will study the molecular biology and pathology of the hormones regulating intermediate metabolism and the inter-relationship between carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism and the effects on fluid balance. This will be examined by the study of the role and action of various hormones in health and disease. Examples of the hormones which are likely to be included are; insulin and glucagon.

Aspects of calcium and its involvement in metabolism

This unit will contain aspects of calcium metabolism and its relationship with disease. Example topics to be covered would be relationships with phosphate and magnesium metabolism; bone disease; molecular biology and disease of hormonal control.

Aspects of nutrition and electrolyte balance

This unit will contain a variety of topics concerned with nutrition and electrolyte homeostasis in health and disease. Example topics would be molecular biology of hormonal control of fluid balance; aspects of nutritional therapy; the role of trace elements in health and disease.

Aspects of environmental clinical chemistry

This unit reflects the current importance of environmental factors on biochemical disorders. Suggested topics for this unit include: impact of smoking on metabolic processes; biochemical effects of heavy metal pollution; biochemical impact of toxic exhaust emissions.

Topics in data analysis

This unit will contain topics reflecting current techniques for data analysis and their applications in clinical chemistry. Examples of topics to be covered include: applications of neural networks in data analysis, role of Baysian statistics; clinical utility and receiver-operator curves.

Teaching and learning methods:

The module will be delivered using keynote lectures by invited specialists. These will be followed by tutorials, group discussions, and seminar presentations. The students will be expected to review, analyze and present findings of current research areas in the given topic area. The students will gain experience of scientific presentation by delivering a seminar talk reviewing a current area of research in clinical chemistry.

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

Koay ESC and Walmsley N: A primer of Chemical Pathology. World Scientific 1996

Darnall J, Lodish H , and Baltimore; Molecular Cell Biology - Scientific American Book 1990

Delvin TM; Textbook of Biochemistry with Clinical Correlations. - Wiley 1992

Whitby Lg, Smith AF, Beckett GJ and Walker SE; Lecture Notes on Clinical Biochemistry. Blackwell Scientific 1993

Burtis CA and Ashwood ER; Tietz textbook of Clinical Chemistry . Saunders 1994

JOURNALS

Annals of Clinical Biochemistry

Current Opinion in Immunology

And Relevant Journals in Biological and Biomedical Sciences.

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A Element weighting

EX3

Examination (3Hours)

1

     

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

SM1

Seminar Presentation

1

   

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes) No

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

EX3

Examination (3 Hours)

1

     

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

SM1

Seminar Presentation

1

     
     

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes. Yes

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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