University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJ65-30-M Title: CLINICAL CHEMISTRY B 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 2005 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations: None
Learning outcomes:
• critically discuss selected aspects of biochemical genetics, pharmacogenetics, toxicology, protein biochemsitry and neurochemisrty
• understand the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease
• critically evaluate nature and significance of clinical biochemistry and its role in the diagnostic process
• maintain up to date knowledge on developments and improvements in relevant diagnostic methods and techniques
• 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.
Aspects of biochemical genetics and molecular biology
This unit will study aspects of the molecular biology of inherited biochemical diseases. Example topics include: diagnosis and treatment of cystic fibrosis; genetic disorders of metabolism; prenatal diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism; genetic factors in common diseases; tumour markers and oncogenes; antenatal and newborn screening; and investigation of lysosomal storage diseases.
Topics in drugs, toxicology and pharmacogenetics
This unit will contain topics of current interest in the molecular biology and biochemical processes in the metabolism of drugs and toxins. Example topics are: drugs of abuse testing; acute poisoning and forensic toxicology; the role of the P450 enzyme system in drug detoxification; and molecular basis of drug detoxification and biotransformations.
Advanced topics in lipids
This unit will study aspects of the molecular action and control of lipid metabolism in health and disease. Example topics include: lipoproteins and disease; steroid hormones and their receptors; phospholipids and disease.
Protein biochemistry: Inflammation and disease markers
This unit will contain topics related to protein biochemistry and disease process. Example topics include: the role of complement and cytokines in health and disease; acute phase proteins; enzyme and non-enzyme markers of disease.
Aspects of neurochemistry
This unit will study aspects of neurochemistry and its association with clinical chemistry. Example topics include: CSF analysis and neurological disease; specific proteins of the nervous system; biochemical disease associated with neurotransmitter function.
Clinical chemistry in other biomedical sciences
This unit will highlight the areas of study which unite clinical chemistry with the other disciplines of pathology. Example topics include the molecular biology and pathology of haemoglobin synthesis and degradation; the expression of cell surface, and intracellular, markers in health and disease; the biochemical effects of microbiological agents in disease and rapid antigen detection.
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 producing and defending a poster 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.
William J Marshall, Stephen K Bangert, Clinical Chemistry 5th edition, 2004, Mosby
Michael L Bishop, Edward P Fody, Larry Schoeff, Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Procedures, Correlations 5th edition, 2005, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Robert L Nussbaum, Roderick R McInnes, Huntington F Willard, Thompson & Thompson Genetics in Medicine 6th edition, 2004, Elsevier
Ian D. Watson, Alex T Proudfoot. Poisoning and Laboratory Medicine, 2002, ACB Venture Publications
Moffat A.C., Osselton, D. Clarke’s Analysis of Drugs and Poisons in pharmaceuticals, body fluids and post mortem material, 2004, Pharmaceutical Press
Drug misuse and dependence guidelines on clinical management. 1999 The Stationary Office, DOH.
Vinay Kumar, Abul K. Abbas, Nelson Fausto, Robbins and Cotran Pathologic basis of disease 7th edition, 2005, Elsevier
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 (3 Hours) |
1 |
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
OP1 |
Poster 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
WA1 |
Scientific Review |
1 |
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes. Yes
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)