Science modules and courses available within the Division of Science and Technology
Immunology
Level 5
20 credits
An understanding of the immunological process has been fundamental to many of the advances made in science and medicine. In this module students will explore the cellular basis of infection via pathogens and the immunological defence system the body deploys in order to prevent the development of infectious disease. The module will deal with the structure and function of the human immune system in terms of the innate and adaptive immune responses focusing on the cells and molecules involved.
MSc SCIENCE OF HEALTHY AGEING
Level 7
MSc Science and Healthy Ageing brings together a range of disciplines including molecular biology and physiology alongside applied and practical skills both in the laboratory and in an applied fashion through the development of knowledge. This will furnish graduates from the programme with in-depth knowledge of the ageing process and how this can be utilised to improve the health of our ageing population through both prevention and treatment/mitigation of age related disease.
Modules:
Molecular and Cellular Basis for Ageing - 20 credits
This module is designed to introduce students to the biological intricacies of ageing, allowing them to develop a sound knowledge of the ageing process at the cellular and molecular level. Current theories of how ageing takes place will be discussed alongside evidence derived from the cellular and molecular sciences to develop sound arguments and discussion based upon contemporary scientific literature. A thorough understanding of current knowledge of the molecular basis for ageing is imperative for the advancement of further research and application of technologies available to maintain health into old age.
Exercise Physiology for Health Ageing - 20 credits
A rapidly ageing population across the world is causing many issues within society. This includes; a burden on the healthcare system; and most importantly, more years of ill-health counteracted by a lower quality of life. An increased life expectancy has led to an increase in the number of older adults in the UK; with those of retirement age (65+) a similar proportion to those under the age of 16, and continually growing. Due to this proportion of the population increasing, it is important to understand how the ageing process influences the physiological systems of the body and the role that regular exercise plays in maintaining those changes. It is also important to understand how the ageing related changes of these physiological systems effect functional ability of older individuals (i.e. 'the competence of an individual to have the physiological capacity to perform normal everyday activities safely and independently without undue fatigue'. (Rikli and Jones, 1999) and whether regular exercise is useful as a preventive measure for the decline in functional ability and therefore, quality of life.
Nutrition for Healthy Ageing - 20 credits
This module will enable students to develop specialist nutritional expertise associated with the processes of ageing. This module will look at the factors which affect the dietary intakes and nutritional status of older adults. It will provide students with the relationships between specific nutrients and their importance in delaying some conditions/diseases associated with ageing. It will also focus on the important relationship between a balanced nutritional intake, medication and physical activity.
Future Medicine - 20 credit
This module is designed to introduced students to recent and future directions and breakthrough in medical science and treatment. These technologies will play an important part of our future allowing people to live longer more active lives. Ground breaking technology and issues facing the medical field will be presented and discussed. Students with knowledge of emerging technologies will have an advantage within employer in these areas of medical science. The curriculum builds on that already developed in the cellular and molecular basis for ageing module as well as some aspects of nutrition and exercise.
MSc REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Level 7
MSc Regenerative Medicine course will examine stem cell biology application within disease and drug discovery. It will also outline the regulatory environment and ethical issues surrounding regenerative medicine. The course is designed to provide the student with a contemporary view of both issues and solutions in this most important of healthcare and societal challenges.
Stem Cell Biology and Applications in Medicine - 20 credit
This module is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of stem cell biology and allow them to develop a detailed understanding of stem cell applications in current and future medicine. Landmark scientific literature and key findings will be presented and discussed to develop a sound understanding of the technology used in cell therapies. First-hand experience of cell culture techniques will allow students an appreciation of the technical aspects involved in cell therapies and clinical scale cell production.
Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering - 20 credit
This module is designed to expand on the knowledge of stem cells gained in previous modules and introduce the complexities of their clinical application and uses in tissue engineering. Current cell therapies will be discussed in conjunction with future therapies and scaffold design based on current scientific literature to develop sound arguments. A detailed understanding of cell based therapies and tissue engineering is key to the progression of the field.
Biotechnology and Business Development - 20 credit
This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the regulations and ethical issues surrounding stem cell research. The module will also outline the route to cell therapy commercialization including patent applications, intellectual property, clinical trials and marketing. This module will provide students with the tools needed to capitalize on novel research and to market current therapies covering contemporary issues surrounding innovation and enterprise.
For further details contact:
Val Mann - v.mannucs.ac.uk|
Rob Ellis - robert.ellisucs.ac.uk|