| Unit name | Neurodegeneration: Symptoms, molecular mechanisms and therapies |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MEDIM0014 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Dr. Scott Miners |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Bristol Medical School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
The Unit will provide a background to the pathogenesis of common neurodegenerative diseases, will explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, and discuss therapeutic interventions in the various diseases. It will provide an in depth understanding of the neuropathology, molecular mechanisms, clinical features and therapeutic interventions of common neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. The unit will provide an up-to-date research-led perspective of therapeutic approaches used to tackle some of these debilitating diseases.
The Aim of this Unit is to:
Provide a basic understanding of disease pathology and the underlying molecular mechanisms that underpin common neurodegenerative diseases; to apply an understanding of the neuropathology to the clinical presentation of the disease; and to provide an overview of the current and potential therapeutic interventions based on research within each field.
Specific aims:
At the end of the unit the student should be able to:
A. describe the neuropathology and explain the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of major neurodegenerative conditions;
B. discuss how neuropathology and underlying disease processes underpin the clinical symptoms of common neurodegenerative diseases.
C. describe disease pathogenesis of the conditions covered and discuss established and potential therapeutic interventions.
D. explain the process and importance of research grant applications.
This Unit is taught via a blended approach combining in-person taught sessions, structured on-line learning sessions supplemented with assisted learning materials, and independent study. The unit will include lectures, tutorials, workshops, online materials and self-directed study.
The Unit is assessed through a timed open-book assessment (100%).
The summative assessment will assess the ability of the student to describe and discuss the key basic pathological and clinical features of common neurodegenerative diseases and integrate and apply an understanding of molecular mechanisms and disease pathogenesis to inform therapeutic intervention.
Formative coursework will reinforce the intended learning outcomes and will aid the writing of the summative assessment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MEDIM0014).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
