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XX50227: Track A - biology for chemists

Academic Year: 2018/9
Owning Department/School: Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology
Credits: 18      [equivalent to 36 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 360
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: CW 40%, EX 60%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 40%)
  • Jan exam (EX 30%)
  • May exam (EX 30%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: In taking this module you are advised not totake XX50228
Description: Aims:
To provide core knowledge of cellular biology and signalling mechanisms for the identification of biological molecules as drugs and drug targets, and to develop the students' ability to apply this knowledge to carry out laboratory-based investigations.

Learning Outcomes:
After studying this unit, students should be able to:
* Describe the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and intracellular organelles
* Illustrate the role of biological molecules in regulating cellular function and how these can function as drug targets
* Distinguish the concepts of drug affinity, potency and efficacy
* Explain the methodologies involved in genetic manipulation and appreciate the application of these techniques to drug discovery
* Describe the methodologies associated with the production of biological and immune-based therapies and their potential application
* Demonstrate knowledge of and competency in a range of key laboratory skills (as listed below) including those required for the research project in semester 3
* Demonstrate skills in planning and executing practical problems using microbiological, molecular and pharmacological assays
* Generate, analyse and interpret data collected
* Present the results of an investigation in written report and poster formats;
* Work in a team, allocating and correlating tasks and ensuring accurate collection of data
* Solve problems using the methods introduced including the application of techniques to unseen situations

Skills:
Numeracy (F, A); Problem solving (T, F, A), Scientific writing (F, A), Independent working (F); Oral communication (F)

Content:

* Cell biology - structure and function - Membranes - structure (lipids/proteins) and characteristics, movement across membranes
* Intracellular organelles and functions
* Biological molecules as drugs and drug targets - Proteins - receptors, enzymes, antibodies
* Microorganism structure and biological mechanisms
* Microbial proteins as drug targets
* Cloning, insulin production, vector/plasmid delivery/gene therapies
* Receptor Pharmacology - agonist/antagonist - affinity/potency/efficacy
* Receptor signalling mechanisms
* Immunology - basics to understand monoclonal antibody production, targets for inflammation particularly biological therapies/immunotherapy
Practicals - to enable the students to develop knowledge of and competency in a range of experimental and data analysis techniques:
* Microbiology
* Biochemical substrate/enzyme assays
* Molecular analysis
* Agonist and antagonist profiles on biological tissue
* Radioligand binding
Programme availability:

XX50227 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2018/19 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2019/20 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2018/19.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Undergraduates: .
  • Postgraduates: .