Option outlines:
short descriptions of the options which are expected to be available in 2007-2008
Organiser: Professor JR Downie, EEB, ext. 5157; email J.R.Downie@bio.gla.ac.uk
Deputy: Dr J Smith, UGS, ext. 8480, email J.Smith@bio.gla.ac.uk
Assisted by: Professor GD Ruxton, EEB; Professor AC Taylor, EEB; Professor DM Neil, EEB; Professor MW Kennedy, EEB; Professor JAT Dow, MG; Dr WJP Barnes, I&I
Content: The course examines the form and function of animals in relation to the demands and constraints placed upon them by their environment, by their lifestyle and by the laws of physics.
Topics covered include:
· Design in an evolutionary context
· Physical constraints on animals
· Size and scaling
· Design constraints in fish, amphibians and reptiles
· Freeze tolerance and freeze avoidance: animal design in cold climates
· The design of animal integuments: vertebrates and anthropods
· Design for diving
· The design of animal sense organs
· Muscle: different designs for different needs
· Bioluminescence
· Climbing and adhesion: comparative design
· Secreted structures
· Excretory system design and function
Format: a combination of lectures, seminars, demonstrations, discussions and student presentations
Entry requirements: None
Restriction on numbers: None
Organiser: Dr IJD MacGregor, Physics & Astronomy, ext. 4468, email: i.macgregor@physics.gla.ac.uk
Content: This option provides an introduction to the basic physical principles of operation of the major, commonly used biomedical imaging techniques — ultrasound, x-ray, gamma-ray and nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI).
Basic concepts of energy, wave and radiation will be covered along with the use and effects on biological systems of ionising radiation. This is followed by a description of the main imaging techniques. The course includes some practical work involving measurement and detection of ionising radiation, (gamma and X-rays), absorption of radiation by different materials, and computerised data analysis. The course aims to develop an appreciation of how the principles of operation determine the imaging capabilities of each technique and thus the type of imaging application for which they are used. A further aim is to give a general idea of the form and scale of the different types of practical imaging systems, and significant hazards or limitations associated with their biomedical application.
Entry requirements: None
Restriction on numbers: 36
Organisers: Dr MF Tatner, I&I, ext. 6246; email M.Tatner@ bio.gla.ac.uk and Miss Anne Tierney, UGS, ext. 8480; email A.Tierney@bio.gla.ac.uk
Content: Business and
the Biosciences sets out to give bioscience students experience in Business and
Assessment is by project work and examination.
Special notes: Students can take this course as an A, B, C or D option choice but the course is run only once. In session 2006-07, the option will run in Weeks 0 and 1. This course is compulsory for all Level 4 students undertaking a commercial project.
Entry requirements: Any Level-3 Biological Sciences course.
Restriction on numbers: 40
Organiser: Professor TW Stone, NBS, ext. 4481, email T.W.Stone@bio.gla.ac.uk
Deputy: Professor BJ Morris, NBS, ext. 5361, email B.J.Morris@bio.gla.ac.uk
Content: The course will consist of seminars, student presentations on recent papers and a suggested reading list which, together with students’ own trawling of medical databases and literature, will allow consideration of a range of substances proposed as neurotransmitters and / or neuromodulators in the mammalian CNS. The areas covered will include excitatory and inhibitory amino acids, acetylcholine, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, cannabis and peptides such as substance P, cholecystokinin, somatostatin and opioids, with special emphasis on pain and Alzheimer’s disease.
Each of these compounds will be considered in depth, along with their importance and implications for drug development, and relevant aspects of the basis of disease states.
The course will assume prior knowledge of basic, classical CNS pharmacology, though reading can be recommended to help remedy any deficit in this regard.
Entry requirements: background in basic mammalian physiology or pharmacology
Restriction on numbers: 36, in order to timetable student presentations the class must be limited to an absolute total of 36 undergraduates.
Organiser: Professor R Wayne Davies, MG, ext. 5102, wayne.davies@bio.gla.ac.uk
Content: This course consists of ten three hour sessions, usually run on Monday and Friday mornings. Each session consists usually of two sections with a break, and may be given by one or two or two presenters.
The course covers most of the major diseases of the nervous system. There is an introductory session to introduce neuroscience students to the basic concepts of human genetics and other students to the cells of the nervous system. There are four areas: (1) infectious diseases with specificity for the nervous system; (2) genetic diseases including the major neurodegenerative diseases; (3) stroke and (4) autoimmune diseases of the nervous system.
The infectious disease sessions will deal with selected viral infections of the nervous system, chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV in the nervous system and spongiform encephalopathies (prion diseases).
The major neurodegenerative diseases — Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and ALS — are covered, and epilepsy and Rett syndrome are presented as genetic diseases of the nervous system.
Stroke and the responses of CNS cells to ischaemia will be considered.
Multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome are presented as nervous system diseases with an autoimmune component.
Entry requirements: Most Level-3 Biological Sciences courses are suitable
Restriction on numbers: 50
Organiser: Professor WM Stark, MG, ext. 5116, email: M.Stark@bio.gla.ac.uk
Deputy: Dr M Boocock, MG (Honorary Lecturer), ext. 5113, email M.Boocock@bio.gla.ac.uk
Content: A good knowledge of the properties and enzymology of DNA is essential for Molecular Biologists and Geneticists. In this Option we will examine the diverse structures that DNA can adopt; how the DNA molecule is responsive to changes in its environment; the proteins that bind to DNA and affect its properties; and the enzymes that act to modify DNA structure. Throughout we will stress how knowledge of this molecular behaviour can contribute to our understanding of DNA’s molecular biology and genetics, illustrating principles with selected examples from biologically important systems. We will also describe experimental approaches and techniques used to study DNA and its interactions with proteins, in vivo and in vitro.
This will be an intellectually demanding course, but, we hope, a rewarding one for students who want to understand how DNA works. A sound background in protein biochemistry will be very helpful.
Some of the topics to be included are:
· DNA in the nucleus. Nucleosomes, chromatin, nuclear organisation. Replication
· Transcription and its control mechanisms. Long range interactions
· DNA-binding proteins, Recognition of binding sites
· DNA structure; bending and topology
· Nucleases and topoisomerases
· Recombination — homologous and site-specific
· Transposition and retroviral integration
· The enzymes of DNA repair
Entry requirements: None
Restriction on numbers: 35
Organiser: Dr RDM Page, EEB, ext. 4778; email R.Page@bio.gla.ac.uk
Content: The overall aims are to provide a survey of key conceptual and empirical issues in evolutionary biology. The option will combine pattern-oriented approaches, such as phylogenetics, with recent developments in population genetics, developmental biology, and molecular ecology. The option will focus on some current “hot topics” and will also seek to show the relevance of evolutionary theory to other aspects of biology. Students will gain practical experience of a range of computer programs used to test evolutionary hypotheses.
By the end of the course students should be able to:
· Outline the major methods of reconstructing phylogenies
· Describe how phylogenies can be used to test evolutionary hypotheses
· Discuss the interrelationship between development and phylogeny
· List the ways molecular data can be used in evolutionary biology
· Outline the impact of genomics in evolutionary biology
· Discuss the various levels at which selection is thought to act
· Critically discuss the concept of adaptation
· Describe the processes that lead to diversification
· Discuss the relationship between micro- and macroevolution
Entry requirements:
Restriction on numbers: 20
Organiser: Dr AJ Cathcart,
NBS, ext. 2585; email
Deputy: Dr Y Pitsiladis, NBS, ext. 3858, email Y.Pitsiladis@bio.gla.ac.uk
Teaching Staff: Drs A Cathcart, Y Pitsiladis, Ms V Penpraze, Ms R Sutherland and Mr A Mort
Content: During this option we will examine the physiological responses during acute exercise performance under environmental stress. We will also look at longer term adaptations which may occur to facilitate performance through chronic exposure to these environmental extremes. The extreme environments we will cover include heat, cold, hypobaria, hyperbaria, microgravity, pollution, psychological pressure and exercise itself. Finally we will investigate potential strategies to enhance exercise performance in these extreme environments.
This option is taught through a series of lectures and laboratory sessions.
The aims of this course are:
· To develop the understanding of issues affecting exercise performance in environmental extremes of temperature, pressure, gravity, pollution, psychological pressure and exercise itself.
· To enable students to devise strategies to enhance exercise performance in environmental extremes.
By the end of this course students should be able to:
· Discuss the impediments to exercise performance under the extreme conditions of heat, cold, hypobaria, hyperbaria, microgravity, pollution, psychological pressure and exercise itself.
· Design strategies to enhance exercise performance under the extreme conditions of heat, cold, hypobaria, hyperbaria, microgravity, pollution, psychological pressure and exercise itself.
Entry requirements:. Normally Level-3 Physiology & Sports Science, exceptionally other Degree Group C courses.
Restriction on numbers: 30
Organiser: Professor WH Hills, Faculty of Medicine, tel 211 2240 email W.Hillis@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
Aim: to examine all aspects of exercise in relation to certain common medical conditions and exercise in special situations / environments, including respiratory limitations in health and disease, exercise training in COPD / asthma, exercise responses at high altitude and in the underwater environment, the effects of exercise in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and other disorders associated with physical disability, and exercise in special groups: children, the elderly and pregnancy.
By the end of this option you should have an understanding of the following subjects and be able to critically appraise the scientific literature of:
· the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system
· the molecular processes in the pathophysiology of asthma
· the mechanisms of exercise limitation in COPD and asthma
· the importance of physical activity in the maintenance of bone health
· the effect of acute exercise and training on blood coagulation and haemostasis
· the effects of high altitude on exercise responses and the pathophysiology of high altitude pulmonary oedema
· diving physiology, medical complications of and restrictions to diving
· the benefits of exercise in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and recommendations of exercise in epilepsy
· physiological changes associated with ageing and how these can be attenuated by exercise
· physiological effects of pregnancy, how these affect exercise capacity and considerations of exercise on the foetus cardiorespiratory responses to exercise in children, physical activity in children
Entry requirements:
Restriction on numbers: 35
Organiser: Dr RL Davies, I&I, ext.6685; email R.L.Davies@bio.gla.ac.uk
Deputy: Dr F Hannah
(UMBS, Honorary Lecturer at
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in the sea, with microscopic algae carrying out much of the primary production, bacteria carrying out essential decomposition and recycling functions in the water column and marine sediments, and both providing an important part of the marine food chain. In particular, marine phytoplankton play an essential role in carbon cycling which affects atmospheric CO2 levels and global climate. Bacteria also play an important economic role by initiating the fouling and corrosion of ships, oil rigs, pipelines and other marine structures. In addition, bacteria and other microorganisms cause infections in farmed fish and shellfish that have an important economic impact on the aquaculture industry. Only a small percentage of marine bacteria can currently be cultured but recent advances in the molecular analysis of microbial communities have shown there to be a much more diverse range of microbes in the marine environment than previously thought. This has led to increasing interest in this area because of the potential for exploitation in biotechnology. Marine bacteriophages are the most numerous organisms on earth and are thought to play significant roles in the marine environment.
Format: This will be a one-week residential field course held at the University Marine Biological Station, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae immediately before the beginning of the first semester. The course will consist of a mixture of lectures, practical work, tutorials and seminars emphasising the role and importance of microorganisms in marine processes (including carbon cycling and the affect on climate change), biofouling, fish and shellfish diseases and harmful algal blooms, together with the affects of aquaculture on coastal environments and the growing applications of marine microbiology in biotechnology. Teaching will be done largely by the staff of the marine station and fieldwork and laboratory classes will form an important part of the course. As part of the assessment for the course students will be required to submit a written report by the end of the first semester. This will count for one third of the marks for the option.
Special notes: Students can take this course as an A, B, C or D option choice but the course is run only once. In session 2007-08, the option will run from Sunday 16th September to Saturday 22nd September 2007. Note: it will not be possible to take this option with the Tropical Marine Biology or the Tropical Rainforest Ecology options.
Entry requirements: Any Level-3 Biological Sciences course
Restriction on numbers: 30
Organiser: Dr JG Coote, I&I, ext. 5845, email J.Coote@bio.gla.ac.uk
Deputy: Dr Rob Aitken, I&I, ext. 6659, email R.Aitken@bio.gla.ac.uk
Teaching Staff:
Drs Rob Aitken,
Content: The ability of a micro-organism to cause disease relies on the expression of one or more virulence factors. These are often designed to circumvent the host defence mechanisms and their expression depends on mechanisms for sensing environmental changes. Advances in recombinant DNA technology and in procedures for mutant isolation, together with the development of suitable cell culture and animal models, has led to a rapid expansion in our knowledge of pathogenic mechanisms at the molecular level, the spread of virulence attributes and the evolution of bacterial pathogens. This knowledge has provided greater insights into the spread of infection and is stimulating the development of new vaccines and improved methods for diagnosis and treatment of disease.
The design of the option will allow the student to gain an in-depth understanding of the molecular basis of bacterial pathogenicity by reference to specific examples, to have a detailed knowledge of the strategies used in virulence studies, and to know the underlying mechanisms controlling virulence factor expression.
Aims: To note
the multifactorial nature of virulence and the types of virulence factors, such
as toxins and adhesions, elaborated by bacterial pathogens. To appreciate the
value of mutants to virulence studies and to understand how new techniques for
recognising virulence-associated genes have helped to shape our understanding
of how bacterial pathogens colonise and persist in the mammalian host. To
understand the organisation of genes encoding selected toxins, their
transcriptional and translational control. To understand how selected toxins
are exported from the bacterial cell, assembled and secreted to the external
milieu. To comprehend how selected toxins perturb host cell physiology through
interaction with receptors, translocation to the cytosol and modification of
target molecules. To understand how antigenic variation and DNA rearrangements
aid the survival of pathogens in the mammalian host and in the natural
environment. To know examples of virulence factors encoded by mobile genetic
elements; transposons, phage or plasmids, to understand the term pathogenicity
island and how horizontal gene transfer has helped the evolution of pathogens.
To understand how plasmid epidemiology can aid in locating sources of disease
outbreaks and to appreciate the manner in which plasmids can be transmitted to
other bacteria. To consider the virulence and “fitness” of substrains of a
pathogen, how this relates to antibiotic resistance and the implications that
this phenomenon has for combating bacterial infections. To be aware of how
virulence gene expression is directed by environmental signals and to
understand the proposed mechanisms involved. To understand how the knowledge of
whole genome sequences will contribute towards an understanding of
pathogenicity and the development of new therapeutic agents. To appreciate how
molecular techniques can be used in the diagnostic laboratory.
Each student will write one essay, contribute to one Methodology Workshop and give a presentation, as one of a team, concerned with a particular aspect of virulence.
Entry requirements: The course is suitable for any student interested in molecular aspects of biology and does not require in-depth knowledge of microbial pathogens.
Restriction on numbers: 35
Organiser: Professor JG Lindsay, BMB,
Deputy: Professor R Cogdell, BMB, Glasgow Biomedical Research centre, ext. 4232; email R.Cogdell@bio.gla.ac.uk
Assisted by: Drs
Content: The course is designed primarily to cater for the interests of mammalian or plant biochemists, medical biochemists and molecular and cell biologists but is not restricted to those groups. All students who have an interest in protein-structure and function and in learning how a precise knowledge of 3-D structure has provided new insights in our understanding of protein structure-function relationships and protein-protein interactions would, hopefully, benefit from this course. There is a particular emphasis on the study of membrane proteins where three Nobel prizes for landmark contributions have been awarded in recent years.
Format: The course is taught primarily in lecture/discussion sessions but there are opportunities to gain experience in molecular-graphics/modelling of protein structure and in the critical evaluation of current literature.
The main sessions are on the following topics:
· Membrane proteins / Membrane lipids and the properties of ‘rafts’.
· Membrane trafficking
· The insulin receptor
· Structure and function of integrins
· Student presentations/discussion
· Ion channels
· Bacteriorhodopsin and the current status of the chemiosomotic hypothesis
· Photosynthetic reaction centres and complexes
· ATP synthase complex plus molecular graphics session
Entry Requirements: None although a basic knowledge of chemistry / protein chemistry would be advantageous as would previous attendance at Level-2 Proteins and Bioenergetics courses.
Restriction on numbers: 20
Organiser: Professor W Cushley, BMB, ext. 5261, email: W.Cushley@bio.gla.ac.uk
Content: This option covers basic and clinical immunology.
The basic section includes:
· haemopoietic stem cell differentiation
· MHC structure and function
· generation of diversity
· lymphocyte / antigen receptor complexes
· antigen processing and presentation
· cytokines and their receptors
· lymphocyte signalling and activation
· cell trafficking, chemokines, and adhesion
· apoptosis
The clinical section includes:
· immunodeficiency including HIV
· allergy
· autoimmunity
· immunomodulatory drugs
· the immunology of infection
· tumours of the immune system
· tumour immunology
Entry requirements: Level-3 Biochemistry, Medical Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Zoology, Parasitology or Genetics
Restriction on numbers: 35
Organiser: Dr
Deputy: Professor Malcolm Kennedy, EEB, ext.5819, email: Malcolm.Kennedy@bio.gla.ac.uk
Aim: The aim of the course is to examine how parasites cause disease, and how their hosts attempt to control disease.
Content: Parasites, Disease and Immunity will focus on some of the most important disease-causing organisms, namely eukaryotic parasites. Emphasis will be placed on parasites of medical and veterinary importance including zoonoses. The course will allow continuing Parasitology students to extend their knowledge, and will provide other students with a solid grounding in essential aspects of parasitism, disease, and immunity.
Sessions will focus on how different eukaryotic parasites cause disease, as well as the immunological responses made by their hosts, and whether these responses offer protection or contribute to pathology. The course will also cover the mechanisms used by parasites to evade protective immune responses, including immunomodulation. The option will also examine strategies for the development of vaccines against parasites.
Proposed timetable:
· Intracellular parasites of the blood and tissues I
· Intracellular parasites of the blood/tissues II
· Extracellular parasites of the blood and tissues I: Trypanosomes
· Extracellular parasites of the blood and tissues II: Schistosomes
· Extracellular parasites of the blood and tissues III: filarial worms
· Helminth parasites of the GI tract I
· Helminth parasites of the GI tract II
· Protozoal parasites of the GI tract
· Genetic control of immune response to parasites
· Host resistance genes
· Parasite evasion mechanisms: antigenic variation, antigen diversity
· Vaccination I
· Skin immunology and cryptic antigens
· Vaccination II
· Vaccination III
· Immunomodulation I: helminths
· Immunomodulation II: malaria/babesia/others
Entry requirements: None, but students would be expected to have taken either the Level-3 Microbiology, Parasitology, Virology or Infection Biology courses. Students who have taken other Level-3 courses are not excluded but they will be required to undertake significant background reading in Immunology and Parasitology. Such students must contact the option organisers for advice before choosing this option
Restriction on numbers: 35
Organiser: Dr KJ Murphy, EEB, ext. 6632, email k.murphy@bio.gla.ac.uk
Content: The objectives of this Option are to understand the principles and problems of plant ecology; including survey, modelling and field experimental approaches. Case studies will be included of different types of vegetation and the environmental controls which regulate plant communities (e.g. semi-arid, arid and hyper-arid drylands).
Lectures will cover:
Modelling and survey approaches to plant ecology: e.g. use of minimal linear models, applications of mulitivariate analysis to vegetation survey data
Questions amenable to ecological experimentation; field experiments checklist; mensurative v. manipulative approaches; experimental design and problems of pseudoreplication; case studies of good and bad design and analysis in field experiments.
Case studies of vegetation-environment interactions: Example: definitions; characteristics of arid ecosystems; dryland soils and vegetation; survival strategies for drought stress; escapers, evaders and tolerators; vegetation types compared; impacts of desertification on dryland plant communities, comparing case studies from semi-arid (Argentina), arid (Arizona) and hyper-arid (Egypt) communities
Entry requirements: Level-3 Plant Science or equivalent
Restriction on numbers: 20
Organiser: Professor GI Jenkins, BMB, ext. 5906, email G.Jenkins@bio.gla.ac.uk
Aims: To show how molecular genetic approaches are being used, particularly in Arabidopsis, to identify important plant genes and to determine their functions in plant development and responses to environmental stimuli.
The major topics covered are:
Strategies for isolating genes and determining gene function in Arabidopsis: genome analysis, microarrays, mutant isolation, identifying genes corresponding to mutants.
The regulation of gene expression and development by light: how genetic and molecular approaches have provided information on light perception, signal transduction and the regulation of transcription.
The molecular and genetic control of development. Discussion of how transcription factors function together to control morphogenesis.
Interactions of plants with pathogens. A discussion of plant resistance genes and the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in plant defence against pathogens.
Format: Lectures and associated tutorials to aid understanding of the topics.
Entry requirements: Level-3 knowledge of molecular biology and genetics. No particular knowledge of plants required. The Option is usually taken by a mixture of MCB, Genetics and Plant Science students.
Restriction on numbers: None
Organiser: Professor MR MacLean, NBS, ext. 4768, email M.MacLean@bio.gla.ac.uk
Content: The course will review basic respiratory physiology and pharmacology. Further insight will be given into how vertebrates have solved the problem of bi-modal respiration, how the human respiratory system adapts to changing requirements, such as exercise, changing partial environmental gas pressures or changing physiological and pathological states. The control systems invoked will be examined both physiological and pharmacological aspects. Human lung structure will be examined from the gross to ultrastructural levels. The changes occurring in the lungs at birth will be discussed. Limits of lung performance will be examined under physiological extremes of exercise and altitude and as the consequence of pathological states such as chronic obstructive disease and asthma. The physiology of diving and the physiological adaptations of diving mammals will be discussed. Current pharmacological strategies for anaesthesia, COPD, asthma, pulmonary vascular disease as well as insight into respiratory depressants and stimulants will be considered.
Topics will include:
· Respiratory physiology-function and structure, mechanics of breathing, alveolar ventilation-perfusion relationships, gas transport, the control of breathing
· Altitude physiology
· Respiratory pharmacology-anaesthetics, anti-asthmatics, drugs for COPD and pulmonary vascular disease, respiratory stimulants and depressants
· Feto-placental circulation and changes at birth
· Respiratory changes with exercise
Format: The course is taught by means of lecture and tutorial augmented by presentation and critique of original paper in selected fields.
Restriction on numbers: 50 students will be selected and the selection will be on merit alone
Organiser: Dr Mathis Riehle, Centre for Cell Engineering, I&I, ext. 2931, email M.Riehle@bio.gla.ac.uk
Staff involved: Dr C Berry, Dr M Dalby, Dr M Riehle, Dr DO Meredith, Dr N Gadegaard, Dr J Cooper, Dr A Hart, Dr J Dabernig, Dr M Edward Dr S Barnet
Content: Tissue Engineering is the creation of useful devices made of cells and engineered materials for clinical applications. Tissue Engineering is an interdisciplinary and an applied science. It is, however, underpinned by pure cell and molecular biology techniques in parallel with novel engineering technologies. This course will especially focus on nanotechnology and the use of microchip fabrication technology to create features to influencing cell growth and differentiation. This will be related to a number of cell types including skin, neural as well as other tissue cells and the rapidly evolving field of stem cells. The overall emphasis of the course will be to convey an understanding of the problems being faced when developing tissue engineered systems for clinical use from materials selection, through fabrication and cell sourcing, to bioreactor design and medical application.
· Introduction to tissue and cell engineering
· Materials interfaces and fabrication
· Tissue engineering of skin
· Repairing the spinal cord
· Cell biology for TE: microarrays, DIGE, qPCR, microscopy
· Biomaterials (cellular reactivity, cell adhesion, characterization…)
· Bioreactors and cell storage
· Gene delivery for tissue engineering
· Bone tissue engineering
· How to engineer cells with nanometric precision
More information about Cell Engineering on the website: http://www.gl.ac.uk/centres/cellengineering
Format: Lectures, paper reviews, and tutorials. The sessions will be run in most cases by active researchers introducing, and reviewing their field of expertise.
Entry requirements: Level-3 Molecular & Cellular Biology or equivalent knowledge of cell biology
Restriction on numbers: 25
Organiser: Dr SV Graham, I&I, ext. 6256, email S.V.Graham@bio.gla.ac.uk
Deputy: Dr R
Fulton, I&I, ext 3464, email
Content: Viruses are of considerable interest as pathogens of humans, domestic animals and crop plants. This option focuses on viruses and their role in disease. Specific topics which will be explored in depth include:
· Viruses and the liver
· Papillomaviruses
· Respiratory viruses
· Plant viruses
· Foot and mouth disease
· Antiviral therapies
Patterns of disease and the techniques of epidemiology, surveillance and diagnostics will also be covered. Other topics include the interaction of viruses and the immune system and prospects for control using vaccines and antiviral drugs. The mysterious agents responsible for the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies — the so-called prion diseases such as scrapie in sheep, BSE in cattle and variant CJD in humans- will be discussed.
Entry requirements: This option is suitable for students from any Group B or Group D Level-3 courses.
Restriction on numbers: 45