2005-2006 Option Outlines

C Options: Term 2, weeks 1-5

Clinical Applied Anatomy

Organiser: Dr J Shaw Dunn, NBS, ext. 4293, email jsd1w@udcf.gla.ac.uk

Assisted by: Dr Stuart McDonald, Lab of Human Anatomy, ext. 4185, email S.McDonald@bio.gla.ac.uk

Content: The course is an introduction to the use of anatomical methods in the investigation of clinical problems. It builds on Anatomy L2 modules 'Human Form & Function (7a) and Human Tissues in Health & Disease (8b) but the main emphasis is on the formulation of problems and the planning of applied research. Each meeting is based on an actual problem tackled in the Department. An introductory lecture will pose the problem and review the relevant anatomy. Students are then invited to view specimens and to discuss the problem informally among themselves and with a tutor. Finally, the method actually used to tackle the problem and the results which it yielded will be explained.
One essay of approximately 1200 words will be required, and there is an opportunity to take a voluntary formative exam.

Topics will probably include :

Introduction - Anatomy & clinical problems (JSD)
Valve action of the heart (SMcD)
Vertebral stability and back pain (JSD)
Investigating the autonomic nervous system (SMcD)
Advances round the knee
Renal structure & function (SMcD)
Imaging & Anatomy (SMcD)
Consequences of Intra-Oral Surgery (JSD)
The trophoblast & Hypoxia (JSD)
Essay review & Formative Exam

Entry requirements: The course would be of most interest to L4 anatomy students who have taken out L2 modules 7a & 8b. Other students are welcome, space permitting, but experience suggests that the course is more difficult without a general background in anatomy.

Restriction on numbers: 40

Freshwater Ecology

Organisers: Dr KJ Murphy, ext. 5083 email K.Murphy@bio.gla.ac.uk)

Content: The aims of the course are to understand the principles and current scientific knowledge of the ecology of plant, invertebrate and fish communities in freshwater ecosystems. Specific objectives are to learn the importance of environmental controls on freshwater plant and animal communities; know something of the principal anthropogenic impacts on such communities, emphasising pollution and waterbody management issues; understand the problems caused by aquatic plants in freshwater systems; and compare the ecology of arctic, tropical and temperate lakes.

Lectures: Freshwater ecology: a limnological perspective: The fundamentals of limnology needed for an appreciation of the major freshwater ecology themes of this course. Environmental characteristics of lakes and lotic systems: differences between arctic, temperate and tropical systems. Effects of latitude: comparison of tropical and temperate freshwater environments and community structure How these differences determine what sort of plant and animal communities can occupy such systems. Ecosystem support role of freshwater plants. The effects of macrophytes, phytoplankton, and other photosynthetic organisms in modifying freshwater systems. Roles of plants and cyanobacteria in primary production, habitat architecture, alteration of physico-chemical conditions, provision of refuges for adults and juveniles, and other influences on habitat provision for freshwater animals

Benthic invertebrate ecology: Aquatic invertebrates in freshwater habitats. Life history theory, life history traits and their relationships to habitat type. Habitat templet model. Disturbance in lotic systems. Scale of pattern and process. Resistance & resilience of aquatic invertebrates, including morphological and behavioural adaptations (drifting). Role of habitat heterogeneity and refugia. Biotic interactions between aquatic invertebrates. Competition and predation: interference and exploitative competition, mechanisms of interference, evidence of competition. Trophic relationships: what food is available; functional feeding groups. Recent evidence for and against feeding groups. Food processing; conditioning, assimilation efficiency. Food web structure. Overview of processes discussed. Implications for river management.

Freshwater ecosystem management I: Aquatic weeds and their control: a worldwide problem: The principal nuisance problems caused by vegetation in freshwater systems. Description and discussion of the advantages and drawbacks of control technologies used to manage macrophytes in freshwater systems. Herbicides and physical control methods v. sustainable biological approaches. Case studies of the use of fish for biological control of aquatic weeds. Video. Freshwater ecosystem management II: Vegetation of tropical and sub-tropical lakes and reservoirs. The ecological role of macrophyte vegetation in tropical and subtropical lakes. Description of management approaches in subtropical lakes. Case studies of contrasting tropical and subtropical lakes and reservoirs: the relative impacts of natural v. anthropogenic factors in influencing the plant ecology of such lakes. Freshwater ecosystem management III: Pollution ecology of freshwater invertebrates. Freshwater macroinvertebrates as biological indicators. Effects of pollution on freshwater macroinvertebrate communities. Practical assessment of pollution levels using freshwater macroinvertebrates. Definition of the term 'biological indicator': advantages and disadvantages of freshwater macroinvertebrates as biological indicators. Effects of sewage and other organic wastes, inert mineral solids, eutrophication and acidification on freshwater macroinvertebrate communities. Techniques commonly used for sampling freshwater macroinvertebrates. Numerical methods commonly used for summarising field data in river pollution ecology. Examples of the use of field bioassays for assessing pollution effects.

Phytoplankton ecology. General introduction to phytoplankton. The environmental requirements of phytoplankton groups and differing requirements of individual phytoplankton species. In-depth exploration of the "Paradox of the Plankton" in relation to the principle of competitive exclusion. Diatoms as a representative example of a phytoplankton group. The concept of the niche and diversity of the physical environment. r and K selection with respect to phytoplankton communities.

Fish communities of Arctic freshwaters. Fish communities of Arctic freshwaters. Implications of ultra-oligotrophy and high stress conditions for plants and animals in Arctic freshwaters. Conservation issues in naturally low-diversity freshwater systems. Conservation of Arctic ecosystems.

Entry requirements: None.

Restriction on numbers: None

Biotechnology

Organiser: Dr S Rosser, BMB, ext. 8644, e-mail: S.Rosser@bio.gla.ac.uk
Teaching Staff: Dr J Christie, BMB, ext.2392, e-mail J.Christie@bio.gla.ac.uk

Content: The course is designed to give students an appreciation of the conceptual, technical and ethical issues in modern biotechnology.

Topics will include:
Drug Discovery and Design Drug: discovery programmes including design of screening programmes and assays. The differing roles of small molecule, antibody and nucleic acid based treatments and future directions.
Sensing and Diagnostics: The use of components of biological systems in biosensors and diagnostic kits. The design factors which govern a good biosensor/diagnostic kit (rapid, specific, cheap, robust, easy to use etc) with specific examples. Future directions e.g. disease indicating breath tests.
Nanotechnology: What is nanotechnology and how is it interfacing with biology? The potential importance of biologically derived molecules in the manufacture of “nano machines” and “lab on a chip” applications etc. Emphasis will be placed on current cutting edge research and exciting future potential.
Environmental Biotechnology: The role of biological systems in sensing, remediation and prevention of pollution.
Biodiversity and Extreme Environments as Sources of Enzymes/Organisms for Biotechnology Applications: The importance of taking advantage of a full range of environments from which to derive biological components for biotechnological applications. How the adaptation of organisms to life at high temperatures has provided heat stable enzymes which can be used in a wide range of applications such as PCR, biological washing powders and industrial processes. Range of environments covered will include low temperature, salinity, arid and polluted. The importance of developing biotechnological systems for use in extreme environments e.g. space travel. How maintaining biodiversity is vital for “bioprospecting” for novel proteins and activities.
Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics: This session will give the student of the vital role such new “omic” technologies are playing across the biotechnology spectrum.
How to make your millions in Biotech: A discussion about what it takes to make a successful Biotechnology company. The importance of IP law, factors determining whether your company will be essentially be engaged in R and D, manufacturing , or a service provider. Who to approach for funding and what will they expect in return. How to identify your niche market and what to do to raise your company profile. Ethics: Since science and biotechnology in particular does not exist in a vacuum it is essential that people engage in the ethical debate arising with the development of new technologies. This session will take the form of a debate/discussion of the issues surrounding a few topical technologies e.g. GM crops, Stem cell therapies.

Entry requirement: Any Level-3 Biology Course

Restriction on numbers: 30

Molecular Basis of Disease Processes

Organiser: Prof W Cushley, BMB, ext. 5261, email: W.Cushley@bio.gla.ac.uk

Content: This option has been designed with the Medical Biochemistry-4H class in mind, but is available to students who have taken other 3H courses. The aim of the course is to explore the biochemical processes which lead to individual disease states or to defined groups of diseases. The option considers defects at the DNA, protein and metabolic levels which lead both to well-known and to less common disorders in human health, and covers physiological models from the nervous to the cardiovascular systems. Experimental models of disease and generation of therapeutic reagents are also discussed in detail.

The Option is organised as ten individual sessions of three hours duration, and a single disease state or group of related conditions is discussed in each session. Individual sessions will include not only formal lecture-style teaching, but also student presentations of original papers and small group discussions. Teaching staff include members of the Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, clinicians and scientists from local hospitals, and colleagues from the pharmaceutical industry.

Examples of topics covered last year include:

Cystic Fibrosis
Stroke
Prion Diseases
Protein Targetting Disorders
Diabetes
Metastasis
Vitamins
Invasion & Metastasis
Channelopathics

Entry requirements: 3H Biochemistry, Medical Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology, Microbiology

Restriction on numbers: 35

Evolution: Pattern & Process

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

The Eukaryotic Cell Cycle

Organiser: Dr JG Edwards, I&I, ext. 2575, email J.Edwards@bio.gla.ac.uk

Content: This option will involve about 5 Scenarios for Problem-Based Learning, in which small student-directed groups will study specific topics. There will also be conventional lectures and computer-based molecular graphics work. More details, referring specifically to the course as run in session 2002-2003 can be seen on http://www.mblab.gla.ac.uk/~john/ecc.html , or by following links from www.mblab.gla.ac.uk

The aims of the option are:

To familiarise students with current understanding of the eukaryotic cell cycle, as investigated in organisms ranging from yeasts to man.
To enthuse students in this vigorous and important area of research.
To use this topic to sharpen their skills in self-direction of learning.

The content of the option will include description and analysis of:

general features and unique strengths of the main experimental cell systems, the yeasts, Xenopus oocytes, mammalian tissue cells.
the cellular events associated with major transitions of the cell cycle and associated checkpoints: G1/S, G2/M, exit from M, and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
the structural basis of regulation of cdk kinases by cyclins and inhibitors, cell-cycle regulated transcription, how signal transduction pathways impinge on the cell cycle engine, checkpoints, roles of the products of oncogenes and tumour suppressors, of protein degradation, initiation of DNA replication, entry into and exit from mitosis, and active proliferation.
the relevance of cell-cycle studies to studies of human diseases.

Recommended texts: Hutchison and Glover, "Cell Cycle Control" IRL Oxford, Murray and Hunt, "The Cell Cycle", Freeman

Teaching staff: Drs Joe Gray and John Edwards, with contributions from Profs. Hugh Nimmo and Nick La Thangue, and Dr K. Hardwick, Edinburgh

Entry requirements: 3H Biochemistry, Medical Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics or Molecular & Cellular Biology

Restriction on numbers: 24

Genes & Development

Organisers: Dr. Iain L. Johnstone, WCMP, ext. 2844, email: i.johnstone@vet.gla.ac.uk

Dr. Stephen F. Goodwin, Molecular Genetics, ext. 2948, email: S.Goodwin@bio.gla.ac.uk

Content: The course is focused on the basic principles of the genetic control of animal development that are conserved between animal species. We focus on key aspects of development where substantial understanding at the molecular and genetic level exists. In recent years, the sequence of the human, C. elegans and D. melanogaster genomes have been determined. This permits a comparative approach to the investigation of genes and their control of developmental processes. We aim to emphasise this comparative approach, using examples from C. elegans, D. melanogaster , mouse and human.

Topics include signalling, inductive interactions, sex determination, developmental timing and programmed cell death.

We emphasise the approaches currently used to conduct research into genes and development, and includes discussion on relevant research methods. Most sessions consist of two 1 hour lectures plus 30 minutes of discussion/problems.

Entry Requirements: The course is designed for students taking Honours Molecular & Cellular Biology or Genetics, and builds upon material taught in the third year Molecular and Cellular Biology course. Students taking other degrees are welcome, but a basic knowledge of molecular biology is essential.

Restriction on numbers: 35

Cellular Microbiology

Organiser: Professor Tim Mitchell, Infection and Immunity, ext 3749, T.Mitchell@bio.gla.ac.uk

Deputy Organiser: Dr Julia Douglas, Infection and Immunity, ext5842, l.Douglas@bio.gla.ac.uk

Content:

An introduction to pathogens: bacteria, fungi and parasites. Intracellualr and extracellular lifestyles. The nature of disease (bacterial toxin-mediated or host response-mediated)

Host cell biology - an overview: Cell cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix, cell cycle, cell signaling and apoptosis.

Mechanisms of bacterial adhesion: Structure and biogenesis of adhesions. Adherence and tropism.

Biofilm formation: Structure and formation of biofilms. Cell signaling in biofilms. The role of biofilms in drug resistance

Signaling in bacteria and fungi: Two-component and other signal transduction pathways

Mechanisms of bacterial invasion into host organisms and cells: Mechanisms using the examples of Listeria, Shigella and Salmonella. Type III secretion systems. Avoidance of killing.

Bacterial nutrient acquisition in the host - the fight for iron

Bacterial damage to the host - bacterial toxins: Main classes of bacterial toxins, their mode of action and cellular targets.

Interaction of bacteria with the host immune system - Innate immunity, mechanisms of host cell damage by the immune system, avoidance of host defence mechanisms

Technology used in the analysis of host /pathogen interactions: signature-tagged mutagenesis, genome sequencing, and microarrays

Lectures will be complemented by course review sessions and tutorials. The course will also involve review and presentation of recent original papers from the literature.

Entry requirements: Any Honours Biological Sciences Course

Restriction on numbers: 36

Cancer: Molecular & Cellular Biology

Organiser: Dr JB Wilson, MG, ext. 5108, email Joanna.Wilson@bio.gla.ac.uk

Content: This option is focused on the molecular and cellular changes which lead to the cancer cell phenotypes of increased cell proliferation, increased cell motility, decreased cell death, evasion of cell senescence mechanisms and ability to invade other sites. Thus it considers in detail:

The biochemistry of protein:protein interactions in intracellular signaling networks and the regulation of the activity of signaling proteins, for example by tyrosine or serine/threonine phosphorylation, focusing in particular on the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.
The mechanisms which regulate the cell cycle, including cell cycle checkpoints, the roles of cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs), CDK inhibitors, the key tumour suppressor proteins p53 and p105Rb, including a consideration of the ways in which DNA tumour virus oncoproteins interact with the cell cycle regulatory machinery.
The mechanisms by which virus infection may lead to cancer.
The relevance of inherited cancer syndromes in the identification of genes which have important roles in tumour suppression, and the study of function(s) of the protein products of these genes.
Apoptosis and the key role of the mitochondrian as both the energy factory of the cell and the mediator of death.
The disruption of cell senescence mechanisms in the generation of immortal cells.
The metastatic cascade and cell properties associated with the invasive and metastatic phenotype, including a consideration of cell adhesion molecules, matrix metalloproteinases and angiogenic factors.
How an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the generation of tumours may lead to better therapies.

Session format: Most sessions will comprise a lecture followed by an exercise in which students will work in groups to (i) analyse experimental data related to lecture topics or (ii) discuss original research papers related to lecture topics. Students will then be expected to contribute ideas to a summary discussion involving the whole class or to give a presentation of their findings.

Course Website: http://www.mblab.gla.ac.uk/~maria/cancer.html

Entry requirements: background knowledge of protein biochemistry and molecular biology is required

Restriction on numbers: 36

Advanced Neuroanatomy

Organisers: Dr WL Maxwell, NBS, ext. 4189, email W.Maxwell@bio.gla.ac.uk

Taught by: Professor Tony Payne, David Maxwell, Will Maxwell, Professor Andrew Todd, Rob Smith

The aim of the option is to introduce a wide range of important contemporary topics in nervous system development, responses to injury (including the potential for repair) and changes with mental state and ageing.

Content:

Sexual differentiation of the brain

Sex differences in CNS structure, function and their genesis: development critical periods: role of hormones and amines in neurogenesis and migration: sexual differences in brain development and cerebral asymmetry: scope of plasticity in adulthood.

The dorsal horn in the spinal cord

Neurotransmitter systems underlying endogenous pain control circuits: functions of neuropeptides in spinal cord: changes in dorsal horn after injury: development of drug therapies in a variety of pain syndromes.

Some responses by the CNS to injury

Responses of central and intrinsic mammalian neurones to injury: variation in response with their the degree of site of injury: repair recovery through either synaptic plasticity or regenerative responses by neurones.

In vitro studies of Vertebrate neurous

Mammalian in vitro studies of plasticity and phenotype changes: influence of the extracellular matrix and neuronotrophic factors on neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth and neuropeptide content: cell senescence and death.

Chemical Neuroanatomy

Describe methods used in chemical neuroanatomy: describe the organisation of CNS pathways which contain acetylcholine, serotinin, noradrenaline and dopamine: discuss the neurochemistry of the spinal cord with respect to glutamate acetylcholine and monoamines.

Entry requirements: intended for L3H Anatomy and Neuroscience; may also be suitable for L3H Pharmacology and Physiology

Restriction on numbers: NO

Biochemical Parasitology

Organiser: Professor GH Coombs, I&I, ext. 4777, email G.Coombs@bio.gla.ac.uk

Content: Knowledge of the biochemistry of parasites is essential for both understanding how the parasites are adapted to their environments and discovering ways in which they differ significantly from their hosts. Such differences are good targets for chemotherapeutic attack. A large proportion of current parasitological research is directed towards designing drugs to exploit parasite-specific features. There have been numerous exciting findings in recent years and these have revealed more of the fascinating peculiarities of the biochemistry of parasites.

The aim of this course will be to introduce you to biochemical parasitology by detailing some parasite features that have been studied extensively and describing the approaches being followed in attempts to obtain new antiparasite drugs. Examples will cover both protozoa and helminths, but expert knowledge of the organisms is not required. The module will include lectures but will be designed around group discussions and individual presentations based upon original papers.

Aspects that will be covered include:

The compartmentalisation of glycolysis in trypanosomes within organelles called glycosomes. The advantages and consequences.
The anaerobic nature of gut-dwelling nematodes. Unusual aspects of their metabolic regulation.
The mechanisms underlying the survival and growth of leishmanias in macrophages.
The structure and function of the parasitophorous vacuole.
The role of organelles known as hydrogenosomes and mitosomes in the metabolism of anaerobic protozoan parasites. The evolutionary origin of these structures and the part they play in drug activation.
Parasite proteolysis and amino acid catabolism, why the excitement?
Peculiarities of parasites with respect to the metabolism of purines and pyrimidines, lipids, thiols and polyamines. Targets for drug attack.
The importance of plastids to apicomplexan parasites.
The modes of action of major antiparasite drugs.
The mechanisms of antiparasite drug resistance.

Entry requirements: any appropriate Honours Biological Science course

Restriction on numbers: None

Cardiovascular Science

Organiser: Dr MR MacLean, ext 4768. email M.MacLean@bio.gla.ac.uk

Teaching staff: From Neuroscience and Biomedical Systems / CRI; Dr D. Miller, Dr N. McFarlane, Dr J. McCarron, Dr G. Smith, Dr W. Martin, Prof M. MacLean, Prof JC McGrath, Dr C Daly, Dr F Burton, Dr W Ferrell; from the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics: Prof. A. Dominiczak, Prof S Cobie

Content: The course will deal with all aspects of cardiovascular science. Both basic scientists and clinicians from the ,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics and Division of Neuroscience and Biomedical Systems will contribute. The course will range from the cellular basis for the heart beat to the role of neurotransmitters in the control of blood pressure. The topics covered include cardiac muscle: structure and contractile properties at the molecular level - the relation between structure and function. Calcium handling and cellular signalling in smooth and cardiac muscle cells. Clinical relevance of pathological changes in cell signalling and contractile function. The epidemiology of heart failure. Nerve transmission and endothelial function in the systemic vasculature - vascular structure and hypertension. Pulmonary vasculature and pulmonary hypertension. Non-invasive assessment of human micro-vascular function. Structure and function of the specialised vascular systems. The pharmacology of nitric oxide and endothelial function.

Format: the course will run as three 2-3 hour sessions per week, in the form of tutorials, seminars and computer simulations with students presenting original papers as necessary.

Themes:

Cardiac muscle
Cardiac contraction and heart failure
Cellular Calcium influx
Myofilament and cytoskeleton
Signalling in smooth muscle cells and the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum
Ligand gated ion channels
Vascular structure and function
Endothelial control of vascular tone
Hypertension
Pulmonary Circulation.

Entry requirements: Recommended: L3H Biomedical Science, Physiology, Pharmacology or Neuroscience

Restriction on numbers: None

Behavioural Ecology

Organisers: Prof P Monaghan, EEB, ext. 5968, email P.Monaghan@bio.gla.ac.uk & Prof NB Metcalfe, EEB, ext. 5968, email N.Metcalfe@bio.gla.ac.uk &

Content: This module is concerned with the ways in which the behaviour of animals contributes to their survival and reproductive success. Two main themes run through the course: how behaviour is influenced by natural selection in relation to ecological conditions and the consequences of the behaviour of individuals for distribution patterns and population structure. The practical value of behavioural ecology is emphasised.

The course is run in the Division of Environmental & Evolutionary Biology, Graham Kerr Building, in weeks 1-5 of the Candlemas term. Formal teaching occupies 6 hours per week in the form of two 3-hour sessions.

Topics will include: Quantitative modelling in behavioural ecology; optimal foraging, animal time-budgets, dominance and competitive ability, spacing and dispersal, parental investment and mate choice, life history strategies and resource allocation, the practical value of behavioural ecology.

Entry requirements: Students taking this course should be familiar with the basic principles of animal behaviour and population ecology. Preparatory reading can be found in "An Introduction to Behavioural Ecology", J.R. Krebs and N.B. Davies, 3rd Ed. 1993, Blackwells, Oxford.

Restriction on numbers: None

Training, Overtraining & Drugs in Sport

Organiser: Dr SJ Grant, NBS, ext. 6490; email S.Grant@bio.gla.ac.uk

Teaching Staff: Prof A Campbell, Drs R. Anderson, D. Gilmore, S. Grant,

Content: The option derives closely from short units within the present P-SS degree - Term 2 (weeks 13-17).

The Aims are

to develop understanding of the principles and practice of athletic training and the nature of overtraining
to elucidate both technical and moral issues relating to drugs and sport.

By the end of the course the student should be able to:

demonstrate thorough understanding of the principles of training
Discuss the important factors relating to aerobic, strength and altitude training
discuss the phenomenon of overtraining from physiological, and immunological perspectives
give accounts of the major issues, both technical and moral, relating to drugs and sport.

Entry Requirements: Normally 3H P-SS, exceptionally other Degree Group C 3H courses

Restriction on numbers: 40

Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics

Organiser Dr PG Skett, NBS, ext. 5926, email: P.Skett@bio@bio.gla.ac.uk

Content: The aim of the course is to make the student familiar with the concepts of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics and how these are of importance to drug action. The course will employ problem-based learning techniques with computer-based courseware. The students will complete the module working in groups.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course the student should be able to:

Metabolism:

state the chemical routes of drug metabolism including the general equation for the reactions, the enzymes and cofactors involved and the chemical types of drugs that can undergo the particular type of metabolism.
state the routes of synthesis of the cofactors involved in drug metabolism.
state what the roles of drug metabolism are, where metabolism occurs and explain how it is related to clearance of drugs.
state what factors may affect drug metabolism, how these factors may have their effects and give examples of these effects.
give definitions of enzyme induction and inhibition and give examples of such induction and inhibition and explain how named inducers and inhibitors affect drug metabolism.
predict the possible metabolic routes for named drugs, based on their structure and judge what metabolites are likely to be excreted.
assess, based on knowledge of the factors affecting drug metabolism and which drugs may be affected, how various factors, including inducers and inhibitors, may affect the actions of a named drug.

Pharmacokinetics

state the basis, including the basic mathematical equations and the physiological basis, for the 1- and 2-compartment models of pharmacokinetics.
define half life, area under the curve, bioavailability, elimination rate constant, duration of action, zero order kinetics, first order kinetics, volume of distribution and clearance.
explain how route of administration and subject factors can affect pharmacokinetic parameters.
demonstrate how drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics can be inter-related.
demonstrate how the metabolism of a drug and its pharmacokinetics can be measured in animals and in man, assess the relevance and analyse the suitability of the different methods.

Toxicology

define what is meant by a toxic reaction to a drug.
explain by the use of worked examples how drug metabolism can be linked to the toxicity of drugs.

Drug Absorption and Distribution

describe the factors affecting drug absorption and distribution including chemical structure, ionisation, lipophilicity and the barriers to absorption and distribution.
List the routes of administration of drugs and their advantages and disadvantages.

Entry requirements:

Restriction on numbers: 36

Secretory & Absorptive Processes: Physiology & Pathophysiology

Organiser: Dr M.Lucas, NBS, ext. 4494, email M.Lucas@bio.gla.ac.uk

Staff involved: Drs Lucas and Morrison, and guest lectures

Content: The mechanism by which glands and epithelia produce the diverse secretions of the body and absorb fluids, has made rapid progress in recent years. Many of the processes of electrolyte, water and organic small molecule transport are common to secretory and absorptive processes, and are fundamental to our understanding of the functioning of kidney, lung and gastro-intestinal tract. How cells move ions and molecules across membranes in secretory and absorptive processes is the principal topic of this option. Selected transport processes are examined in some depth. While much of the subject material is drawn from recent work on ion transport mechanisms, other aspects, such as amino acid transport, larger organic molecule transport and excitable cell processes are also considered. We also examine the impact of some of the new molecular genetic techniques in revealing the function of membrane proteins. We also examine the cell signalling pathways by which these transport processes are controlled. Short demonstrations are included of some selected research techniques.

Backgrounds: Cell biology, biochemistry, pharmacology or physiology backgrounds are preferred. In default, additional selected reading may be recommended. The course is taught by tutorial, directed reading, paper analyses and some demonstration material.

Topics include:

Membrane structure considerations
Mechanisms of ion transport
Determinants of membrane and trans-membrane potentials
Micro-climate considerations
Control of ion transport processes
Mechanisms of amino acid transport
Molecular genetic techniques in the study of membrane protein function
Processes of exocytosis and endocytosis

Entry requirements: Cell biology, biochemistry, pharmacology or physiology backgrounds are recommended. Students without these prerequisites may require to do additional selected reading.

Restriction on numbers: 50

Cell Biology of Membrane Traffic

Organiser: Prof GW Gould, B&MB, ext. 5263, email G.Gould@bio.gla.ac.uk

Content: This course will review recent advances in our understanding of membrane traffic in eukaryotic cells.

This will include discussion of the biosynthesis of membrane proteins and how specific proteins are targeted to different intracellular membrane compartments. We will also discuss the secretory pathway in mammalian cells, review its regulation and the methodology employed to study these pathways. Detailed analysis of the mechanism of exocytosis and the role of SNARE proteins will include discussion of the use of model organisms to study membrane traffic. The course will also include a survey of the interface of cell signalling and membrane traffic.

This course will be of interest to cell biologists and biochemists alike, and will offer a modern, state-of-the-art examination of membrane traffic.

Entry requirements: Most Junior Honours courses are suitable

Restriction on numbers: 25, minimum 5