Option outlines:
short descriptions of the options which are expected to be available in 2007-2008
Organiser: Dr WL Maxwell, NABS, ext. 4189, email W.Maxwell@bio.gla.ac.uk
Staff: Professor Tony Payne, Professor
Aims: The aim of the option is to introduce a wide range of important contemporary topics in development, responses to injury, potential strategies for repair and techniques used in mapping functional circuitry in the mammalian nervous system.
Content:
Sexual differentiation of the brain
Sex differences in CNS structure, function and their genesis: critical periodsduring development: role of hormones and amines in neurogenesis and migration: sexual differences in brain development and cerebral asymmetry: scope of plasticity in adulthood.
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.
Some responses by the CNS to injury
Clinical phases of injury to the CNS: classification, description and pathobiology. Responses to either ischaemia or mechanical trauma by different cell types within the CNS: cellular degenerative pathways and the potential for therapeutic intervention to improve patient outcome.
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.
Spinal cord injuries and strategies for repair
Loss of function following spinal cord injury and its relation to the anatomical organisation of the spinal cord: reasons for the failure of axonal regeneration: experimental treatments for promoting repair: regeneration, remyelination and plasticity: prospects for clinical translation of cell transplant strategies.
Entry requirements: intended for Level-3 Anatomy and Neuroscience; but may also be suitable for Level-3 Pharmacology and Physiology
Restriction on numbers: None
Organisers: Professor P Monaghan, EEB, ext. 5968, email P.Monaghan@bio.gla.ac.uk
Deputy: Professor NB Metcalfe, EEB, ext. 5968, email N.Metcalfe@bio.gla.ac.uk
Content: This option 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 also covered.
Topics will include: Quantitative modelling in behavioural ecology; optimal foraging, animal time-budgets, dominance and competitive ability, spacing and dispersal, sexual selection, parental investment, 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,
Restriction on numbers: None
Organiser: Dr S Rosser, BMB, ext. 8644, email: S.Rosser@bio.gla.ac.uk
Deputy: Dr J Christie, BMB, ext.2392, email 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
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: Dr JB Wilson, MG, ext. 5108, email Joanna.Wilson@bio.gla.ac.uk
Deputy: Dr P Scott, BMB, ext. 3703, email P.Scott@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.
Telomeres and their relevance to aging and cancer.
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.
Entry requirements: Background knowledge of protein biochemistry and molecular biology is required
Restriction on numbers: 35
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, Professor M MacLean, Professor JC McGrath, Dr C Daly, Dr F Burton, Dr W Ferrell; from the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics: Professor A Dominiczak, Professor 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 the 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: Level-3 Biomedical Science, Physiology, Pharmacology or Neuroscience
Restriction on numbers: None
Organiser: Professor GW Gould, BMB, ext. 5263, email G.Gould@bio.gla.ac.uk
Deputy: Dr N Bryant, BMB, ext. 4719, email N.Bryant@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 Level-3 Biology courses are suitable
Restriction on numbers: 25
Organiser: Professor
Deputy: Dr Julia Douglas, I&I, ext 5842, 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 adhesins. Adherence and tropism.
Biofilm formation: Structure and formation of biofilms. Cell signaling in biofilms. The role of biofilms in drug resistance
Signaling in bacteria: 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 Level-3 biological sciences course
Restriction on numbers: 36
Organiser: Dr J Shaw Dunn, Anatomy, ext. 4293, email jsd1w@udcf.gla.ac.uk
Deputy: Dr SW MacDonald, Lab of Human Anatomy, ext. 4185, email: S.MacDonald@bio.gla.ac.uk
Content: The course is an introduction to the use of anatomical methods in the investigation of clinical problems and builds on Level-2 Anatomy courses. Five meetings consist of structured practical classes with talks, dissection, demonstrations and videofilms. The remaining classes are case studies which give special attention to the formulation of problems and the planning of applied research. After a review of the relevant anatomy, students are invited to view specimens and to discuss the problem informally. Finally, the method actually used to tackle the problem and the results which it yielded will be explained. There is an opportunity to write a short piece of formative coursework and revision questions will be supplied at the end of the course.
Topics will probably include:
· Introduction - Anatomy & clinical problems
· Valve action of the heart
· Vertebral stability and back pain
· Investigating the autonomic nervous system
· Advances round the knee
· Pancreatic islet transplantation
· Imaging & Anatomy
· Surgical anatomy of the facial nerve
· The trophoblast & Hypoxia
· Essay review & formative exam
Entry requirements: The course would be of most interest to Level- 4 Anatomy students who have taken Level-2 courses 7a and 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
Organiser: Dr PG Skett, NBS, ext. 5926, email: P.Skett@bio.gla.ac.uk
Deputy: Dr S Cobb, NBS, ext. 2914. email: S.Cobb@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, drug toxicity and forensic pharmacology. The course will employ problem-based learning techniques with computer-based courseware. The students will complete the option working in groups.
Intended Learning Outcomes
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.
Forensic Pharmacology
· list the effects of alcohol (ethanol) on the human body
· list the effects of drugs of abuse on the human body
· describe the analysis of ethanol and drugs of abuse as used in forensic investigation
· describe the role of the forensic pharmacologist using examples for drugs of abuse and ethanol (particularly drink driving cases)
Entry requirements: Pan at Level-3H in a relevant subject
Restriction on numbers: 36
Organiser: Dr KJ
Murphy, ext. 5083 email
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
Organisers: Dr
Deputy: Dr
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 Molecular & Cellular Biology or Genetics, and builds upon material taught in the third year Molecular & Cellular Biology course. Students taking other degrees are welcome, but a basic knowledge of molecular biology is essential.
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: Professor JC Mottram, ext 3745, email: j.mottram@bio.gla.ac.uk
Deputy: Dr R McCulloch, ext. 3746, email: rmc9z@udcf.gla.ac.uk
Content: Knowledge of molecular cell structure and biochemistry of parasites is essential for understanding how parasites interact with their mammalian and invertebrate hosts. In this option, several aspects of the cell biology of parasites will be examined from a molecular and biochemical viewpoint. Recent advances in the analysis of parasite genomes will underpin a study of unusual molecular mechanisms that parasites have evolved to survive and multiply in their hosts. There will be 15 sessions of 2 hours, including 17 lectures and 13 sessions of student analyses, such as paper presentations, data analysis and a poster presentation.
The 15 sessions are as follows:
· Introduction, Parasite genomes I
· Parasite genomes II
· Parasite gene expression I
· Parasite gene expression II
· Antigenic variation I – trypanosomes
· Antigenic variation II – Plasmodium
· Invasion and survival of parasites in host cells
· Cell cycle and differentiation in trypanosomes
· Cell cycle in Plasmodium
· Cell signalling in Plasmodium
· Cell biology of protozoa and organelles I
· Cell biology of protozoa and organelles II
· Energy metabolism of aerobic protozoa
· Energy metabolism of anaerobic protozoa
· Energy metabolism of helminths
Entry requirements: Any Level-3 Biological Sciences course.
Restriction on numbers: 35
Organiser: Dr I Salt, BMB, ext. 2049, email: I.Salt@bio.gla.ac.uk
Deputy: 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. Teaching staff include members of the Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, clinicians and scientists from local hospitals.
Examples of topics covered last year include:
· Cystic Fibrosis
· Stroke
· Prion Diseases
· Protein Targetting Disorders
· Diabetes & Obesity
· Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
· Vitamins
· Atherosclerosis
Entry requirements: Level-3 Biochemistry, Medical Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology, Microbiology
Restriction on numbers: 35
Organiser: Dr R
Fulton, I&I, ext. 3464, email:
Deputy: Dr R Thompson, I&I, ext. 4630, email: R. Thompson@bio.gla.ac.uk
Content: Viruses, obligate intracellular parasites with an amazing diversity, have evolved to exploit and subvert the cellular environment provided by the host. Viruses achieve this using a range of replication strategies, ranging from the acutely cytopathic ‘hit and run’ approach of poliovirus to the chronic persistent infection of herpesviruses. Using a number of well-characterised examples the variety of replication strategies used by (primarily animal) viruses will be explored. These examples will provide the background within which related, cross-cutting subjects such as virus discovery and the interaction of viruses with the innate immune response or host gene expression machinery, will be discussed. The use of adeno and retroviral genomes as manipulated, molecular vectors for gene delivery in the treatment of genetic disease and the design and development of specific antiviral therapies will also be presented.
Entry requirements: This option is suitable for students from the Virology, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry and Medical Biochemistry honours courses. Talks will be given by a range of speakers.
Restriction on numbers: 45
Organiser: Dr
Deputy: Dr Ole Kemi, NABS, ext. 5962, email: O.Kemi@bio.gla.ac.uk
Content: The understanding of how physical activity influences the risk for diseases of metabolism such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity is very important for an exercise scientist given the widespread prevalence of these diseases in society and the fact that activity plays an key role in their prevention and treatment. The aim of this course is to critically appraise the evidence linking physical activity, fitness and risk of metabolic diseases, to study the biological mechanisms relating physical activity and fitness to metabolic health and to gain insight into and to critically appraise the rationale for current ‘physical activity for health’ guidelines. This course will complement the option on Physical Activity and Public Health in the D block and students with an interest in the health-related aspects of physical activity are encouraged to take both of these options.
The overall aims of the option are to:
· Examine the relationship between physical activity, fitness and metabolic health
· Evaluate the biological mechanisms underpinning the beneficial effects of physical activity and fitness on metabolic health
· Recognise how the quality and quantity of physical activity influences metabolic health benefits
By the end of this course you should be able to:
· Summarise metabolic disease processes, the links between obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and the risk factors for these conditions
· Evaluate methods used in the assessment of metabolism and metabolic disease processes
· Critically review the evidence relating to the influence of physical activity and fitness on metabolism, metabolic disease processes and the prevention of cardiovascular disease
Entry requirements: None, but preference will be given to students reading for the Physiology & Sports Science degree.
Restriction on numbers: 35
Organiser: Dr M.Lucas, NBS, ext. 4494, email
Deputy: Dr JD Morrison, NBS, ext. 4073, email J.D.Morrison@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.
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
Entry requirements: Cell biology, biochemistry, pharmacology or physiology backgrounds are recommended. Students without these prerequisites may require to do additional selected reading. Ideally the students will have attended the animal handling skills course, with a view to obtaining a vivisection licence.
Restriction on numbers: 20
Organiser: Dr AJ
Cathcart, NABS, ext. 2585; email
Deputy: Professor A Campbell, Drs R Anderson & D Gilmore
Content: The option covers three closely linked topics. Firstly we discuss the current scientific literature related to endurance, strength and power training and compare the findings with training practice employed by elite performers. Next we examine the phenomenon of overtraining from physiological, psychological and immunological perspectives. Finally we look at the use of drugs in elite sport, focusing on the physiological advantage conveyed, the moral arguments for and against drug use and the technical aspects of drug detection.
The option is taught through a series of lectures, laboratory classes aimed at giving practical experience of conducting a training study and a student debate.
Aims:
· 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:
· Apply the principles of training in the design of endurance, strength and power training programmes.
· Discuss the value of novel training methods in endurance, strength and power training programmes.
· Be able to identify cases of overtraining from physiological, immunological and psychological responses.
· Discuss the attempts to detect and use of drugs in elite sports performers.
Entry requirements: Normally Level-3 P-SS, exceptionally other Degree Group C courses
Restriction on numbers: 40