Medical Science MRes

• The nature of research; scientific methods of enquiry, pure versus applied ways of problem solving. The building blocks of scientific research: types of research (analytical, descriptive, experimental, and qualitative), scientific parlance (hypothesis, concepts, operational definitions, and dependent/independent variables), sampling procedures, and measurement issues (reliability and validity)

• Research and data collection methods: experimental research (developing hypotheses, variables, control, sample selection, design, validity); descriptive research (questionnaires, correlational studies); qualitative research and methods of obtaining qualitative data and analysing qualitative data

• Critical appraisal of literature- primary and secondary literature.

•  Importance of evidence based medicine; identifying a topic area, devising specific questions, discovering what is already known (reviewing the literature), determining feasible ways to answer the questions, including consideration of medical and research ethics and confidentiality

The module aims to equip students with the skills required to source and critically analyse relevant research and to apply the theories of evidence based medicine to evaluate relevant concepts in medicine.    

Students will gain an appreciation of aspects of data collection and analysis through lectures , practicals and computer-based sessions covering:

• The sample – collection, transport, storage 
• The assay – assay development, method validation, precision, accuracy, specificity, sensitivity
• Regulatory issues - quality control, SOPs, COSHH, risk assessments 
• Analysis – recording, raw data presentation, statistical analysis using statistics software, summary data and statistical analysis presentation, reference values, interpretation.

 Students will gain experience of a number techniques of relevance to their programme and may include:

• Gel electrophoresis & Western blotting
• Flow cytometry
• Molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR)
• Immunoassays (e.g. ELISA)
• Histology & microscopy 
• Culturing methods – cell culture, culturing bacteria
• Cell counting methods

The module aims to:

• Develop an understanding of the theories underpinning modern analytical and molecular techniques of relevance to the biomedical and molecular laboratory scientist.
• Develop a critical appreciation of the uses and limitations of a range of analytical and molecular techniques relevant to the biomedical and molecular sciences through practical experience.
• Develop skills in collection, analysis, presentation and interpretation of data. 

This module is focused on the precision medicine approach, looking systematically at a bigger picture of a patient journey from a presentation to NHS with first symptoms to the treatment protocol passing the diagnostic process.

Students will focus on diseases or elements of the pathology or system of relevance to their programme.

The module aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of concepts important to our understanding of patient journey in NHS process. The module will focus on the impact of diagnostical procedures on treatment protocol in different pathologies. 

This module will focus on laboratory test performed in blood science laboratories for the diagnosis and management of patients with a variety of conditions.

 

In this module we will discuss a selection of tests from a variety of laboratories including haematology (routine, transfusion, coagulation and immunophenotyping), molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry and virology. In this module we will discuss the diagnosis of a variety of disorders such as haematological malignancies, non-malignant haematological disorders, Renal Disorders, Liver disease and clinical disorders of lipid metabolism.

The module aims to allow students to develop an understanding of various clinical haematological and biochemical (blood sciences) disorders, and to develop an in-depth knowledge of the laboratory tests performed in the diagnosis and management of such diseases.

Discussion of clinical immunology, including:

• Immune mediated disorders (e.g. mechanism of autoimmunity, hypersensitivity reactions, immunological markers of disease – flow cytometry & ELISA, cytokines)
• Transplantation immunology (HLA polymorphism, HLA function, anti-rejection therapy, graft versus host disease)
• Pathogenesis of infectious disease
• Aspects of infection/host parasite interaction
• Parasitology
• Medical mycology
• Chemotherapy and immunotherapy
• Epidemiology of infectious disease
• Diagnosis of infectious disease

The module aims to allow students to develop an understanding of the immunological processes involved in various aspects of clinical immunology (e.g. autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity, transplantation) and to develop an in-depth understanding of the interactions between pathogens and the human host.

• Overview of metabolism, introduction to Carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism.
• Metabolic regulation.
• Overview of the endocrine system and basic biological principles.
• Glucose transport systems.
• Glucose regulation in healthy individuals.
• Overview of diabetes – diagnosis, classifications.
• Type 1 diabetes - aetiology and epidemiology, cellular events, physiology, genetics.
• Type 2 diabetes – aetiology and epidemiology, cellular events, physiology, metabolic syndrome, genetics.
• Diabetes insipidus - aetiology and epidemiology, classification.
• Complications of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The module aims to give the students a deep understanding of the etiology, progression and complications of the different types of diabetes.

• The macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the different regions of the gastrointestinal tract and the physiology of each region.
• Control mechanisms including neural, immune and hormonal
• Epidemiology, genetics and pathophysiology of - Acid/pepsin disorders, Malabsorption, Inflammatory bowel disease and Colorectal cancer
• The clinical presentations, complications and management of - Acid/pepsin disorders, Malabsorption, Inflammatory bowel disease and Colorectal cancer

This aims of this module are to give the student a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract  and how this knowledge can be used to diagnose different diseases including their clinical presentations and complications.

Studies the diagnosis and management of cancer patients. Areas include:

• The hallmarks of cancer
• Characteristics of benign and malignant tumours
• Diagnostic tools
• Metastasis
• Cancers of the blood
• Solid tumour
• Management of cancer patients

To provide comprehensive knowledge of and ability to evaluate prognostic and diagnostic challenges in oncology depending on hallmarks and bio-markers of different types of cancer.

Develops an understanding of organic psychiatry and explores the biological causes of mental disorders. Areas covered include:

• Delirium - causes, management, risks.
• Strokes and subdurals.
• The aging brain: dementias and their causes
• Neuroimaging – structure and function
• Alcohol, drugs and the ageing brain. Sociological aspects of alcohol use and safe drinking.
• Cognitive testing and screening
• Endocrine dysfunction
• Introduction to Capacity Assessment

The module aims to develop an understanding of organic psychiatry and an appreciation of the molecular and biological changes in the brain and body as we age.

Exploration of the current understanding of orthopaedic conditions. Specialist seminars delivered during teaching blocks will be presented covering the current state of the art of topics in orthopaedics, such as:

• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Spinal Disc degeneration  
• Inherited and acquired neuromuscular disorders (including myopathy)
• Osteoporosis   
• Metabolic bone disease   
• Tendon and ligament damage and repair
• Cartilage damage and repair

To allow students to develop an understanding of the current state of the art of the causes and development of the different types of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and methods of repair for damaged orthopaedic tissue.

Study the causes and development of respiratory disease including:

• Epidemiology and risk factors of respiratory disease
• Pathophysiological influences and cellular mechanisms leading to respiratory disease
• Genetic respiratory diseases
• Respiratory diseases caused by infectious agents
• Diagnostic procedures
• Complications of respiratory disease

 

This aims of this module are to give the student a comprehensive understanding of the causes and development of the different types of respiratory disease.

Develops an in depth understanding of common and rare human genetic diseases: 

• Mechanistic basis of human genetic disease
• Clinical presentation, causes and prognosis of a range of genetic diseases
• Role of the health team in screening, pedigree analysis, genetic counselling, legal issues
• Patient education

The module aims to develop a mechanistic understanding of the causes, diagnosis and management of some human genetic diseases and the role of the integrated health care team in diagnosing and managing patients with human genetic disease, considering ethical and legal issues and the role of the care team in patient education.

 

Discusses how molecular approaches can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of clinical conditions.  

• genotyping and detection of genetic variation
• genetic manipulation of cells – use in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo
• Animal models -  knock-down approaches, gene replacement
• Stem cell genetic manipulation and ulitisation.
• Ethics of genetic manipulation, the use of animals and stem cells in research and treatment.

Aims to develop expertise in molecular approaches applicable to a variety of disease types.

Module content provides students with an understanding of the types of infectious diseases and discusses virulence and susceptibility, and discusses the current knowledge on the mechanisms involved in infection and pathology of diseases caused by:   

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Protozoa
• Prions & other unusual infectious agents

The module aims to give the students an appreciation of the different types of infectious disease and an advanced understanding of the resulting pathology that can be used to evaluate strategies for prevention and treatment.

A detailed look at the immune system, as well as interactions between infectious organisms and the immune system and the challenges to develop control measures for infectious disease. 

• Mechanisms used by the immune system to detect and dispose of invasive agents
• Mechanisms used by microorganisms to evade the immune system
• Evaluating strategies to manipulate the immune system to prevent or treat infections
• Examining specific and specialised aspects of the immune system

This module aims to develop an advanced understanding of the immune system and its role in clearing infection, thus enabling the students to evaluate current research in the area.

Taught sessions will consider the molecular basis of disease (DNA, RNA, protein and epigenetic contributors) and molecular techniques used in diagnosis, treatment and research into disease (such as sequencing, ELISA, Mass Spectrometry, genetic modification).

Students will consider studies from different medical specialisms which use molecular medicine to answer clinical questions. Each student will focus on the molecular basis of a disease relevant to their programme.

The module aims to give the students an advanced level of understanding of molecular medicine and its associated ethics, which is consolidated through a case study approach. In addition students develop the skills to synthesise complex information and evidence and communicate this in a professional context in an evaluative report.

Develops an understanding of the general concepts of stem cell biology and the potential of stem cell research and regenerative medicine to clinical conditions. Topics may include:

• Basic stem cell biology – pluripotency, differentiation, epigenetics.
• Embryonic, foetal, adult and iP stem cells.
• Manipulation and differentiation of stem cells.
• Application, legislation and ethics of stem cells in research and practice.
• Current status of clinical applications of stem cells in regenerative medicine.

The module aims to develops an advanced understanding of the general concepts of stem cell biology and the potential of stem cell research and regenerative medicine to clinical conditions.

On completion of the taught modules, students will have developed their knowledge base and attained a high level of competence in the application, analysis and evaluation of theory and practice. This knowledge and critical skills will have been assessed in all previous assignments, thereby providing students with the opportunity to undertake a research project relevant to their taught programme of study. The dissertation subject will be agreed with an appropriate supervisor and the Dissertation Module Leader (Research Co-ordinator). The subject matter may be related to any area of the scientific discipline chosen by the student.

1. To provide the student with an opportunity to investigate systematically and in depth a scientific topic of direct relevance to the programme of study and his/her personal interests.
2. To enable the student to draw on and contribute to the development of the growing body of knowledge in their chosen  broad scientific field.
3. To present the outcomes of personal research in the form of two publishable scientific papers.
4. To be able to discuss their findings in an oral examination.

12 hours lectures & small group sessions that comprises of:

Model Systems of Regeneration:

• Towards a definition of complete regeneration
• Regenerative species
• Regeneration and development
• Regeneration and inflammation/immune function

Cell Systems and Responses to Injury

• Regenerative stem/progenitor cells and cell mobilisation
• Formation of the wound epithelium
• The blastema

Regulatory factors governing tissue regeneration

• Pattern formation, positional identity and cell memory
• Extrinsic regulatory factors

Models of regeneration and regenerative medicine

• In vivo models: zebrafish; polychaetes; planaria
• In vitro models

2 tutorials

60 hours of practical classes:

• Model systems of regeneration; zebrafish; polychaetes; planaria;
• In vitro models for neural, endothelial and epithelial tissue.

The module combines theoretical knowledge delivered through lectures/small group sessions with a practical exploration of the material.

Theory: To develop a clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying regeneration of the body plan, comparing and critically considering regenerative models from phyla across the animal kingdom. The module will cover (i) the evolutionary origins of regeneration; (ii) regeneration and development; (iii) cellular responses to injury in different regenerative models; (iv) formation of a wound epithelium; (v) the regeneration blastema; (vi) the origin and mobilisation of regenerative stem and progenitor cells; (vii) the role of immune systems in regeneration; (viii) factors influencing a regenerative phenotype (e.g. innervation, ageing); (ix) pattern formation, polarity, positional identity and the role of cell memory in regenerated tissues; (x) models of regeneration in regenerative medicine.

Practical: To gain insight into experimental models of regeneration, e.g. zebrafish, polychaetes and planaria, and in vitro models of neural, endothelial and epithelial tissues. Students will gain experience and develop skills in a variety of practical elements, i.e. microdissection, fluorescence and bright field microscopy and image analysis, tissue culture. The practical aspects of the module will enable students to investigate relationships between wound injury, recruitment and mobilisation of regenerative cells and tissue regeneration using a variety of established wound injury and tissue regeneration models, in order to complement their understanding of theory content. The module aims further to provide students with general practical laboratory skills that have application across modules that are integral to the MRes Biological Sciences programme, including BI7146 (Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering). The module will further provide training in appropriate techniques for related projects for the extended MRes Research Dissertation module.

• Defining the physical behaviour continuum including sedentary behaviour, physical activity, exercise, sport, and fitness with relevance to their individual and collective links in public health, primary and secondary prevention, 
• Considerations for the entire physical behaviour continuum, including the totality of human movement throughout history, from paleontological times to present day life: at home, at work, in transport, in leisure, in medicine
• Contemporary issues relating to the assessment of physical activity and sedentary behaviour including the validity/ reliability of subjective/ objective methods
• The value of epidemiological and observational evidence versus traditional clinical trial style for evaluating the effectiveness of physical activity in it underpinning of health strategies within national and international policies

To develop a critical understanding of how both the natural world in which people live and conscious choices people make in their lives affects how physical active they are and how this affects public health and clinical health policies and standards 

An introduction to:

Literature searching and critical appraisal of research literature

Evidenced based practice

Research methods and methodologies

Qualitative and quantitative research methods 

Ethical considerations

Development of research questions and hypotheses

Preparation of a research proposal

Research planning and governance

To develop the critical appraisal skills necessary for level 7 study and in preparation for the development of a research proposal. To develop an awareness of different research paradigms and methodologies, that can be utilised and applied in a practical setting.

Students will choose a pathway of focus either of psychology in exercise for health or human competitive performance

Core principles for all students will include mood, self-efficacy, planning or rehearsal

Exercise psychology will include

• Theoretical foundations of exercise psychology;
• Exercise issues and physical activity mediators within the general population;
• Psycho-biological factors which influence uptake and adherence 
• Theories of exercise behaviour and change including Social Cognitive Theory, Self-Efficacy Theory & Stage Theories;
• Intervention planning key principles and guidelines for working with different populations.

Sport performance 

• Practice and philosophy of the applied practitioner;
• Mental training core principles and application;
• Coaching roles and working with coaches;
• Leadership styles including the application of leader member exchange;
• Cohesion and the development of task and social cohesion;
• Performance enhancement. 

• Critically review the theoretical frameworks and skills relevant to sport psychology practice.
• Investigate the practical applications of mental skills training.
• Critically examine theories of behaviour change and the models and techniques that are used to modify behaviour
• Explore the various factors that may affect the successful modification of behaviour

Cardio-respiratory and metabolic responses to incremental exertion from rest to maximum oxygen uptake

Measures of muscle strength, power, endurance, flexibility, balance, coordination and proprioception

Factors of neuromuscular fatigue and loss of motor control- metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological, substrate availability

Comparing limitations of performance in athletes versus older clinical population

Comparing physiological adaptations in athletes with older clinical populations

To demonstrate a critical understanding of human physiological responses and adaptations to chronic physical activity/exercise training, respectively, in both athletic and in clinical populations

• Principles of Biomechanical Instrumentation and Measurement
• Biomechanics of Sports Performance
• Biomechanics in health, and in rehabilitation of neuromusculoskeletal disorders
• Technical Training in Data Collection and Data Processing Procedures
• Applied Techniques in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics

The module gives students the opportunity to develop their conceptual understanding of sports and/or health and exercise biomechanics and to further develop experimental and analysis skills within an applied setting. The module aims to develop students understanding of how to assess sporting movements, to improve performance and reduce injury.  The skills gained will underpin research in biomechanics, and equip students with skills required for further study and or work within their specified areas.  Therefore the aims of this module are to enable students to:

1. Develop an understanding of biomechanical techniques for analysing movements in daily life and in performance.
2. Develop and refine skills in the collection, handling, and use of data in terms of performance monitoring, enhancement and injury prevention/rehabilitation
3. Develop an understanding of how to provide biomechanical feedback to coaches, athletes, healthcare professionals and patients.

For learning through a case-client approach, to choose content from any two of the programme's taught modules, MD7801, 7802, 7803, 7804, 7805, 7814, plus an option of additional sport and exercise medicine topics not found within these modules learned from CPD courses, conferences or modules at other institutions and then apply this learning to caring, exercise programming, training, rehabilitation with real clients or patients and evaluate its efficacy in relation to the evidence base and/or professional guidelines. Typical settings would include:

Public Health promotion services in physical activity, exercise referral services, or sports medicine settings or specialist rehabilitation units for a chosen condition or small set of conditions (e.g. cardiovascular-respiratory disorders, obesity and metabolic disorders, chronic musculoskeletal disorders, mental health, cancer, elderly or frail low functioning individuals)

To critically evaluate the pragmatics and efficacy of putting the related evidence-base into practice, with real clients/patients that relates to the core concepts of health and exercise science, including: public health & epidemiology, research techniques, psychology, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition/pharmacology, and as an option other areas of sports and exercise medicine not covered in the current programme modules learned from CPD courses, conferences or modules at other institutions

• Nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and ergogenic aids in health, wellbeing and disease.

• Nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and ergogenic aids in athletic performance.

• Effects of pharmaceutical interactions on exercise performance in health, disease and athletic performance, including relevance to rationale for WADA banned substances in athletic competition.

1. To compare and contrast the nutritional requirements of the general public, clinical and athletic populations.

2. Critically evaluate athletic dietary habits and whether they have a role in healthy eating practices?

3. To understand whether a food, supplement, drink or drug is simply ensuring the body is working to its optimum or if it has a true effect as an ergogenic aid.

4. To compare the medical use of pharmaceuticals to improve health and manage disease with their interactions/effects on athletic performance.

5. To understand why a drug is placed on a banned substance list, including policies and procedures for its prescription for competing athletes, and what is considered an abuse of these regulations.