Module Descriptors
DISEASE
BIOL40351
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 4
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Angela Priestman
Email: A.Priestman@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 32
Independent Study Hours: 118
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 60%
- COURSEWORK weighted at 40%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
This module is an introduction to the biology and nature of Disease. The module will examine different types of disease and the biological processes underlying them and it will enable you to contextualise disease and its many influences, as a basis to further study at levels 2 and 3.
The indicative content is as follows: The module begins with an introduction to disease including definitions and classification. The basics of epidemiology are studied - understanding and collecting disease data, utilisation of data for prediction and research, control and identification of disease. The principles of infectious disease transmission and infection are examined together with illustrative examples. The immune system and its normal functioning are covered as a prelude to examining dysfunction: autoimmunity, hyperimmunity, immunodeficiency etc. The dynamic nature of the cell and cell death is examined prior to an introductory look at cancer prevalence and biology. The role of the environment in disease is examined, highlighting the major impact it plays both as a source of and modifying influence on various diseases and their spread. The module may also include study of non-communicable diseases such as: heart and circulatory disorders, degenerative disease, respiratory dysfunction and nutritional disorders. These latter examples may change on a year-by-year basis.
The indicative content is as follows: The module begins with an introduction to disease including definitions and classification. The basics of epidemiology are studied - understanding and collecting disease data, utilisation of data for prediction and research, control and identification of disease. The principles of infectious disease transmission and infection are examined together with illustrative examples. The immune system and its normal functioning are covered as a prelude to examining dysfunction: autoimmunity, hyperimmunity, immunodeficiency etc. The dynamic nature of the cell and cell death is examined prior to an introductory look at cancer prevalence and biology. The role of the environment in disease is examined, highlighting the major impact it plays both as a source of and modifying influence on various diseases and their spread. The module may also include study of non-communicable diseases such as: heart and circulatory disorders, degenerative disease, respiratory dysfunction and nutritional disorders. These latter examples may change on a year-by-year basis.
Module Texts
Phillips, J., Murray, P. and Kirk, P. (2001). The Biology of Disease. Blackwell Scientific
Further details of texts will be provided in the module handbook.
Further details of texts will be provided in the module handbook.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Students will be required to complete 2 pieces of summative assessment.
60% 2 hour exam (1,2,3)
40% Answers to questions related to practical activity (2, 4)
Students will be provided with formative assessment opportunities and feedback. Please refer to the module handbook for further details.
60% 2 hour exam (1,2,3)
40% Answers to questions related to practical activity (2, 4)
Students will be provided with formative assessment opportunities and feedback. Please refer to the module handbook for further details.
Module Resources
Access to internet. Library and Learning Resource Centre. Lecture room with facilities for PowerPoint presentation, video and suitable blackout.
Module Learning Strategies
Lectures (12 x 2h) will be used to identify and explain the central issues and to help you to create a framework for your further independent study. Short formative tasks may be set to assist you in your study.
Practicals (4 x 2h) will be used to illustrate disease epidemiology, communicable and non-communicable disease, and immunology.
Independent study (118h) part of which may be tutor guided with reference to specific texts for reading, internet sources and other resources such as self-tests, small group activities etc.
Practicals (4 x 2h) will be used to illustrate disease epidemiology, communicable and non-communicable disease, and immunology.
Independent study (118h) part of which may be tutor guided with reference to specific texts for reading, internet sources and other resources such as self-tests, small group activities etc.