BSC Biomedical Sciences Honours Guide 2014 2015

1
University of Edinburgh
Medical Sciences Senior Honours Guide
for the Academic Year
2014-2015

A guide to the BSc Biomedical Sciences
Honours Degree Programmes.

Produced by the Biomedical Teaching Organisation
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STAFF WHO WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR ENQUIRIES

All enquires about individual programmes should initially be made to the appropriate
Honours Programme Organiser or Administrators. Their contact details are given at the start
of the section describing each programme.

Biomedical Teaching Organisation (BMTO)
Medical School
Teviot Place
Edinburgh
EH8 9AG

Email bmto@ed.ac.uk
Phone 0131 650 3160

Director, BMTO Professor John Stewart 0131 650 8267

Academic Administrator, BMTO Ms Karen Harris 0131 651 3029

DISCLAIMER

Every effort has been made to ensure the contents of this booklet are accurate at the time of
printing. Unforeseen circumstances may, however, necessitate changes to the procedures,
curricula and syllabuses described. The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
undertakes to operate within the rules and regulations as set out in the University Degree
Regulations and Programmes of Study. It will also honour undertakings made in writing to
individual classes, insofar as these do not conflict with the Universitys regulations.

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CONTENTS

Structure of the Honours year .... 5
Criteria for Admission to an Intercalated B. Med. Sci 6
Pre-registration for Compulsory Courses and Electives 6
Advice on Choosing Electives 7
How Electives will be Allocated 8

Honours Elective Courses

Infectious Diseases .. 9
Medical Biology .. 13
Neuroscience ... 17
Pharmacology .. 21
Physiology ... 25
Reproductive Biology .. 29

Biomedical Sciences Courses listed by course title 33
Biological Sciences Courses listed by course title .. 47

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5

STRUCTURE OF THE HONOURS YEAR

All years of undergraduate degree programmes in the University consist of 120 credit points
made up from separate courses, in units of 10, 20 or 40 credit points. To conform to these
regulations and to ensure uniformity across programmes the Board of Studies in Biomedical
Sciences decided to adopt a common structure for the Senior Honours year. The common
structure has the following features:

Semester 1
60 credit points, 3 x 20 credit point courses:
One of these will be compulsory courses that are taken by everyone doing a
particular programme. Others are elective courses, with guidance being given
through programme-specific lists of recommended and suitable courses. Semester 1
courses are examined at the end of the semester. There is in-course assessment in
most courses, some are 100% in-course assessment.
Semester 2
1 x 40 credit point research project.
The assessment of the research project will comprise a project report (87.5%) and
oral presentation (12.5%).
20 credit points, 2 x 10 credit point courses.
A synoptic examination and a project-related course.

The details of the courses you are required to take and possible elective courses are set out in this
guide.

The degree classification awarded will be based on the marks obtain in the Junior and Senior
Honours years at the ratio of 1:2. For students who have spent the Junior Honours year abroad
degree classification is based on the Senior Honours year only.

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO THE SENIOR HONOURS YEAR

The requirements for progression into the Senior Honours year were published in the BSc
Biological Sciences Pre-Registration Guide 2013/2014 which students were given in April 2013.
Students have already fulfilled the year 1 and year 2 requirements for their current programme.
In order to proceed to fourth, Senior Honours, year you must have obtained at least 360 credit
points. From third year you must:
obtain at least 80 credit points by passing Level 9 or Level 10 courses.
have an overall aggregate mark of at least 40% in 120 credit points worth of Level 9 or
Level 10 courses taken in the Junior Honours year.
meet the specific programme requirements for third year as set out in the Pre-Registration
Guide 2013/2014.

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REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATING WITH A B. SC. BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
DEGREE
In the fourth, Senior Honours, year compulsory courses must be taken, but passing these courses
is not a requirement for award of an Honours degree in the specific discipline (although clearly a
fail mark will impact on your overall mark and therefore the final degree classification).

You must have obtained 480 credit points over the degree programme to graduate with Honours.
No exceptions can be made to this rule, although up to 40 credit points can be awarded by
aggregation in each of the Honours years as long as the overall aggregate mark for the 120 credit
points of course taken in each of these years is at least 40%.

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR COMPULSORY AND ELECTIVE COURSES

All students admitted to a programme will be automatically registered for the relevant
compulsory courses. However, it is necessary for all students to submit their choices for elective
courses. This guide explains the structure of the individual programmes and the decisions that
have to be made for the selection of elective courses. You will be sent a choice form towards the
end of this academic year. On this form you will be asked to rank your preferred course choices.
It is important that you return your elective course choices by the date specified in the letter.
Students who do not return their elective course choices by the required date will probably
miss out on the initial allocation of elective courses and will therefore have less chance of
getting their desired courses.

In the Senior Honours year the Honours Programme Organiser (HPO) has a responsibility for
approving a student's academic programme. This is because the HPO is a specialist in the degree
subject and is best placed to advise the student. Your Personal Tutor is also an important source
of advice and guidance in curricular matters and should be consulted when considering elective
course. Students who wish to deviate from the standard programme are advised to discuss this
with their HPO who will consult as necessary with the Schools Director of Teaching.

All of the compulsory courses are "owned" by a specific honours programme. This means that
they come under the control of the programme's Board of Examiners. They are described in the
relevant programme section of this guide. Only the students registered for a programme are
admitted to that programme's compulsory courses.

Students will be informed, through their Honours Programme, as to which elective courses they
have been admitted.

ADVICE ON CHOOSING ELECTIVE COURSES

The Senior Honours year is an opportunity for in-depth study within a particular degree
programme and it is essential for your studies to be suitably focussed on your degree subject
area. The section of the guide dealing with your honours programme explains the choices open
to you. The advice in these sections varies from programme to programme; it has been
specifically tailored to the subject areas.

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After a general introduction to the year the compulsory courses are listed and you are told how
you must choose your two elective courses to make up the 120 credit points for the year. Please
note the instructions carefully. Each programme can have a List 1 and List 2. List 1 contains
courses which are recommended for your programme, and List 2 contains courses also judged to
be suitable for your programme. Full descriptions of these courses can be found at the back of
this guide in the section called List of Elective Courses by Course Title.

School of Biomedical Sciences elective courses are managed by the Biomedical Teaching
Organisation and queries about these courses should be directed to the course administrator in
the first instance. If you have any questions about the elective courses outwith Biomedical
Sciences please direct these to the Honours Programme Organiser of the owning programme.
The course lists and descriptions indicate which programme owns the courses.

The number of students admitted to elective courses is more open and the course descriptions
give an indication of maximum class sizes. Unnecessary restrictions will not be applied.
However, there must be some limits as it is appreciated that honours teaching and learning is
much more effective in smaller rather than larger classes. We also know that students look
forward to smaller classes in their final year after being in large classes in the previous years. In
allocating elective courses preference will be given to students for whom the course is
particularly relevant but we will do what they can to admit other students.

A number of the courses have prerequisites in terms of requirements or recommended courses.
Students who spent their third year abroad, will be unable to meet requirements specified
in terms of specific third year biological/biomedical science courses. These students will be
excused these requirements but are advised to check with the course organiser to ensure
that they have the appropriate background.

HOW ELECTIVE COURSES WILL BE ALLOCATED

Access to Biomedical Sciences elective courses is controlled by the Biomedical Teaching
Organisation.

In an ideal world all students would get their top or other high choices but of course this is
unlikely to happen as demand will be uneven. Specific criteria will be taken into account when
allocating the students to elective courses. These will include:

1) Preference will be given to School of Biomedical Sciences students.
2) The ranking given to the elective course by the student on their choice form.
3) Whether the elective course is on the lists of recommended (List 1) and suitable (List 2)
elective courses for the student's programme.
4) Availability of places on other chosen courses and where these rank in the choice form.

A key aim will be to arrive at the 'best' overall solution taking account of the available
information. The Boards of Studies has agreed that if too few students wish to do a course it
may be withdrawn.
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CHANGING HONOURS PROGRAMME

At the end of second year all students were admitted to a specific Honours Programme. Most
students will have taken course in third year that would qualify them for the final year in another
discipline. Any student who wishes to apply to transfer to a different Honours Programme within
Biomedical Sciences should complete an Honours Transfer Form which can be found on the
Learn pages of Biomedical Sciences 3 or by e-mailing BMTO@ed.ac.uk

Students wishing to transfer to a programme in another School should contact the other School
directly.
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INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Programme Organiser: Programme Administrator:
Dr Douglas Roy Ms Tracy Noden
Division of Pathway Medicine BMTO, Medical School
Chancellors Building Teviot Place
49 Little France Crescent Edinburgh EH8 9AG
Edinburgh EH16 4SB 0131 650 3717
0131 242 6279 Tracy.Noden@ed.ac.uk
Douglas.Roy@ed.ac.uk

Infectious diseases represent a massive global healthcare burden, accounting for 25% of global deaths
annually, which rises to 43% in the developing world. Malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoeal disease
account for the majority of child mortality. As well as the current burden of infectious diseases,
healthcare systems are faced with the rapidly growing problem of antibiotic resistance and we are under
the constant threat of emerging and re-emerging infections that could lead to uncontrollable global
pandemics.

Infectious disease pathology is a result of a complex interplay between pathogens and their hosts. A wide
spectrum of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, nematodes, fungi and other agents) cause hundreds of different
diseases. It is only by gaining a thorough understanding of the complex interactions between pathogen
and host biological pathways that we can unravel the pathogen-induced disease mechanisms and then
apply this fundamental research to improve diagnostics and therapeutics so that we can more effectively
detect, control and cure infectious diseases.

This programme provides a comprehensive coverage of infectious diseases by integrating together the
following key themes: mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, and global health and applied aspects
of infectious disease. Throughout there is an emphasis on modern research approaches applied to these
interacting themes, from the molecular to the population level. The programme is designed to appeal to
biomedical science students as well as intercalating students from medicine and veterinary medicine.

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The Senior Honours year is structured around the core compulsory course: Host-Pathogen Interactions in
Infectious Disease. This course runs throughout semesters one and two and focuses on fundamental
aspects of pathogen-host interactions. It covers the biological mechanisms and processes which lead to
pathogenesis and disease following infection. There is an emphasis on the application of modern research
methods and approaches in this field. This course comprises three main themes: experimental approaches
to study microbial pathogenesis; pathobiology of infection and pathogen ecology and evolution. As part
of this course each student is assigned to a tutor with whom they meet in smaller groups throughout the
year to cover scientific interpretation, data analysis, presentational skills, project management and
scientific writing.

The Honours year offers two recommended elective courses: Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Infectious
Disease and Global Health and Infectious Disease:
Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Infectious Disease focuses on applied aspects of infectious disease
research. The course emphasises modern research trends in diagnostics and therapeutics which are being
developed to improve the detection and treatment of infectious disease. This course covers four main
themes: pathogen diagnostics; drugs targeting pathogens; vaccinology and immunotherapy for infectious
disease.
Global Health and Infectious Disease provides an integrated overview of the challenges facing global
health and healthcare systems in the face of infectious disease by covering the following themes:
definition of global health; epidemiology and surveillance of infectious disease; infectious disease in the
developing world; management and control of infectious disease as well as global health challenges and
opportunities.
At least one of these recommended Infectious Disease elective courses must be taken, but it is possible to
replace one of these courses with an elective course available from the list given below.

The research project is completed during Semester 2 and, along with the project-associated review essay,
accounts for 50 credits points of the final year grade. Edinburgh has one of the largest global
concentrations of infectious disease research carried out in several world-leading infectious disease
research centres. Students are offered a wide choice of laboratory research projects ranging from
molecular to clinical. It is also possible for those students who would like to pursue a desk-based study to
undertake library or analytical projects.

The final course component in the year is the synoptic exam which is designed to assess the students
broad based knowledge in the field of infectious diseases

Throughout the year there are lectures, seminars, tutorials and training in the critical analysis of scientific
information. There is emphasis on group work and group discussions, with the presentation of papers and
research data and the exchange of ideas between students and staff helping to make this a stimulating and
rewarding year.

The programme combines the advanced study of pathogen biology and infectious disease with
transferable skills and additional competencies which provides valuable training for careers in a wide
range of disciplines.
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As an honours student studying Infectious Diseases:

(a) You must do the following compulsory courses
Points
MIBM10041 Infectious Diseases Project 40
MIBM10042 Infectious Diseases Synoptic Examination 10
MIBM10053 Review Essay for Infectious Disease 10
MIBM10052 Host-pathogen interactions in Infectious Diseases 20
Points 80

(b) In addition you must take at least one of the following level 10 courses. These must be from List 1
(below).

(c) In addition you can take 1 20pt, or (subject to availability) certain 2x10pt level 10 courses.

These will normally* be from List 1 or List 2 (below).

Total points 120

Compulsory Courses in the Infectious Diseases Honours Degree Programme

Code Course Name Prog Sem Time Slot
MIBM10052 Host-pathogen interactions in Infectious
Diseases
InfDis 1
Description: Lectures: This course focuses on fundamental aspects of pathogen-host
interactions and covers the biological mechanisms and processes which lead to pathogenesis
and disease following infection. There is an emphasis on the application of modern research
methods and approaches in this field. This course comprises three main themes:

Experimental approaches to study Microbial pathogenesis:
Identification of virulence factors
Animal models
Genome wide approaches to study host-pathogen interactions
Monitoring host response and immunity to pathogens

Pathobiology of Infection:
Survival strategies of bacterial, viral and parasite pathogens.
Modulation of the host immune response
Mechanisms of pathogenesis
Manipulation and reprogramming of the intracellular environment
Infection of the human host Gastrointestinal Infections, Respiratory infections, CNS
infections, Neonatal infection

Pathogen ecology and evolution:
Evolution of bacterial virulence
Molecular evolution of viruses and other pathogens

Tutorials: A series of tutorials will cover essay, abstract and report writing, scientific
techniques, presentation skills, scientific calculations and statistics, and the critical analysis
of scientific papers. The tutorials will provide important formative feedback/forward for
assignments and activities in the course as a whole. This course is only available to students
on the Infectious Diseases Degree Programme.
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MIBM10041 Infectious Diseases Project InfDis 2 Wed am
Description: A laboratory, literature or data handling research project in a topic of infectious
disease. Presentation of research findings is a feature of this project. This course is only
available to students on the Infectious Diseases Degree Programme.
MIBM10053 Review Essay for Infectious Disease InfDis Full year
Production of a review essay which links to the topic of the research project. This course is
only available to students on the Infectious Diseases Degree Programme.
MIBM10042 Infectious Diseases Synoptic
Examination
InfDis 2 None
Description: Synoptic examination assessing general expertise in Infectious Diseases. This
course is only available to students on the Infectious Diseases Degree Programme.

List 1: Recommended Elective Courses for the Infectious Diseases Degree Programme.
Further details may be found starting on page 33.

Code Course Name Prog Sem Time Slot Max
Class
BIME10025 Diagnostics and therapeutics for
infectious disease
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
BIME10021 Global Health and Infectious
Diseases
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue am
25

List 2: Suitable Elective Courses for the Infectious Diseases Degree Programme.

Class
BIME10031 An introduction to the analysis
and modelling of biological
pathways
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thurs &
Fri pm
25
BIME10023 Forensic Investigation Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
BIME10019 Inflammation Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri pm
25
BIME10015 Science Communication Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tues pm
25
BIME10013 Social and Ethical Aspects of
Medicine
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Subject to availability: 2 x 10 credit courses from BTO
Class
EVBI10007 Evolutionary Medicine of
Infectious Disease
EvolBio 1 Tue pm
GENE10004 Genetics of Host-Parasite
Interactions
Genetics 1 Mon pm 20
ZLGY10015 Parasitic Diseases of Public
Health Importance
Zoology 1 Thurs pm 25
IMMU10013 Th2 in Immunity, Allergy and
Health
Immun 1 Fri am 25
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MEDICAL BIOLOGY

Dr Sutherland Maciver Ms Lisa Ketchion
School of Biomedical Sciences BMTO
Hugh Robson Building Medical School
George Square Teviot Place
Edinburgh EH8 9XD Edinburgh EH8 9AG
0131 651 1733 0131 651 1629
Sutherland.Maciver@ed.ac.uk Lisa.Ketchion@ed.ac.uk

The theme of the Medical Biology Honours Programme is the study of the scientific basis of human
medicine and healthcare. This embraces diseases and disorders important nationally and internationally,
including their identification and the role of biological science in advancing understanding and laying the
foundation for their rational management and treatment; implementation of drug design and discovery;
integration of new technologies, including genomics and cell therapy; international health; resources; and
ethical and socio-economic factors.
This programme, introduced in response to student demand, aims to inspire/encourage a new generation
of innovative researchers, communicators, educators and managers. The Programme has a number of
distinctive features: an interdisciplinary approach; an emphasis on group-work, with a library-based,
rather than laboratory-based research project for most students, and an emphasis on the development of
communication skills.

The programme is managed by a team based in School of Biomedical Sciences [SBMS]: Dr S Maciver
(Honours Programme Organiser) and Dr A Hall (Convenor, Board of Examiners).

The compulsory Medical Biology Core course (worth 20 points) runs throughout the year. In semester 1 it
comprises lectures and seminars by experts in various aspects of the subject and student presentations
based on recently published papers. Topics covered vary from year to year, but broadly cover disease and
medicine in society; how biology impacts on medicine; how advances can be used to prevent and treat
disease; international health; ethical and socio-economic factors. In Semester 2 the Core course focuses
on development of skills in critical analysis of papers, statistical analysis, and communication. The Core
course has two components of formal assessment: an exam at the end of semester 1 on the topics covered
during that semester, and an in-course essay assignment in semester 2.
Students also choose a total of two elective (20 pt) courses.

Project, semester 2: Most projects are library-based but a strictly limited number of projects based on
original laboratory research may also be available. Students undertaking library-based projects work on a
group project in teams of 4-5 (with a team supervisor), producing a group report (dissertation) on a
disease/disorder that has important social, economic and medical significance. Recent dissertations have
been on, for example, obesity, health screening programmes, pre-natal health, autism, health impacts of
urbanisation, and organ transplants Students undertaking laboratory-based research will have individual
projects with a supervisor.

Graduates from the programme have gone on to pursue a highly diverse set of careers both within the
biomedical and healthcare fields and outwith them as well.

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As an honours student studying Medical Biology:

Points
MBBM10008 Medical Biology Project 40
MBBM10015 Medical Biology Core 20
MBBM10017 Critical Analysis Skills in Medical Biology 10
MBBM10018 Medical Biology Synoptic Examination 10
Points 80

(b) In addition you must take 2 level 10 courses from List 1 (see below).

Total points 120

Compulsory Courses for the Medical Biology Honours Degree Programme

MBBM10008 Medical Biology Project MedBiol 2 None
Description: Most students will do group library projects based on an important topic in the
general area of medical biology. Students will have considerable freedom to follow up their
own ideas and to decide with project supervisors the exact content of the project. A typical
project will focus on a disease/disorder/health topic that has important social, economic and
medical significance. Assessment will mainly be based on a set of deliverables that will
include a dissertation report, oral presentations, a project plan, and a lay communications
assignment. A typical report will include 4-5 specialised chapters (1 chapter per student,
assessed individually) together with a general introduction and an integrated discussion. While
each student will be responsible for a chapter, the final project report will be the communal
work of the group and thus involve team writing and editing. A small element of peer
assessment will be included in the marking scheme. One purpose of these group projects is for
students to learn teamwork, and part of the assessment will be based on the minutes of
structured weekly management meetings that the team will hold. There will thus be a
preparatory teaching session for all students on project planning and teamworking. There may
also be opportunities for students who wish to do a laboratory-based individual research
project. This course is only available to students on the Medical Biology Programme.
MBBM10015 Medical Biology Core MedBiol 1&2 Wed am
Description: The course addresses the theme of the Medical Biology Hons BSc Programme,
namely the scientific basis of human medicine. Through lectures from experts in the field and
student led presentations we will explore: diseases and disorders important nationally and
internationally, including their identification and the role of biological science in advancing
understanding and laying the foundation for their raional management and treatment;
implementation of drug design and discovery; integration of new technologies, including
genomics and stem cell techniques; international health; resources; ethical and socio-economic
factors. The course also aims to provide familiarity with statistical techniques commonly-used
in the biomedical literature, and with the principles of designing and conducting clinical trials.
Development of communication skills will be through student-led sessions discussing and
critically evaluating recent papers. Teaching methods: Lectures, seminars and student-led
presentations. This course is only available to students on the Medical Biology Programme.
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MBBM10017 Critical Analysis Skills in Medical
Biology
MedBiol 2 Wed am
Critical evaluation of published primary research articles, and skill in clear and accurate scientific
communication are two explicitly identified learning objectives of the Medical Biology Honours
BSc Programme. These will be assessed through a Critical Analysis Task in which students will
demonstrate their ability to interrogate research papers in depth by critically evaluating an original
published research paper (i.e. not a review) relating to the topic of their Project. To ensure that
appropriate papers are chosen, each student is initially required to select two potential papers and
to send these to their project supervisor, who will then decide which of these two papers should be
used (to prevent selection of an inappropriate paper eg because it is far too complex, or because
it is too trivial, lacks data, etc). Each student will provide an independent report (1500 words
max.) of that published paper for assessment, according to a specified format. Critical evaluation
of papers depends in part on being able to understand enough of statistical techniques to make a
reasonable judgement about what conclusions may be legitimately drawn from data. Teaching
sessions on statistics/data analysis will therefore be held to help develop/consolidate
understanding of these issues. A tutorial session will focus on how to construct a balanced
evaluation of a specific example paper. Teaching methods: Lectures, tutorial/seminars. This course
is only available to students on the Medical Biology Programme.
MBBM10018 Medical Biology Synoptic
Examination
MedBiol 2 Wed am
The synoptic examination gives students the opportunity to display what they havew gained from
the Medical Biology Honours BSc Programme as a whole by displaying their ability to integrate
knowledge and understanding obtained from different elements of the Programme. Students will
be asked to write an essay that draws on different areas of their knowledge and understadning
obtained from any or all of the courses that they have taken. The essay will be marked for style,
clarity and fluency and for logical structure and evidence of critical thinking. Credit will be given
for the appropriate use of good examples to support or explain particular points and extra credit
will be given where examples are drawn from diverse aspects of the Programme. This course is
only available to students on the Medical Biology Programme.

List 1: Recommended Elective Courses for the Medical Biology Honours Degree Programme.

Code Course Name Prog Sem Time Slot Max Class
pathways
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thurs & Fri
pm
25
BIME10030 Cancer Biology and Medicine Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue am
25
BIME10029 Cardiovascular Pharmacology
& Therapeutics
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur am &
pm &
Fri am
25
BIME10028 Conception to Parturition Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri am 25
BIME10027 Development and Disease Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon& Tue
pm
25
BIME10026 Developmental and Clinical
Neuroscience
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tues am
25
BIME10025 Diagnostics and therapeutics
for infectious disease
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
BIME10024 Endocrine Physiology and
Pharmacology
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
16

Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
BIME10022 Genetic and Environmental
Influences on Behaviour and
Mental Health
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Diseases
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
am
25
BIME10020 Hormones & Behaviour Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
am
25
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri pm
25
BIME10018 Integrative Physiology

Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
BIME10011 Neural circuits for learning and
memory
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
am
25
BIME10010 Neurobiology of Cognition Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
BIME10032 Neurodegeneration, obesity
and cancer: genetics and
beyond
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
am
25
BIME10009 Neuroimaging Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
BIME10008 Neurotransmitters In Action Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
pm
25
BIME10007 Receptors, signalling and
regulation of cell
responsiveness
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
BIME10017 Regenerative Medicine Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
am
25
BIME10006 Reproductive Systems Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
am
25
Sciences
1 Mon & Tues
pm
25
BIME10014 Sensory Physiology and
Dysfunction
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri pm 25
Medicine
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
BIME10012 Synaptic Function and
Plasticity in Health and Disease
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
17

NEUROSCIENCE

Dr Thomas Theil Miss Caroline Morris
School of Biomedical Sciences BMTO, Medical School
Hugh Robson Building Teviot Place
George Square Edinburgh EH8 9AG
Edinburgh EH8 9XD 0131 651 3255
0131 650 3721 c.d.morris@ed.ac.uk
Thomas.Theil@ed.ac.uk

Neuroscience 4 is taught jointly by staff members in the School of Biomedical Sciences with major input
from several research Centres and Institutes.

The Aims of the Programme are to:-

A. provide a thorough grounding in the basic concepts of neuroscience;

B. identify and explore current areas of debate and controversy;

C. encourage active participation through discussion and criticism of recent research in
selected areas of basic, translational and clinical neuroscience research.

The programme in the first Semester comprises a compulsory course on General Neuroscience together
with two Elective Courses chosen by the student. These optional courses allow students to specialise in
particular aspects of neuroscience in which they have an interest. In the second Semester students
continue with General Neuroscience, take a Project management course as well as carrying out
supervised research, either for a laboratory-based or for an individual or small group library-based
Dissertation. Laboratory places are limited and cannot be guaranteed. Students are required to submit
their Dissertations after presenting them at a reading party, after the Spring vacation.
The General Neuroscience and Elective Courses employ a variety of teaching methods, which may
include lectures, seminars, Problem-Based Learning tutorials, and demonstrations. There are some
restrictions on choice due to time-tabling and resource availability. Some courses also have different
requirements for entry from the programme as a whole.
Examinations
The Dissertation is worth 40 credits, General Neuroscience is worth 20 credits, the Project
Management course is worth 10 credits and each Elective Course is worth 20 credits. The first
Semester Elective courses are assessed by a combination of In-Course Assessments and written
examination at the end of the first Semester, while the Project Management course is examined by
In-Course Assessment. The Examination for the General Neuroscience course comprises In-Course
Assessments in Semesters 1, and a written paper taken in the May diet along with a Synoptic
Examination (10 Credits). The written examinations assess evidence-based critical reading skills
and the knowledge and understanding of Neuroscience that students are expected to have gained
from their studies throughout the year.

Please contact the Programme Administrator for examples of reading lists and Elective Course
Handbooks.

Exam papers from previous years at
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/information-services/library-museum-gallery/exam-papers
18

Career Prospects
The demand for graduates in neuroscience is broadly similar to that for other biomedical sciences
graduates. Many companies in the pharmaceutical industry have major programmes of drug development
for the treatment of nervous system disorders. There are also openings in Universities in Departments or
Schools of Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience or Psychology for students interested in doing
postgraduate research. The evidence-based, critical skills that students acquire and develop during the
Honours Neuroscience programme are also transferable and of generic value to employers in many other
walks of life.

As an honours student studying Neuroscience:

Points
NEBM10005 Neuroscience Project 40
NEBM10028 General Neuroscience 20
NEBM10019 Neuroscience Synoptic Examination 10
NEBM10034 Project Management 10
Points 80

(b) In addition you must take 2 level 10 courses. One is required from List 1, the second elective can
be from List 1 or 2 (see below).

Total points 120

Compulsory Courses for the Neuroscience Honours Degree Programme

NEBM10028 General Neuroscience Neurosci 1&2 Wed am
Description: This course covers aspects of cognitive, systems, cellular, molecular, developmental
and clinical neuroscience with the aim of educating students in the breadth of the subject, and
providing training and development in evidence-based critical reading and writing skills, data
acquisition and analysis. The course will include critical reading of original research literature and
analysis of experimental results in neuroscience. We also highlight current controversies and
challenges for the 21st Century in Neuroscience, partly by asking teachers and experienced
researchers to speak about their subject area then leading students through specific aspects of the
topic. The aim is to encourage critical thinking and evaluation of evidence, crucial to the
development of a neuroscientist. These skills are also of practical value in dealing with material on
the Elective Courses and students' independent research towards their Dissertation. Only available
to students on the Neuroscience Degree Programme.
NEBM10034 Project Management Neurosci 2 Wed
Students will receive education and training in project management. This course will be based on
lectures and small-group teamwork and shall normally include training in literature searching,
database mining, research funding, teamworking, project planning, ethics, experimental design,
report writing, publishing research in academic journals, press releases, public engagement and
patenting procedures. Only available to students on the Neuroscience Degree Programme.
19

NEBM10005 Neuroscience Project Neurosci 2 None
Description: Students will spend the second semester on original studies either based on library
research or projects in individual research laboratories. During the first teaching block students
will mostly work on their projects and will be trained in research methods by the Project
management course. The second block will be spent by the student on full-time research. The
results of the students research will be formally presented to the whole class and examiners and
also written up as a Dissertation, which is independently marked by at least two markers. Projects
will normally be selected from a list approved by the Board of Examiners but students may choose
their own topics, subject to approval by the Board of Examiners. The number of laboratory-based
projects is limited and acceptance for a laboratory project is therefore competive. Acceptance
onto a laboratory-based project may depend on a students academic record and an interview with
the intended supervisor. However, both library-based and laboratory-based projects are
considered of equal value: both provide ample opportunities for students to demonstrate their
creative, critical and analytical skills. Only available to students on the Neuroscience Degree
Programme.
NEBM10019 Neuroscience Synoptic Examination Neurosci 2 None
Description: Synoptic examination assessing general knowledge and understanding of
Neuroscience and its contemporary relevance. Only available to students on the Neuroscience
Degree Programme.

List 1: Recommended Elective Courses for the Neuroscience Honours Degree Programme.

Course
Code
Course Name Prog Sem Time Slot Max
Class
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
Neuroscience
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &Tues
am
25
Mental Health
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &Tue
pm
25
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
am
25
BIME10011 Neural circuits for learning
and memory
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
am
25
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
beyond
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
am
25
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
pm
25
regulation of cell
responsiveness
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
Dysfunction
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri pm 25
Plasticity in Health and
Disease
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25

20

List 2: Suitable Elective Courses for the Neuroscience Honours Degree Programme.

Course Code Course Name Prog Sem Time
Slot
Max
Class
pathways
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thurs &
Fri pm
25
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue am
25
& Therapeutics
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur am
& pm &
Fri am
25
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
infectious disease
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
Pharmacology
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Diseases
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue am
25
Sciences
1 Thur
&Fri
pm
25
BIME10018 Integrative Physiology Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue am
25
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue am
25
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tues pm
25
Medicine
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25

21

PHARMACOLOGY

Professor Mark Evans Mr Neale Summers
School of Biomedical Sciences BMTO, Medical School
Hugh Robson Building Teviot Place
Edinburgh EH8 9XD Edinburgh EH8 9AG
0131 651 1501 0131 651 3094
mark.evans@ed.ac.uk Neale.Summers@ed.ac.uk

Pharmacology is taught by biomedical scientists and clinicians from the schools and research centres in
the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, hospitals. Teaching staff are pharmacologists, clinical
pharmacologists and specialists from other relevant disciplines (neuroscience, physiology, cardiovascular
and inflammatory diseases, and endocrinology) and all have active research students. Courses within the
programme reflect the research interests of these laboratories. The Pharmacology Honours programme
provides insight into current concepts and experimental techniques in various areas of pharmacology,
physiology, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology.
The programme has two main objectives to develop generic skills of critical analysis and to develop
understanding of pharmacological experimentation. To achieve the first objective, the programme will
develop the effective and critical use of primary and secondary sources of published information. This is
achieved by teaching mainly in the form of interactive seminars with pre-circulated reading lists,
supported by a tutorial system. Transferable skills (e.g. knowledge of information technology and use of
computer packages, good written and oral presentation, group working) are also emphasised. The second
objective seeks to gain an understanding of experimental approaches to biological questions, and to
facilitate the acquisition of the wide range of skills needed to solve pharmacological problems. This is
achieved by placing a strong emphasis on individual library or laboratory research projects, to which a
large part of the second Semester is devoted.
In the first Semester all students attend the CoreDrugs, Receptors and Therapeutics course (Wednesdays
morning) plus two elective courses. Students are required to take at least one elective course which is
directly pertinent to pharmacology (see List 1), the second elective may be chosen from either List 1 or
List 2. List 1 electives include courses which focus on cardiovascular pharmacology, endocrine
pharmacology, cancer biology, neuropharmacology and neurotransmitter action and receptor signalling
and regulation. The choice of the second elective can be broader and reflect a students own specific
interests although in the past, students have benefited from selecting courses with a strong
pharmacological component(such as those in List 1) and/or where there is synergy in content.
In the second Semester the Core Drugs, Receptors and Therapeutics course continues but the focus turns
to the dissertation which will either be laboratory or library-based. Students can elect to carry out a
library-based research project in, for example, a pharmacological topic in which they have developed a
particular interest. Alternatively, students may decide to carry out a laboratory-based project during the
second Semester. The number of laboratory-based research projects may be limited and we cannot
guarantee a project for all students. If demand exceeds the number of projects available then
prioritisation will be based according to previous academic record, in particular the overall Pharmacology
3 mark. Finally, students can go Dutch or Deutsch by applying to carry out their laboratory-based
project at the University of Leiden (Netherlands) or University of Saarland in Saarbrucken (Germany) for
3 months supported by the Erasmus scheme.
Assessment
Pharmacology 4 assessment is based on 120 points. The dissertation (including oral presentation) is
worth 40 points. Elective Courses (see List 1 and 2 below) taken in Semester 1 will be assessed by
written examination during weeks 12/13 and will each carry 20 points. These electives may also contain
an element of in-course assessed work. The compulsory course, Drugs, Receptors and Therapeutics (20
points) runs in Semester 1 and part of Semester 2. This course will be assessed by examination in the
22

December Diet of Semester 1 together with in-course assessments in Semester 2. The Pharmacology
Project Milestones Dissertation (10 points) and the Synoptic Examination (10 points) in the May Diet
make up the remaining credits of your Senior Honours Year.
Career prospects
There is a strong demand for graduates in pharmacology from the pharmaceutical, chemical, and
biotechnology industries. Graduates are recruited with either Honours degrees or higher degrees (MSc,
PhD) in Pharmacology for employment including pure laboratory-based research, routine analysis of drug
potency, manufacturing processes, clinical trials, toxicology, regulatory affairs, information technology
and administration - sales, marketing, and project management. Each year about 40% of the
Pharmacology graduates proceed to a higher degree, usually a PhD, in a variety of academic departments
and research institutes. Various other careers are possible, including: research assistants in clinical
pharmacology; management in the civil service, retail and financial sectors; forensic science; school
teaching. Further details and advice are available from the Careers Service.

(a) As an honours student studying Pharmacology:

You must do the following compulsory courses:

Points
PHBM10018 Pharmacology Project 40
PHBM10017 Pharmacology Synoptic Examination 10
PHBM10036 Drugs, Receptors and Therapeutics 20
PHBM10035 Pharmacology Project Milestones Dissertation 10
Points 80


Total points 120

23

Compulsory Courses for the Pharmacology Honours Degree Programme

PHBM10018 Pharmacology Project Pharm 2
Description: Dissertation based on a library or a laboratory based research project. This course is
only available to students on the Honours Pharmacology Degree Programme taking a laboratory
based research project and is compulsory for those students. Contact teaching hours/weeks: (a)
Library based Project: Normally full time weeks 19-25. (b) Laboratory Project: Normally part
time weeks 14-18 then full time. This course is only available to students on the Honours
Pharmacology Degree Programme.
PHBM10036 Drugs, Receptors and Therapeutics Pharm 1 & 2 Wed
An understanding of the molecular pharmacology of receptors in relation to the action of drugs
underpins many aspects of the courses within the Honours Pharmacology Programmes. A series of
lectures will be given to provide an overview of topics including: action of drugs at receptors,
structure-function relationships for the different classes of receptor, the signalling processes
following receptor activation and receptor cloning and expression. This course will also provide a
coherent perspective of how drugs are developed from a molecular target through preclinical
development to clinical trials. It will consider how academic pharmacology can interact with drug
development or can be focussed on discovery of molecular mechanisms independent of immediate
therapeutic potentials. The economic drivers and processes (project proposal, grant funding, and
hypothesis formulation) in the industrial and academic domains will be considered. There will be
opportunity to meet with Programme tutors in small groups. The purpose of the tutorials is to
provide student access to a member of staff and to cover general aspects related to Pharmacology.
Students will be encouraged to submit essays to tutors in order to practice and obtain feedback on
their writing skills. This course is only available to students on the Honours Pharmacology Degree
Programme.
PHBM10035 Pharmacology Project Milestones
Dissertation
Pharm 1 & 2
Dissertation = Pharmacology Project Milestones Dissertation.
This course is only available to students on the Honours Pharmacology Degree Programme.
PHBM10017 Pharmacology Synoptic Examination Pharm 2 None
Description: Synoptic examination assessing general expertise in Pharmacology.
This course is only available to students on the Honours Pharmacology Degree Programme.

List 1: Recommended Elective Courses for the Pharmacology Honours Degree Programme.

Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue am
25
BIME10029 Cardiovascular Pharmacology &
Therapeutics
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur am &
pm &
Fri am
25
Pharmacology
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25

Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
pm
25
regulation of cell responsiveness
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25

24

List 2: Suitable Elective Courses for the Pharmacology Honours Degree Programme.

BIME10031 An introduction to the analysis and
modelling of biological pathways
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thurs & Fri
pm
25
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri am 25
Sciences
1 Mon& Tue
pm
25
Neuroscience
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tues am
25
infectious disease
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
BIME10022 Genetic and Environmental Influences
on Behaviour and Mental Health
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
BIME10021 Global Health and Infectious Diseases Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
am
25
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
am
25
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri pm
25
memory
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
am
25
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
BIME10032 Neurodegeneration, obesity and
cancer: genetics and beyond
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
am
25
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
am
25
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
am
25
Sciences
1 Mon & Tues
pm
25
BIME10014 Sensory Physiology and Dysfunction Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri pm 25
BIME10013 Social and Ethical Aspects of Medicine Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
BIME10012 Synaptic Function and Plasticity in
Health and Disease
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25

25

PHYSIOLOGY

Prof Mike Ludwig Mrs Anne Law
Biomedical Sciences BMTO
Hugh Robson Building Medical School
George Square Teviot Place
Edinburgh EH8 9XD Edinburgh EH8 9AD
0131 650 3275 0131 650 3161
Mike.Ludwig@ed.ac.uk anne.law@ed.ac.uk

Physiology, aims to understand the normal processes and functions of the body and is central to our
ability to identify and ultimately treat disease. Completion of the human genome only serves to re-
emphasise the significant knowledge gap between the basic parts catalogues generated from powerful
reductionist strategies and our understanding of how gene products integrate at the cellular, systems and
whole-organism level. This has led to a renaissance in Physiological research with advances in the
integration of molecular and proteomic analysis with genetically tractable model organisms, imaging
technology, and predictive modelling. Such an integrative approach, bridging multiple organ systems, is
beginning to reveal novel mechanisms, fundamental physiological principles and therapeutic targets for
treatment of major human diseases. The modern physiologist requires the creativity and literacy to fully
exploit the strengths of the reductionist and predictive biology approaches with the relevance of whole-
organism analysis. Importantly, public dissemination of the basic mechanisms that underpin medicine is
essential for rationale debate for new treatments and the debunking of the many pseudo-scientific
approaches that widely pervade the media.

Students study in depth selected topics in physiology that encompass analysis and integration from genes
to cells to the whole organism to generate understanding of physiological processes in the context of
whole body homeostasis. The programme reflects the research interests of staff that contribute to it.
Students are encouraged to develop a critical knowledge of the subject, based where possible on their own
practical experience.

All students take the compulsory Physiology Core course, that emphasises core skills and a broad range
of current hot-topics in Physiology. The Core Physiology course will be assessed by a paper analysis
examination along with an ICA at the end of the second semester, which will require data analysis and
interpretation skills acquired during the programme. All students will select two taught elective courses in
semester one (running over 11-weeks). The first semester elective courses will be assessed by written
exam at the end of the first Semester. Physiology is an experimental science relying on the scientific
method, in which experiments may be rigorously designed, critically evaluated and reproduced to test key
hypotheses with open access and freely distributed to scientists everywhere. As such a major component
of the programme is the 11-week research project undertaken in the second semester. The research project
is assessed by a written dissertation and oral presentation of the research project. Students also sit a
Physiology Exam at the end of the Semester 2, The exam provides an opportunity for students to critically
discuss broader questions in Physiology.
26

As an honours student studying Physiology:

Points
PYBM10001 Physiology Project 40
PYBM10030 Physiology Core 20
PYBM10033 Physiology Grant Proposal 10
PYBM10034 Physiology Synoptic Exam 10
Points 80


Total points 120

Compulsory Courses for the Physiology Honours Degree Programme

PYBM10030 Physiology Core Physiol 1 and 2 Wed am
Description: The course will introduce the discipline of modern Physiology and emphasise the
multidisciplinary nature of the subject. Students will be introduced to current concepts in human
and mammalian physiology starting from gene expression, through protein and cell physiology,
culminating in organ and systems physiology. Modern approaches and techniques for the study of
physiology will also be discussed. Teaching will take the form of lectures, demonstrations, and
self-directed group tasks. Key skills will be reinforced in the course, including: 1. How to interpret
and analyse scientific papers and the physiological data in them. 2. How to statistically analyse
and present data effectively in written and oral presentations. This is considered essential
preparation for your Physiology Honours Paper Analysis Exam (15%). This exam will test your
analytical skills by giving you a current scientific paper in which the students will have to, for
example, handle data, interpret experiments and develop experimental plan. In addition, there will
be an ICA component summarising a current research topic in physiology (5%).
This course is only available to students on the Physiology Honours Degree Programme.
PYBM10001 Physiology Project Physiol 2 None
Description: Students will be asked to perform novel research in a topical area of physiology.
Students will be supervised by a mentor who will guide their progress through the project. All
students will present a written dissertation (35 points) and give an oral presentation of the project
(5 points). This course is only available to students on the Physiology Honours Degree
Programme.
PYBM10033 Physiology Grant Proposal Physiol 2 None
All students in Physiology Honours will write a Grant Proposal. This course will provide insights
into the design of experiments and how hypotheses are formulated. This course is only available to
students on the Physiology Honours Degree Programme.
PYBM10034 Physiology Synoptic Examination Physiol 1 & 2 None
Description: The course will introduce the discipline of modern Physiology and emphasise the
core concepts and multidisciplinary nature of the subject together with the experimental
approaches and techniques used in its study. Students will practice how to structure a critical and
logically argued general essay in physiology bringing evidence from across the honours year(s) in
preparation for the final written physiology exam essay. This course is only available to students
on the Physiology Honours Degree Programme.

27

List 1: Recommended Elective Courses for the Physiology Honours Degree Programme.

Class
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
Pharmacology
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
Mental Health
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
am
25
beyond
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
am
25
regulation of cell
responsiveness
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
am
25
Dysfunction
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
pm
25
Plasticity in Health and Disease
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25

28

List 2: Recommended Elective Courses for the Physiology Honours Degree Programme. Further

Class
pathways
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thurs & Fri
pm
25
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue am
25
& Therapeutics
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur am &
pm &
Fri am
25
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
am
25
Neuroscience
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tues am
25
BIME10025 Diagnostics and therapeutics
for infectious disease
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Diseases
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
am
25
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri pm
25

Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
memory
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
am
25
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
pm
25
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
am
25
Sciences
1 Mon & Tues
pm
25
Medicine
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25

29

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Programme Organiser: Programme Secretary:
Dr Chris Harlow Mrs Anne Law
Queens Medical Research Institute BMTO, Medical School
47 Little France Crescent Teviot Place
Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh EH8 9AG
0131 242 6624 0131 650 3161
C.Harlow@ed.ac.uk anne.law@ed.ac.uk

Perhaps more than any other biological discipline the fruits of basic research in mammalian reproductive
biology have been applied to solve problems in agriculture and medicine. Laboratory-based research
continues to provide new insights into reproductive processes and has helped to shape some of the
powerful new analytical research tools such as the production of transgenic animals and cloning.
Reproductive Biology has also provided the scientific background for in vitro fertilization, intra-
cytoplasmic sperm injection and other assisted conception techniques that have revolutionised
reproductive medicine and veterinary practice in the last decade. Increasingly the reproductive system is
recognised as a unique model for many other physiological processes in health and disease. It involves
cyclical episodes of inflammation, angiogenesis and tissue remodelling, normally associated only with
development or pathology.

This honours programme focuses on the role of reproductive biology in the fields of veterinary and
human medicine. Specific training areas emphasize reproduction and early development, pregnancy and
lactation, biotechnology and reproduction, reproductive neuroscience, and the reproduction of domestic
and endangered animals. This programme therefore offers both breadth and focus to students with
interests in the field of reproductive biology as they pertain to understanding basic biological
mechanisms, and their potential application to abnormal and disease processes.

Aims and objectives of the Programme
The honours year should provide a base of information and knowledge from which a career can be
developed in reproductive biology or cognate subjects, and in any other chosen profession requiring the
discipline of a challenging education in depth and breadth. We also aim to develop the potential of
individual students to allow the fulfilment of their talents, and to equip them for high personal and
professional achievement.

Learning Outcomes
Through attendance on interlinked courses in reproductive biology, to develop an in depth and
critical understanding of the field.
Acquire the ability to apply principles of reproductive and biomedical science, both within
reproductive biology and beyond.
Develop generic professional skills of critical appraisal, scientific presentation and scientific
writing.
Accrue the ability to utilise a wide range of generic biomedical science skills including:
developing and testing a scientific hypothesis; designing, planning and then implementing these
experiments; and collecting, interpreting and analysing a data set.

Across semesters 1 & 2 students take a compulsory core course (Research Skills in Reproductive
Biology). In addition, there are 2 elective courses. These courses are assessed by a mix of in course
assessment (ICA) and examination.

30

In Semester 2 students do the compulsory Reproductive Biology Project Planning and Practical Skills
course (ICA), and a research project, usually laboratory based, but which can also be a clinical/audit or
library based project. The assessed components of the honours project include the project report, and the
project presentation. Projects will be offered by staff in the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health,
Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Biomedical Sciences, Royal Dick Veterinary School, The Roslin Institute,
Biological Sciences, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Royal Infirmary and Western General
Hospital.

The Synoptic Examination at the end of Semester 2 will cover a range of material from the across the
Honours Programme.

As an honours student studying Reproductive Biology:
Points
REBI10004 Reproductive Biology Project 40
REBI10005 Reproductive Biology Synoptic Examination 10
REBI10009 Reproductive Biology Project Planning and Practical
Skills
10
BIME10033 Research Skills in Reproductive Biology 20
Points 80

(b) In addition you must take 2 further level 10 elective courses.
At least one of these elective courses must be from List 1 (below) Reproductive Systems and
Conception to Parturition are highly recommended.

The other elective course can be from list 2 (below)
Total points 120

Compulsory Courses for the Reproductive Biology Honours Degree Programme

REBI10004 Reproductive Biology Project RepBiol 2 None
Description: A laboratory or library based project carried out throughout the second semester. This
course is only available to students on the Reproductive Biology Honours Degree Programme.
REBI10009 Reproductive Biology Project
Planning and Practical Skills
RepBiol 2 Mon pm
Description: Planning and preparation for laboratory based project. This course is only available to
students on the Reproductive Biology Honours Degree Programme.
BIME10033 Research Skills in Reproductive
Biology
RepBiol 1 & 2 Wed am
This course aims to equip you with core research skills and covers the experimental systems used
in reproductive biology, together with key transferable communication skills to assist you during
the honours programme. This course is only available to students on the Reproductive Biology
Honours Degree Programme.
REBI10005 Reproductive Biology Synoptic
Examination
RepBiol 2 None
Description: A synthesis of knowledge gained from the different components of the Reproductive
Biology Honours course. This course is only available to students on the Reproductive Biology
Honours Degree Programme.

31

List 1: Recommended Elective Courses for the Reproductive Biology Honours Programme.

Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
am
25
Description: This course aims to provide an overview of male and female gametes and gonads,
incorporating the latest research in ovarian and testis biology, and examines in detail the various
mechanisms controlling gonadal function and the wider reproductive system, together with an overview
of pathology and male reproductive cancers.
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri am 25
Description: This course aims to give you an understanding from the molecular mechanisms through the
physiology and pathophysiology of conception, contraception, assisted reproduction, pregnancy and
parturition, and reproductive cancers. It will develop your understanding of the experimental evidence
from in vitro, in vivo, animal models and clinical trials. This will be set in the translational context of
clinical issues in the fields of gynaecology, obstetrics, urology and neonatology.

List 2: Suitable Elective Courses for the Reproductive Biology Honours Programme.

Therapeutics
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur am &
pm &
Fri am
25
Sciences
1 Mon& Tue
pm
25
infectious disease
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
Pharmacology
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Mental Health
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
am
25
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri pm
25

Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
am
25
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri
pm
25
regulation of cell responsiveness
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
Sciences
1 Mon & Tues
pm
25
Dysfunction
Biomed
Sciences
1 Thur & Fri pm 25
32

Medicine
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25
BIME10012 Synaptic Function and Plasticity
in Health and Disease
Biomed
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue
pm
25

33

Biomedical Sciences Elective Courses

List of elective courses organised by course title.

Code Course Name Prog Sem Time
Slot
Max
Class
BIME10031 An introduction to the analysis and
modelling of biological pathways
Biomedical
Sciences
1 Thurs &
Fri pm
25
Description: Pathway models define extent of knowledge and functional relationships between
cellular components and support systems level appreciation of biological function.
This course is part of an experiment now in its 8
th
year. Over this time we have been developing
the knowhow and tools to allow us to draw pathway diagram of biological systems in a
standardised way such that the information presented in multiple papers can be collated into a
single diagram. During this course you will be taught how to synthesise complex ideas and
information into informative and easy to read, computational pathway resources. In addition you
will be introduced to some of the molecular methods used to analyse biological systems from
which networks of interactions may be generated. And also how genetically modified animals may
be generated and used to study normal physiological and pathological processes. A number of
pathway diagrams produced during the course of previous years can be found at:
http://www.macrophages.com/macrophage-pathways.
Assessment: 100% ICA.
Course Organiser: Dr Tom Freeman.
Course Administrator: Neale Summers.
Location: Central Area.
BIME10030 Cancer Biology and Medicine Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue am
25
Description: This course will consider the genetic, molecular and cell biological processes involved
in susceptibility to cancer and in the initiation and progression of the disease and show how this
knowledge is being translated into improved cancer therapies. The requirement for multiple genetic
changes in the development of a metastatic cancer will be illustrated and the role of tumour
suppressor genes and oncogenes will be described. The role of DNA repair in preventing genome
instability will be discussed and some inherited DNA repair deficiency/ cancer susceptibility
syndromes will be described. Alterations in cell cycle control, in proliferative cell signalling and
cell death pathways in cancer cells will all be covered. Conventional surgical, radiotherapeutic and
chemotherapeutic cancer treatments will be considered and new rational therapies that take into
account both individual and cancer biodiversity will be discussed and illustrated for a number of
major cancers: breast, ovarian, colorectal, lung and melanoma. Molecular profiling of cancers,
identification of novel therapeutic targets, cancer drug development and trials of novel cancer
therapies will all be considered and the use of animal models in cancer research will be discussed.
The course will consist mostly of lectures, with some teacher-led discussions and non-assessed
presentations by students working in groups. Before any student oral presentations there will be a
feedback session on an assessed exercise where individual students will be asked to prepare and
submit a 5-slide Powerpoint presentation on an early topic from the course.
Assessment: 40% ICA, 60% exam.
Course Organiser: Prof David Melton.
Location: Western General Hospital.
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Therapeutics
Biomedical
Sciences
1 Thur am
& pm &
Fri am
25
Description: Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics will focus primarily on drugs used in
the treatment of cardiovascular disease, both current drug classes and those in development. The
aim is to understand how these drugs work and where new development is required. The course
will introduce the basics of vascular biology, including a practical class on function of the vascular
endothelium; as well as blood pressure control and the kidney, and mechanisms of angiogenesis.
The course will then cover the major cardiovascular diseases, including the role of the endothelium
in protection against vascular disease, antioxidants, and the the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis that
can result in thrombosis, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. The course will also address the
potential for new treatments to reduce injury associated with MI and to treat heart failure. Non-
drug related therapeutics, such as stem cells and microRNAs will also be covered within these
topics. The course will be taught as a combination of traditional lectures and linked tutorials based
on analysis of original research papers. Students will be expected to contribute to tutorial sessions
and will be required to make presentations to their classmates related to the themes of the course.
The teachers on this course are drawn from a variety of backgrounds, mostly active researchers and
clinicians from the Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Little France.
Requirements: Required Pharmacology 3 (BIME09003) and either Biomedical Sciences 3
(BIME08007) or enrolment on BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences. Physiology 3 (BIME09004)
recommended.
Assessment: 20% ICA and 100% exam.
Course Organiser: Dr Gillian Gray.
Location: The majority of teaching will take place in the Chancellors Building at Little France.
BIME10028 Conception to Parturition Biomedical
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
Description: This course aims to give you an understanding from the molecular mechanisms
through the physiology and pathophysiology of conception, contraception, assisted reproduction,
pregnancy and parturition, and reproductive cancers. It will develop your understanding of the
experimental evidence from in vitro, in vivo, animal models and clinical trials. This will be set in
the translational context of clinical issues in the fields of gynaecology, obstetrics, urology and
neonatology.

Summary of learning outcomes:
At completion of this course you will have gained a:
Knowledge of conception, contraception, assisted reproduction, pregnancy and parturition,
and reproductive cancers, from their molecular mechanisms, physiology and
pathophysiology.
Critical understanding of experimental evidence from a wide range of in vitro, in vivo,
animal models and clinical trials.
Knowledge and critical understanding in the translational context of clinical issues in the
field.
Scientific communication skills including oral and poster presentations

Course Organiser: Dr Simon Riley.
Location: Litte France (with occasional lectures at BMTO and WGH).
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BIME10027 Development and Disease Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon&
Tue pm
25
Description: Students on this course will learn about the ways that organisms develop from early
embryos into mature adults and how this can go wrong, causing developmental disease. Detailed
content of this course will vary from year to year. Students will learn how to critically evaluate and
present research papers to their peers. Specific topics will be chosen that cover recent research
described in the primary scientific literature. Examples of potential topics include: cancer (e.g.
medulloblastoma, colon cancer), premature ovarian failure, neurodevelopmental disorders,
heparanopathies and aniridia. Introductory lectures will explain the background to each topic and
give students the information they need to understand the research papers. Typically, students
would then read 2-3 papers related to the topic, which would be discussed in a seminar format,
likely involving student presentations. Students will be expected to read around the topics, reading
original research papers and reviews. Emphasis will be placed on understanding themes that
underpin and link the various topics. These may include the advantages and disadvantages of
various experimental approaches, the strengths and weaknesses of different animal models, and
how specific types of effectors (e.g. signalling molecules and transcription factors) underlie
multiple developmental mechanisms and disease states.
Course Organiser: Dr John Mason.
Neuroscience
Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tues am
25
Description: Knowledge of neural development and the consequences of injury and degenerative
disease is important to investigate potential repair strategies in PNS and CNS. This course
highlights research taking place in Developmental and Clinical Neuroscience: 'Mechanisms to
Man'. A selection of diseases and techniques that are of key importance to neuroscientists will be
covered. Topics to be discussed will include diseases affecting the nervous system such as
Motorneurone diseases, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimers disease. For each topic there will be a
selection of lectures and interactive sessions to discuss the role of models of disease in elucidating
the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology. This information can then be translated to the
clinic to provide novel drug treatment strategies and improved patient care.
Requirements: Mechanisms of Brain Development 3 (BIME09005) and Neuroscience 3
(BIME09012) required.
Course Organiser: Professor Peter Brophy.
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infectious disease
Biomedical
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
Description: Lectures: This course will focus on applied and translational aspects of infectious
disease research. The course emphasises modern research trends for the in diagnostics and
therapeutics which are being developed to improve the detection, prevention and treatment of
infectious disease. This course will cover 4 main themes

Pathogen diagnostics
Challenges of pathogen detection and surveillance
Principles of pathogen diagnostics
Molecular diagnostics for infectious disease
Case study infection diagnostics in the clinic
The role of the host response and biomarkers as a diagnostic tool for infection and disease

Drugs targeting pathogens
Principles, challenges and opportunities of drug therapeutics for infectious disease
Case studies covering:
Viral disease
Bacteria and the antibiotic crisis
Parasitic and fungal disease

Vaccines
Principles of vaccinology
Challenges and opportunities
Case studies covering:
Viral, bacterial and parasitic disease

Immunotherapy for infectious disease
Principles of immune modulation and biologics for the treatment of infectious disease
Manipulating T-cells and dendritic cells
Antibody technologies
Manipulating the immune response for bacterial disease
Manipulating the immune response for viral disease
A series of in-class sessions will be held to provide formative feedback for the summative
assessments of the course.
Requirements: Medical Microbiology 3 (BIME09002) and either Biomedical Sciences 3
(BIME09008) or enrolment on BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences required. Immunology 3
(BILG09007) or Clinical Immunology and Haematology 3 (MSBM09005) recommended.
Course Organiser: Dr Simon Talbot.
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Pharmacology
Biomedical
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
Description: Endocrinology is the study of hormones and how they impact of target organs distinct
and far from their site of origin. This course will cover physiology and pharmacology of adrenal
and gonadal steroids hormones. We will discuss both the conventional and evolving actions
elicited by these hormones and the nature of disease states where their action is aberrant, including
cardiovascular disease (hypertension obesity), reproductive disorders, breast and prostate cancer,
and ageing. Targets for therapeutic intervention (existing and future) will be evaluated. Teaching
methods will include seminars, workshops, discussion and presentation of scientific papers, group
literature exercises.
Requirements: One or more of the following courses are required: Pharmacology 3 (BIME09003)
or Physiology 3 (BIME09004) or Clinical Biochemistry and Endocrinology 3 (MSBM09001)
Assessment: 100% exam.
Course Organiser: Dr Ruth Andrew.
Location: Little France.
BIME10023 Forensic Investigation Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Description: An introduction to forensic medicine and science and the application of techniques
and methods from the biomedical sciences to the investigation of crime and death.
Course Organiser: Dr Tim Squires.
BIME10022 Genetic and Environmental Influences
on Behaviour and Mental Health
Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Description: The course aims to give students an understanding of how genetic and environmental
factors may influence behaviour and cognition with an emphasis on the impact of stress and aging
on mental health. There will be a special focus on how reprogramming of the stress response as a
result of prenatal factors during pregnancy, life experiences and ageing impacts susceptibility to
psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric disorders attributable to chronic stress that will be discussed
include generalised anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, impairment of cognitive
ability, addiction and schizophrenia.
Assessment: 30% ICA 70% exam.
Course Organiser: Dr Pauline Jamieson.
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BIME10021 Global Health and Infectious Diseases Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue am
25
Description: This course is designed to consolidate many of the themes of global health and
infectious diseases that students will have been exposed to in their earlier years at the University of
Edinburgh.
Lectures:
This course will split broadly into five themes:
What is global health?
Epidemiology and surveillance of infectious disease.
Infectious disease in the developing world
The ages of man (and management of infectious disease)?
Global health challenges
The lectures are organised to provide a clear transition from the origin and establishment of
infectious diseases to their management and control.
Utilisation of Learn:
The course will also provide asynchronous support for student via the virtual learning environment
Learn. Students will be encouraged to discuss the lectures and their content on the discussion
boards provided.
Direct contact with course staff will be provided via Learn, formative feed-back, feed-forward and
any assignment queries will be provided here. This allows full transparency for all students with
regards the information provided.
Additional reading and relevant information, as well as up-to-date discussion relating to local,
national and international events of interest will also be presented within this resource. It is hoped
that at the end of this course, students will be aware of the current events and developments within
the sphere of global health and infectious diseases. Ongoing engagement with this information
streams will be encouraged beyond the duration of this course.
Requirements: Medical Microbiology 3 (BIME09002) and either Biomedical Sciences 3
(BIME09008) or enrolment on BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences required.
Course Organiser: Dr Kim Picozzi.
BIME10020 Hormones & Behaviour Biomedical
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
Description: This course focuses on the regulation of reproduction and energy balance. The brain
and the periphery interact in complex neurohormonal networks to control several core, motivated
behaviours like eating, drinking, social and sexual behaviour. These behaviours are essential to life,
share overlapping control systems and common underlying neurophysiological principles. In
addition understanding these systems in health, we will address how these systems are altered in,
for example, obesity. The course will be integrative in nature, highlighting commonalities in
system control of diverse behaviours.
Course Organiser: Professor Mike Ludwig.
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BIME10019 Inflammation Biomedical
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri pm
25
Description: Details of the cellular and molecular basis of inflammatory responses and the
development of inflammatory diseases. Developing an integrated view of inflammatory responses
in terms of cell biology, physiology and pathology, with teaching sessions moderated by both
biomedical and clinical scientists. Examination of the mechanisms underlying control of
inflammation at a molecular and cellular level will provide a background for discussions of the
pathophysiological consequences of inflammatory diseases in specific organs, including the lung,
gastrointestinal tract, and the cardiovascular system.
Requirements: It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Clinical Immunology & Haematology 3A
(MSBM09005) OR Immunology 3 (BILG09007).
Assessment: 30% ICA - 70% exam.
Course Organiser: Professor Ian Dransfield.

Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Description: What has dietary salt got to do with hypertension? How can an ion channel coded by
a single gene have distinct properties and physiological roles? Why is controlling cell volume so
important for normal physiology? How may oxygen and thus energy (ATP) supply be regulated at
the cellular and whole body level?
Questions such as these will be addressed in a course that examines how fundamental cellular and
transport processes are regulated and co-ordinated to control whole organism physiology. Key
concepts will be illustrated with examples drawn from the following topics:
1: Ion transporter control and the regulation of blood pressure
2: Regulation of potassium channels: molecules to maladies
3: Calcium signaling and metabolic control: from cell to system
4: Cell volume control: a key regulator of cell life and death
The roles of pumps, ion channels and cotransporters will be examined, and we will consider how
the diversity and activity of these regulatory elements are affected by posttranscriptional and
posttranslational modifications.
The elective is designed to convey the stimulating atmosphere of cutting edge science with an
emphasis on experimental approaches and evidence - from single molecules, through their
interactions and functional roles in intact organisms, to the insight this provides into diseases and
their treatment. Participants will develop skills in critical evaluation and prcis of scientific studies
and experimental design, and will make scientific presentations to a critical audience.
During the module you will:
become acquainted with key topics through a series of seminars, readings and practical problems.
become familiar with the major experimental methods through a series of seminars and
demonstrations.
critically review, summarise and present original research.
Requirements: Biomedical Sciences 3 (BIME09008) or enrolment on BSc (Hons) Medical
Sciences) and either Physiology 3(BIME09004) or Pharmacology 3 (BIME09003) required.
Course Organiser: Professor Mike Shipston.
Course Administrator: Lisa Ketchion.
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memory
Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue am
25
Description: The course addresses circuit-based approaches to investigate neural mechanisms used
for learning and memory. The course will focus on brain systems used for spatial and episodic
memory. Other memory systems such as those used for motor learning will also be considered.
Classic anatomical, electrophysiological and behavioural approaches will be explored alongside
modern circuit-based techniques including optogenetics, chemical genetics and other genetically
encoded sensors and circuit manipulations.
Requirements: Neuroscience 3 (BIME09012) required. Not to be taken in conjunction with
Neurobiology of Cognition (BIME10010).
Course Organiser: Dr Emma Wood.
BIME10010 Neurobiology of Cognition Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Description: Progress in contemporary neuroscience is beginning to give us a handle on the
network, cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie cognition. This course is intended to
complement the Learning and Memory course of Neuroscience 4, and will cover related but
different material. It will consist of a mixture of lectures and seminars, led by RM with occasional
contributions from colleagues, including Chancellors Fellows, senior postdoctoral staff and guest-
lecturers. Research using both humans and animals will be covered. Key ideas to be covered
include, in Section 1: identifying cognition as a fundamental aspect of brain function; the
importance of innovative new techniques for novel analyses of neural circuits and neural plasticity;
Section 2: the concepts of attention, working-memory and executive function with a digression
into mirror neurons; Section 3: scientific hypotheses such as the idea that activity-dependent
synaptic plasticity (such as LTP and LTD) may play a role in memory, the synaptic tagging and
capture hypothesis of memory persistence, systems consolidation and schemas, and the possibility
of active processes of forgetting; Section 4: social cognition and its disorders, notably
neurodevelopmental disorders, and the need for effective new animal models of neurological
diseases such as Alzheimers. Thus, the course will cover both normal cognitive function, and how
cognition can suffer and might be ameliorated in genetic abnormalities of a neurodevelopmental or
neurodegenerative nature.
Requirements: Neuroscience 3 (BIME09012) required. Not to be taken in conjunction with Neural
Circuits for Learning and Memory (BIME10011).
Course Organiser: Professor Richard Morris.
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Biomedical
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri am
25
Description: In modern societies, the increase in life expectancy is accompanied by an increased
risk of aging-associated diseases such as obesity, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. These
diseases pose enormous challenges in terms of life quality and economic burden so that it has
become an urgent need for societies to address these health concerns. In an attempt to prevent or
effectively treat these disorders, research interest in defining the molecular mechanisms underlying
these diseases has been particularly intense. We will consider how studies on a variety of animal
models have contributed to our growing understanding of the molecular basis of these diseases. In
presenting the cellular processes that are disrupted in neurodegenerative disorders, obesity and
cancer, particular emphasis will be given to molecular commonalities existing between these
diseases, which, at a first glance, seem to have very little in common. We will also critically
evaluate the advantages and pitfalls of every model system and the importance of using a variety of
different models to gain a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the
pathogenesis of a given disease. This course will also highlight how the generation of disease
models has made possible high-throughput genetic screens and large-scale proteomic and
transcriptomic profiling both in health and disease states. Finally, we will discuss how
computational analysis and experimental validation of these large data sets can lead to the
identification of a large number of new disease-related genes and, possibly, to the development of
innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Course Organiser: Dr Giusy Pennetta.
BIME10009 Neuroimaging Biomedic
al
Sciences
1 Mon & Tue pm
N.B. this course is
almost exclusively
delivered through
online methods.
Timetable allocation
refers to limited staff
contact sessions.
25
Description: Neuroimaging is burgeoning due to neurological, neurosurgical and
neuropsychological advances, which require increasingly sophisticated imaging techniques. As
well, the technology which allows the neural axis to be imaged is rapidly advancing, as are post-
processing and image analysis techniques. The scope of neuroimaging applications range from
laboratory-type research, through translational medicine, clinical application, physics and
engineering, mathematics and statistics, as well as informatics and computing sciences. This course
will introduce students to cutting edge neuroimaging basic sciences, techniques, applications in
research and clinical situations, neuroanatomy, safety issues and practical applications.
Course Organiser: Dr Andrew Farrall.
Location: INITIAL STAFF CONTACT SESSION IN WGH/CENTRAL. THIS COURSE
WILL BE DELIVERED ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE AND MAKE EXTENSIVE
USE OF LEARN AND ONLINE DISCUSSION FORA.
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BIME10008 Neurotransmitters In Action Biomedical
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri pm
25
Description: Knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie excitatory and
inhibitory synaptic transmission is fundamental to our understanding of the function of the nervous
system in health and disease. Through the evaluation of complementary experimental and
quantitative approaches this course addresses the physiological, pharmacological and molecular
biological mechanisms that relate to pre- and post-synaptic actions of neurotransmitters. Ligand-
gated and metabotropic receptor function will be analysed in terms of receptor structure/function
relationships; the dependent intracellular signalling pathways; the modulation of ion channels
involved in regulating neuronal excitability; and the mechanisms by which neurotransmitters
modulate either their own release or that of other neurotransmitters.
Requirements: Biomedical Sciences 3 (BIME09008) or enrolment on BSc (Hons) Medical
Sciences. Pharmacology 3 (BIME09003) or Physiology 3 (BIME09004) or Neuroscience 3
(BIME09012) recommended.
Course Organiser: Dr Mandy Jackson.
BIME10007 Receptors, signalling and regulation of
cell responsiveness
Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Description: Receptor-mediated signal transduction is a key process through which extracellular
molecules such as neurotransmitters, hormones, growth factors exert controlling influences on
receptive cells. A wide variety of ligands, receptor types and intracellular signals allows pleiotropic
control of physiological, metabolic and neural activity.
The integration of positive and negative influences underpins normal systems function but
intracellular signals can crucially also drive alterations in cellular responsiveness to allow for
adaptive physiological responses in the nervous system and peripheral tissues. Dysfunction in these
processes can underlie pathology, so targeting the molecules and molecular interactions involved is
the core theme of many pharmacological therapeutic strategies.
The content will focus on the properties and influences of G protein-coupled receptors but will
include other receptor types where relevant. We will investigate structure and function, signal
transduction and downstream pathways, protein:protein interactions, endocytosis and recycling and
newly discovered areas of signalling. We will then focus on related mechanisms such as
phosphorylation, protein docking and trafficking, effects on transcription and translation and how
these bring about plasticity of responsiveness in normal and pathological conditions in both
neurons and examples of peripheral cell types. We will further evaluate whether specific molecular
interactions in these processes could represent targets for novel pharmacological agents to treat
unmet therapeutic needs.
The course will consist of a mixture of lectures and seminars, with focused workshop/debate and
tutorial sessions. The in-course assessment will involve a short Powerpoint presentation of a
relevant research paper (10% of total mark) and a succinct written analysis of a recent Trends-
type review article (10% of total mark).
Requirements: It is recommended but not essential that students have passed Biomedical Sciences
3 (BIME09008) or enrolment on BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences..
Course Organiser: Professor Sue Fleetwood-Walker.
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BIME10017 Regenerative Medicine Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue am
25
Description: Regenerative Medicine seeks to harness both the intrinsic developmental programs
by which the tissues and organs of the body are laid down, as well as the capacity of the body to
repair and regenerate its own tissues, to provide solutions to the problems of degenerative
diseases. These solutions may concern direct tissue replacement, indirect mechanisms to
ameliorate disease or enhance intrinsic tissue repair, or the development of pharmaceutical
therapies.
The purpose of the course is to provide a basic grounding in the principles and practice of
regenerative medicine, largely for an audience who will be the clinical and laboratory scientists
involved in production and delivery of these therapeutics. The course will introduce the concepts
of regenerative medicine, the nature of stem cells of different types, their current use in medicine
and the prospects for their future use in medicine, veterinary medicine and the healthcare and
pharmaceutical industries. It will cover the production of lines of multipotent and pluripotent stem
cells, the conditions necessary to induce their differentiation into specific lineages and cell types,
and the applications of these clinically and commercially. In terms of the clinical applications,
aspects of inherited or acquired diseases will be covered, that are, or in the future could be, treated
by stem cell therapies. For commercial applications, the use of stem cell derived artificial organs in
screening other therapeutics will be addressed. The course will describe practical aspects of cell
culture and molecular assays relevant to the field of stem cell biology, and will cover aspects of
quality control and quality assurance necessary for the adequate delivery of stem cell based
therapies within current legislative frameworks.
Course Organiser: Dr Paul Travers.
Location: Little France.
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BIME10006 Reproductive Systems Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue am
25
Description: This course aims to provide an overview of male and female gametes and gonads,
incorporating the latest research in ovarian and testis biology, and examines in detail the various
mechanisms controlling gonadal function and the wider reproductive system, together with an
overview of pathology and male reproductive cancers.

Summary of learning outcomes:
The lectures and group sessions in this course provide a detailed background into the fundamental
processes that underpin the varied events occurring in reproductive tissues, together with an in
depth insight into gonadal development and function. By the end of the course you will be able to:

Describe the cellular, molecular and biochemical basis of the fundamental control
mechanisms in reproductive systems.
Explain, compare and contrast the similarities and differences between reproductive
control mechanisms in males and females.
Critically evaluate the importance of particular molecular and biochemical processes and
how dysfunction in these may lead to disease, infertility or reproductive failure.
Critically review literature in male and female gonadal development.
Understand outstanding research questions in the field and to consider experimental
approaches to tackle them.
Make connections between basic research and clinical applications in this field.
Work effectively as a team.
Requirements: One of Physiology 3 (BIME09004), Pharmacology 3 (BIME09003) or Clinical
Biochemistry & Endocrinology 3 (MSBM09001) recommended.
Course Organiser: Professor Evelyn Telfer.
Location: Little France/Central.
BIME10015 Science Communication Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tues pm
25
Description: It is becoming increasingly important to engage non-specialist audiences with
scientific research in order to maximise the impact and benefits of the research for a diverse range
of stakeholders e.g. businesses, public services, the school education system, policy makers and
also to engage the media effectively. This course introduces students to key principles for
engaging with non-specialist audiences and explores a range of methodologies to enable this
engagement. The focus for the student will be the exemplification of an area of School of
Biomedical Sciences research.
The course combines theory and practical experience and is delivered by a range of practitioners
including the course organisers. The course explores the development of science communication
as a practice, introduces the student to key principles, explores the relationship between science
and the media, and the importance of evaluation of engagement practice. The student is supported
in the development of key skills through practice experience.
In addition to in-course practical experience, students will complete a one-day, Science
Communication Task, in which they are placed with a science communication practitioner within
the university to gain experience by assisting with a public event or task, e.g. a school workshop,
shadowing in the press office, or science writing.
Course Organiser: Dr Elizabeth Stevenson.
Location: Central.
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BIME10014 Sensory Physiology and Dysfunction Biomedical
Sciences
1 Thur &
Fri pm
25
Description: This is a senior honours course which explores the development, function and
pathophysiology of sensory systems. From the molecular basis of sensory transduction to systems
level sensory integration, this course encompasses the wide range of sensory mechanisms that are
essential in order to perceive and interact with our environment. To critically appreciate in detail
the complexity of sensory systems we will focus on three main research themes; mechanosensation
and hearing, pain and vestibular function. The mechanosensation theme will introduce molecular
mechanisms of mechanosensory transduction in hearing and proprioception in different model
systems and explore current research approaches to investigate these mechanisms. We shall then
concentrate on hearing by looking at the physiology of inner ear hair cells and their dysfunction in
deafness, and then how basic research on the control of hair cell development might inform
regenerative medicine strategies for therapeutic intervention to reverse deafness. The pain theme
will a) introduce the transduction apparatus and neural pathways that mediate pain; b) explore the
plasticity that can occur within pain pathways that leads to debilitating chronic pain conditions and
how these manifest in the clinic; c) discuss the challenges in translating basic pain research to the
clinic and d) outline how this system develops and the consequences for somatosensation in the
newborn. Thevestibular theme will discuss the organisation and function of hair cell
mechanoreceptors in the vestibular system of the inner ear; their role in signalling head orientation
and movement; the organisation of the brainstem networks that mediate vestibular reflexes, and the
mechanisms of neuronal and synaptic plasticity which bring about recovery of function after
damage to the inner ear (vestibular compensation).
Course Organiser: Dr Carole Torsney.
Location: Central.
BIME10013 Social and Ethical Aspects of Medicine Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Description: This course provides aims to develop students understanding of the social aspects and
ethical dimensions of medicine. We shall examine how issues of life and death are shaped by
contemporary medicine and biotechnology, and their implications for individual patients, their
families and society at large. We will also study ethical principles significant for relationships
between patients and healthcare professionals in the context of an increasingly diverse society.
Specific areas of interest include reproductive medicine, care for patients with chronic illness, end
of life care, genetics and biotechnology, medical research, and issues of social justice and global
health.
Course Organiser: Dr Judith Sim.
Location: Central.
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BIME10012 Synaptic Function and Plasticity in
Health and Disease
Biomedical
Sciences
1 Mon &
Tue pm
25
Description: Synapses are essential for brain function by allowing communication between
neurons. The efficacy of this communication is adjusted by a complex series of processes
collectively termed synaptic plasticity. Plasticity is both critically involved in normal brain
development and underlies learning and memory throughout life. Alterations in normal synaptic
function and plasticity have been implicated in a wide variety of neurological conditions. This
course will start with introductory lectures focussing on pre- and postsynaptic function and the
molecular mechanisms involved in plasticity at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. This will
be followed by more detailed lectures including explanation of the latest experimental techniques
being used to elucidate these mechanisms. These lectures will alternate with student presentations
of recent research papers in the subject area. Finally we will use specific examples to explain how
synaptic dysfunction can lead to neurological conditions, such as autism and schizophrenia, and
study the experimental approaches and model systems currently being used to design clinical
treatments.
Course Organiser: Dr Michael Daw.
Location: Central.

47

Biological Sciences Elective Courses
List of elective courses organised by course title.

Class
EVBI10007 Evolutionary Medicine of
Infectious Disease
EvolBiol 1 Tue pm
Description: The overarching theme of this course would be to examine how evolution can directly
pose a threat to human and animal health. In particular we would address infectious diseases
where the agent is evolving sufficiently rapdiley that we can observe evolution in action over
timescales sort enough to have direct public health consequences through changes in virulence,
drug resistance, infectiousness, pathology or epidemiology.
Requirements: Permission of the Curriculum Approval Officer. Evolution in Action 2 is
recommended.
GENE10004 Genetics of Host-Parasite
Interactions
Genetics 1 Mon pm 20
Description: Protozoan parasites are responsible for some of the greatest burdens in infectious
disease in humans and animals. Two groups of these parasites are the malaria parasites and the
trypanosomes. We will be discussing fundamental genetic and molecular aspects of these
organisms in a way that also relates to the biology and disease burdens inflicted by the parasites.
The module is organised in pairs of sessions, one of which involves an introductory lecture and the
second of which involves presentations and discussion by the students of research literature on the
topic of a session. One session pair will concern the effects of malaria on the human host and the
results of selection by these parasites on the genetic constitution of human populations. Another
will concern the evidence which comes from the genetic and the molecular genetic analysis of
malaria parasites and their human hosts concerning the evolution of human malaria parasites.
There will be a session pair which addresses the genetics and population genetics of malaria
parasites with particular reference to the origin and spread of resistance of the parasites to
antimalarial drugs. There will be sessions on the interactions between trypanosomes and their
hosts. The last two weeks of the module are without classes and have been kept free for students to
continue study on the material of the module.
Requirements: Permission of the Curriculum Approval Officer. A background in Molecular
Genetics or Genetics is recommended.
ZLGY10015 Parasitic Diseases of Public
Health Importance
Zoology 1 Thurs pm 25
Description: This course will discuss various aspects of parasitic diseases and public health,
including epidemiology, diagnosis, eradication, drug therapy, vaccination and primary healthcare
programmes in developing countries. Pathogens discussed include examples of waterborne and
zoonotic infections, eg. cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, toxoplasmosis, echinococcosis,
trypanosomiasis, scabies and the Scottish midge. Course Leader: Lee Innes.
Requirements: Permission of the Curriculum Approval Officer. Normally Parasite Biology 3 is
required or concurrent attendance at Animal Evolution.
48

Class
IMMU10013 Th2 in Immunity, Allergy and
Health
Immunol 1 Fri am 25
Description: The dichotomy of T cell responses into Th1 and Th2 remains a major paradigm in
immunology, despite the appearance of multiple other T cell subsets. This unit will focus on the
development and functions of the Th2 arm, which is uniquely responsible for a suite of essential
immune defences (eg against helminth parasites), but also associated with specific pathologies (eg
allergy) as well as body maintenance functions (wound healing and metabolism). By studying
Th2, we can readily illustrate and understand the regulation and balance within the immune system
that dictates when different modes of immunity are selected or repressed, thereby leading to better
therapies for infection or immune dysfunction.
A further fascinating aspect of this topic is the complementarity between the innate and adaptive
immune systems, particularly with the recent definition of innate lymphoid cells which mirror the
functions of Th2 cells. Moreover, there is a important set of "Type 2" innate effector cells,
including eosinophils, basophils and alternatively activated macrophages, which are involved in
both the induction of Th2 response but also in executing effector functions downstream of Th2
signals. These cells are also intimately linked with wound healing and the response to injury, as
well as maintaining optimal metabolic status, because Th1/Th2 imbalance is associated with
various forms of physiological malfunctions such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
The module will include both lectures and analysis of the primary literature. The course will start
with lectures on the basic differentiaton and function of Th2 cells, as well as an overview of the
innate Type 2 populations, together with an evolutionary perspective of the Th2 arm of immunity.
Following sessions will be a combination of lectures focussing on specific themes and discussion
of the primary literature. Topics covered will include immunity to helminths, the development of
allergy, modes of regulation of the Th2 response, and the role of the Type 2 response in wound
healing and metabolism. Review of the primary literature will be in the form of presentations and
question-and-answer sessions. Students will be expected to read the papers in advance and actively
engage in an analysis of the papers findings.
Requirements: Permission of the Curriculum Approval Officer. Immunology 3. Recommended:
Clinical Immunology and Haematology 3B.

BSC Biomedical Sciences Honours Guide 2014 2015

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