BMS3042 - Biomedical basis of disease 2

Leader: Dr Richard Kitching (Medicine MMC)

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit (with BMS3011) will concentrate on the pathobiological and biomedical basis of important human disease processes. Areas examined in this unit include immune and inflammatory diseases, (eg inflammatory renal and joint disease); cancer biology (focussing on mechanisms of tumour spread and tumour immunology); and cardiovascular biology, (coronary artery disease). Disease pathogenesis, including lessons gained from cell/molecular biology and disease models will be the major focus. To provide context and breadth other aspects of disease will be covered with varying emphasis, including epidemiological/clinical features of disease, current treatments and future treatment prospects.

Objectives

To place understanding of biomedical processes in the context of the current understanding of the pathogenesis (and to a lesser degree) treatment of human disease. To provide a valid context for the understanding of biological processes gained in core units of years one and two of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree.
By Studying and understanding relevant examples of human disease in the areas of immune/inflammatory injury, malignant disease and cardiovascular disease:

1. to understand how the study of pathobiological processes relates to disease;
2. understand how experimental medicine, including cell biology, animal models of disease and human studies are important in defining the pathogenesis of disease and optimal treatment of disease;
3. appreciate how clinical features, epidemiological context, diagnosis and treatment (including pharmacological therapies) are relevant to disease;
4. following from objectives 1 to 3, be able to identify current inadequacies in knowledge and future challenges in disease pathogenesis and treatment by examining the biomedical literature;
5. understand the basic features and workings of the immune system with particular reference to injurious immune responses, and cancer;
6. understand the impact disease may have on the individual and society;
7. develop skills in team work, communication and practical aspects of biomedical research; and
8. further develop skills in assessing, summarizing and placing biomedical research in context.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 63%
satisfactory attendance and participation in seminars 2%
Group seminar: 20%
Research experience, including editorial writing: 15%

Contact hours

6 hours per week plus 6 hours private study per week

Prerequisites

BMS2011, BMS2021, BMS2031, BMS2052