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Diabetes - Genes to Environment

Module description

This module aims to provide you with specialised knowledge and critical understanding of one of the most pressing global health challenges - Diabetes. You will explore the genetic and environmental factors influencing the onset and progression of diabetes, along with the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. You will learn about the genetic basis of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, the impact of lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and socioeconomic status. The module also emphasises prevention strategies, public health interventions, and current diagnostic and treatment approaches. This module will equip you with the skills for careers in research, healthcare, public health, biotechnology, and policymaking, preparing graduates to tackle chronic diseases and improve global health outcomes.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The main objective of the module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of diabetes, a growing global health issue influenced by genetic, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. You will explore the biological mechanisms of diabetes, including insulin function, glucose metabolism, and insulin resistance, as well as the genetic basis of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The influence of environmental factors such as diet, physical activity, obesity, viral infections, and socioeconomic status on diabetes risk will also be examined.  The module adopts a research-inspired and inquiry-led approach to learning, encouraging you to engage with the latest scientific discoveries and advancements in diabetes research. You will also explore public health strategies for diabetes prevention and management, bridging evidence-based practices with real-world applications. The module includes innovative assessments designed to enhance both academic and professional skills. Assessment will take the form of a graphical abstract and case study report. Competencies from this module enhances employability, preparing you for careers in healthcare, biomedical research, public health, and policymaking.

Graduate attributes: as part of this module, you will develop the key employability skills of problem-solving, adaptability, and evidence-based decision-making skills.

The module aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily: SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), by promoting knowledge of physiology and healthy living. It also supports SDG 2: (Zero Hunger), as well as SDG 4: (Quality Education). Additionally, the module contributes to SDG 10: (Reduced Inequalities).

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. To describe the molecular and cellular processes underlying insulin function and glucose regulation.
• 2. To outline the genetic variants and risk factors associated with diabetes.
• 3. Evaluate the role of environmental factors, such as viruses and lifestyle in diabetes development.
• 4. To explain current and emerging treatment options for type 1 and type 2 diabetes
• 5. Critically assess diabetes prevention and intervention strategies from both clinical and public health perspectives.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Expertise in explaining cellular signalling pathways involved in disease processes.
• 7. Ability to identify and interpret genetic variants associated with diseases using genomic data.
• 8. Expertise in evaluating the role of external factors (e.g., viruses, nutrition, physical activity) in disease development.
• 9. Ability to critically appraise emerging treatments, including biotechnological advances (e.g., stem cell therapy, gene editing, or wearable technology).
• 10. Competence in designing and evaluating disease prevention strategies, applying clinical and public health principles, and addressing health disparities to reduce inequalities in management.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 11. Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate scientific findings in written and graphical formats to diverse audiences.
• 12. Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and interpret genetic, environmental, and clinical data to inform evidence-based prevention, treatment, and intervention strategies.
• 13. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Ability to identify challenges and propose innovative solutions by applying scientific and clinical knowledge to real-world scenarios like public health initiatives and treatment plans.
• 14. Adaptability and lifelong learning: Staying current with advances in treatments, technologies, and public health approaches.

Syllabus plan

Learning will take place through a combination of lectures and interactive workshops, adopting a research-inspired and inquiry-led approach.

1. An introductory overview of diabetes, a major global health issue influenced by genetic, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors.
2. You will explore the biological mechanisms of diabetes, including insulin function, glucose metabolism, and insulin resistance, as well as the genetic basis of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
3. The role of environmental factors such as diet, physical activity, obesity, viral infections, and socioeconomic status will also be examined.
4. You will engage with the latest scientific advancements in diabetes research, critically evaluating evidence and exploring public health strategies for prevention and management.

Accessibility Statement:

As part of this module, you will undertake workshop sessions that are of 2 hrs in duration. Breaks are possible, and students are able to leave the teaching space for short periods. These workshop sessions will be undertaken in pairs or small groups, with students contributing to associated group discussions.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• Module ELE page containing formative quizzes and access to on-line learning resources

Key words search

Diabetes, Insulin, Glucose regulation, Insulin resistance, Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, Islet, Genetic factors, Molecular mechanisms, Cellular processes, Lifestyle factors, Diet, Physical activity, Socioeconomic status, Environmental influences, Risk factors, Public health, Prevention strategies, Treatment options, Emerging therapies, Diagnostic tools, Health disparities, Epidemiology, Public health interventions, Disease progression, Scientific communication, Clinical practice