Biochemical Analyses in Human Physiology
| Module title | Biochemical Analyses in Human Physiology |
|---|---|
| Module code | SHSM052 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 5 | 7 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Module description
Primary outcomes from health research trials are often underpinned by biochemical pathways. Authors use analytical techniques of biological specimens to justify their findings, adding credibility for publication.
Set against a miniseries of lectures that explore key pathways associated with human musculoskeletal function, you will learn some of the more commonly used wet-lab techniques in hands-on laboratory classes.
This module is suitable for students who are interested in broadening their understanding in human physiology and gaining applied laboratory skills. It is intended for students who have no prior experience in an analytical laboratory techniques but will also augment the skillsets of students with a background in biosciences.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module will enhance understanding of biochemical principles that underpin healthy skeletal muscle function. You will have the opportunity to perform first hand the laboratory analyses used in human physiology research. You will learn skills that are sought after by employers, and which will endow you with the confidence to pursue a career in human physiology research and development
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Develop an advanced understanding in biochemical pathways.
- 2. Demonstrate expertise in blood collection, handling and analysis.
- 3. Acquire key laboratory wet-lab skills in human physiology research
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Interpret information and apply to theoretical understanding.
- 5. Demonstrate comprehension and relate processes in report writing.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Build confidence in a range of wet lab processes.
- 7. Develop good laboratory practice, that will transfer to any analytical facility.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
Key lectures will cover the biochemical pathways that relate analytical techniques to primary outcomes in human physiology research.
Syllabus content may cover some of the following topics:
- Wet laboratory techniques
- Venepuncture and blood analyses
- Enzyme immunoassay
- Cryosection and histochemical staining of muscle
- Western blot protein detection
- Microscope image acquisition
- Introduction to ImageJ for image processing
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 39 | 261 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 39 | Lectures and laboratory practicals |
| Guided Independent Study | 75 | Preparation for assessments |
| Guided Independent Study | 186 | Preparation through reading and ELE tasks |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation of a laboratory report | 500 words | All | Written and oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory report | 100 | 1500 words | All | Written and a drop-in session |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory report (100%), 1500 words | Lab Report | All | August ref-def period |
Re-assessment notes
Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: https://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Laboratory Techniques in Cellular and Molecular Medicine. editors, Khushboo Agrawal [and others] 1st edition, 2021. https://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb4817309
- Venepuncture and cannulation [electronic resource] : a practical guide / Nicola Brooks. 2014. https://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb3513646
- Inflammation and Skeletal Muscle Regeneration: Leave It to the Macrophages! Bénédicte Chazaud. 2020.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE – Faculty to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Mitochondrial Pathways and Respiratory Control. An Introduction to OXPHOS Analysis. Erich Gnaiger 2020. https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/e/ec/BEC_2020.2_doi10.26124bec2020-0002.pdf
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 21/04/2023 |
| Last revision date | 06/06/2023 |
