Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module aims to provide an introduction to clinical aspects of diabetes mellitus and its complications, based on an understanding of the underlying basic metabolic control processes, and to build knowledge and understanding of diabetes care and research, including an increased awareness of the clinical research tools available for the study of the disease and its complications.

Outline Of Syllabus

The taught component of the module is delivered through lectures, seminars and practical sessions. The topics covered include: the genetics of diabetes; genetic epidemiology, bioinformatics and epigenetics; glucose and lipid metabolism in the fed and fasted state and their perturbation in diabetes; biochemical mechanisms of insulin secretion; insulin resistance; exercise in diabetes; prevention of type 2 diabetes at the population and individual level; prediction of type 1 diabetes and treatment by immunotherapeutic intervention; transplantation and regenerative medicine approaches for diabetes; factors contributing to the development of complications in diabetes; liver disease in diabetes; designing, monitoring and conducting clinical trials; the use of technology in diabetes care.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module students should be able to:

• provide a broad overview of diabetes mellitus as a clinical disease;
• list and explain the biochemical and physiological basis of the pathophysiological and metabolic changes occurring in diabetes;
• give examples of genetic factors that influence the development of diabetes and discuss how the functional effects of these genetic differences may contribute to disease aetiology;
• explain in detail the normal physiology and metabolism relevant to diabetes;
• give an account of the development of potential population and individual strategies to prevent diabetes, and discuss the most recent advances in these areas;
• explain and evaluate critically clinical research methods used in diabetes research;
• identify factors important in the design of studies testing new diabetes therapies and explain their relevance;
• propose, with justification and explanation, the design of a diabetes clinical trial.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the module, students should be able to:

• critically appraise, interpret and evaluate clinical trials in diabetes;
• assess relevant literature and place it in context of their existing knowledge;
• present and evaluate diabetes research study.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The interactive small group teaching and lectures will provide the students with current specialist knowledge on which to build in independent learning. The seminars will encourage students to reflect and question individually and in groups providing a basis for critical appraisal, innovative thinking about diabetes and study design. All of these activities relate directly to the learning outcomes above.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written in-course essay will test the student's knowledge base gained through the lecture content provided in the module and will test their comprehension of additional reading and their ability to discuss the subject critically.

The summative oral presentation based on appraisal of scientific literature tests application of knowledge, understanding and ability to critically assess and interpret scientific work. These activities will also assess generic skills of written and oral communication and presentation.

The formative group presentation is run to help students understand how to critically appraise and interpret clinical research.

General Notes

N/A