Aims

To provide an understanding at the molecular level of (1) aspects of the normal physiology and diseases of the aerodigestive tract and (2) connective tissue and proteoglycans in health and disease.

To provide knowledge of how reflux of gastric and duodenal juice, a normal physiological event can under certain conditions lead to damage of the aerodigestive tract.

This strand will provide an excellent understanding at a molecular level of structure-function relationships involving proteoglycans, e.g. connective tissue function, and how this changes in disease, in particular osteoarthritis, malaria and cancer cell migration.

Outline Of Syllabus

Students will learn about: the relationships between acid and pepsin production by the stomach, reflux and diseases of the aerodigestive tract, such as GORD, LPR, sinusitis, rhinitis, asthma, vocal fold leukoplakia, laryngomalacia and OME. In addition, they will discuss the experimental evidence for a link between the reflux of gastric juice and lung transplant rejection and the molecular mechanisms for the development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. The mechanisms of other aerodigestive diseases associated with reflux will be investigated. As an example, the link between COVID19 and reflux. As a second molecular theme the students will learn about the structure and functions of cartilage and proteoglycans and the changes that occur in these components in osteoarthritis. They will also learn about the cellular functions of proteoglycans in other tissues.

Themes:

Pepsin isoenzymes, bile acids and acids as inflammatory mediators, mucosal protection of different mucosal types.
Human diseases related to reflux. Connective tissues/proteoglycans. Osteoarthritis. Functions of proteoglycans and related diseases and their roles in malaria.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures convey the core scientific content and an indication of the scope of the course as a basis for guided independent study. Small group teaching encourages increased understanding of the material, provides opportunity for discussion, problem solving and aids the development of critical skills. The practical provides experience in relevant laboratory skills and practical demonstrations to support the core material, provide experience in computer-based presentation skills, and places basic scientific knowledge in a clinical context. The written assessments encourage use of the scientific literature at a deeper level than that presented in lectures promoting scientific discrimination of the literature, individual creative work and opportunities to teach and learn through collective study.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The end of semester examination assess knowledge and understanding of the course material and the ability to work under time limited conditions.

The in-course essay promotes revision, deeper learning and scientific discrimination of the literature, and provides an opportunity to consolidate knowledge and identify areas of weakness in learning and teaching and provides writing practice to support the end of module exam.

The practical report tests critical analysis skills, problem-solving, data interpretation, computer-based presentation skills and written communication skills.