MMB8035 : Diabetes
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Catherine Arden
- Lecturer: Miss Alison Barnes, Professor Roy Taylor, Professor Quentin Anstee, Dr Nicola Leech, Prof. Sally Marshall, Prof. Mark Walker, Dr Jolanta Weaver, Dr Daniel West, Professor James Shaw, Prof. Philip Home
- Owning School: FMS Graduate School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
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 an fasted state and their perturbation in diabetes; biochemical mechanisms of insulin secretion; insulin resistance; assessment of beta cell function; 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; vascular studies in diabetes; liver disease in diabetes; designing, monitoring and conducting clinical trials; the use of technology in diabetes care.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Synchronous online lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 55:00 | 55:00 | Preparing for presentation and examination |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | Present in person (PIP): Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Present in person (PIP): Practical Sessions on insulin resistance measurements |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Present in person (PIP): Seminars in small groups |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 4:00 | 4:00 | Present in person: Oral assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Present in person (PIP): Group oral presentations on clinical trial design |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 33:00 | 33:00 | Additional reading and reflective learning |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 85:00 | 85:00 | Preparing notes from lectures and additional reading |
| Total | 200:00 |
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. The practical sessions will provide opportunity to observe and discuss specific clinical research methodologies and to interpret data. All of these activities relate directly to the learning outcomes above.
Should public health circumstances dictate that it is necessary, in person sessions will be moved to online alternatives.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 60 | Present in person Examination: One hour paper with a choice of 3 essay questions. Students will answer one questions only |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 40 | Present in person Individual Presentation: 10 minutes & 5 for questions on a current paper in diabetes research |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | Present in person Group Presentation 10 mins plus 5 mins Q & A |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The exam will test the student’s knowledge base, comprehension and ability to discuss the subject critically.
The 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 design a clinical trial.
Should public health circumstances dictate that an invigilated exam is not possible an alternative online assessment (24 hour open book) will be provided. The presentations will also be moved to an online alternative.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8035's Timetable