BMD1004 : Therapeutic Mechanisms (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Lindsey Ferrie
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Sarah Judge
- Lecturer: Professor Gareth Veal, Dr Luke Gaughan, Dr Christina Elliott, Dr Harley Stevenson-Cocks
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module aims to:
Provide students with an understanding of the targets and mechanisms underlying various therapeutic approaches and treatments.
Introduce students to the process of therapeutic discovery and development
Provide students with an understanding of the ethical and safety considerations for various therapeutic approaches and treatments.
Explore the inter- and intra-individual differences in response to therapeutic agents by developing students understanding of the key principles of Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics (PD/PK).
Outline Of Syllabus
This module will cover fundamental topics such as:
Therapeutic discovery and development
Types of therapeutic agents
Principles of Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics
Lifestyle and Alternative therapeutics
Ethics
Safety / Toxicity / Risk Assessment
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Module core knowledge lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 79:00 | 79:00 | Preparation for in-course and summative examinations and coursework, including completion of pre/post-practical quizzes to consolidate learning |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 3:00 | 9:00 | Two laboratory and one computer based. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 7 | 1:00 | 7:00 | Seminars and post-practical seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Case study seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 79:00 | 79:00 | Writing up lecture notes and general reading |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures provide the students with the fundamental theoretical knowledge and information to support the learning outcomes of the module.
Seminars will encourage students to develop their understanding of the subject matter and interpersonal communication skills. They provide an opportunity for students to ask questions, exchange ideas and work in a small group (team) setting. Post-practical seminars will provide opportunities to consolidate critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills.
Workshops will provide skills training and assessment guidance. Workshops foster active learning, collaboration, and critical thinking. It bridges theory and practice by engaging students in problem-solving, discussions, and hands-on activities, enhancing understanding and retention while developing teamwork and communication skills.
Practicals will provide experience and skill development in recording and analysing biological data to support the core knowledge, as well as carrying out scientific calculations, data analysis and interpretation. Principles of good laboratory practice and adherence to health and safety procedures will be reinforced. Practicals also provide opportunities for students to ask questions and exchange ideas with peers, demonstrators and academic staff in a more informal setting.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 60 | Closed book, Inspera invigilated exam, quiz-style questions (max 100) |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 40 | Therapeutic mechanism interpretation exercise 4-5 SAQs (800 words max) |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 2 | M | Online timed (45 mins) Inspera exam, quiz-style questions (max 50) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The end-of-module examination assesses knowledge and understanding of course material. KO: 1-5, SO: 1-2.
The formative in-course assessment will familiarise students with the format of the end-of-module exam and help students assess their knowledge and understanding of course material. KO: 1-5, SO: 1-2.
Therapeutic mechanism interpretation exercise: this assesses a students’ ability to analyse quantitative/qualitative data using appropriate methods and draw scientifically valid conclusions. It will provide the students with an opportunity to consolidate their understanding of a subject area, demonstrate critical thinking and application of knowledge. KO: 1-3, SO: 1-3.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMD1004's Timetable