MMB8035 : Diabetes
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Professor Mark Walker
- Lecturer: Dr Djordje Jakovljevic, Professor Roy Taylor, Dr Linda Penn, Professor James Shaw, Dr Kelly Bowden Davies, Dr Nicola Leech, Professor Quentin Anstee, Professor Loranne Agius, Dr Jolanta Weaver, Prof. Sally Marshall, Dr Catherine Arden, 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 and epigenetics; glucose and lipid metabolism in the fed an fasted state and their perturbation in diabetes insulin signalling and metabolic regulation; biochemical mechanisms of insulin secretion; insulin resistance; assessment of beta cell function; assessment of physical activity and fitness; 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; magnetic resonance imaging as a research tool; the use of technology in diabetes care.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Preparation of short 1000 word essay |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Preparing presentation for assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 48:00 | 48:00 | Preparation for the Examination |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 2:30 | 5:00 | Practical Sessions in CRF and in Magnetic Resonance Centre |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Two seminars in small groups |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 17:00 | 17:00 | Additional reading and reflective learning |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | Preparing notes from lectures and additional reading |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The interactive 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.
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 | One hour paper with a choice of 3 essay questions. Students will answer one question only. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 20 | 1000 word report based on design of a clinical study to assess novel agent in diabetes |
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 20 | Presentation with 10 minutes & 5 for questions on a current paper in diabetes research |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The unseen written paper tests 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. The written task involving design of a clinical trial for a novel therapeutic agent assesses innovative thinking and understanding of the important features of clinical drug trials. These activities will also assess generic skills of written and oral communication and presentation.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8035's Timetable