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Systems: Cell to Society

In the medical sciences, you will be introduced to cell cycle regulation, cell division and cell communication, principals of genetics and epigenetics, elements of developmental biology and parental transfer of information, and anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, bones and muscles in health and disease.

In the health sciences, core concepts such as health behaviour, different health belief models and the interrelationships of population health and health and gender will be discussed. Topics such as the ethical debates surrounding organ donation, transplant, consent and autonomy will be explored alongside professional boundaries and regulatory functions in health and care.

The cases in this module will explore contemporary examples of curable and incurable diseases and conditions. You will consider that problem solving in health might not mean problem eradication, but management of problems in the short and long terms. Students will learn to appreciate different, sometimes competing, points of view with regard to management and how this can affect responsible, emotionally intelligent strategic plans.

After completing the module, you will be able to:

  1. Illustrate familiarity with the key concepts, principles and theories, which will support a multidisciplinary approach to understanding of disease and systems related to health

  2. Show a basic understanding of topics related to inheritance and the molecular and cellular basis of human development
  3. Describe basic aspects of human anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems in health and disease
  4. Show awareness of approaches to modern diagnostics and precision medicine and the nature of curable and incurable disease
  5. Distinguish the concepts of health beliefs, behaviour and ethics and how they can impact provision of good care
  6. Identify scope, illustrate boundaries and highlight interrelationships within global health, public health and professional practice in health
  7. Develop and use reasoning skills to engage with others to individually or collectively put forward ideas that can have a positive influence on local and global challenges in health

Hear about the module from Professor Frances Griffiths, module co-leader:

CATS
30

Duration
6 weeks

Teaching methods
You will learn through a mix of lectures, group discussions, interactive presentations, case-based learning and technology enhanced learning.

Assessment

1 x Multiple choice question examination
1 x Synoptic exam
1 x Concept map (1,000 words)