Course Catalogue

Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences

This course aims to develop knowledge of, and practical skills in, histology and to inform students of the basic physiology of the endocrine and nervous systems and to introduce the topic of reproductive science.

Outline Syllabus:Histology: Tissue preparation: fixation, tissue processing, paraffin wax and freezing. Microtomy: for paraffin wax cryostat sectioning. Histological staining: general tissue stains, stains to demonstrate connective tissues, carbohydrates, lipids and microorganisms, principles of immunohistochemistry. Functional histology: Common tissue structures – liver, kidney, respiratory system, GI tract, pancreas. Nerves: Overview of structure and function. The ionic basis of neuronal activity e.g. action potentials, graded potentials, stimulus intensity and refractory periods. Emphasis will also be made to synaptic transmission, looking at both electrical and chemical neurotransmitters Endocrinology: Endocrine control of body functions. Hypothalamic releasing factors, anterior pituitary hormones. Regulation of the secretions of the hypothalamic, pituitary, adrenal, thyroid and gonadal axes. Control of blood glucose. Comparison of steroid and peptide hormone action. Neuroendocrine control mechanisms. Regulation of growth. Deficiency/excess diseases (as appropriate). Reproductive science: The processes that occur during development of an embryo including the stages from fertilisation to neurulation and the signalling events that occur to form a blastula from a single cell. Detection of hormone levels and fertility.

Module Overview:
This module aims to develop knowledge of, and practical skills in, histology and to inform you of the basic physiology of the endocrine and nervous systems and to introduce the topic of reproductive science.

Additional Information:This module will provide students with an understanding of the scientific basis of histology and physiology. The module will provide the students with an understanding of microscopic structures of tissues and organ systems in the context of cellular activity and physiological pathways and how the endocrine and nervous systems are integrated at the molecular level. Additionally students will also be introduced to the topic of reproductive science. The portfolio within this module will consist of an assessment of the slides produced in the practical sessions and an assessment of the students' ability to recognise tissue sections and stains. This will be worth 40% of the module. The exam will consist of three essay questions from a choice of five in two hours. This will be worth 60% of the module No specific benchmarks are available for this module, but the learning outcomes at least meet, if not exceed, those stipulated in the relevant qualification descriptors for a higher education qualification at level 5 as defined by QAA, Sept 2015. The module has also been informed by the benchmark statement for Biomedical Science June 2015. Intake is every September. The criteria for admission to the module require that candidates meet the criteria for admission to the BSc Biomedical Science programme (32805). The final award is Certificate of Professional Development in Histology and Physiology, 20 credits at Level 5. The students have access to a module Canvas site and the University's other range of electronic support such as access to the electronic library facilities. The module content is regularly updated on the Canvas site including contemporary reading lists and links to journal articles. Students have access to the community site for Biomedical Science. All students have access to the module leader through phone contact and email. Module and CPD guides are also provided, which provide a range of information. The programme is assessed and run in line with the Academic Framework http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/eaqs/121984.htm The module is accredited by The Institute for Biomedical Science (Sept 2016- Aug 2021). The module forms part of the BSc Biomedical Science programme (32805) which was reviewed in April 2016. The methods for improving the quality and standards of learning are as follows: • Annual monitoring Review; • Liaison and feedback from the students; • Reports from External Examiner; • Programme team ensuring the module reflects the values of the current teaching and learning strategy; • Module leader updating knowledge and skills to ensure these remain current and relevant. The module is included in the programme specification for the BSc Biomedical Science programme (32805). The module is aligned with the same BSc Biomedical Science module for annual monitoring and external examining purposes. There is an optional summer presentation of this module available for degree apprentices.