BI3BB7-Selected Topics in Endocrinology and Endocrine Disease

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: BI2BB4 Endocrinology
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Andrew Bicknell
Email: a.b.bicknell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The endocrine system is key to the survival an organism. This module aims to build on the concepts learn in the part 2 Endocrinology module (BI2BB4) by studying selected topics to the frontiers of knowledge.

Aims:
This module aims to build on the knowledge and concepts gained from the part 2 Endocrinology course (BI2BB4) by studying selected topics to the frontier of knowledge. The course will be given mainly from a historical perspective illustrating how advances in experimental techniques have contributed to the field of endocrinology.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, it is expected that students will be able to: 1. Give a comprehensive explanation of the experimental procedures that have been key to the advancement of endocrinology. 2. Interpret data derived from both single site and two site immunoassays. 3. Describe the experimental data that led to the discovery of pro-opiomelancortin and be able to explain the principle roles of the peptide hormones derived from it 4. Give a detailed account of the discovery of the prohormone convertase enzymes and the evidence that they are responsible for the processing of prohormones. 5. Describe the discovery and characterisation of the melanocortin receptors. 6. Describe oestrogen biosynthsis in the brain and periphery 7. Discuss oestrogen signalling in terms of genomic and non-genomic mechanisms. 7. Give an account of current understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of endocrine disruption. 8. Discuss the biological implications of endocrine disruption for b oth aquatic wildlife and human health. 9. Describe the methods which are currently used to unravel molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms of action of endocrine disrupters.

Additional outcomes:
Students will have the opportunity to:
1. Interpret and analyse primary experimental immunoassay data.
2. Read and interpret primary literature.

Outline content:

Topics covered will include: The priciples of hormone measurement and interpretation of data;  pro-opiomelanocortin and the concept of tissue specific processing; melanocortin peptides; processing of prohormones; melanocortin receptors; oestrogen signalling (genomic and non-genomic); cross talk between oestrogen and glucocorticoid receptors; neurosteroids; Endocrine disruption and implications of of endocrine disruption on human health.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Two 50 min lectures will be given each week that will be supplemented with directed reading (mainly primary research papers and specialised reviews). In addition, there will be tutorial sessions based on the interpretation of primary data.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Tutorials	2
Practicals classes and workshops	2
Guided independent study:	76
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	80
Written assignment including essay	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:
A two-hour examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Coursework will be set on the tutorials and lecture material.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-sit examination in August / September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 28 June 2021