BI3EM1-Evolutionary Medicine

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

Module Convenor: Dr Dyan Sellayah
Email: d.sellayah@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Medicine and evolutionary biology can be seen as offering two distinct perspectives on the same biological phenomena. One is concerned with diagnosing and treating ill-health caused by dysfunctional biological processes. The other serves to understand how natural selection has shaped the genetics underlying biological processes of populations and species over generations, yet rarely are the two perspectives integrated. We know that many diseases have a genetic basis, yet understanding how evolutionary factors have shaped the underlying genetic basis for disease may provide important mechanistic insight and reveal new approaches for treatment. In this module, we will apply Darwinian and evolutionary principles to the understanding of the causes of modern medical conditions. We will study how some of the most important medical problems of our time –e.g. obesity, ageing, cancer – have been shaped by our evolutionary history and learn about its implications to population-based health outcomes.

Aims:

This module aims to foster an understanding and appreciation for modern medicine and diseases from an evolutionary perspective. This module will provide students with a broad understanding of evolutionary principles, concepts and theories and relate them to the pathogenesis of diseases and approaches to disease treatment. Specific diseases will be discussed in the context of their evolutionary origins and students will be encouraged to take a critical and analytical approach to study.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Gain an understanding of various evolutionary theories and how they apply to modern medical conditions.


• Gain an appreciation for the complex interaction between genetics and environment to bring about disease.


• Understand how selection pressures have acted in revolutionary history and are still acting in modern humans to influence health and disease.


• Gain an understanding of how knowledge of evolutionary principles may be applied to modern medicine to treat or prevent disease.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Outline content:

• Introduction to evolutionary principles


• Human phenotypic variation                                                              ;       


• Evolutionary origins of obesity                                                                 


• &l squo;Thrifty gene’ vs ‘Drifty gene’ hypothesis


• How nutrition has influenced human evolution (DS)     


• In utero origins of adulthood disease 


• Cancer evolution


• Evolution of resistance to infectious diseases


• Evolutionary origins of autoimmune disorders -Hygiene hypothesis


• Life-history trade-offs & the evolutionary biology of ageing

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Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will combine lectures with active learning methods which closely align with the learning objectives and assessment. Active learning methods will include discussion of topical articles and lecturer-led group debates, thus encouraging critical engagement with the subject and allow for a deeper approach to learning.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Guided independent study:		80
Total hours by term		100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The assessment will consist of 100% coursework (2 separate pieces worth 50% each). These will be in the form of written assignments. 

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-submission of coursework

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2021