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PM-003
Introduction to Molecular Biology
This module will provide the learner with an introduction to molecular biology, classification of species and its
applications in medical science. The concept of evolution and sexual reproduction and development will also be
covered, and the processes of inheritance and genetic variation, particularly with regard to evolution and natural
selection. This module will be supported by a practical session and essay with academic support on a topic
relevant to the medical applications of molecular biology.
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PM-007
Foundation Skills Development 1
This module introduces students to various academic and practical skills required for study in Higher Education. This module will provide students with the skills to work safely within a laboratory environment, understanding key health and safety issues (from risk assessments to COSHH forms). Students will also be provided with a range of laboratory skills, such as accurate pipetting, standard curve construction, spectrophotometry, and the ability to perform technical/biological replicas for data accuracy. This module will develop foundational data analysis and mathematic skills associated with laboratory research. Finally, students will be provided with a range of academic skills on literature searching, referencing and plagiarism, communicating information, presenting, and writing.
Through a combination of workshops and practical sessions, students will gain insights into various skills that will be useful throughout their studies at Swansea University and beyond.
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PM-138
Skills for Medical Sciences
The aim of this module is to provide the student with basic skills required for laboratory research in the field of applied medical sciences. The module will be both theoretical and applied: the student will be instructed in methods essential for data acquisition and analyses but will also actively participate in the laboratory, using broadly applicable experimental techniques. They will also develop skills that are not experimental techniques themselves,
but are nevertheless fundamental to the scientific process, such as `lab math,¿ sourcing information, referencing, ethics and health and safety.
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PM-138C
Sgiliau ar gyfer Gwyddorau Meddygol
Nod y modiwl hwn yw darparu¿r sgiliau sylfaenol sydd eu hangen ar fyfyrwyr ar gyfer ymchwil labordy ym maes y gwyddorau meddygol cymhwysol. Bydd y modiwl yn cynnwys gwaith damcaniaethol a chymhwysol: caiff y myfyriwr ei hyfforddi mewn dulliau sy¿n hanfodol ar gyfer caffael data a¿i ddadansoddi, ond bydd hefyd yn cymryd rhan weithredol yn y labordy, gan ddefnyddio¿n fras y technegau arbrofol perthnasol. Byddant hefyd yn datblygu sgiliau nad ydynt yn dechnegau arbrofol yn eu hunain, ond sydd er hynny, yn sylfaenol i¿r broses wyddonol, megis, 'mathemateg y labordy¿, cyrchu gwybodaeth, cyfeirnodi, moeseg ac iechyd a diogelwch.
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PM-143
Academic support and professional development
This is a non-credit bearing module, which aims to provide key academic support to students during their first semester at Swansea University. It will help with the transition into university life and support students to make the most out of their time at university. The module will cover vital academic skills needed to succeed, as well as provide key information around student support, the academic community, maintaining academic integrity, and career planning. The information will complement what is delivered as part of the academic program to support professional and academic development.
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PM-147
Introduction to Toxicology: The Dose Makes the Poison
We are surrounded by substances that may do our bodies harm i.e. poisons. The harm these poisons causes depends on our exposure - the dose. The science of toxicology, a discipline that crosscuts biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and medicine, is based on the principle that the dose makes the poison.
This module will provide you with an introduction to toxicology and how dose-response relationships relate to the physiological effects of toxic substances. You will explore how they produce cellular and chemical changes that cause tissues and organs to malfunction.
You will learn how the structure and function of these tissues can be affected to varying degrees and begin to understand how tissue may repair itself and when the damage is reversible, permanent or fatal.
You will also learn how we use toxic substances to our advantage in both the laboratory and within the clinic.
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PM-226
Human and Medical Genetics
The course is designed to introduce fundamental concepts in the study of human genetics with particular reference to the application of the principles to medicine. The course covers the role of genetics in human health and disease and methods for the detection of genetic variability in human populations.
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PM-254
Doctors, patients & the goals of medicine
The educational intention of the module is to allow the student to consider the contemporary practice of Medicine within the United Kingdom. This will include understanding the professional regulation, financial constraints and societal and personal challenges, within which medicine and other healthcare activities are practiced.
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PM-267
Pharmacogenomics: Genes on Drugs
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how a person¿s genomic information can affect their response to drugs and therapeutics, predicting if a patient will respond badly, too much or too little to a chosen therapy. This is the underlying principle of `personalised medicine¿, ensuring the right patient, gets the right drug, at the right time.
Within this module, students will look at the principles of pharmacogenomics, namely the variation in genomic sequences from patient to patient which can alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutics. In this module, students will learn about the role of pharmacogenomics in chemotherapy, gastrointestinal drugs, cardiovascular drugs, respiratory drugs, neurological drugs and drugs used in the treatment of infectious disease.
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PM-269
Population Health & The Art of Research 1
This module introduces students to the philosophical underpinnings, and practical applications of population health research. It has been designed to enable students to develop a real-world understanding of a range of epidemiological and qualitative research methodologies used to investigate population health problems, and an appreciation of the importance of ethics when conducting population health research in practice.
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PM-317
Genetics of Cancer
This module extensively explores the molecular and genetic foundations underlying key aspects of cancer, including angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell signalling, DNA damage, molecular pathology, invasion and metastasis, inflammation, and the Warburg effect. Expert insights will be shared by a consultant gastroenterologist and a consultant pathologist during select lectures. This approach aims to offer students a well-rounded understanding that integrates academic knowledge, research insights, and practical clinical expertise.
Additionally, the module seeks to broaden students' perspectives by dedicating a final lecture to an individual who shares firsthand experiences of living with cancer. This unique session provides students with valuable insights into the human aspect of the disease, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation of the patient's journey.
An appreciation for the way in which an individual¿s own genome can influence diagnosis, prognosis and treatment is also included.
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PM-340
Being a Medical Scientist
Much of a scientist¿s career is spent writing and speaking about science. The aim of this module is to give students a higher level experience of what being a lead researcher is like, away from the lab bench. Drawing on core knowledge from other modules, students will refine their oral and written communication and learn what leadership skills are needed to succeed in modern science. They will also be challenged to consider ethical aspects of research, including new technologies and the use of animal and human subjects. The module will be highly interactive, taught using informal lectures interspersed with students working in groups.
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PM-342
Advances in Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the science of how drugs act on the body and how the body acts on drugs.
Pharmacology investigates the chemical and physical properties of drugs, how those properties confer actions on living tissues and how those actions affect health and disease. In this module, students will build upon their previous pharmacology knowledge and look more in depth at how the body interacts with drugs (pharmacokinetics) and how the drug interacts with the body (pharmacodynamics).
In this module, students will study the drugs and therapeutics currently used in clinical practise and the underlying mechanisms of action of these drugs. Students will learn about the beneficial, therapeutic effects of drugs, but also some negative consequences of drug administration, such as toxicity, addiction and microbial drug-resistance. Additionally, students will learn about the cutting-edge therapies currently in development for treating disease.
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PM-344
Capstone Project
The aim of this module is to provide a capstone experience to students¿ learning, through participating in their own enquiry-based research project, with guidance from an academic supervisor. The project may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, but it will always involve a research question that is drawn from the literature, and focused on a topic relevant to the life sciences. It will ask a research question and involve the critical analysis of research findings. Students will refine their oral and written communication skills to a graduate level through an oral presentation and dissertation on their research findings and conclusions.
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PM-352
Reproductive Biology and Medicine
This module is designed to provide students with knowledge of the biochemistry, physiology and pathology of human pregnancy, fetal development, parturition and menopause. Particular focus will be given to fertility treatments and pharmacological interventions of menopause. Lectures will cover a recap of endocrinology of reproduction, and provide details of assisted reproductive technologies. Lectures will be supported by case studies which include current clinical approaches used to treat infertility (both male and female) and menopause.
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PM-354
Cancer Pharmacology
Cancer remains a significant cause of mortality in the modern world. Current and emerging chemotherapies, and the rationale, experimental, and clinical evidence of the pathways or molecules targeted will be explored. Causes of treatment-related side effects, and the therapies used to address these, will be discussed along with the mechanisms that lead to anti-cancer drug resistance.
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PM-401
Science Communication
This module will encompass a range of communication modes, from presentation of science to the general public to critically analysing a scientific paper.
The module will be run as a series of online seminars to prepare, firstly, for
a short 3 minute thesis-like presentations to both a professional and non-professional audience.
This will be complemented by preparation of short, New Scientist-style articles by each student on the topic of their presentation. Students will be assigned a topic that is appropriate to their degree title.
In the latter half of the module, the focus will be on skills-training for writing a scientific paper, preparing the ground for their project dissertations.
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PMGM17
Post Graduate Taught Masters Dissertation
The module is for students to build on their previous knowledge, skills and experience by undertaking a laboratory based or suitable non-laboratory based project on a specific subject related to genomics.
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PMGM21
Pharmacogenomics & Stratified Healthcare
Pharmacogenomics and stratified health care ensure that healthcare professionals offer the right treatment, for the right person, at the right time is a fast-developing area.
`Personalised medicine¿ is the buzzword of the moment, with advances in pharmacogenomic testing enabling more effective, targeted therapies to patients in the field of asthma, analgesia, oncology and beyond. Continued understanding of the genomic basis of drug response will reduce drug-related adverse effects, save costs, and ensure a better therapeutic outcome.
This module will provide a comprehensive overview of the analytical strategies and techniques used in pharmacogenomics and explore some of the challenges and limitations in this field. The module will also provide an overview of the different type of pharmacogenomic biomarkers currently in use or emerging and the current feasibility of delivering `personalised medicine¿ in the clinic.
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PMNM20J
Science Communication
This module will encompass a range of communication modes, from presentation of science to the general public to critically analysing a scientific paper.
The module will be run as a series of online seminars to prepare, firstly, for a short 3 minute thesis-like presentations to both a professional and non-professional audience.
This will be complemented by preparation of short, New Scientist-style articles by each student on the topic of their presentation. Students will be assigned a topic that is appropriate to their degree title.
In the latter half of the module, the focus will be on skills-training for writing a scientific paper, preparing the ground for their project dissertations.
