Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module will provide detailed information on aspects of basic mitochondrial biology including the origins and essential functions of mitochondria, the maintenance and expression of the mitochondrial genome, and the metabolic processes in which mitochondria play a role. The module will also provide information on disease that results from mitochondrial dysfunction. This information will be informed by current research and the current state of knowledge in the field of mitochondrial biology.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module is designed to provide both a thorough understanding of human mitochondrial genetics; the maintenance, replication and segregation of the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA); mtDNA transcription and intra-organellar translation; and appreciation of the metabolic processes that mitochondria are involved in; a detailed understanding of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and the underlying biochemistry; an understanding of the interplay and coordination of nuclear and mitochondrially encoded proteins that maintains a healthy organelle; and an appreciation of the disease states and contribution to ageing that can arise as a consequence of dysfunction in any of the above and the potential for therapeutics, as well as treatment to eliminate transmission of mtDNA encoded disorders.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to:

•       Describe and discuss the origins and essential roles played by mitochondria
•       Explain in detail and with reference to the evidence how mtDNA is maintained, expressed, replicated, transcribed and how mechanisms control intra organellar protein synthesis and OXPHOS complex biochemistry
•       Consider and discuss the relevance of the interplay of mitochondrial and nuclear gene products
•       Describe and discuss the dynamics of mitochondria
•       Discuss with reference to specific examples the concepts of disease onset and progression as a consequences of organellar dysfunction

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to:

•       Interpret and understand data from the mitochondrial literature
•       Evaluate the current literature
•       Communicate ideas and information visually and in written form to an audience of their peers on the subject of mitochondrial biology and medicine

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Knowledge and understanding are gained from the lectures and workshop/group sessions.

Intellectual skills are developed in the completion of the coursework assessments.

Key (transferable skills – communication, literacy, critical appraisal) are developed by the coursework and practised in the assessments.

Comprehension and ability to discuss the subject knowledge critically will be developed in the essay and graphical abstract.

There is adequate time for reading and reflection built into the module and students will be guided (in lectures and seminars) to find appropriate and up-to-date sources as well as being encouraged to find their own sources for relevant information.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The essay tests the student’s knowledge base, comprehension, ability to discuss the subject knowledge critically, evaluation of scientific literature.

The graphical abstract tests application of knowledge, understanding and ability to critically evaluate and interpret research data. This is coupled with the ability to cogent visual explanations.

The MCQ allows the students to appreciate how much they have understood and taken in across the whole course.

General Notes

N/A