Entry requirements

180 credits from Bachelor's programmes in biomedicine, pharmacy, biology or equivalent that provides relevant knowledge of cell and molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry and physiology. Knowledge and experience of laboratory work. English proficiency corresponding to English B in the Swedish school system.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student shall:

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

• Be able to describe and analyse the importance and necessity of physiological changes and adjustment to homeostasis at growth, aging, pregnancy and changes in milieu e.g. at exercise and high altitude.
• Be able to compare the different mechanisms of endocrine signalling, including receptor binding and intracellular signal transduction, as well as assess the importance of these changes for the action of different hormones.
• Be able to compare different neuroendocrine mechanisms, as well as analyse similarities and differences when compared to other endocrine signalling.
• Have acquired in depth knowledge of organ specific endocrinology, be able to compare the mechanisms for homeostasis in these different organ systems, as well as interpret changes in homeostasis in endocrine disease.
• Be able to analyse the development of major diseases in the community from a public health perspective, as well as describe the pathogenesis and disease panorama for common diseases such as the metabolic syndrome with obesity and type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes, hypertension, goiter and osteoporosis.
• Have acquired in depth knowledge of immunological mechanisms, especially with regard to autoimmunity and immunological tolerance.
• Be able to analyse differences and similarities between different autoimmune conditions and their importance for different endocrine diseases.
• Know techniques for measurement of hormone concentrations, as well as assess pros and cons of the respective techniques and demonstrate ability in problem solving.
• Be able to describe the genetics and genetic predisposition for the development of major diseases. Understand and assess pros and cons, as well as show a general understanding of the application of different methodologies in disease genetics.

COMPETENCE AND SKILLS

• Be able to describe and perform basic techniques in cell and molecular biology, including cell culture, microscopy, fluorescence-activated cell sorting and studies of cellular death.
• Be able to describe and perform basic immunological techniques such as purification of T cells from immunological tissue with subsequent functional studies.
• Understand methodologies for studies of cell signalling events and be able to perform basic studies in the field.
• Be able to explain the theoretical background of the performed practical tasks during the course, and be able to compile and interpret experimental results orally and in writing.

JUDGEMENT AND APPROACH

• Be able to search for and assort relevant literature, as well as be able to critically interpret and assess this literature.
• Be able to generate a research hypothesis and provide a description of how to test it.
• Demonstrate an understanding of a scientific approach, how to evaluate scientific investigations, how ethical considerations are applied on research and how scientific results are communicated.
• Be able to discuss bioethical and research ethical questions.

Content

The student will obtain in depth knowledge of the physiological processes for maintenance of body homeostasis, both basally as well as during increased metabolic demands and different life stages. Endocrine signalling is of common importance for the homeostasis in the body and both more general mechanisms, as well as organ specific endocrinology is discussed during the course. Several of our major diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes are rapidly increasing in prevalence, and this will be discussed in detail. Immunological and genetical, as well as research ethical and bioethical, aspects of common diseases are included.

Furthermore, in a series of lectures in common for several of the Master programmes at the medical faculty, insight into the theory of science and in the techniques for oral and written presentation will be provided.

Instruction

The course is organised based on the guidelines for the principles of work for students at Uppsala University (Dnr UFV 2009/902) and includes lectures, demonstrations, seminars, group tasks, individual assignment and laboratory work. There will be a particular focus on stimulating the student’s independent thinking and problem solving ability.

SEMINARS are teacher guided problem or case based group discussions. The teaching also compiles critical reading and discussions of scientific publications.

GROUP TASKS with subsequent reports are organised as assignments emphasizing specific course topics, that are executed under supervision of a researcher from the particular field. Individual short oral presentations are given by the group members for the class under supervision. A written group report is submitted and distributed to all students of the course after its approval by the supervisor. The report of the group tasks shall provide theoretical knowledge as well as training in the selection and critical reading of scientific and other relevant literature, and in the skill of oral and written presentation.

THE INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT will provide training in using a scientific approach by the identification of a research question - putting forward a hypothesis, as well as a concrete suggestion of how to test it. Supervisors are available for support and the task is presented as a written report.

LABORATORY WORK with its associated theory is an essential part of the course. The students prepare for the different laboratory tasks by submitting an individual pre-laboratory report. The completed laboratory work is then presented as an individual laboratory report. This provides additional training in the writing of scientific texts.

Compulsory parts: Course introduction. All course modules that include laboratory work, demonstrations, seminars, journal clubs and group and individual assignments.

Assessment

For pass or pass with distinction the following is required:

1. That the student actively participates and report on compulsory tasks (laboratory work, demonstrations, seminars, journal clubs and group tasks).
2. Approved written prelaboratory and laboratory reports.
3. Approved group tasks and report of the individual assignment.
4. Approved individually written exam at the end of the course.
5. Approved individually written exam on the proffessional training lecture series.

In order to pass the course, all of these parts must be approved.

There are both summative and formative examination parts in the course. Particular emphasis is put on laboratory tasks and seminars with associated theory.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.