Entry requirements

180 credits from candidate programmes in medicine, biomedicine, pharmacy, biology that provide knowledge of cell and molecular biology, chemistry and biochemistry, and physiology. English proficiency, normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student shall:

• 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 strategies of endocrine signalling including receptor binding and intracellular signal transduction in the body, 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.
• Be able to apply technologies for measurements of hormone concentrations such as RIA and ELISA, as well as weigh the pros and cons of each technique.
• 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 health perspective, as well as describe the pathogenesis and disease panorama for major diseases such as the metabolic syndrome with obesity and type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes, goiter and osteoporosis.
• Be able to search for and assort relevant literature for the course, as well as be able to critically interpret and assess this literature.
• Be able to describe how to work according to scientific principles.

Content

The education will provide 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 major importance for the homeostasis in the body. 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.

You will also get insights into science related subjects, e.g. the theory of science, bioethics, bioinformatics and presentation techniques, through a lecture series shared with other Master programmes at the Faculty of Medicine.

Instruction

The course includes lectures, seminars and laboratory work. There will be particular focus on stimulating the student’s independent thinking and problem solving ability. The course also includes lectures shared with other Master programmes.

Compulsory parts: Course introduction. All course moments that include group work and lectures shared with other Master programmes.

Assessment

Written exam, laboratory reports and report of student’s own work, and attendance to compulsory parts. In order to pass the course, all of these parts must be approved.