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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Biology Of Disease
Reference AS4902 Version 5
Created August 2021 SCQF Level SCQF 10
Approved May 2011 SCQF Points 15
Amended September 2021 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide students with the ability to evaluate and critically appraise the factors involved in the diagnosis of disease.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Distinguish between normal and abnormal human health conditions on the basis of clinical and analytical data.
2 Interpret clinical laboratory data to determine the nature and extent of human health disorders.
3 Propose an appropriate strategy for the elucidation of a human health problem showing appreciation of how new developments may impact on the diagnosis made.
4 Discuss the uncertainties involved in the diagnosis of disease and the relative benefits of case conferences and other methods of review.

Indicative Module Content
Multifactorial aspects of disease and the multidisciplinary approach to the investigation and diagnosis of disease. The National Health Service, and private practice. Review of normal and abnormal health characteristics, genetic variation. Oncology: characteristics of benign and malignant tumours, metastasis, genetic aspects. Case conferences. Case studies: from biochemistry, cell pathology, immunology, haematology, human genetics, microbiology, drug use and abuse, oncology.

Module Delivery
This module will be delivered mainly through student-centred activity. Clinical case studies will be supported by directed reading which will include scientific research papers, tutorials and discussion. Lectures will introduce the major themes; keynote lectures from visiting speakers will illustrate the multidisciplinary approach used in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 40 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 110 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 60% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2
Description: Case Study dissertation.
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 40% Outcomes Assessed: 3, 4
Description: Oral presentation of a contemporary journal article.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The first grade represents Component 1 (CW1) weighted as major and the second, Component 2 (CW2), weighted as minor. A minimum of Module Grade D is required to pass the module, with compensation of grade E in Component 1 or Component 2 permitted. Non-submission of either component will result in an NS grade.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A AA, AB
B AC, AD, BA, BB, BC, CA
C AE, BD, BE, CB, CC, CD, DA, DB, EA
D CE, DC, DD, DE, EB, EC
E AF, BF, CF, DF, ED, EE, EF, FA, FB, FC, FD
F FE, FF
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Successful completion of Stage 3, or equivalent.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Peer reviewed publications in biomedical science journals and specialist reviews.
2 GIBBS, R. and HEUGH, S. Biology of Disease (Fundamentals of Biomedical Science). Current Edition. Oxford University Press.
3 AHMED, N., DAWSON, M., SMITH, C. and WOOD, E. Biology of Disease. Current Edition. Taylor & Francis Group.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781