Biomedical Science Module Details

Module Details (MSc Biomedical Science)  - Semester 1

Tissue Engineering - BME405

Course Code: BME405          Semester: 1       Module Director:  Dr. Manus Biggs

This module provides students with a comprehensive overview into the scope and potential of this evolving field. This subject addresses the use of natural, synthetic and ceramic biomaterials as scaffolds in tissue engineering; scaffold function, mechanics and fabrication methods; cellular processes that contribute to tissue dynamics (e.g. morphogenesis, regeneration and repair); cell sources, mechanobiology and the use of bioreactors as biomimetic environments; in vitro and in vivo tissue engineering strategies for bone, cartilage and skin regeneration; and ethical and regulatory issues in tissue engineering. The subject integrates aspects of biomedical engineering, biomaterials science and biology and provides functional clinical examples in this evolving area of technology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the sources, selection and potential challenges of using stem cells for tissue engineering
2. Describe the role of cellular fate processes in tissue morphogenesis, repair and regeneration
3. Describe the protein structures and composition of native extracellular matrices
4. Discuss the functional requirements, design, fabrication and biomaterials selection criteria for tissue engineering scaffolds
5. Predict the mechanical behaviour of tissue engineering scaffolds using cellular solids theory
6. Use fluid mechanics theory to characterise mechanical stimulation in tissue engineering scaffolds in flow perfusion bioreactors
7. Describe experimental techniques in mechanobiology and outline the role of mechanical signals on stem cell differentiation
8. Outline the steps involved in the development of in vitro and in vivo strategies for tissue engineering for bone, cartilage and skin regeneration
9. Prepare a manuscript for peer-review according to the publication guidelines of a scientific journal

Introduction To Business - MG529

Course Code: MG529         Semester: 1       Module Director:  Ms. Mary Cosgrove

None provided

Learning Outcomes

None provided

Materials, Science & Biomaterials - BES513

Course Code: BES513         Semester: 1       Module Director:  Dr. Yury Rochev

The understanding of biomaterials encompasses fundamental knowledge of medicine, biology, chemistry, and material science. The biomaterials field rests on a foundation of engineering principles. There is also a compelling human side to the therapeutic and diagnostic application of biomaterials. This course addresses the fundamental properties and applications of biomaterials (synthetic and natural) that are used in contact with biological systems.

Learning Outcomes

1. Illustrate the structure of DNA, explaining how DNA is replicated during the polymerase chain reaction technique
2. Explain what is meant by the ‘genetic code’ and how it relates to protein synthesis
3. Carry out a Pubmed search in order to identify molecules implicated in a human disease chosen by you
4. Use the National Cancer and Biological Institute (NCBI) nucleotide database to discover the DNA sequence encoding a protein of your choice and determine the length of the codingsequence and the number of amino acids contained in the protein encoded
5. Describe how mammalian cell culture, PCR, DNA recombination, DNA plasmids, bacterial transformation and cellular transfection can be used to understand protein function, localisation and possible relevance to disease
6. Name the major structural components a mammalian cell and its constituent organelles
7. List cytoskeletal, extracellular matrix, membrane and signalling proteins involved in mammalian cell interactions with each other and with the extracellular environment
8. Explain how mitochondria meet the energy requirements of the cell
9. Recognise cellular organelles involved in trafficking newly-synthesised proteins through and out of the cell
10. Summarise the main steps and in the cell cycle and proteins involved in regulation of each stage

Applied Biomedical Science - BES5103

Course Code:   TBC       Semester: 1 & 2       Module Director:  Dr. Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh

Over the course of semesters 1 and 2, 5-6 laboratory practicals (depending on size of effort required) are completed. Topics may include cell culture, cell and molecular biology, scanning electron microscopy, biomechanics, mass spectrometry. Industry experts and visits outline recent advancements in biomedical applications and applications.

Learning Outcomes

1.  Demonstrate ability to culture mammalian cells in vitro using aseptic technique, including quantifying cell number, assessing cell viability, passaging of cells, and analysis of protein expression in cells by Western blotting
2. Apply molecular biology techniques, including purification of RNA from in vitro cultured cells, cDNA synthesis from purified RNA, real-time PCR amplification of target cDNAs, and quantification of RNA expression
3. Understand the applications of SEM, Mass Spectrometry and biomedical engineering technologies in biomedical science
4. Recommend equipment and protocol for testing mechanical properties of medical devices and tissue
5. Communicate verbally and in writing on biomedical science subjects

Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology - PM208

Course Code: PM208          Semester:  1      Module Director:  Dr. Maura Grealy

This module introduces students to fundamental pharmacological concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. A combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops will be used.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the main drug targets
2. Interpret dose response curves for agonists, antagonists, inverse agonists
3. Calculate molarities, concentrations, volumes required in making solutions
4. Access and critically analyse and interpret pharmacological data
5. Describe the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion for specific drugs
6. Explain the effects of different routes of administration on absorption of drugs, and effects of food and drug interactions on drug disposition
7. Derive pharmacokinetic data and use them to predict clinical properties of drugs

Cell & Molecular Biology: Advanced Technologies - BES5102

Course Code: BES5102          Semester: 1       Module Director:  Dr. Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh

This module it is designed to bring students to a common point where all will share the appropriate biological knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals in cellular and molecular biology. The module explores the following: cell composition; sub-cellular organelles; structure of DNA and RNA; transcription, protein synthesis; cell signalling, cell cycle; PubMed, DNA recombination, PCR; transformation, transfection; advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques.

Learning Outcomes

1. Illustrate the structure of DNA, explaining how DNA is replicated during the polymerase chain reaction technique
2. Explain what is meant by the 'genetic code' and how it relates to protein synthesis
3. Carry out a Pubmed search in order to identify molecules implicated in a human disease chosen by you
4. Use the National cancer and Biological Institute (NCBI) nucleotide database to discover the DNA sequence encoding a protein of your choice and determine the length of the coding sequence and the number of amino acids contained in the protein encoded
5. Describe how mammalian cell culture, PCR, DNA recombination, DNA plasmids, bacterial transformation and cellular transfection can be used to understand protein function, localisation and possible relevance to disease
6. Name the major structural components a mammalian cell and its constituent organelles
7. List cytoskeletal, extracellular matrix, membrane and signalling proteins involved in mammalian cell interactions with each other and with the extracellular environment
8. Explain how the mitochondria meet the energy requirements of the cell
9. Recognise cellular organelles involved in trafficking newly-synthesised proteins through and out of the cell
10. Summarise the main steps and in the cell cycle and proteins involved in regulation of each stage
11. Study and present on advanced technologies in cell and molecular biology

Radiation and Medical Physics - PH339

Course Code: PH339          Semester: 1, Optional      Module Director:  Dr. Mark Foley

This module provides an introduction to the medical imaging and instrumentation aspects of real imaging environments, ranging from obsolete modalities to the modern tomographic imaging modalities (such as PET and SPECT). This module also covers the fundamental processes involved in forming images using ionising radiation, safety issues associated with ionising radiation and methods of radiation detection.

Learning Outcomes

1.  Define terms and explain concepts relating to the physical principles covered by this module’s syllabus
2. Describe the physical laws that connect terms and concepts covered by this module’s syllabus and, where appropriate, derive the mathematical relationships between those terms and concepts
3. Outline applications to real-world situations of the physical principles covered by this module’s syllabus
4. Analyze physical situations using concepts, laws and techniques learned in this module
5. Identify and apply pertinent physics concepts, and appropriate mathematical techniques, to solve physics problems related to the content of this module’s syllabus
6. Analyze data, interpret results and draw appropriate conclusions
7. Prepare scientific reports

Human Body Structure - AN230

Course Code: AN230         Semester: 1, Optional       Module Director: Dr. Dara Cannon

Human Body Structure is delivered by the anatomy department to students at the first, second and masters level in university for whom anatomy is not a core degree element who require a sound basic knowledge of the structure of the human body. The content will cover topics including the following: * Organisation of human body, anatomical terminology, the principles of support and movement, the control systems of the human body, maintenance and continuity of the body and finally, biomechanics and functional anatomy of the limbs.

Learning Outcomes

1. Established a sound basic knowledge of the organization and structure of the human body including the location and anatomical relations of the major organ systems
2. Developed a basic understanding of the principles of support and movement, the control systems of the body, maintenance and continuity of the human body.
3. Understand and describe the biomechanics and functional anatomy of the human limbs and musculoskeletal system
4. Explain how specific aspects of human anatomy relate to your field of study
5. Begun to develop your ability to look up and synthesize anatomical subject matter in a self-directed manner

Module Details (MSc Biomedical Science)  - Semester 2

Protein Technology - BG5104

Course Code: BG5104         Semester: 2       Module Director:  Dr. Aoife Boyd

This module will cover topics on the application of protein biology to Biotechnology. This includes principles of protein production and purification, proteomic analysis, protein glycobiology and industrial scale-up of protein purification. This module is assessed by written examination in the SPRING exam session.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the sources, selection and potential challenges of using stem cells for tissue engineering
2. Evaluate and design protein production, extraction and purification strategies
3. Appraise the many roles glycans play in health and diseases, as well as in clinical and industrial applications
4. Describe and propose solutions to bottlenecks associated with the scale up of recombinant protein production from lab to industrial scale
5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of industrial enzymes

 Literature Analysis and Presentation Skills in Biomedical Science - BES519

 Course Code: TBC         Semester: 2       Module Director:  Dr. Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh

 This module teaches the student how to critically analyse scientific literature, and to present their analysis clearly and concisely. Students will also learn how to conduct literature searches, and how to write a technical report or literature review about biomedical science and research topics. This is relevant for assignments and the research dissertation and as well as developing vital technical writing skills necessary for a successful scientific career. Students will also develop their transferable skills on this interactive module through a range of written assignments and oral presentations.

 Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss and critically analyse a range of scientific and biomedical science topics
2. Communicate verbally and in writing on scientific and biomedical science topics 
3. Conduct and synthesise an academic literature search relevant to a proposed biomedical science topic
4. Present research data and findings in a critically reflective manner
5. Produce a well-written and referenced literature -review on a specific biomedical science topic

Advanced Tissue Engineering - BME502

Course Code: BME502          Semester: 2, Optional       Module Director:  Dr. Manus Biggs

Advanced Tissue Engineering (BME502) builds on the students understanding of the field of tissue engineering obtained through the first semester tissue engineering course. The subject allows for increased involvement of the students in the field through project work and the planning and completion of laboratory experiments. Through regular feedback, the students will gain an appreciation of working in the field of tissue engineering. Specific lecture topics to be covered include bioactive materials, biomimetics and experimental planning, as well as specific subfields of tissue engineering, such as neural, cardiovascular and vital organ regeneration.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the concepts of wound healing, immunoresponse and angiogenesis and their importance in the field of tissue engineering
2. Design and complete an experiment to investigate a tissue engineering concept in vitro
3. Describe in vitro and in vivo strategies for various sub-fields of tissue engineering, including, neural, cardiovascular and vital organ regeneration
4. Discuss the merit of bioactive materials, biomemetics and gene therapy in tissue engineering
5. Prepare a grant application for the investigation of a tissue engineering related problem through the development of a novel method of treatment

Introduction to Bioinformatics (Honours) - MA324

Course Code:  MA324        Semester: 2, Optional       Module Director:  Prof. Cathal Seoighe

The course will give students an appreciation of the application of computers and algorithms in molecular biology. This includes foundation knowledge of bioinformatics; the ability to perform basic bioinformatic tasks; and to discuss current bioinformatic research with respect to human health.

Learning Outcomes

1. Outline key bioinformatics principles and approaches
2. Discuss the relevance of bioinformatics to medicine
3. Obtain molecular sequence data from public repositories
4. Implement key bioinformatics algorithms by hand on toy datasets
5. Use bioinformatics software tools, including tools for sequence alignment, homology searching, phylogenetic inference and promoter analysis
6. Describe key high throughput data generation technologies and the steps involved in data pre-processing and basic analysis of these data

Molecular Medicine - BES554

Course Code: BES554         Semester: 2       Module Director:  Dr. Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh

The molecular mechanisms underlying diseases including cancer, immuno-deficient and neurodegenerative disorders is described. The basis for gene and stem cell approaches to system regeneration is then summarised. A poster preparation and presentation activity enables the investigation by students of aspects molecular medicine not directly covered in lectures., including the mechanisms underlying current treatments, the development of novel therapeutics, including gene or stem cell therapies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Depict challenges of drug discovery and how molecular mechanisms of action of current drugs vary
2. Summarise the molecular mechanisms implicated in the development of diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimers disease, diabetes
3. Explain the basis for current cancer treatments and medications used to treat the major neurodegenerative disorders
4. Communicate the principles underlying the development of gene therapies and summarise the relative advanatges and disadvantages of different gene delivery stratagies
5. Compare the properties of stem cells isolated from different sources and give details of the clinical use of a stem cell based therapy
6. In cooperation with a fellow-student, produce a poster depicting signalling pathways associated with an acute or chronic disorders, as well as current and experimental treatments

Regulatory Compliance in Healthcare Manufacturing - BES5104

Course Code:          Semester: 2       Module Director:  Prof. Terry Smith

This module aims to equip students with an introduction to the regulatory pathways for placing medical devices and pharmaceuticals on the market within the EU, US and globally. It explains the legislation applicable and guidelines available to medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers. There will be a particular focus on the manufacturing processes and controls involved within these industries.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the scope and functions of the regulatory framework pertaining to pharmaceutical and medical devices including medical device classification
2. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the main US, EU and global regulations
3. Understand concepts to enable learners to work effectively with regulatory affairs professionals
4. Develop an understanding of how regulatory issues affect the manufacturing and development of medical device and pharmaceutical products
5. Demonstrate knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices and Quality Management Systems and related control processes with respect to the medical device and pharmaceutical industry
6. Describe the scope and functions of the processes for bringing a new drug to market, starting with drug discovery and the clinical trial process and ending in obtaining marketing approval

Applied Biomedical Science - BES5103

Course Code:   TBC       Semester: 1 & 2       Module Director: Dr. Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh

Over the course of semesters 1 and 2, 5-6 laboratory practicals (depending on size of effort required) are completed. Topics may include cell culture, cell and molecular biology, scanning electron microscopy, biomechanics, mass spectrometry. Industry experts and visits outline recent advancements in biomedical applications and applications.

Learning Outcomes

1.  Demonstrate ability to culture mammalian cells in vitro using aseptic technique, including quantifying cell number, assessing cell viability, passaging of cells, and analysis of protein expression in cells by Western blotting
2. Apply molecular biology techniques, including purification of RNA from in vitro cultured cells, cDNA synthesis from purified RNA, real-time PCR amplification of target cDNAs, and quantification of RNA expression
3. Understand the applications of SEM, Mass Spectrometry and biomedical engineering technologies in biomedical science
4. Recommend equipment and protocol for testing mechanical properties of medical devices and tissue
5. Communicate verbally and in writing on biomedical science subjects

Module Details (MSc Biomedical Science)  - Semester 3

Research & Minor Thesis - BES556

Course Code:  BES556        Semester: 3       Module Director:   Dr. Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh

Learning Outcomes

1.  Understanding of experimental design
2. Appreciation of rigours of scientific research
3. Practical experience of issues involved in carrying out a research project
4. Achievement corresponding to successfully executed research, leading to completion of a research thesis