Endocrine Systems and Reproduction (MBBS0055)

This is the third of four modules taken in year 2. This module introduces you to the integrative functions of the major endocrine axes. The module is concerned with how the major hormones are produced and how they each act to integrate metabolism and fluid balance.

We will investigate the role of selected endocrine axes in maintaining a stable environment for cells to function within the body, and will consider how defects in hormone production and/or action can lead to profound clinical symptoms. We will also look at how the production and metabolism of each hormone is normally controlled by feedback loops and how these can go wrong in disease.

The module aims to provide: 

definitions of the clinical prevalence of endocrine disorders, including iatrogenic states, thyroid disease, diabetes and other syndromes of insulin resistance, disorders of reproductive physiology
 knowledge and understanding of each of the major endocrine axes, emphasising the clinical significance of normal and abnormal feedback loops
 knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of treatment options available for specified endocrine disorders
 a comparison of the mechanisms of action for hydrophilic and hydrophobic hormones, explaining those factors that can act in an endocrine target tissue to modulate the actions of hydrophilic and hydrophobic hormones
 an appreciation of (and explanations for) the variation in clinical measurements between different hormone assays and the possible impact of such variation on clinical management decisions.

This course provides a fairly rapid introduction to calculus. Calculus underlies almost all areas of mathematics and a great deal of science and engineering....

Differential and Integral Calculus (MATH0039)

This course provides a fairly rapid introduction to calculus. Calculus underlies almost all areas of mathematics and a great deal of science and engineering. The aim of the course will be to provide a solid grounding in this fundamental branch of mathematics for students who have a limited mathematical background. Most of the course material occurs in A-level mathematics: the treatment here will be slightly more advanced.