• BIOL3206
• Medicine and Therapeutics

This module provides an introduction to medical teminology, medical history-taking and recording conventions, diagnosis and treatment of common disorders and diseases. It includes case-based discussion and hospital based patient contact. It will provide futher foundation knowledge for working in the clinical environment.

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the practice of clinical medicine and surgery with emphasis on areas of practice in which nutrition and dietetics have significant role in the aetiology or the management of the patient's condition

(Summary of areas covered in lectures)
1.Introductory: genetic basis of disease, infection and immunity. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Drug-nutrient interactions. Compliance with medication. Drugs and Body Weight.
2. Metabolic and endocrine diseases: inborn errors of metabolism, disorders of water and electrolyte balance, gout, dyslipidaemias, obesity, diabetes mellitus. Drugs and serum lipids.
3. Cardiovascular diseases: investigation of cardiovascular disorders. Ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, cardiac failure. Antihypertensive and anti-anginal medications.
4. Respiratory diseases: asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, cystic fibrosis. Bronchodilators, inhaled anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.
5. Gastrointestinal disorders: diseases affecting the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver and pancreas. Drugs used in gastroenterology.
6. Renal disease: Acute and chronic renal failure. Renal replacement therapy (dialysis).
7. Disorders of bone: Investigation of bone disorders. Osteopenia & osteoporosis. Rickets and osteomalacia. Drugs and Bone.
8. Haematology: Anaemia, bleeding and thrombotic disorders, acute and chronic leukaemia. Antiplatelet, anticoagulant and thrombolytic drugs.
9. Oncology: Investigation, classification and treatment of cancer. Cancers of the lung, gut, breast, prostate.
10. Psychiatric disorders: Eating disorders, harmful alcohol and dependence.
11. Paediatrics: Failure-to-thrive and childhood obesity from a medical perspective.
12. Surgery: Introduction to surgical principles and practice, upper and lower gastrointestinal surgery, vascular surgery.
Classroom-based patient case studies, student presentations on patient cases, student presentations on medications.
Clinical classes:
Seminars:
The patient interview; examination of the patient; case recording; symptoms and signs; tests and investigations
Tutorials:
Ward-based patient case discussions