MSc Molecular Medicine - Cardiovascular Pathway

The Cardiovascular Pathway of the Molecular Medicine MSc consists of three 15 credit modules. The first module, Vascular Cell Biology, explores the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease and introduces the students to basic knowledge on which the following modules are based. The module builds upon the research in the Department of Cardiovascular Science, exploring the cellular mechanisms, molecules and signalling pathways involved in the pathology of vascular diseases. The second module, Experimental Models of Vascular Disease, examines hypothesis driven approaches to understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms of cardiovascular disease. The value of model systems, including in silico, in vitro and in vivo, in testing hypotheses is illustrated and the development of classical and emerging therapies is explored. The third module, Vascular Disease Therapy & Clinical Practice, examines how basic science is translated into clinical practise and therapy. The module covers global epidemiology, drug treatment and clinical intervention and considers relevant ethical issues. Students have the opportunity to visit the cardiovascular and cardiology clinical departments and observe a current clinical interventional technique.

Research-led teaching; translating basic principles to clinical outcomes. To enable you to

gain an in-depth understanding of cardiovascular disease from molecular biology through to translational research
develop basic skills that will be invaluable for employment in research and/or development in academia or industry.

Pathway Leader: Professor Pat Lawford Email: p.lawford@sheffield.ac.uk

Module 1: Vascular Cell Biology (MED 6050 = 10 credits)

Aims:

Integrate the knowledge learnt from core modules
Provide background to modules 2 & 3:

               * Cell signalling, adhesion, apoptosis
               * How molecular mechanisms in cell biology contribute to the pathology of vascular diseases
               * Therapies - pharmacology

Provide practical skills training in cell biology techniques

* Basis for practical skills in module 2
* Key skills for research projects

Data analysis and data presentation skills

Structure:

Lectures: on cellular basis for vascular disease
Tutorials: to support lecture content
Seminars: on practical
Practical: cell culture, transfection, fluorescence microscopy, fluorimetry
Data analysis: supported in seminar
Assessment: poster presentation of background (lectures) and practical, marked by expert panel from Cardiovascular Science Dept

Module Leader: Dr Heather Wilson Email: h.l.wilson@sheffield.ac.uk

Module 2: Experimental models of vascular disease (MED 6051 = 10 credits)

Aims:

Integrate the knowledge learnt from core modules and module 1 of the pathway
Introduce you to the different models used in CV research
Give you an understanding of the use of appropriate models
Build on the practical skills gained in module 1 by carrying out further practical work
Give you an opportunity to undertake the home office training modules 1-3 in order to apply for a personal licence in the future

Structure:

Lectures: on in vitro, in silico and in vivo model use
Demonstration: of an in vivo model
Tutorial: to reinforce lecture material
Tutorial: covering short report (1000 words max) assignment describing the use of an appropriate model to advance a specific research finding (choice of 3-4) detailing advantages/disadvantages
Seminar: on tissue culture and use of reporter models
Practical: OR HO training modules 1-3: (mouse and rat)
Write up practical in form of paper OR HO exam to gain certificate

Module Leader: Dr Victoria Ridger Email: v.c.ridger@sheffield.ac.uk

Module 3: Vascular disease - therapy & clinical practice (MED 6052 = 10 credits)

Aims:

Integrate the basic knowledge learnt in previous modules with clinical practice
To gain an understanding of the current treatment, therapies and preventative measures used in vascular disease.
To link the recent research findings to future therapeutic strategies in order to gain a deeper understanding of translating research to patient care.
To elaborate ethical issues surrounding clinical research

Structure:

Lectures:

               * Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of CVD
               * Acute Coronary Syndromes
               * Coronary interventions
               * Right and Left heart failure

Demonstration:

* Coronary angioplasties – clinical cases review and visit to Cath Lab
* Visit to Clinical Research Facility

Tutorial:

               * Case-based discussion
               * Discussion on therapies
               * Discussion on module assessment

Assessment:

* Therapy information pack/presentation

Module Leader: Dr Javaid Iqbal Email: j.iqbal@sheffield.ac.uk

Please contact Mrs Jane Shields, MSc Molecular Medicine Course Administrator for further details regarding the MSc in Molecular Medicine.