University home » University Calendar » Courses » Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences » Medical Science

Medical Science

Stage I

Human Mind and Body Relationships

Humans share with other living things the features of physical self-generation and adaptation to the environment. Humans also live in a mental (mind) world and maintain relationships with our perceived environments. Minds and bodies mutually affect one another. This mind/body dance, which is explored in this course, is what gives rise to all of human behaviour from simple daily activities to the highest forms of creativity.

Environmental Threats to Human Health

Our environment sustains our lives but at times threatens our health. These threats may occur naturally, or arise from damage we have inflicted on the environment. This course considers health impacts of climate change, pollution, lifestyle choices, poverty and affluence, workplace hazards, emerging infectious diseases, and dangers affecting cancer risk.

Biology for Biomedical Science: Organ Systems

Introduction to human biology with particular emphasis on integrated organ function. The course will deal with: structures and processes associated with the function of the nervous, locomotor, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, endocrine, musculoskeletal and reproductive systems.

Restriction: HUMANBIO 142

Stage II

Human Structure and Function

Presents the structure of biological systems with special reference to human biology, from the levels of histology through to gross anatomy. Specific examples of the correlation between structure and function will be considered. An introduction to current techniques for the visualisation of biological structure will be presented.

Prerequisite: BIOSCI 107, MEDSCI 142

Microbiology and Immunology

An introduction to the nature and roles of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites as the causative agents of human diseases. Topics include: the defence mechanisms of the body, the immune system including autoimmunity and allergy, control of disease by antimicrobials, sterilisation, disinfection and infection control practice.

Prerequisite: BIOSCI 107, MEDSCI 142

Restriction: OPTOM 241, PHARMACY 203

Mechanisms of Disease

Outlines the basic mechanisms, operating at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels, by which human disease develops. These include genetic factors, cell injury, inflammation, repair, circulatory disturbances, and neoplastic change. These mechanisms are illustrated by descriptions of the pathogenesis of specific diseases that are relevant to the New Zealand situation, or are the focus of current biomedical research.

Prerequisite: BIOSCI 107, MEDSCI 142

Introduction to Pharmacology and Toxicology

A solid grounding in the principles underlying pharmacology and toxicology, including the nature of drug targets, their interaction and response (pharmacodynamics), the fate of drugs within the body (pharmacokinetics), toxicity classification and testing, poisons and antidotes, adverse drug reactions, selective toxicity, drug discovery and development. Selected drug examples will be studied to illustrate key principles of clinical pharmacology.

The Physiology of Human Organ Systems

An integrative approach is used to study fundamental physiological processes which enable the body to overcome the challenge of life. Drawing on examples of normal and abnormal function, the course examines the interaction of vital physiological processes, from cellular control mechanisms to multiple organ systems. Topics include: control of fluid and electrolytes, cardiovascular control, energy use, and the delivery of oxygen and metabolites.

Prerequisite: BIOSCI 107, MEDSCI 142

Restriction: PHARMACY 205

Introduction to Neuroscience

The impact of neuroscience revolution on our understanding of human physiology and biomedical research is reviewed. Topics include: mechanisms of neurotransmission, learning, memory, sensory perception (vision, hearing, touch and smell) and application of gene therapy for treating neurological diseases. Special emphasis is placed on the integration and control of physiological function by the nervous system. Examples include control of movement and coordination, regulation of reproduction, blood pressure, breathing, appetite, body weight and sexuality. Developmental neuroscience is also considered. Laboratory exercises provide insight into neural structure and function and include application of neuroimaging technologies.

Prerequisite: BIOSCI 107, MEDSCI 142

Stage III

Molecular Basis of Disease

An in-depth analysis of the cellular and molecular basis of disease, including the role of environmental and inherited risk factors, as well as mechanisms of response to cell injury and inflammation in the disease process. Models of common diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancer and infectious agents will be studied.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 203

Cancer Biology

A study of the scientific basis of cancer including: mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cancer, carcinogenesis, DNA damage and repair, properties of cancer cells (including abnormalities of growth and cell cycle control), the growth of tumours, the classification and histopathology of cancers, and an introduction to therapeutic strategies.

Prerequisite: BIOSCI 356 or MEDSCI 203

Principles of Pharmacology

Topics covered are: ADME and pharmacokinetics; therapeutic drug monitoring; drug-drug interactions; pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics; drug development and analysis; novel drug delivery, chemotherapy including antibiotics, anticancer and antiviral drugs.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 204 and 15 points from MEDSCI 205, 206, BIOSCI 203, PHARMACY 205

Molecular Pharmacology

Considers the molecular mechanisms of drug action. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of drugs acting at receptors, ion channels, enzymes and intermediate messengers are covered. These concepts are applied through a detailed examination of cell cycle and apoptotic pathways, the molecular basis of drug addiction and the mechanisms of action of common recreational drugs.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 204 and 15 points from MEDSCI 205, 206, BIOSCI 203

Systematic Pharmacology

Considers the modification by drugs of human systems under physiological and pathological conditions. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of drugs as receptors, ion channels, enzymes and intermediate messengers are considered. The modification of drugs on the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, reproductive, respiratory and central nervous systems will be covered.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 204 and 15 points from MEDSCI 205, 206, BIOSCI 203, PHARMACY 205

Principles of Toxicology

Considers the principles and concepts that result in detrimental effects in animals and humans. It addresses: biochemical pathways and targets in the toxicity of chemicals, the effects at cellular, organ and whole body level, eg, cell death, cancer and hypersensitivity, as well as the basis for cell and organ-selective toxicity. Drugs, occupational and environmental toxicants are discussed.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 204 and 15 points from MEDSCI 205, 206, BIOSCI 203

Neuroscience: Neuropharmacology

An introduction to the principles and concepts involved in neuropharmacology. The course covers: the anatomy, neurochemistry and pharmacology of the normal and diseased human brain; the biochemical causes of psychiatric and neurological diseases; and the types and mechanisms of action of drugs used to treat brain disorders.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 204 and 15 points from MEDSCI 205, 206, BIOSCI 203

Biophysics of Nerve and Muscle

An advanced treatment of the physiology of excitable cells. Topics include: the biophysical basis of membrane potential, the spread of electrical activation and synaptic transmission, structure, excitation, mechanics and energetics of muscle and functional differences among muscle types. The approach is quantitative with particular emphasis on current advances in the field.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 205, 206, or for BE(Hons) students, 15 points from MEDSCI 205 and 15 points from courses at Stage II listed in Part II of the Biomedical Engineering specialisation in the BE(Hons) Schedule

Cardiovascular Biology

An advanced treatment of the human cardiovascular system that provides an integrated framework for understanding the structure, function and regulation of the heart and circulation, and their modification by drugs. Topics include: the energetics and mechanics of the heart, the regulation of heart rhythm and the control of blood pressure and the regulation of flow through the microcirculation. The course is illustrated using examples drawn from current research in the field and from representative disease states.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 205

Endocrinology of Growth and Metabolism

An introduction to the mechanism controlling the production of hormones and how these achieve their effects in regulating body function. The course focuses in particular on the hormone systems controlling growth and metabolism and contrasts the differences between fetal and adult life. It also highlights how defects in endocrine systems are associated with conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

Prerequisite: 30 points from BIOSCI 203, MEDSCI 201, 205

Reproductive Biology

Aspects of reproductive biology including: regulation of gonadal function, the menstrual and oestrus cycles, ovulation, spermatogenesis, feto-maternal physiology including placental function, animal reproduction and assisted reproductive technologies.

Prerequisite: 15 points from BIOSCI 107, 203, MEDSCI 142

Immunology

The biology, cellular and molecular events underlying the immune response. The nature and characteristics of antibody-mediated and cell-mediated immunity including antigen recognition and presentation, antibody and T cell receptor structure, immune regulation and cytokines, immunogenetics and histocompatibility. The relationships of the immune system to the activities of pathogenic organisms. Applied immunology including biotechnology, infection, autoimmunity, tumour immunology, transplantation and immunodeficiency.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 202 or BIOSCI 201

Restriction: BIOSCI 357

Nutrition, Diet and Gene Interactions

Practical applications of nutrition in protection against, and reduction of symptoms in, chronic disease from a clinical perspective. Both non-communicable diseases (eg, cancer, osteoporosis, auto-immune disease) and communicable disease (eg, whooping cough, influenza) will be considered. Factors regulating appetite and food intake, and the role of genotype and epigenotype will also be studied.

Prerequisite: BIOSCI 202, 203

Sensory Neuroscience: From Molecules to Disease

The physiology of neurosensory systems in health and disease with an emphasis on clinical relevance and current advances in research. The course will provide in-depth coverage of mechanisms involved in each system at a broad systemic level, down to the molecular level. Topics include vision, hearing, balance, olfaction, taste, touch and pain.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 206

Restriction: MEDSCI 310

Integrative Neuroscience: From Fetus to Adult

The development and function of the central nervous system in health and disease. Topics include development of the CNS, functional imaging of the human brain, synaptic function in health and disease, development and pathophysiology of motor systems, perinatal and adult brain ischemia, stroke, and sleep related disorders. The topics are covered at an advanced level with emphasis on current advances in the fields.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 206

Restriction: MEDSCI 310

Postgraduate 700 Level Courses

Special Studies in Medical Science

The critical review and analysis of research literature relating to a research topic. Components include an extensive literature review article defining the current knowledge relevant to a particular research area, a research proposal outlining proposed Masters research topic and its significance, and a formal presentation of the proposal. Suitable for students intending to undertake a Masters thesis.

Restriction: MEDSCI 702

Advanced Biomedical Imaging

Theory and practice of biomedical imaging from the sub-cellular to whole body level with specific emphasis on recent developments. Principles of digital image-processing and image analysis (including quantitative morphology), computed tomography and volume rendering and analysis. Imaging modalities including atomic force microscopy, light and confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, X-ray, CT, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

Developmental Genetics

Genetics approaches used to understand developmental mechanisms. These utilise a variety of model systems including Drosophila and zebrafish to study processes such as pattern formation, cell specification, lineage commitment and cell-cell interaction. Insights into control of these events are critical to advancing understanding of disease processes, particularly cancer.

Infection, Immunity and Disease

Examines the ways in which host immune mechanisms control infection, infectious organisms evade host defence mechanisms, and the consequences of these processes for the host. Examples of human infectious diseases will include: HIV, hepatitis B, influenza, tuberculosis and streptococcal infections. Consideration of the consequences of infection will incorporate discussion of immune self/non-self discrimination, immune tolerance and autoimmune mechanisms, including the impact of response against infections on autoimmunity.

Genetic Disease

Examines a range of medical genetic disorders that illustrate principles of disease mechanisms, diagnosis and management. These will include: haemophilia, familial cancer, late-onset neurological disorders and mitochondrial disease.

Activities of Microbes in Disease

The dynamic interaction between pathogenic micro-organisms and humans will be explored. Examines the molecular mechanisms which enable microbes to survive, proliferate and cause disease; to evolve and acquire new genes; and to control the expression of their genes. Emphasis will be placed on recent advances in the understanding of major human microbial diseases.

Advanced Immunology and Immunotherapy

Recent advances in immunology including: the genes and proteins involved in the innate and adaptive immune response, intracellular signalling mechanisms that determine immune outcomes, and the mechanisms by which the immune system learns 'self' from 'non-self'. Examines a range of inflammatory diseases, and methods of immunotherapy, in particular approaches to combat cancer.

Nutrition in Health and Disease

The influence that dietary patterns, foods and food components have on the promotion and protection against the common nutrition-related diseases in New Zealand. The relevant epidemiological, clinical, and biochemical/physiological aspects of each disease are covered.

Nutrition Mechanisms

The mechanisms by which food and food components can influence disease processes. Topics covered include: the interaction between genotype and nutrition, antioxidants and oxidation protection mechanisms, dietary toxicology, the process of atherosclerosis, and the influence of the intra-uterine environment on growth and disease.

Clinical Nutrition

Prevention of malnutrition and maintenance of nutritional status during acute and chronic illness through 'artificial' or 'interventional' means. Diagnosis and quantitation of malnutrition, and monitoring of nutrition support therapy. Practical techniques, common complications and quality assurance through a multidisciplinary team approach. Includes treatment of anorexia nervosa and cancer cachexia.

Critical Evaluation of Nutritional Therapies

The suggested roles for micronutrients, 'nutriceuticals' and functional foods in general health, exercise performance and disease are evaluated using an evidence-based approach. The roles of micronutrients as dietary supplements and the potential actions of nutriceuticals and functional foods are also critically evaluated. Regulatory and ethical issues in the use of nutritional remedies are considered, including their use as supplements in chemotherapy or other conventional therapies, or in individuals with no symptoms.

Principles of Cancer Therapy

Examines the molecular and cellular processes underlying cancer treatment and the development of tumour-selective therapy; the principles of radiotherapy and chemotherapy; DNA and the basis for its interactions with anticancer drugs; recognition of DNA by proteins; exploitation of these processes by anticancer drugs, oncogenes and other regulatory gene products; signal transduction mechanisms and strategies for changing cell cycle control; cytokines and the role of host responses in cancer therapy; new approaches to cancer therapy including gene therapy and photodynamic therapy.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 302

Advanced Cancer Biology

Advanced studies of concepts related to the biology of cancer. These will include: molecular mechanisms, signal transduction pathways, genomic instability, telomeres and telomerase, anoikis, DNA damage sensing mechanisms, and hypoxia and tumour progression.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 302

Molecular Toxicology

Covers the current understanding of mechanisms implicated in toxicity of drugs and environmental chemicals plus the basis of inter-individual susceptibility. The course identifies strategies used to predict and prevent adverse reactions during drug development.

Drug Disposition and Kinetics

Advanced study of the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs, and the analysis of these processes. Also included are: in vivo/in vitro techniques in drug ADME studies used in drug development; drug analysis in biological matrices; and pharmaco-genomic aspects related to drug disposition.

Advanced Neuroscience: Neuropharmacology

An advanced study of current research topics in neuroscience. Involves critical analysis of the literature within the context of a series of major research themes that encompass models from molecular through to systems level neuroscience. Themes will be selected from the following areas: neurogenesis, neurodegeneration and/or addiction.

Pharmacology of Anaesthetics and Analgesics

General aspects of anaesthetics and analgesics. Topics covered include the development of modern anaesthesia, the mechanisms of action of drugs used in general and local anaesthesia, and issues surrounding safety and efficacy of anaesthesia, including drug error and circadian variation in drug action.

Pharmacometrics

An introduction to the application of mathematical models used in the interpretation of pharmacological observations. Computer-based analysis methods are investigated using individual and population-oriented approaches.

Biomedical Research Techniques

An introduction to some of the most commonly used techniques used in today's research laboratories; from tissue culture to confocal microscopy, RT-PCR to mass spectrometry, immunoassay to cloning. Emphasis is placed on understanding the principles behind the techniques, how they are applied to address specific questions, and how to evaluate and use the data they generate.

Advanced Toxicology

Focuses on classes of drugs associated with idiosyncratic adverse reactions and studies to define their metabolic basis and assessment of toxic risk.

Clinical Pharmacology

The disposition and action of drugs in the elderly, young and in pregnancy will be considered, as well as therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmacoeconomics, adverse drug reactions, ethnic differences in PK's and PD's, evaluation of clinical trials and population kinetics. Emphasis is placed on the use of medicines in humans.

Cancer Pharmacology

The pharmacological basis of the action of anti-tumour drugs relevant to human cancer therapy, emphasising the variability of chemotherapy effects, interactions between anti-cancer agents and early phase clinical trials.

Experimental Design

Principles of experimental design and data analysis in physiological research. Topics include: analysis of variance, post-hoc multiple comparisons, non-linear and multiple linear regression, analysis of covariance and statistical power. The approach is practical and computer statistical packages are used.

Advanced Neuroscience: Neurophysiology

An advanced treatment of selected topics in neurophysiology. Involves presentations and critical analysis by the students of the current scientific literature within the context of several major research themes that encompass models from molecular and cellular to systems level. Themes will be selected from the following areas: (1) motor control and motor disorders (Parkinson's disease, motorneuron disease, stroke); (2) synapse physiology and pathophysiology; (3) advances in neural stem cell research; and (4) selected topics in sensory neuroscience research.

Perinatal Physiology and Medicine

Fetal development has long-term consequences for health. This advanced course offers a wide range of research themes relating to fetal development and future health. Topics include: placental development, fetal physiology, and endocrine regulation and metabolic function during fetal and postnatal life. The course explores pathogenesis of disease and injury of the fetus and newborn, and how biomedical research leads to potential clinical treatment strategies.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 312

Reproductive Science

Molecular regulation and coordination of normal reproduction. The reproductive disorders that arise when normal biological processes are disrupted. Recent molecular methods have enabled us to study these processes and to understand how they can go wrong. Genomic and proteomic approaches to the understanding of reproduction and reproductive disorders will be presented. Examination of the new technologies that allow us to overcome some of these reproductive problems.

Prerequisite: 15 points from BIOSCI 351, 353, 356, MEDSCI 312, 313

Advanced Reproductive Biology

Understanding normal reproductive events and how normal biological processes are disrupted to cause medical problems. A range of specific disorders of reproduction (Pre-eclampsia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis), including infertility and gynaecological cancer, will be discussed. Attention will be given to the recent advances in understanding of disease at a molecular level and how they translate to become a clinical disorder.

Prerequisite: 15 points from MEDSCI 312, 313, BIOSCI 351, 353, 356

Molecular Aspects of Endocrinology and Metabolism

Explores how hormones are able to control such a wide range of physiological processes. Covers molecular aspects of hormone action with particular reference to the neuroendocrine and peripheral endocrine systems that control appetite and metabolism. Other topics covered include how defects in hormone action lead to diseases such as cancer, obesity, Type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Advanced Methods in Cell Physiology

The theoretical basis underpinning electrophysiological and live cell imaging techniques used to probe cellular function will be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on the instrumentation, data acquisition, and data analysis associated with each technology. The approach is practical and computer-based software programmes are used to analyse pre-recorded data, and data produced by the students themselves.

Restriction: MEDSCI 726

Advanced Integrative Physiology

In the post-genomic world the limitations of reductionism as a basis for understanding complex function have become apparent and it is necessary to integrate genomics with the biology of organ systems. This course will portray how an integrative physiological approach can reveal new levels of understanding in the field of biomedical research. Examples of this approach will be drawn from research programmes within the areas of cardiovascular biology, fetal physiology, neurophysiology and vision.

Restriction: MEDSCI 728

Special Topic

Special Topic

Biomedical MRI

Designed to give students a thorough understanding of a range of biomedical MRI techniques as well as advanced clinical MRI applications such as functional imaging of the brain and cardiovascular system. Laboratories will cover MRI pulse programming, MRI applications in basic science, and MRI applications in clinical medicine.

Biological Clocks

Chronobiology - the study of biological rhythms and the clocks that control them. Theory, anatomical location and molecular machinery of biological clocks will be covered, as will the control of rhythms of different time scales from days (circadian rhythms) to years (circannual rhythms). The influence the human circadian clock has on physiology and drug efficacy, and the effect hospitalisation has on the control of sleep cycles will be given special attention.

Advanced Sensory Neuroscience

Advanced study of the physiology of neurosensory systems in health and disease. Provides an in-depth coverage of the molecular, cellular and systemic mechanisms underlying vision and hearing.

Prerequisite: MEDSCI 316

Dissertation

To complete this course students must enrol in MEDSCI 790 A and B, or MEDSCI 790

Research Portfolio

Supervised research that represents the personal scholarly work of a student based on a coherent area of inquiry. Culminates in a conclusive piece of work related to a specific area of specialisation or scope of practice.

To complete this course students must enrol in MEDSCI 793 A and B

Thesis

To complete this course students must enrol in MEDSCI 794 A and B

Thesis

To complete this course students must enrol in MEDSCI 796 A and B

Research Portfolio

Supervised research that represents the personal scholarly work of a student based on a coherent area of inquiry. Culminates in a conclusive piece of work related to a specific area of specialisation or scope of practice.

To complete this course students must enrol in MEDSCI 797 A and B

Named Doctoral Courses

Thesis

To complete this course students must enrol in MEDSCI 896 A and B

---

Source: The University of Auckland 2013 Online Calendar
Last updated on: Thursday 1 November 2012
Viewed on: