year-2-study-guide-2.. - School of Medicine - Trinity College Dublin

THE UNIVERSITY OF DUBLIN
TRINITY COLLEGE
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
PROGRAMME STUDY GUIDE
2 nd Medical Year Study Guide 2010/2011
1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. CONTACT DETAILS…………………………………………………… Page 3
2. COURSE STRUCTURE……………………………………………….. Page 4
3. MOLECULAR AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE……………….. Pages 5-12
Lecturers
Contact Hours
Aims
Course Content
Indicative Resources
Learning Outcomes
Methods of Teaching and Student Learning
Methods of Assessment
Evaluation
4. CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY…………………………………………… Pages 13-22
Lecturers
Contact Hours
Aims
Course Content
Indicative Resources
Learning Outcomes
Methods of Teaching and Student Learning
Methods of Assessment
Evaluation
5. PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACOLOGY & PRACTICAL …………….. Pages 23-26
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Lecturers
Contact Hours
Aims
Course Content
Indicative Resources
Learning Outcomes
Methods of Teaching and Student Learning
Methods of Assessment
Evaluation
6. HEAD AND NECK ANATOMY………………………………………… Pages 27-29
Lecturers
Contact Hours
Aims
Course Content
Indicative Resources
Learning Outcomes
Methods of Teaching and Student Learning
Methods of Assessment
Evaluation
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7. NEUROSCIENCES……………………………………………………… Pages 30-41
Lecturers
Contact Hours
Aims
Course Content
Indicative Resources
Learning Outcomes
Methods of Teaching and Student Learning
Methods of Assessment
Evaluation
8. AETIOLOGY, MECHANISMS OF DISEASE…………………………… Pages 42-46
Contact Hours
Lecturers
Aims
Course Content
Indicative Resources
Learning Outcomes
Methods of Teaching and Student Learning
Methods of Assessment
Evaluation
9. FUNDAMENTALS OF CLINICAL AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE Pages 47-48
Lecturer(s)
Contact Hours
Aims
Course Content
Indicative Resources
Learning Outcomes
Methods of Teaching and Student Learning
Methods of Assessment
Evaluation
PERSONAL INJURY PROCEDURE Page 49
MICROBIOLOGY SAFETY IN THE HOSPITAL Page 50
PLAGIARISM Page 50
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE POLICY Page 52
SOURCES OF SUPPORT & HELP IN COLLEGE Page 53
EXEMPTION FORM Page 54
MED DAY Page 56
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CONTACT DETAILS
Year Coordinator:
To be appointed
Anatomy:
Mr Paul Glacken, Dept of Anatomy
Tel 896 1242, pglacken@tcd.ie
Biochemistry:
Dr. Richard Porter,
School of Biochemistry and Immunology
Tel 896 1851, jscott@tcd.ie; rkporter@tcd.ie
Clinical Skills:
Marie Morris (AMNCH)
Tel: 896 2910, morrism4@tcd.ie
Phillippa Marks (AMNCH)
Tel: 896 1475, pmarks@tcd.ie
Clare Martin (St. James’sHospital)
Tel: 896 4059, martinc4@tcd.ie
Triona Flavin (St. James’s Hospital)
Ext: 896 4098, tflavin@tcd.ie
Microbiology:
Dr. Stephen Smith
Tel: 896 3713, sgsmith@tcd.ie
Molecular Medicine:
Neuroscience:
Prof Yuri Volkov, Dept of Clinical Medicine
Tel: 896 3263
yvolkov@tcd.ie
Prof. Michael Rowan, Dept of Pharmacology &
Therapeutics
Tel: 896 1567, mrowan@tcd.ie
Pathology:
Head of Department, Prof. John O’Leary
Tel: 896 3283/3296
Pharmacology:
Dr Paul Spiers, Dept of Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Tel 896 2146, spiersj@tcd.ie
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OVERVIEW
Phase 2
This phase extends over two years and is designed to: -
• Continue and expand the generic skills development with emphasis on the
professional aspects.
• Emphasise critical thinking and foster insight into the essential role of research
in healthcare including aspects of molecular medicine and genetics.
• Commence the development of non-invasive clinical skills at the individual
(history taking and physical examination) and community (health promotion)
level.
• Introduce students to disease processes and to global as well as national
aspects of disease control
• Commence the development of invasive clinical skills
• Focus on professional development by exploration of the legal, moral, ethical
and economic aspects of safe effective medical practice.
YEAR 2 MODULES
There are seven modules in the 2 nd Medical year accruing 60 credits in total. The
seven modules are;
Module 1: Molecular & Translational Medicine
Module 2: Clinical Biochemistry
Module 3: Principles of Pharmacology and Practical Scientific Research
Module 4: Head and Neck Anatomy
Module 5: Neurosciences
Module 6: Aetiology, mechanisms of disease
Module 7: Fundamentals of Clinical and Professional Practice
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Module 1: MOLECULAR & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
ECTS Value
5 credits
Lecturers
Dr. Paula Murphy
Dr. Kevin Mitchell
Prof. Veronica Campbell
Prof. Yuri Volkov
Prof. Andrew Bowie
Prof. Dermot Kelleher,
Dr. Maureen O’Sullivan
Prof. Mark Lawler
Dr. Paul Spiers
Dr. Henry Windle
Dr. Derek Morris
Dr. Richard Anney
Contact Hours
The module comprises 28 lectures given by a number of academic and clinical
specialists with prominent expertise in their areas. The students will be also provided
with an opportunity to carry out small group projects on the grounds of the biomedical
research facilities of the Trinity College’s Institute of Molecular Medicine at St.
James’s Hospital Campus. Additional tutorials dealing with specific aspects of
Molecular Medicine can be arranged by request. Self-study hours are expected to be
determined individually by the students. If required, the students will be provided with
additional explanatory comments and self-study resources by the lecturers in their
relevant subjects.
Aims
Recent years have witnessed a rapid accumulation of knowledge in molecular basis
of human diseases, giving the rise to Molecular Medicine as a discipline providing an
insight into the mechanisms of development of pathological processes at molecular
level. Molecular Medicine continuously supplies new powerful tools for diagnostics,
therapeutic drug development, ethiotropic and pathogenetic treatment of a wide
range of ailments, including some of those, which were previously considered
incurable. Medical graduates with a good knowledge of Molecular Medicine have a
potential of significantly improving the current diagnostic and therapeutic routines and
may form strong liaisons between hospitals, diagnostic labs, biomedical research
institutions, and pharmaceutical industry for the ultimate benefit of patients’
treatment. This course is aimed to provide medical students with powerful knowledge
in the molecular mechanisms of human disease development and related cutting
edge diagnostic tools.
The module is designed for the medical students of the second year (Senior
Freshman) and represents and integral component of the Trinity College
undergraduate medical curriculum. The attendance of the course and examinations
are mandatory for all the students.
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The lecturers will provide the students with a thorough understanding of the
following:
• Integration of molecular and cellular biology in relation to human diseases
• Operation of the human genome at a molecular level, in particular in relation to
the mechanisms of disease development
• Molecular mechanisms of human development and its disorders
• Molecular basis of common human malignancies (cancer)
• Molecular mechanisms of human host and microbial pathogens interactions
• Contemporary technologies for analysis of human molecular and cellular
functions and their disregulation in disease
• Applications of these technologies in clinical practice
• Use of knowledge on the molecular basis of human disease for the development
of novel therapies, including phamacological agents or gene therapy
Course Content
Molecular basis of development and molecular embryology (2 lectures)
Lecturer: Dr. Paula Murphy
Summary of the topics covered:
Introduction-what is needed to build a complex organism? Developmental regulatory
genes and their function. Fruitfly Drosophila and human developmental genetics.
Phases of human development and morphogenesis. Critical periods of development
and teratogenes. Drugs affecting development. Chromosomal anomalies and
associated developmental disorders.
Neural development (2 lectures)
Lecturer: Dr. Kevin Mitchell
Summary of the topics covered:
Molecular processes affecting development of the cerebral cortex and their defects.
Specific features of nervous system development in comparison to other tissues.
Role of selective gene expression, encoded proteins and their associations. Control
of cell migration in the cerebral cortex. Mouse mutant models and cell migration.
Neuronal guidance. Establishment of cell identities. Cerebral development
abnormalities and mental disease development. Application of knowledge of cortical
developmental pathways for therapeutic strategies.
Molecular mechanisms of cell damage and regeneration; stem cells origin and
applications (2 lectures)
Lecturer: Prof. Veronica Campbell
Summary of the topics covered:
Stem cell origin and functional properties. Therapeutic applications of stem cells.
Ethical aspects of stem cell research and medical use. Molecular basis of neurodegeneration.
Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease: genetics, environmental factors,
molecular diagnostics and treatment approaches.
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Molecular mechanisms of cell interactions (2 lectures)
Lecturer: Prof. Yuri Volkov
Summary of the topics covered:
Main groups of adhesion molecules, their structural aspects and functional role.
Integrins as mediators of cell interactions between each other and extracellular
matrix.
Immunoglobulin-like adhesion ligands. Inside-out and outside-in signals triggered in
cells by integrins. Selectins, cadherins, CD44 and related molecules. Diseases
associated with abnormal expression and function of adhesion molecules.
Molecular mechanisms of cell interactions, leukocyte migration and
recirculation (3 lectures)
Prof. Yuri Volkov
Summary of the topics covered:
Main groups of adhesion molecules, their structural aspects and functional role.
Integrins as mediators of cell interactions between each other and extracellular
matrix.
Immunoglobulin-like adhesion ligands. Inside-out and outside-in signals triggered in
cells by integrins. Selectins, cadherins, CD44 and related molecules. Diseases
associated with abnormal expression and function of adhesion molecules.
Multi-step leukocyte navigation paradigm. Mechanistic models of leukocyte migration.
Membrane receptors and soluble factors affecting leukocyte homing.
Chemokines, their classification and disease-specific importance. Leukocyte
recirculation routes. Multi-factorial mechanisms of cell directed leukocyte recruitment
from the blood vessels into disease sites.
Cell signalling and transcriptional regulation of inflammation (2 lectures)
Lecturer: Prof. Andrew Bowie
Summary of the topics covered:
Molecular mediators of inflammation. The role of Toll-like receptors and nucleotidebinding
oligomerisation domain proteins in infection and inflammation. IL-1 as a
factor affecting gene expression. NFkB and inflammatory process development.
Tumour necrosis factor and caspases in inflammation.
Molecular mechanisms of cancer (6 lectures)
Lecturer: Prof. Dermot Kelleher, Dr. Maureen O’Sullivan
Summary of the topics covered:
DNA transcription and translation. Basics of genetic mutation - heritability, germline
versus somatic changes and mechanistic effects of mutations. DNA repair
mechanisms.
Cell cycle and apopotosis. Epigenetics: DNA methylation, histones, miRNAs role in
health, development and disease. Animal models of disease - xenografts, knock-out
models, conditional models.
Cancer – an overview. What cancer is and what it looks like – examples of tumours
from different sites and the potential for diverse mechanisms of oncogenesis. Solid
tumours – gastrointestinal tumours and the inflammation – cancer sequence.
Haematological malignancies. Genetic abnormalities associated with blood cell
malignancies. BCR-ABL and AML1 genes in leukaemia. Skin tumours and the role
of UV-radiation.
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Genetics and Cancer. Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.Types of genetically
mediated cancer. The accumulation of mutations. The Li-Frameini syndrome and the
importance of p-53. Familial breast cancer and the BRCA genes. APC genes and
familial adenomatous polyposis. Synthesis of the importance of familial cancers to
our understanding of cancer mechanisms in sporadic tumours.
Mechanisms of carcinogenesis. The stages of development of human cancers. The
polyp-cancer sequence for colorectal cancer. Integration of host and environmental
factors. Chemically mediated cancer. Diet and cancer – potential biochemical
mechanisms. The mechanisms whereby viruses cause cancer. What viruses tell us
about the cell cycle. Viruses and the inflammation- cancer sequence.
Tumour cells growth and metastasis. Overview of metastatic process. How tumour
cells metastasise. Angiogenesis. Metalloproteases, adhesion molecules and
migration. Targeting metastasis in chemotherapy.
Molecular basis of cardiovascular diseases (2 lectures)
Dr. Ross Murphy
Summary of the topics covered:
Genetic factors and lifestyle in the development of cardiovascular disease. DNA
damage, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation as main pathogenic determinants
of cardiovascular pathology. Molecular basis of vascular stress response and
damage, atherosclerosis and hypoxia. Molecular mechanisms of heart tissue
damage and regeneration. Stem cells, adhesion molecules and small molecule
based therapeutic approaches.
Molecular basis of leukaemia and gene therapy (2 lectures)
Lecturer: Prof. Mark Lawler
Summary of the topics covered:
Classification and origin of leukaemias. Genetic abnormalities associated with blood
cell malignancies. BCR-ABL and AML1 genes in leukaemia. Molecular intervention
and drugs used in treatment of leukaemia. Principles of gene therapy. Mechanisms
and methods of gene delivery. DNA synthesis and damage as targets for
pharmacological intervention in cancer therapy.
Anti-inflammatory anti anti-cancer drugs (2 lectures)
Lecturer: Dr. Paul Spiers
Summary of the topics covered:
Molecular approaches to anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer drug development.
Molecular targets for treatment of inflammation and malignant disease. Monoclonal
antibodies and immuno-suppressants. Drug eluting stents.
Pharmacological and non-drug induced toxicity.
Nanomedicine and medical applications of molecular imaging (2 lectures)
Lecturer: Prof. Yuri Volkov
Summary of the topics covered:
Contemporary approaches to biomedical studies at molecular level. Tools used for
visualisation of intracellular processes. Nanomedicine, nanotechnologies and novel
diagnostic and drug delivery systems. High content analysis in drug development and
screening.
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Medical proteomics (2 lectures)
Lecturer: Dr. Henry Windle
Summary of the topics covered:
Introduction to medical proteomics. Proteomics in biomarker discovery. Applications
of proteomics for improved medical diagnostics and drug development. Protein chips
and arrays. Human proteome organisation.
Molecular basis of psychiatric disorders (2 lectures)
Lecturer: Dr. Derek Morris, Dr. Richard Anney
Summary of the topics covered:
Psychiatric diseases as complex genetic disorders. Mutations in DNA and molecular
genetic of psychiatric disorders. Endophenotypes in the analysis of psychiatric
diseases. Linkage and association studies.
Molecular mechanisms in aetiology of ADHD. Applications of molecular genetics in
diagnostics of psychiatric diseases. Mouse models of ADHD. Dopaminergic
hypothesis in ADHD. Treatment approaches and their link to research in ADHD.
Indicative Resources
The cell: a molecular approach (Geoffrey M. Cooper)
Developmental Biology (Gilbert S., 7th Edition, SinauerPress).
Molecular cell biology (Harvey Lodish et al.)
Molecular biology of the cell (Bruce Alberts et al.).
Encyclopedia of molecular cell biology and molecular medicine (Robert A. Meyers)
Molecular Medicine (R.J.Trent)
Essentials of Human Embryology (Larsen)
Introduction to Molecular Medicine (Ross, Dennis W.)
An Introduction to Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy (Thomas F. Kresina)
Learning Outcomes
The overall objective of this module is to empower the students with the knowledge
of the essential aspects of molecular mechanisms of disease development
accumulated over the recent years and to enable the medics to apply this information
in clinical environment for improved diagnostic and treatment of the patients.
On successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:
• Identify the molecular mechanisms involved in human development,
developmental abnormalities, tissue damage, regeneration and recognise stem
cell applications in this context;
• Describe the fundamental molecular mechanisms of cell communications and key
intracellular processes underlying inflammatory diseases and human host
defence responses;
• Explain the genetic and environmental factors involved in the development of
cancer and haematological malignancies and understand the key stages of
cancer development and progression;
• Explain how structural and functional analysis of molecules can be applied to the
generation of novel drugs and design of new therapies, including gene delivery
and gene therapy;
• Explain the molecular processes underlying common psychiatric disorders;
• Discuss how contemporary molecular medicine technologies can be applied for
the development of new diagnostic methods and molecular approaches for
therapeutic intervention
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MOLECULAR MEDICINE
Lecture Timetable for the Second Medical Year Michaelmas Term
Venues: IMM Building: Robert Smith Lecture Theatre / 2039, Walton Art Theatre, Main Campus
DATE: TIME: TOPIC: LECTURER: VENUE:
Week 1
Wed. 30 th Sept. 12:00 pm Molecular basis of development
and molecular embryology 1
Thurs. 1 st Oct. 9:00 am Molecular Mechanisms of
Cancer 1
10:00 am Molecular Mechanisms of
Cancer 2
Week 2
Wed. 7 th Oct. 12:00 pm Molecular basis of development
and molecular embryology 2
Thurs. 8 th Oct. 9:00 am Molecular Mechanisms of
Cancer 3
10:00 am Molecular mechanisms of cell
interactions 1
Week 3
Wed. 14 th Oct.
12:00 pm Molecular mechanisms of cell
damage and regeneration; stem
cells origin and applications 1
10
Paula Murphy
Maureen O'Sullivan
Maureen O'Sullivan
Paula Murphy
Maureen O'Sullivan
Yuri Volkov
Veronica Campbell
2039 Walton Art Theatre
IMM Building: RSL
IMM Building: RSL
2039 Walton Art Theatre
IMM Building: RSL
IMM Building: RSL
2039 Walton Art Theatre
Thurs. 15 th Oct. 9:00 am Molecular basis of leukaemia Mark Lawler IMM Building: RSL
10:00 am Molecular basis gene therapy Mark Lawler IMM Building: RSL
Week 4
Wed. 21 st Oct.
12:00 pm Molecular mechanisms of cell
damage and regeneration; stem
cells origin and applications 2
Thurs. 22 nd Oct. 9:00 am Molecular mechanisms of cell
interactions 2
10:00 am Molecular basis of psychiatric
disorders 1
Veronica Campbell
Yuri Volkov
Derek Morris
2039 Walton Art Theatre
IMM Building: RSL
IMM Building: RSL
Week 5
Wed. 28 th Oct. 12:00 pm Cell signalling and Andrew Bowie 2039 Walton Art Theatre
transcriptional regulation of
inflammation 1
Thurs. 29 th Oct. 9:00 am Medical proteomics Henry Windle IMM Building: RSL
10:00 am Molecular basis of leukocyte
migration and recirculation 1
Yuri Volkov IMM Building: RSL
Week 6
Wed. 4 th Nov. 12:00 pm Cell signalling and Andrew Bowie 2039 Walton Art Theatre
transcriptional regulation of
inflammation 2
Thurs. 5 th Nov. 9:00 am Molecular basis of leukocyte Yuri Volkov IMM Building: RSL
migration and recirculation 2
10:00 am Medical proteomics Henry Windle IMM Building: RSL
Week 7
Wed. 11 th Nov. 12:00 pm Neural development 1 Kevin Mitchell 2039 Walton Art Theatre
Thurs. 12 th Nov. 9:00 am Molecular basis of psychiatric Richard Anney IMM Building: RSL
disorders 2
10:00 am Molecular Mechanisms of Maureen O'Sullivan IMM Building: RSL
Cancer 4
Week 8
Wed. 18 th Nov. 12:00 pm Neural development 2 Kevin Mitchell 2039 Walton Art Theatre
Thurs. 19 th Nov. 9:00 am Anti-Cancer drugs Paul Spiers IMM Building: RSL
10:00 am Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Paul Spiers IMM Building: RSL

Week 9
Thurs. 26 th Nov. 9:00 am Molecular Mechanisms of
Cancer 5
10:00 am Molecular Mechanisms of
Cancer 6
Week 10
Thurs. 3 rd Dec. 9:00 am NanoMedicine and medical
applications of molecular
imaging 1
10:00 am NanoMedicine and medical
applications of molecular
imaging 2
Dermot Kelleher
Dermot Kelleher
Yuri Volkov
Yuri Volkov
IMM Building: RSL
IMM Building: RSL
IMM Building: RSL
IMM Building: RSL
Methods of Teaching and Student Learning
The course is taught for the duration of one academic term as a series of lectures
dealing with a wide scope of topics in Molecular and Translational Medicine and is
designed to implement the knowledge accumulated by the students in the closely
related disciplines studied in parallel modules (Anatomy, Clinical Biochemistry and
Molecular Immunology, Microbiology and Pharmacology) for a better understanding
of molecular mechanisms of human disease and contemporary approaches to their
treatment.
Several lectures of the module are focused on the basic molecular mechanisms of
human development, intracellular communications and signalling as well as
molecular, cell and tissue damage and regeneration. The fundamental knowledge
accumulated from these lectures is subsequently applied for the in-depth
understanding of the molecular aspects of disease-related impairs in molecular
functions in the context of translation of this knowledge into clinical practice. The
lectures cover such specific topics as molecular basis of inflammation, cancer,
leukaemia and psychiatric disorders, all of which refer to clinical patient-related
information. The students are also empowered with the cutting edge technological
approaches to diagnostics and therapy, including Nanomedicine, molecular imaging
and medical proteomics.
Due to a wide scope of topics covered by the module, the students are expected to
fully use the taught lecture material and engage in active studying of the suggested
reading resources. On specific topics, particularly relevant to the translational
aspects of molecular medicine, students should expose themselves to the relevant
original research and clinical publications available through the biomedical databases
and library collections.
Methods of Assessment
Summative
The students are assessed via a written examination. The exam consists of two
parts. Part A offers an essay type question (which can be chosen from the list) and
constitutes 30% of the overall mark. Part B consists of short “either/or” type
questions, covering the diverse scope of theoretical material of the course and
including brief clinical case studies. Each of the questions must be attempted and all
of them carry equal percentage of marks (e.g., value of part B is 70% of the total
exam mark and comprises 7 short questions. Each of these, in this case, carries a
weight of 10% of the overall mark for the exam).
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Formative
Informal assessments (as a brief questionnaire or computer-assisted response
collection) may be implemented in the module on some specific topics, in order to
provide efficient feedback from the students to the lecturers and aimed at timely
evaluation of the knowledge level achieved in the class. Feedback will be provided to
the students either immediately (computer-assisted format) or upon the analysis of
the questionnaire responses.
Evaluation
The Molecular and Translational Medicine module is relatively novel to the medical
curriculum; it has emerged along with the evolution of contemporary medical
sciences. The course components are therefore dynamically adjusted each year, to
cater for the best education of future clinicians. The changes reflect new and
emerging trends in biomedical and clinical sciences and practice, as well as active
feedback received from the students
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Module 2: CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
ECTS Value
5 Credits
Lecturers
Biochemistry lectures cover Introduction (Porter 1 lecture)
Coagulation (Preston 6 lectures)
Extracellular matrix (Carroll 4 lectures)
Clinical Endocrinology (Boran 8 lectures)
Clinical Biochemistry (Smith 7 lectures)
Immunology (Jackson/Feighery/Kelly/Doherty 10 lectures/2 tutorials)
Molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases (Nolan/ Pazderska /Wanic 4 lectures)
Aims
The purpose of the course is to enable the students to understand and interpret core
aspects of “clinical biochemistry” and immunology that they will encounter in the
course of their careers as medical doctors. Prerequisites include a knowledge of the
fundamentals of biochemistry. The course is mandatory. The lecture is there to
facilitate understanding of the courses provided.
Course Content
The Extracellular Matrix: Dr. Joe Carroll (4 lectures)
1. The extracellular matrix: overview of composition; collagen, elastin and
glucosaminoglycans; collagen-amino acid composition, biosynthesis, post-translation
modification and processing, formation of fibres and alternative structures
(particularly type IV), genetic defects in collagen structure and exon splicing
2. Glycosaminoglycans: classification, synthesis and properties; genetic disorders of
gylcosaminoglycan metabolism
3. Calcification: dietary calcium and absorption; structure of crystalline bone; vitamin
D metabolism and calcium transport; regulators of osteoclast and osteoblast activity;
parathyroid hormone and phosphate metabolism; regulation of calcium homeostasis;
factors affecting the determination of calcium concentration
4. Molecules involved in cell adhesion: fibronectin and its binding to cells, collagen
and glycosaminoglycans, influences of the cell-cycle and metastasis; cell
communication with the morphogenesis and proliferation; laminin, it’s high affinity for
type IV collagen and role in epithelial cell function.
Learning Objectives from the course ‘ Extracellular Matrix’ :
The objective of this short course is to gain understanding of the extracellular
macromolecular structures which are present in all tissues. These molecules
(collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans ) determine the texture, rigidity, fluidity,
strength, shape, elasticity of the tissues and serve as barriers against infection. The
glycosaminoglycans influence the calcification of tissues. The extracellular matrix
binds via Fibronectin to cells and forms a direct line of communication to the nucleus;
Alterations to the extracellular matrix leads to changes to a cells morphology and
biochemistry. Genetic diseases of the extracellular matrix have profound effects on
growth, learning, sight, etc. We will also examine how Calcium homeostasis is
regulated.
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Blood Coagulation: Dr. Roger Preston (6 lectures)
Lecture 1 - Overview of haemostasis
Lecture 2 - Primary haemostasis
Lecture 3 - The coagulation cascade
Lecture 4 - Regulation of coagulation
Lecture 5 – Fibrinolysis
Lecture 6 - Coagulation and inflammation
Learning Objectives
1) Describe normal haemostatic mechanisms including the interaction of vessel wall,
platelets and clotting factors.
2) Describe the initiation and regulation of coagulation cascade.
3) Discuss the clinical relevance of normal haemostasis
3) Understand the molecular basis of fibrin clot formation and subsequent dissolution.
4) Describe the central role played by endothelial cells in regulation of haemostasis in
vivo.
Clinical Endocrinology Dr. Gerard Boran (8 lectures)
Learning Objectives
1. To understand the basic principles underlying the laboratory biochemical
investigation of common problems in clinical endocrinology.
2. To know about the uses and limitations of common laboratory endocrine
investigations
3. To be able to interpret simple case vignettes covering common endocrine
problems.
1. Introduction to endocrinology. Review of structure, function and receptors for
hormones of clinical interest. General principles of investigation of endocrine
function. Hormone assays and the clinical biochemistry laboratory. Major
hormone axes. Sources of biological variation.
2. Hypothalamic and pituitary function. Hypothalamic and pituitary function.
Anterior pituitary hormones. Hyperprolactinaemia. Acromegaly. Growth hormone
deficiency. Posterior Pituitary hormones. Diabetes insipidus.
3. Thyroid. Thyroid function tests. Biochemical investigation of thyrometabolic
disorders including ultrasound and radionuclide scans. Hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism. Graves’ disease. Goitre. Subclinical disorders. Sick euthyroid
syndrome. Overview of some rare causes of thyroid dysfunction.
4. Adrenal. Adrenal function. Measurement of cortisol, ACTH and adrenal
androgens. Steroid binding proteins. Investigation of adrenal disorders including
dynamic function tests. Addison’s disease. Cushing’s syndrome. Congenital
adrenal hyperplasia.
5. Endocrine hypertension. Investigation of suspected primary hyperaldosteronism.
Conn’s syndrome. Investigation of catecholamine secreting tumours.
Phaeochromocytoma. Multiple endocrine neoplasia.
6. Gonadal dysfunction in the male. Testicular function. Investigation of testicular
function. Male hypogonadism. Erectile dysfunction. Causes of infertility.
Investigation of the infertile couple. Male and female pseudohermaphroditism.
14

Associated adrenal enzyme defects. Androgen receptor defects. 5α-reductase
deficiency.
7. Gonadal dysfunction in the female. Ovarian function. Sex hormone binding
globulin. Normal and abnormal androgen production in females. The menstrual
cycle and disturbances. The menopause. Ovarian failure. Amenorrhoea.
Hirsutism. Virilism. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Diagnostic use of β-HCG
measurements. T
8. Special topic in endocrinology. B-type natriuretic peptides (BNP) and the
diagnosis of heart failure.
9. Effective interpretation of endocrine laboratory data. Interactive session. Optimal
strategies for interpretation of clinical laboratory endocrine data. Endocrine case
vignettes. Decision making based on preliminary endocrine results.
10. Endocrine cases. Interactive session. Acromegaly. Growth hormone deficiency.
Graves’ disease. Primary hypothyroidism. Goitre. Cushing’s syndrome. Addison’s
disease. Conn’s syndrome. Phaeochromocytoma. Amenorrhoea. Hirsutism.
Polycystic ovary syndrome. Ectopic and other abnormal pregnancy. Male
hypogonadism. Androgen receptor disorders. Adrenal enzyme defects.
Clinical Biochemistry
Dr. Tom Smith (7 lectures)
1. Fluid & Electrolytes: Fluid Balance: Water distribution and homeostatis,
compartmental composition and concepts of balance. Effects of solutes. Osmolality.
Volume receptors and the role of ADH.
2. Fluid & Electrolytes: Sodium Balance: Role of renin, aldosterone and atrial
natriuretic peptide. Clinical and laboratory assessment of sodium depletion or
excess. Causes of Hypernatraemia and Hyponatraemia. Treatment guidelines,
clinical cases.
3. Fluid & Electrolytes: Potassium Balance: Disorders of potassium metabolism.
Effects of acid base and endocrine status. Hyper- and Hypokalaemia, causes and
treatment. Clinical cases.
4. Renal Function. Glomerular and Tubular function. Role of biochemical markers.
Pre-renal, renal and post-renal damage. Diabetes insipidus and investigation of
polyuria.
Clinical cases.
5. Acid Base Status. Basic concepts. Metabolic disorders. Respiratory disorders.
Compensatory mechanisms. Clinical and laboratory assessment of acid base status.
Case interpretation.
6. Clinical Enzymology. Enzymes in plasma as markers of cellular damage.
Sensitivity and specificity. Isoenzymes. Cardiac disease. Liver disease. Clinical
applications and cases.
7. Hyperlipidaemia. Lipoprotein metabolism and disorders. Management of
hyperlipidaemia. Treatment options. Clinical cases.
15

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this series of lectures students will have a basic understanding of the
main core areas of Clinical Biochemistry. They will be in a position to understand and
explain from a biochemical and pathophysiological point of view derangements in
water, electrolyte, lipid, enzyme, acid base and renal function. Case interpretation by
integration of clinical and biochemical data is a fundamental learning objective and
students will be provided with the information to logically derive diagnoses and
suggest patient management and treatment options in the areas covered.
FUNDAMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
(14 lectures and 2 tutorials)
Lecturers: Con Feighery, John Jackson, Jacinta Kelly, Derek Doherty
Course Aim
To impart an understanding of how the immune system works and of is importance in
maintaining health and causing disease.
1. Introduction to the Immune System in Health and Disease. (1 lecture) John
Jackson
Learning Objectives:
Be familiar with the importance of the immune system in health and disease.
Know the consequences of an inadequate immune system.
Know about the role of barriers
Understand the local and systemic inflammatory responses
Be familiar with the role of immunotherapy to treat and prevent disease.
Summary of topics covered:
Secondary immune deficiency, role of nutrition, extremes of age, introduction to
immune manipulation, active and passive immunisation, mechanical barriers, local
and systemic inflammation, selected inflammatory disorders (to include sepsis,
ARDS, cerebral malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease),
mediators of inflammation (mast cells, plasma cascade pathways, arachadonic acid
metabolites, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, cytokines. Introduction to anti-inflammatory
therapies and new immune modulating agents.
2 and 3. Structure and organization of the Immune system (2 lectures) Con
Feighery
Learning objectives:
To gain an understanding of –
Organization of the immune system
Cells of the immune system
Response of cells to antigen
Lymphoid tissues
Summary of topics covered:
Role of the immune system in common diseases. Basic human biology: arterial,
venous and lymphatic circulation. Bone marrow as source of cells in circulation.
Function of red cells, platelets. Different types of white cells: neutrophils, monocytes,
lymphocytes. Two major types of lymphocytes: T (thymus) lymphocytes; B (bursa)
16

lymphocytes. Two arms of immune system: innate immunity, adaptive immunity.
Clinical scenarios: defects in immune system results in infection; excess in immune
response causes inflammation e.g. allergy.
Overview of function of white cells. Identification of T cells and B cells. Surface
molecules on these cells. Concept of antigen. Antibody molecules. Cytokines.
Lymphoid tissues and lymphatic circulation. Thymus. Bursa. Bone marrow. Spleen.
Lymph nodes. Tonsils. Appendix. Clinical scenarios: appendicitis; surgical removal
of the spleen.
4. Phagocytosis. (1 lecture) John Jackson.
Learning objectives:
Understand phagocytois as a primary defence mechanism.
Know the stages of phagocytois.
Be familiar with the concepts of opsonisation, chemotaxis.
Understand the role of phagocytes in disease.
Summary of topics covered:
Neutrophils, macrophages, eosinophils, specialisation within phagocytic cells,
production of phagocytic cells, cell adhesion, diapedesis, chemotaxis, opsonisation,
ingestion, killing, degranulation of phagocytic cells, introduction to antigen
presentation, abscess formation, pneumonia.
5. Introduction to specific immunity John Jackson (1 lecture)
Learning objectives:
Know the features of specific immunity
Understand the concept of clonal selection and polyclonal immune responses
Be familiar with primary and secondary immune responses
Understand specific antigen recognition by T and B cells.
Summary of topics covered:
Adaptive nature of specific immune responses, specificity, memory, clonal origin of
immune cells, primary and secondary immune responses, clonal selection and clonal
expansion, memory cells, B and T cell activation.
6 and 7. The role of T cells in the Immune system (2 lectures) Con Feighery
Learning objectives:
The central role of T cells in the immune response
Memory T cells help protect against infection
How T cells depend on other cells for their function.
Summary of topics covered.
How T cells respond to antigen. T cell surface structures. T cell antigen receptor.
Presentation of antigens to T cells by antigen presenting cells. Different types of T
cells. T helper cells. T cytotoxic cells. T cells bind to a combination of antigen and
major histocompatability complex (MHC) molecules. Clinical scenarios: T cells cause
chronic viral hepatitits. HIV infection and certain drugs deplete T cells.
10 12 T cell clones. One clone for every antigen. T cell memory. Vaccination. The
major histocompatability complex (MHC). Transplantation rejection. Two types of
MHC molecules. T cytotoxic cells bind to Class I molecules. T helper cells bind to
Class II molecules. Types of cells which have MHC I or MHC II on cell surface.
Clinical scenario: immune deficiency caused by genetic defect in synthesis of MHC.
17

8. The role of cytokines in the immune system (1 lecture) Con Feighery
Learning objectives:
Cells which produce cytokines influence the behaviour of other cells
Summary of topics covered:
Nature and function of cytokines. Types of T cell cytokines. T cell cytokines which
promote B cell production of antibody. Cytokines which cause chronic inflammation.
Cytokines produced by other cells. Clinical scenario: blocking cytokines to control
disease e.g. rheumatoid arthritis. Defect in cytokine receptors cause immune
deficiency
9. The importance of MHC molecules in the immune system (1 lecture) Jacinta
Kelly
Learning objectives:
How antigen binds to MHC molecules
MHC genes predispose to many inflammatory diseases.
Summary of topics covered:
Two different pathways for antigen to bind to MHC molecules. Endogenous antigen
binds to MHC class I: antigen fragment digested by proteasome and transported by
TAP1 and TAP2. Exogenous antigen binds to MHC class II: antigen binds after
release of invariant chain. Clinical scenario: strong association of some inflammatory
diseases with MHC molecules – HLAB27 with ankylosing spondylitis, HLA-DQ2 with
coeliac disease.
10. Antibody (immunoglobulin) structure and function (1 Lecture) John
Jackson
Learning objectives:
Understand how the structure of antibodies relates to their function
Know the role of antibody classes
Be familiar with the different ways in which antibodies may be used in the laboratory
Know about monoclonal antibodies. Be familiar with different types of antibody
therapy
Summary of topics covered:
Four chain structure of antibodies, variable and constant regions, hypervariable
regions, immunoglobulin fold, structure and function of IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, IgD,
monoclonal antibodies, laboratory tests utilising antibodies, antibodies as therapeutic
agents.
11-12. Tutorials x 2. Discussion of allergy, auto-immunity, immune deficiency
Con Feighery, John Jackson
Learning objective
Revision. Importance of immune system in health.
18

Metabolic diseases (4 lectures)
Definition, current diagnostic criteria and classification of diabetes mellitus.
Lecture 1: Introduction to diabetes mellitus (Nolan/Pazderska)
pathophysiology and clinical and biochemical characteristics of type 1 and type 2
diabetes mellitus. Epidemiological data regarding increasing prevalence and
incidence of both main types of diabetes and obesity. Interplay between obesity,
metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Stages of glucose intolerance and the main
preventive strategies for developing diabetes in individuals at risk. Complications in
patients with type 2 diabetes and how we can reduce their risk.
Lecture 2: Cellular and molecular mechanism of diabetes mellitus (Nolan/
Pazderska)
Physiology of insulin secretion and its action at cellular level. Examples of monogenic
forms of diabetes will be used to illustrate the effects of disrupting insulin secretion
and action at various levels. Genetic background of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Immune processes occurring in pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes and the role of
HLA antigens. Molecular mechanisms leading to the development of microvascular
complications.
Learning objectives:
1. Define diabetes mellitus and discuss current classification and diagnostic
criteria.
2. Characterise the main differences between type 1 and 2 diabetes.
3. Discuss genetic background and main differences in genetic susceptibility for
type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
4. Describe immune processes occurring in type 1 diabetes and the role of HLA
antigens.
5. Describe the interplay between obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
References:
1. "Definition, Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus and its
Complications." Report of WHO Consultation. This is a link to where it can be
downloaded: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/1999/WHO_NCD_NCS_99.2.pdf
2. www.easd.org
3. www.diabetes.org
3. The molecular genetics of type 1 diabetes:new genes and emerging mechanisms.
Trends in Molecular Medicine; 2008 Jun; 14(6):268-75.Epub 2008 May 14.
Lecture 3: Introduction to Obesity (Nolan/Wanic).
We are going to discuss the definitions/measures, epidemiology, complications and
treatment of obesity. We also will discuss the central regulation of calorie intake. We
will mention co-morbidities associated with obesity. We will focus on neuroendocrine
control of eating (the role of leptin etc.).
19

Lecture 4: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Obesity (Nolan/Wanic).
Molecular basis (genetics) of obesity. Leptin and obesity. Monogenic obesity
syndromes (Leptin, MC4R, PC1, POMC and others). Common forms of obesity.
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) as a powerful approach to study genetics
of complex diseases (including common forms of obesity).
Learning objectives:
1) Discuss causes of obesity.
2) Describe the neuroendocrine control of eating.
3) Discuss the central regulation of calorie intake.
4) Discuss the known genetic background of obesity.
References:
All standard textbooks in Internal (General) Medicine contain sections re obesity.
20

Module 2: Clinical Biochemistry (5 ECTS)
Lecture Timetable for the Second Medical Year, Semester 1 (Michaelmas)
Venues 2037 (Emmett Lecture Theatre, Arts Block, TCD Campus));2043 (Davis Lecture Theatre, Arts
Block) JOLY 4 Lecture Theatre (Hamilton Building, TCD Campus) 2039 (Arts Block, TCD Campus)
Week Day/Date Time Topic Venue Lecturer
1 Mon 27 Sep 10am Introduction 2037 PORTER
12noon Extracellular Matrix 2043 CARROLL
Wed 29 Sep 3pm Extracellular Matrix JOLY 4 CARROLL
Thur 30 Sep 12noon Extracellular Matrix 2043 CARROLL
Fri 1 Oct 12noon Extracellular Matrix 2043 CARROLL
2 Mon 4 Oct 12noon Extracellular Matrix 2043 CARROLL
Wed 6 Oct 3pm Coagulation JOLY 4 PRESTON
Thur 7 Oct 12noon Coagulation 2043 PRESTON
Fri 8 Oct 12noon Coagulation 2043 PRESTON
3 Mon 11 Oct 12noon Coagulation 2043 PRESTON
Wed 13 Oct 3pm Coagulation JOLY 4 PRESTON
Thur 14 Oct 12noon Coagulation 2043 PRESTON
Fri 15 Oct 12noon Immune System 2043 FEIGHERY
4 Mon 18 Oct 10am Immune System 2037 FEIGHERY
12noon Immune System 2043 FEIGHERY
Wed 20 Oct 3pm Immune System JOLY 4 FEIGHERY
Thur 21 Oct 12noon Immune System 2043 FEIGHERY
Fri 22 Oct 12noon Immune System 2043 JACKSON
5 Mon 25 Oct BANK HOLIDAY
Wed 27 Oct 3pm Immune System JOLY 4 JACKSON
Thur 28 Oct 12noon Immune System 2043 JACKSON
Fri 29 Oct 12noon Immune System 2043 JACKSON
6 Mon 1 Nov 12noon Immune System 2043 DOHERTY
Thurs 4 Nov 12noon Immune System 2043 DOHERTY
7 Mon 8 Nov 10am Immune System 2037 KELLY
12noon Clinical Endocrinology 2043 BORAN
Thur 11 Nov 12noon Clinical Endocrinology 2043 BORAN
Fri 12 Nov 12noon Clinical Endocrinology 2043 BORAN
8 Mon 15 Nov 10am Clinical Endocrinology 2037 BORAN
12noon Clinical Endocrinology 2043 BORAN
Wed 17 Nov 3pm Clinical Endocrinology JOLY 4 BORAN
Thur 18 Nov 12noon Clinical Endocrinology 2043 BORAN
Fri 19 Nov 12noon Clinical Biochemistry 2043 SMITH
9 Mon 22 Nov 10am Clinical Endocrinology 2037 BORAN
12noon Clinical Biochemistry 2043 SMITH
Wed 24 Nov 12noon Clinical Biochemistry 2039 SMITH
3pm JOLY 4
Thur 25 Nov 12noon Clinical Biochemistry 2043 SMITH
Fri 26 Nov 11am Clinical Biochemistry 2039 SMITH
12noon Molecular mechanisms 2043 PAZDERSKA/WANIC
10 Mon 29 Nov 9am 2037
10am Clinical Biochemistry 2037 SMITH
Mon 29 Nov 12noon Molecular Mechanisms 2043 PAZDERSKA/WANIC
Wed 1 December
NO LECTURES OPEN DAY SCIENCE/MED
Thur 2 Dec 12noon Clinical Biochemistry 2043 SMITH
Fri 3 Dec 11am Molecular Mechanisms 2039 PAZDERSKA/WANIC
12noon Molecular Mechanisms 2043 PAZDERSKA/WANIC
11 REVISION WEEK – no lectures Mon 6 December – Friday 10 December
12 Examination week – Monday 13 December – Friday 17 December
The Examination in “Clinical Biochemistry” will be at the end of Semester 1, comprising
One 3-hour paper in two sections: Section A: Essay questions, do 2 from 5, Section B: Clinical questions,
do 3 from 6 (Immunology,Endocrinology, Clinical Biochemistry).
Section A accounts for 25%; Section B accounts for 75%
“Pass/Fail” and “Distinction” Viva Voce exams early in Semester 2 (Hilary)
Venue: School of Biochemistry, Wellcome Building, TCD campus, Date to be finalised.
21

Methods of Teaching and Student Learning
Lectures, Tutorials and Informal Discussions
Methods of Assessment
Course co-ordinators and lecturers can be contacted with any reasonable requests
about the course, the students progress and the examinations at any time during the
year.
The Examination in “Clinical Biochemistry” will be at the end of Semester 1.
One 3hour paper two sections:
Section A: Essay questions do 2 from 5
Section B: Clinical questions do 3 from 6 (immunology/endocrinology/clinical
biochemistry)
Section A accounts for 25%; section B accounts for 75%
“Pass/Fail” and “Distinction” viva voce examinations in Hilary term.
Venue: School of Biochemistry. Date to be finalised.
Evaluation
A lecturer based feedback form is distributed to students. The data is collated, plotted
and analyzed evaluations are given to the lecturers.
Version 13 September 2010 - Porter
22

Module 3: PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACOLOGY & PRACTICAL
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
ECTS Value
10 Credits
Contact Hours
46 hrs lectures
2 tutorials 3 hr
2 computer sessions 4.5 hr
2 wet laboratory practical 4.5 hr
Research projects 100 hr
Time for tutorial preparation 3 hr
Time for self study relating to research projects 10 hr
Lecturers
Dr Paul Spiers (Course and Research Co-ordinator)
Professor Michael Rowan
Dr Michael Barry
Dr Margaret Lucitt
Dr Jennifer Kieran
Professor Michael Lambert
Dr Mary Teeling
Mr Alan Kennedy
Aims
This mandatory course is aimed at developing knowledge and understanding of the
pharmacological basis of therapeutics in order that the student will gain a critical and
intelligent insight into the scientific underpinnings of drug use and abuse. The course
comprises a series of lectures, tutorials and student practicals. In addition, students
undertake a research project over a 14-week period during which they generate and
analyse their own data, with a view to learning scientific method and reasoning. This
usually involves study design, generating personal data, quality control, statistical
evaluation, interpretation of results and presentation to an audience by poster.
Students must also demonstrate the ability to evaluate literature in the form of
submitting a short research paper based upon their project.
23

COURSE CONTENT
Fundamental Principles
• Principles of Drug Action I (Introduction to Pharmacology)
• Principles of Drug Action II (Receptor Pharmacology)
• Pharmacokinetics I (Drug Absorption, Distribution and Metabolism)
• Pharmacokinetics II (Drug Excretion and Clearance)
• Pharmacogenomics
• Drug Delivery Mechanisms
Principles of Autonomic Pharmacology
• Cholinergic Pharmacology (3 Lectures)
• Adrenergic Pharmacology (2 Lectures)
• Pharmacological Modulation of the Presynaptic Adrenergic Neurone
• 5-Hydroxytryptamine and Peptides
Principles of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
• Pharmacology of Cardiac Rhythm
• Pharmacology of Cardiac Contractility
• Pharmacology of Vascular Tone
• Pharmacology of Volume Regulation
• Drugs for the Control of Haemorrhage
• Anticoagulants and Thrombolytics
• Integrated Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Principles of Endocrine Pharmacology
• Thyroid Hormone Production and Nuclear Receptor Interactions
• Pharmacology of Cholesterol and Lipoprotein Metabolism
• Pharmacology of Calcium Homeostasis
• Basic Pharmacology of Insulin and Oral Hypoglycaemics
• Pharmacology of Hypothalamic and Pituitary Hormones
• Adrenocorticosteroids and Antiadrenocorticosteroids
• Revision Lecture
• Pharmacology of Reproduction (2 Lectures)
Principles of Immune Pharmacology
• Histamine Pharmacology
• Pharmacology of Prostaglandins and Leukotrienes
• Molecular Targets in Inflammatory Disease (Molecular Medicine Course)
• Integrative Inflammation Pharmacology: Gout and Arthritis
• Integrative Inflammation Pharmacology: Asthma & Eye
Principles of Chemotherapy
• Molecular Targets in Cancer (Molecular Medicine Course)
• Pharmacology of Cancer: Signal Transduction
• Pharmacology of Viral Replication
• Pharmacology of Malaria and Anti-malarial Drugs
• Drugs for Protozoal and Helminthic Blood Infection
Gastro-Intestinal Pharmacology
• Pharmacology of Agents Modulating Gastrointestinal Motility
• Cellular Pharmacology of Antacids and Anti-ulcer Agents
24

Principles of Toxicology
• Molecular Toxicology and Teratogenic Drug Effects
• Adverse Drug Reactions
• Non-Drug Poisoning
• Drug Overdose
Clinical Pharmacology
• Drug Licensing
• Prescribing
• Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology
Non-lecture components:
• Computer based practicals (2)
• Tutorials (2)
• Laboratory based practicals (2)
• Research projects run over the 2 nd Semester
Indicative Resources
• Rang H P, Dale M M, Ritter, J M & Gardner PG. (2007) Pharmacology, Sixth Ed.
(main text)
• Howland and Mycek (2008) Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews in Pharmacology, 4 th
Edition (alternative main text)
• Neal M J (2009) Medical Pharmacology at a glance 6 th Ed. Blackwell (good for
outlines only)
• Web resources:
o http://www.medicine.tcd.ie/pharmacology_therapeutics/courses/stu
dent_area/2ndyear/index.php
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Display an understanding of the terminology used to describe basic pharmacologic
principles and drug classification.
• Explain the basic pharmacokinetic principles governing uptake, distribution, metabolism
and elimination of drugs.
• Describe and explain pharmacodynamic concepts of drug-receptor interaction to
accurately predict drug responses at all levels of biological organization
• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic mechanisms of drug-induced toxicity and
drug interactions.
• Describe the effects exerted by major drug groups on cells, tissues, organ systems, and
patients and be able to explain the mechanisms underlying these effects at various levels
of biological organization.
• Show an understanding of the basic mechanisms involved in modification of drug
responses by disease and genetics.
• Utilize appropriate research approaches (e.g. laboratory, database and literature
sources) to investigate a research question and present it as a short paper.
25

Methods of Teaching and Student Learning
Current teaching practices employ a range of strategies to encourage student
engagement and facilitate an inclusive curriculum. These include:
1. Computer assisted learning packages
2. Case based scenarios in lectures
3. Hands on laboratory practicals
4. Structured case based tutorials
5. Research projects
Methods of Assessment
Students are examined in the form of written examinations at the end of the 1 st semester
(30%), and 2 nd semester (70%). In order to pass the year, students are required to have an
accumulative mark of 50% or greater. The format and breakdown of the marks for the
examinations are as follows:
Semester 1 (30%)
50 Multiple Choice Questions 15%
10 Short Answer Questions 15%
Semester 2 (70%)
50 Multiple Choice Questions 16%
10 Short Answer Questions 16%
2 Essays (choice out of 4) 16%
Research project
22% (19% for research paper, 3% for log book)
The 2 nd Semester examination will assess topics covered in both semesters. A viva voce
examination will be held after the 2 nd Semester Examination for students who are border line
pass/fail or pass/honour.
The Supplemental Examination (100%) has the same structure as the 2 nd Semester
examination, but will NOT include a contribution from the research project. In the case of
students allowed to sit this examination for the first time on medical grounds, the total will
account for 70%, with the remaining 30% coming from the 1 st semester examination.
Students who have not attained sufficient marks to pass the supplemental examination, but
who are deemed borderline, will be invited for a marginal viva.
Sample questions: Available on the Trinity web site:
http://www.tcd.ie/Local/Exam_Papers/index.html
Evaluation
Student evaluation will be collected through CAPSL and where feasible feedback will be
used to improve the course.
26

DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY
Module 4:
ANATOMY OF THE HEAD AND NECK
ECTS VALUE 5
LECTURERS
Mr Paul Glacken 896 1242 pglacken@tcd.ie
Dr William Ryan 896 1353 wmryan@tcd.ie
Dr Nicholas Mahony 896 3580 njmahony@tcd.ie
Dr Paul Tierney 896 1280 ptierney@tcd.ie
TECHNICAL STAFF
Ms Siobhan Ward 896 1295 sward@tcd.ie
Ms Philomena McAteer 896 1295 pmcateer@tcd.ie
MsMary Lynch 896 1352 lynchmc@tcd.ie
Ms Claire Murphy 896 1352 clmurphy@tcd.ie
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Ms Clare O’Farrell 896 1182 ofarrec@tcd.ie
CONTACT HOURS
Lectures
Practical Classes
21 hours
27 hours (9 x 3-hour classes)
RATIONALE AND AIMS
This module provides detailed instruction on the gross anatomy of the head and neck
and its embryologic development.
It is intended for students of Medicine, for whom it is mandatory. The module
supports the academic programme of the Medical School.
COURSE CONTENT
The cervical vertebrae and skull, with their joints and ligaments
The muscles and nerves of the region, in functional groups
The visceral and endocrine structures of the head and neck
The organs of the special senses (vision, hearing, taste)
The arteries, veins and lymphatics of the region
Radiology of the head and neck
Embryologic development of the cervical and craniofacial regions
Clinical applications of anatomy of the region
RESOURCES
1 Textbooks
A main textbook, anatomy atlas and embryology textbook from the following:
Main Textbooks
Gray’s Anatomy for Students: Drake, Vogl and Mitchell: Elsevier
Clinical Anatomy: Monkhouse: Churchill Livingstone
Last’s Anatomy: Sinnatamby: Churchill Livingstone
27

Atlases
Atlas of Human Anatomy: Netter: CIBA-Geigy
A Colour Atlas of Human Anatomy: McMinn & Hutchings: Wolfe
Human Anatomy: Gosling et al: Mosby
Grant’s Atlas of Human Anatomy: Grant: Williams & Wilkins
Embryology
Langman’s Medical Embryology: Sadler: Williams & Wilkins
Reference
Gray’s Anatomy: Williams et al: Longman
Essentials of Human Embryology; Larsen
Human Embryology and Developmental Anatomy: Carlson: Mosby
2 WebCT
WebCT is a web-based teaching resource available to all students.
Among other useful features it contains the detailed content of each lecture and
practical class.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:
• Recognise, describe and classify bones and joints of the head and neck.
• Recognise and describe the gross structure and functions of its muscles and
nerves of the region.
• Recognise and describe its visceral and endocrine structures
• Recognise and describe the organs of the special senses
• Recognise and describe its blood supply and lymphatic drainage.
• Recognise and describe the radiologic features of the head and neck.
• Describe the development of the head and neck and related congenital
abnormalities.
• Apply anatomical knowledge to explain the pathogenesis and natural history of
common clinical disorders of the region.
METHODS OF TEACHING AND STUDENT LEARNING
Teaching delivery is primarily through lectures and practical classes, in which all
students are required to participate.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT (SF MEDICINE)
ANATOMY OF THE HEAD AND NECK
Assessment is by in-course assessment (Spot Examination, Table Project and
Practical Examination), and an Essay Paper at the end of Michaelmas.
In a Spot Examination students are asked to identify anatomical structures in the
Dissecting Room and answer functional and clinical questions.
The Table Project is a group exercise in dissection of the neck.
The Practical Examination is a viva voce examination (one-to-one interview) with a
member of Staff of the Department.
28

The Essay has four questions, all to be answered in 90 minutes. One of the four
questions will contain internal choices (do A or B).
Weighting
Spot Examination Michaelmas 10%
Table Project Michaelmas 10%
Practical Examination Michaelmas 40%
Essay Paper Michaelmas 40%
Pass Criteria
In order to pass, students must achieve an overall mark of 50%. (It is not necessary
to pass any of the individual elements.)
Students with an overall mark of 45% -

Module 5:
NEUROSCIENCES
ECTS Value
15 Credits
Contact Hours
This module consists of lectures, practicals and interactive workshops.
Lecturers
Lecturers in the disciplines of anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology and
therapeutics, physiology and psychiatry all participate in lectures.
Other teachers from within College and associated hospitals, in neurology for
example, will also be involved.
Aims
The overall aim is to consider all aspects of the nervous system, from biophysics to
behaviour, in health and disease.
In view of the complexity of the nervous system the subject is taught in a
multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary manner. Approaches taken include molecular,
biochemical biophysical, cellular, genetic, physiological, pharmacological, structural,
behavioural and psychological. The Psychiatry/Psychology component gives special
emphasis to covering topics across the ages.
It is important that students try to study the different aspects of the thematic areas in
an integrated way. Related topics in Molecular Medicine and Pharmacology are also
relevant to gain a good understanding of Neuroscience.
Thematic areas covered include:
Nervous System Development
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience: Synaptic and Ionic Mechanisms
Neurodegeneration: Common mechanisms
Sensory Systems: Central Sensory / Perceptual pathways and Information
Processing
Behavioural & Cognitive neuroscience: Cognition and Language / Speech
Motor Systems: Central Motor Pathways and Control
General Topography of the Nervous System
Regulatory Systems: CNS Arousal / Activation Mechanisms
Regulatory Systems: Affect (Motivation and Emotion)
30

Course Content
LECTURES
WEEK 1
(Biochemistry) Cell-types in the brain and their functions.
Introduction. Glial cell diversity and specialisation. Neurone-glial cell interdependence.
Organelle transport (anterograde & retrograde). Neurotransmitter diversity & criteria.
(Anatomy) Introduction: CNS development
Ectodermal origin of the neural plate, neural folds and neural tube; Formation of brain and
spinal cord; Alar and basal plates; Motor and sensory neurons; Rhombencephalon
(myelencephalon and metencephalon), mesencephalon and prosencephalon (diencephalon
and telencephalon); Formation of the medulla, pons, midbrain, cerebellum, basal ganglia,
thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary and the cerebral hemispheres; Development of the
ventricular system.
(Physiology) Ionic channels 1
-properties of ionic channels, especially Na, Ca K and Cl channels
-involvement of voltage gated channels in generation of action potential
(Anatomy) Cerebral hemispheres: topography
Meninges; Sulci; Gyri; Frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital and limbic lobes; Inferior aspect of
brain; Insula; Cortical areas (Brodmann); Primary motor cortex; Premotor cortex;
Supplementary motor area; Primary sensory cortex; Auditory cortex and language areas;
Visual cortex; Association cortex; Commisural, projection and association fibres; Structural
aspects; laminar organisation of the cerebral cortex; Isocortex and neocortex.
(Physiology) Ionic channels 2
Ionic channels continued.
(Biochemistry) Neuro-Techniques and Brain Metabolism. Methods for studying
neurotransmission. Synaptosomes, cultured cells and other model systems. Tracing and
identification of tracts. Composition, types, bioenergetics, storage and transport, exocitosis.
Synaptic vesicles (SSVs and LDCVs).
(Psychiatry) Brain and Mind- Would this lecture (given by Ian Robertson work as a nice
overview to the whole course? I could send him on details or a slide indicating the areas
represented on the course.
What we know about the interaction between brain processes and mental states. The
interactions between the physical and the mental and between biological and psychological.
(Psychiatry) Cognitive development I
Piaget’s theory as the main theory of cognitive development, how theories of development
might inform clinical work, Intelligence and its measurement, the concept of IQ and its
advantages and limitations.
(Biochemistry) Acetylcholine neurotransmission. NMJ. Docking proteins and evidence from
botilinus and tetanus toxins. Stimulation of release by chemical, neurotoxic, ionic and
electrical means. Mechanisms and control of release - the role of calcium ions and of
phosphorylation events.
(Anatomy) Ventricles and CSF
Lateral ventricle: Central part, with frontal, occipital and temporal horns; interventricular
foramen; relationship with caudate nucleus, septum pellucidum, corpus callosum, fornix,
thalamus, forceps major, calcar avis, amygdala, hippocampus and tela choroidea. Third
31

ventricle: Relationship with the fornix, corpus callosum, thalamus and interthalamic adhesion,
hypothalamus, anterior commisure, lamina terminalis, optic chiasm, posterior commisure,
pineal gland, cerebral aqueduct and tela choroidea. Interpeduncular fossa: Tuber cinereum,
infundibulum, pituitary gland, mamillary bodies, posterior perforated substance. Fourth
ventricle: Lateral boundaries, roof and floor; lateral and dorsal recesses; Median aperture (of
Magendie), lateral apertures (of Luschka); Median sulcus, medial eminences, sulcus limitans;
Superior fovea, facial colliculus, locus coeruleus, striae medullares (taeniae), inferior fovea;
Hypoglossal triangle (trigone), vagal triangle, vestibular area, auditory tubercle. CSF
Pathways
(Physiology) Synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter receptors 1
-general properties of synaptic transmission
-general properties of neurotransmitter receptors, including ionic and metabotropic receptors
-ionotropic transmitter channels, including generation of fast synaptic potentials and
properties of ionic-receptor channels, including nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, glutamate
AMPA receptors, glutamate NMDAR receptors and GABAergic receptors
-long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission
-metabotropic transmitter channels, including generation of slow synaptic potentials and
properties of metabotropic-receptor channels
WEEK 2
(Pharmacology) Drugs and synaptic transmission I
Psycho- and Neuro-pharmacology,
Classifications of drugs acting on the central nervous system
Blood-brain barrier to drugs.
State-dependence of drug action and effects. Placebo effect.
Arousal continuum. Mood continuum.
Neurotransmission and sites of drug action.
Targets for drugs at the CNS synapse –excitatory and inhibitory circuitry.
Pre- and post-synaptic interference (positive or negative) with receptors / effectors,
synthesis, storage, release, reuptake / transporters and degradation.
Drugs acting at synapses: Amino acid receptors including glutamate, GABA and glycine.
Subtypes of amino acid receptors and selective drugs.
(Biochemistry) Aminergic Transmission 1. Synthesis of catecholamines and serotonin;
properties of the enzymes involved, nature and control of these processes and the effects of
drugs. Post-synaptic events, metabotropic and ionotropic receptor biochemistry and the
roles of second messengers. Trace amines. False transmitters. Catabolism-vesicle
competition.
(Anatomy) The thalamus and geniculate bodies
Anatomic subdivision into lateral (dorsal and ventral tiers), mediodorsal and anterior groups
of nuclei; Functional subdivision into specific, non-specific and association nuclei; Thalamic
peduncles (radiations) and their connections.
(Physiology) Synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter receptors 2
Synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter receptors continued.
(Pharmacology) Drugs and synaptic transmission II
Drugs and synaptic transmission continued.
(Anatomy) The internal capsule; the basal ganglia
Internal capsule: Location and relations; anterior limb, genu, posterior limb retrolentiform and
sublentiform parts; Fibre groupings (Anterior, superior, posterior and lateral thalamic
radiations; Pontocerebellar fibres; Corticonuclear and corticospinal fibres); Blood supply;
Correlations with clinical syndromes following stroke. Basal Nuclei (Ganglia): Caudate
32

nucleus, putamen, lentiform nucleus, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, subthalamic nucleus
and the nucleus accumbens; Connections and basic circuits; Hypokinesia, hyperkinesia,
tremor and rigidity; Information from clinical disorders such as Parkinson's Disease,
Huntington's chorea and hemiballismus.
(Physiology) Synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter receptors 3
Synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter receptors continued.
(Biochemistry) Aminergic Transmission 2. Dopamine neurotransmission. Consequences of
its disruption (MPTP and Parkinson's disease). Consequences of enzyme inhibition in
depression, mania, Parkinson's disease. The role of catechol-O-methyltransferase and
possible consequences of its inhibition.
(Psychiatry) Cognitive development II
Emotional intelligence, a popular concept in recent years; the evidence to support the
concept. The development of social cognition is discussed, for example empathy, self-control
etc., and how these are related to the concept of emotional intelligence.
(Psychiatry) The Psychology of Memory
Normal memory and forgetting, the effects of stress and psychological state on memory.
False memories.
(Biochemistry) The amino-acid transmitters (glutamate, GABA and glycine).
Glutamate and GABA neurotransmission. Criteria and experimental investigation of putative
neurotransmitters. Epilepsy and anti-convulsants. Similarities and differences between
different systems (amines, acetylcholine, amino acids and peptides). Uptake mechanisms,
enzymic inactivation (intracellular and extracellular). Reversal of uptake in ischaemia.
(Anatomy) Ascending pathways
Spinal ganglia; Modalities of sensation and their segregation; Posterior grey horn; Laminae
of Rexed; Clarke's thoracic nucleus; Spinothalamic pathway; Posterior column/ medial
lemniscal pathway; Spinoreticular tract; Spino-olivary tract; Spinotectal tract; Posterior
spinocerebellar and cuneocerebellar tracts; Anterior spinocerebellar and rostral
spinocerebellar tracts; Dissociated anaesthesia; Brown-Séquard syndrome.
(Physiology) (Physiology) Synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter receptors 4
Synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter receptors continued.
WEEK 3
(Pharmacology) Local Anaesthetics
General properties of local anaesthetics, their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and
actions on various body systems.
Factors affecting differential nerve sensitivity including use-dependent block. Side effects of
local anaesthetics and those associated with accompanying use of vasoconstrictors. Amides
and ester classification.
Methods / routes of administration.
(Biochemistry) Some other transmitters
Hypoxia and ischemia responses - excitotoxic and re-perfusion damage. Formation,
functions and possible toxicity of NO. Possible functions of D-serine. CO. Other possible
retrograde messengers.
(Anatomy) Descending pathways
Anatomy of anterior grey horn; Tonic and phasic alpha-motor neurons; Renshaw cells; Spinal
reflexes; Corticospinal tract; reticulospinal, vestibulospinal, tectospinal and olivospinal tracts;
Raphespinal tract, aminergic pathways and sentral autonomic pathway; Upper and lower
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motor neuron lesions; Stroke; Transection of the cord; Anterior poliomyelitis; Motor Neuron
Disease;
(Physiology) Processing of somatic sensory information by the CNS 1
-introduction to sensory processing in the CNS
-principles of non-pain somatosensory processing, including pathways and areas of CNS
involved in processing non-pain stimuli,
-physiological mechanisms of processing somatosensory stimuli, including somatotopic
maps, spatiotemporal processing, divergence, convergence, ascending versus descending
processing.
-pain processing, including pathways and areas of CNS involved in processing pain stimuli,
-physiological mechanisms of processing pain stimuli
-endogenous mechanisms of analgesia, involvement of pathways and specific transmitters.
-electrically induced analgesia, phantom pain, central pain syndrome
(Pharmacology) General Anaesthetics I
Definitions. Aims and stages of general anaesthesia – Guedel’s signs.
Inhalational anaesthetics –advantages and disadvantages:
Nitrous oxide (analgesia), halothane, sevoflurane.
Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) and factors influencing it.
Intravenous anaesthetics–advantages and disadvantages:
Ultra short acting barbiturates: thiopentone.
Nonbarbiturates: ketamine, propofol, neurosteroids.
Sites and mechanisms of action.
Adverse effects, pharmacokinetics and drug interactions. Malignant hyperthermia.
Balanced anaesthesia, conscious sedation. Peri-anaesthetic drugs
Centrally and peripherally acting spasmolytics. Sites and mechanisms of action.
Progabide, diazepam, baclofen, tizanidine, dantrolene.
(Anatomy) The visual pathways
Retinal layers, photoreceptors, bipolar cells, ganglion cells, horizontal cells and amacrine
cells; macula lutea, fovea and optic disk; Central visual pathway, including the optic nerve,
chiasma and tract, lateral geniculate nucleus and geniculocalcarine tract; Visual cortex and
its blood supply; Visual association cortex; Visual reflexes; Lesions of the visual pathways.
(Physiology) Processing of somatic sensory information by the CNS 2
Processing of somatic sensory information by the CNS continued.
(Biochemistry) . Purinergic and other putative neurotransmitters. Neuropeptides
Common neurodegenerative mechanisms. Protein aggregation diseases (PD, AD, HD).
Apoptosis/Necrosis.
(Psychiatry) Genetic aspects of personality and mental illness
Basic principles of behavioural genetics, major and minor genes, twin and adoption studies,
interactions between genes and the environment, genetic aspects of psychiatric disorders
and behavioural traits, quantitative traits, recent developments in the molecular genetics of
psychiatric disorders.
(Biochemistry) Brain growth & development
Neurone-glial cell recognition and interactions. Recognition proteins and growth-factors;
differentiation, development. Neurogenesis in the adult brain. Embryonic stem cells. Neural
stem cell development. Stem cells as therapy for CNS disorders.
(Anatomy) The cerebellum
Gross anatomy: Median vermis, right and left hemispheres; Anterior, posterior and
34

flocculonodular lobes; Lobules and folia
Functional subdivisions: Vestibulocerebellum (Archecerebellum), Spinocerebellum
(Palaeocerebellum), Pontocerebellum (Neocerebellum)
Nuclei: Fastigial nucleus, Nucleus interpositus (globose and emboliform nuclei), Dentate
nucleus
Cortical structure and cell types: Granular layer; Granular cells, receiving mossy fibres from
all sources except the ION, Golgi cells Piriform layer; Purkinje cells, receiving parallel fibres
from the granular cells and climbing fibres from the ION Molecular layer; Stellate and basket
cells, receiving parallel fibres and synapsing on Purkinje cells, Afferent (A) and efferent (E)
connections: Superior peduncle: Anterior spinocerebellar tract (A); Tectocerebellar tract (A);
Rubrocerebellar tract (A); Trigeminal afferents (A); Dentato-rubro-thalamic tract (E); Uncinate
fasciculus (E) Middle cerebellar peduncle: Cortico-ponto-cerebellar tract (A); Inferior
cerebellar peduncle: Posterior spinocerebellar tract (A); Cuneocerebellar tract (A); Rostral
spinocerebellar tracts (A); Reticulocerebellar tract (A&E); Vestibulocerebellar tracts (A&E);
Olivocerebellar tract (A); Functional aspects and applied anatomy: Overall function of the
cerebellum in planning and co-ordinating movement; its role in learning new movements,
Ataxia, intention tremor, dysmetria, dysdiadochokinesis, scannng spreech, nystagmus,
hypotonia, gait abnormalities, etc; Effects of midline versus lateral lesions of the cerebellum.
(Physiology) Processing of somatic sensory information by the CNS 3
Processing of somatic sensory information by the CNS continued.
WEEK 4
(Pharmacology) General Anaesthetics II
General Anaesthetics I continued.
(Psychiatry) Introduction to Neurology. An introduction to the main neurological disorders
including seizure disorders, motor disorders and multiple sclerosis.
(Anatomy) The blood supply of the brain
Vertebral and carotid arteries; Circle of Willis; Cortical and central branches; Territories of the
anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries; Vertebro-basilar branches; Venous drainage
of the brain; Arterial occlusion and haemorrhage.
(Physiology) Processing of visual information 1
-the retina. Photoreceptors and generation of sensory receptor potentials
-processing of visual information in retina, especially by ganglion cells.
-processing of visual information in visual areas of occipital lobe and in higher visual areas in
temporal and parietal lobe.
-receptive fields in different visual areas.
(Pharmacology) Narcotic analgesics
Distribution and effects mediated by different opioid receptor subtypes. Characteristics of
main groups of narcotic analgesics. Sites and mechanisms of action of opioids.
Pharmacological actions and effects of morphine and receptor subtype selective agents.
Opioid receptor antagonists Pharmacokinetics, adverse effects.
(Anatomy) The brain-stem: topography
Midbrain; Crus cerebri and interpeduncular fossa, substania nigra, red nucleus, superior and
inferior colliculi, cerebral aqueduct, periaqueductal grey matter, central tegmental tract,
superior cerebellar peduncles and their decussation. Pons; Basilar pons, corticopontine and
corticospinal fibres, pontine nuclei, transverse fibres of the pontocerebellar pathway entering
the middle cerebellar peduncles, medial lemniscus, spinal lemniscus, trigeminothalamic tract,
lateral lemniscus, central tegmental tract,nuclei and roots of the trigeminal nerve.
35

Medulla; Pyramids and their decussation, olives, gracile and cuneate tubercles and fasciculi.
Sites of emergence of cranial nerves III - XII; Blood supply of the brainstem.
Corticospinal pathway; Cortico-ponto-cerebellar pathway; Cortico-rubro-olivo-cerebellar
pathway; Dentato-rubro-thalamo-cortical pathway.
(Physiology) Processing of visual information 2
Processing of visual information continued.
(Psychiatry) Functional and structural imaging in Neuropsychiatry. A guide to the main
approaches to neuroimaging in research and clinical practice.
(Psychiatry) Epilepsy. Describing the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.
(Pharmacology) Non-narcotic analgesics
Comparison of pharmacological actions and adverse effects of non-steroidal antiinflammatory
drugs. Mechanisms of action. Subtype selective COX inhibitors. Salicylates
and paracetamol. Adverse effects and drug interactions. Compound analgesic preparations.
Other agents. Pharmacokinetics.
(Anatomy) The brain-stem: nuclei and tracts
Nuclei of cranial nerves III - XII:
General somatic efferent: III, IV, VI, XII
General somatic afferent: Sensory nuclei of V (Spinal, Pontine & Mesencephalic)
Special somatic afferent: Cochlear and vestibular nuclei
General visceral efferent: E-W (III), Superior & inferior salivatory
nuclei (VII, IX), Dorsal motor nucleus of X, Cardioinhibitory nucleus (X)
Special visceral efferent: Motor nucleus of V, Motor nucleus of VII,
Nucleus ambiguus (IX, X & XI) Spinal nucleus of XI
General visceral afferent: Commisural Nucleus Special visceral afferent:
Nucleus of the solitary tract
Nuclei of pathways ascending from spinal cord: Nucleus gracilis, nucleus cuneatus
Nuclei of pathways to and from the cerebellum: Accessory cuneate nucleus, Inferior olivary
nucleus, Pontine nuclei; Red nucleus
(Physiology) Motor control by the brain 1
-introduction to physiology of brain motor areas
-primary motor cortex, including motor maps, columnar organisation and brain/machine
interface for initiating movement
-cerebellum -physiology and involvement in motor control and learning
-basal ganglia -physiology and involvement in motor control and learning, Physiological
changes in Parkinson’s disease and alleviation by deep brain stimulation
-premotor cortical areas. Physiology and involvement in motor control.
-frontal cortex and free will of movement
WEEK 5
(Pharmacology) Antidepressants and mood-stabilising drugs
Types of antidepressant drugs. Therapeutic and toxic effects
Modes of acute and delayed actions.
Tricyclics, MAO inhibitors (including RIMA), SSRIs, SNRIs. Novel agents.
Mania. Lithium and other agents. Therapeutic and toxic actions
(Anatomy) The spinal cord and its blood supply
General topography and features of the spinal cord; Extent; Cervical and lumbar swellings;
Meninges; Anterior median fissure, posterior median sulcus; Central canal; Anterolateral and
posterolateral sulci; Grey and white matter; Anterior and posterior commisures; Cell types;
Blood supply of spinal cord;
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(Physiology) Motor control by the brain 2
Motor control by the brain continued.
(Pharmacology) Neuroleptics
Neurolepsis and antipsychotic effects. Types, actions (dopaminergic pathways and receptor
subtypes, 5-HT) and effects. Neuroleptanalgesia. Motor and endocrine side effects. Atypical
agents. Chlorpromazine, haloperidol, sulpiride, thioridazine, rispiridone, clozapine)
(Anatomy) Hearing and balance
Brief review of cochlea and vestibular apparatus. Central Auditory Pathway: Cochlear neural
connections; Cochlear nuclei; Trapezoid body; Superior olivary nucleus [SON]; Lateral
lemniscus; Inferior colliculus; Inferior brachium; Medial geniculate nucleus; Primary auditory
cortex; Acoustic reflexes; Descending auditory pathways; Deafness. Vestibular nuclear
connections; Vestibular nuclei; Lateral and medial vestibulospinal tracts; Medial longitudinal
fasciculus; Vestibulospinal and vestibulo-ocular reflexes; Vestibulocortical pathway;
Vestibulocerebellar connections; Nystagmus; Unilateral and bilateral vestibular disease;
Meniéres disease.
(Physiology) Motor control by the brain 3
Motor control by the brain continued.
(Psychiatry) Normal ageing and neurodegeneration. Normal brain ageing. The main
neurodegenerative disorders including the dementias.
(Psychiatry) Neuroimmunology. A clinical perspective on neuroimmunological disorders
including multiple sclerosis.
(Pharmacology) Anticonvulsants
Classification of seizures according to drug sensitivity.
Convulsant drugs and animal models.
Anticonvulsant drugs and classification. Mechanisms of action.
Sodium channel block. Phenytoin, carbamazepine.
Calcium channel block. Ethosuxamide, trimethadione.
GABA-ergic agents. Gabapentin,vigabatrin, tiagabine, phenobarbitone, clonazepam.
Miscellaneous agents. Valproate, acetazolamide. Side Effects.
(Anatomy) Language centres; aphasias
History of the development of our current ideas about language; Brief review of the auditory
and visual pathways to the primary sensory cortex; Wernicke's area; Supramarginal gyrus
and arcuate fasciculus; Broca's area and its projections to the primary motor cortex; Cortical
connections to Wernicke's and Broca's areas; Visual association cortex and the angular
gyrus; pathways involved in reading aloud; Wernicke's aphasia; Broca's aphasia; Global
aphasia; Transcortical aphasias; Anomia; Alexia with and without agraphia ; Dyslexia; Kana
and Kanji; Aprosodia.
(Physiology) Monitoring brain activation, sleep and memory 1
-techniques and uses of monitoring and stimulating population brain activation, including
fMRI, real time fMRI, Squid, optical imaging, electroencephalogram, sensory evoked scalp
potentials
-sleep, including changes in EEG, role of transmitters, sleep disorders
-mechanisms of short-term working memory and long-term memory
-memory deficits
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WEEK 6
(Pharmacology) Drug dependence and psychotropic drugs of abuse I
Psychological and physical dependence, tolerance. Withdrawal syndromes.
Agents: Opiates; CNS depressants (including ethanol), amphetamine, MDMA and cocaine;
psychotomimetics, cannabinoids, anticholinergic deliriants, nicotine, caffeine. Patterns of
abuse and dependence.
Mechanisms (including reward pathways).
Pharmacological treatments including disulfiram, clonidine, naltrexone, acamprosate,
methadone, diazepam.
(Physiology Monitoring brain activation, sleep and memory 2
Monitoring brain activation, sleep and memory continued.
(Anatomy) The limbic system
Olfactory pathway; Olfactory nerves; Olfactory bulb and tract; Olfactory striae; Primary
olfactory cortex; Anosmia. Septal area; Cingulate and parahippocampal gyri; Hippocampal
formation; Amygdaloid nucleus; Mamillary bodies; Anterior thalamic nucleus; Papez' circuit;
Afferent and efferent connections; Functional aspects; Memory; Drive-related behaviour;
Temporal lobe ebilepsy; Klüver-Bucy syndrome.
(Pharmacology) Drug dependence and psychotropic drugs of abuse II.
Drug dependence continued.
(Anatomy) The autonomic nervous system
General organisation of the autonomic nervous system; Hypothalamus; Sympathetic and
parasympathetic systems; Enteric system; Visceral afferent and efferent pathways; Visceral
vs. somatic pain
(Physiology) The reward motor circuit,
-anatomy of circuit, role of dopamine and associative learning, addiction
(Psychiatry) Neurobiology of sleep and related disorders- I had planned to scrap this
because Roger covers the same area in some detail.
The functions of sleep, the sleep stages and electrical changes in the brain, Physiological
changes, control of sleep, sleep disorders.
(Psychiatry) Attention and Perception.
(Pharmacology) Anxiolytic and sedative/hypnotics
Definitions. Anxiogenic agents and drug-induced insomnia. Mechanisms.
Benzodiazepines and related compounds. Therapeutic and adverse effects, kinetics, sites
and mechanism of action (GABA, Benzodiazepine receptor subtypes, agonists, antagonists
and inverse agonists). Chlordiazepoxide and diazepam. Barbiturates. Zolpidem. Flumazenil.
ß-Blockers, Azapirones and novel compounds.
(Anatomy) Anatomical basis of clinical signs
A general review of the CNS to show how a knowledge of neuroanatomy assists in clinical
neurological diagnosis; Numerous examples.
(Physiology) Prefrontal cortex, consciousness
-role of different areas of prefrontal cortex, including dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,
orbitofrontal cortex, ventromedial prefrontal cortex and insula
-physiological mechanisms underlying consciousness
(Psychiatry) The development of personality The definition of personality, personality
development during childhood and adolescences.
38

(Psychiatry) The Psychology of stress and coping.
The psychophysiology of arousal, individual vulnerability to psychosomatic symptoms and
hysteria in relation to personality, the environment and the mind-body interface.
(Psychiatry) The neurobiology of mood and psychosis
This lecture deals with the neurochemical basis for the pharmacological treatment of
schizophrenia and depression. In schizophrenia, the dopamine and dopamine serotonin
hypothesis of this disorder is outlined and the modern history of neuroleptic development in
this area is explored. The different biochemical theories of depression are dealt with and our
current understanding of how antidepressants actually work is discussed.
(Psychiatry) The neurobiology of memory
INTERDEPARTMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE WORKSHOPS
Five inter-departmental workshops are held during the term on topics of clinical interest. The
primary aim of these workshops is to provide students with the opportunity to critically
discuss neurobiological aspects of topics such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease,
drug addiction and ischaemic brain damage/ stroke. A series of short (~10 minute)
presentations by members of staff provide a focus of discussion for each workshop.
1. Brain development and Schizophrenia (Primarily Psychiatry and Genetics)
2. Ischemic brain damage / stroke Workshop (Primarily Medical Gerontology,
Biochemistry and Pharmacology)
Types of stroke. Behavioural and psychological impact. Multi-infarct dementia.
Biochemistry and pharmacology of oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. Cardiovascular
drugs in the prophylaxis and treatment of stroke.
3. Parkinson’s disease / Movement Disorder Workshop (Primarily Psychiatry and
Neurology)
Motor and non-motor aspects. Biochemical and genetic aspects. Dopaminergic drugs
and other pharmacological approaches. Drug-induced Parkinsonism.
4. Drug addiction (Primarily Psychiatry, Psychology and Pharmacology)
Patterns of drug addiction in the community. Animal models. Imaging brain
mechanisms in addicts. Present and future treatments.
5. Alzheimer’s disease Workshop (Primarily Psychiatry, Biochemistry and
Pharmacology)
Normal ageing. Case histories. Pathophysiology and genetic factors. Interdisciplinary
discussion including present (donepazil) and future pharmacological treatments.
Potential disease modifying drugs.
Indicative Resources
Some aspects of this unit are dealt with in the recommended texts for Anatomy,
Biochemistry, Physiology and Pharmacology (Rang et al). Other specific reading may be
recommended during the course.
NEUROANATOMY
A textbook and an anatomy atlas are essential. Pick one of each from the list below
Clinical Neuroanatomy and related Neuroscience: FitzGerald and Folan-Curran: W B
Saunders
Neuroanatomy - An Illustrated Colour Text: Crossman & Neary: Churchill Livingstone
Atlases
Atlas of Anatomy: Gilroy, MacPherson, Ross: Thieme
Atlas of Human Anatomy: Netter: CIBA-Geigy
Reference
Principles of Neural Science: Kandel, Schwartz and Jessel [Ed]: McGraw Hill
39

Neurochemistry:
There is no small book on the subject that can be recommended. The standard textbooks
(e.g., Voet & Voet) contain a chapter on neurochemistry, which should give you most of what
you need to supplement the lectures. The list below is for those who want to find out much
more.
Principles of Neural Science (3rd. Edition) by E.R. Kandel, J.R. Schwartz & T.M. Jessel
(2000) -Enormous but very good coverage of most aspects of neuroscience in general.
Basic Neurochemistry by G.J. Siegel et al. (1999). Raven Press, New York – uneven in
quality but a handy reference source. . Available for free online through the PubMed website
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=bnchm.TOC&depth=2
Neuroscience (2 nd edition) by Purves, Augustine, Fitzpatrick and Katz. Available for free
online through the PubMed website
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=neurosci.TOC&depth=2
Proteins, Transmitters and Synapses by D.G. Nicholls (1994) Blackwell, Oxford. Out of print
but in the library. For advanced stuff only.
Essential Psychopharmacology by S.S. Stahl (2000). Cambridge University Press, London.
-idiosyncratic but fun.
Some Web Sites
Some of these can be quite fun and informative, if you have some time to spare.
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/neurok.html - Neuroscience for kids; despite the name
well worth looking at.
http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~Brainmd1/brain.html - brain model tutorial; basic but worth a view
http://web.indstate.edu/thcme/mwking/nerves.html - Biochemistry of neurotransmitters; very
simple
Learning Outcomes
NEUROANATOMY
On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:
• Recognise and describe the major subdivisions of the central nervous system
(CNS).
• Recognise and describe the ventricular system and the production, circulation,
absorption and role of cerebrospinal fluid.
• Recognise and describe the structures associated with sensory and motor
systems and their connections.
• Recognise and describe the structures associated with language and their
connections.
• Recognise and describe the limbic system and its connections.
• Recognise and classify cranial and spinal nerves and their connections.
• Recognise and describe the blood supply of the CNS.
• Apply anatomical knowledge to explain the normal function of the CNS.
• Apply anatomical knowledge to explain the pathogenesis and natural history of
common clinical disorders of the CNS.
40

Neurochemistry
• A description of the cell types in the brain and common techniques that enable
chemicals with neurotransmitter-like properties to be identified
• The criteria that need to be satisifed in order for a chemical to be classified as
a neurotransmitter
• A knowledge of the biogenic amines (acetylcholine, dopamine, noradrenaline,
adrenaline, serotonin) and the properties that allow them to be classified as
neurotransmitters
• A knowledge of glutamate and GABA and the properties that allow them to be
classified as neurotransmitters
• A knowledge of atypical neurotransmitters (NO, CO, D-serine, neuropeptides,
purines) and the properties that allow them to be classified as
neurotransmitters
• The role that apoptotic and necrotic cell death play in neurodevelopment and
neurodegeneration.
Neuropharmacology
• Describe and evaluate the scientific basis of current and novel
pharmacological approaches to the treatment of neurological and psychiatric
illnesses, including drug efficacy and major side effects
• Assess the pharmacological evidence for the involvement of different
mechanisms in normal and abnormal functioning of the nervous system.
• Define efficacy goals and differences between different classes and subclasses
of centrally acting drugs including:
• Hypnotics, sedatives and anxiolytics
• General and local anaesthetics, anticonvulsants
• Narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics
• Antipsychotic and antidepressants
• Relate the different effects of classes of CNS drugs to their sites and
mechanisms of action.
• Distinguish acute and chronic effecst of CNS active drugs and the basis of
physical and psychological dependence.
Methods of Assessment
The methods of assessment are under review. Last year they consisted of the
following:
Written Papers
Paper 1 (2.5 hours):
Physiology, Pharmacology, Psychiatry (EMQs, MCQs )
Paper 2 (2 hours):
Biochemistry( Answer one essay question from a choice of two),
Neuroanatomy (Four SAQs)
Neuroanatomy Practical Examination
This is a viva voce examination (one-to-one interview) with a member of Staff of the
Department
Distribution of Marks
Paper 1: Physiology (20%), Pharmacology (20%), Psychiatry (20%)
Paper 2: Biochemistry (20%), Neuroanatomy (10% paper, 10% practical)
Overall Total: 100%
41

MODULE 6:
AETIOLOGY, MECHANISMS OF DISEASE
ECTS Value: 10 Credits
Contact Hours
Microbiology
Lectures 27h
Practicals 12h
Pathology
Lectures 23 hours
Lecturers
Microbiology
Dr Stephen Smith sgsmith@tcd.ie - coordinator for Microbiology
Prof Tom Rogers
Prof Philip Murphy
Prof Celia Holland
Dr Frederick Falkiner
Dr Brian O’Connell
Pathology
Prof John O’Leary
Prof Orla Sheils
Prof, Sean O’Briain
Dr Charles D’Adhemar
Dr Aoife Canney
Prof Pete Humphries
Prof Con Feighery
olearyjj@tcd.ie
osheils@tcd.ie
dobriain@tcd.ie
dadhemc@tcd.ie
canneya@tcd.ie
pete.humphries@tcd.ie
con.feighery@tcd.ie
Aims
Microbiology
The main purpose of this module is to acquaint the student with the major groups of
pathogenic microbes, to relate these organisms with particular diseases and to
describe methods to control these microbes. A firm grounding in these areas is an
absolute essential prerequisite for complete understanding of the clinical
microbiology course which is delivered in year 3.
The microbiological aspects of AETIOLOGY, MECHANISMS OF DISEASE are
aimed at students who have had no formal training in graduate level microbiology.
This course is mandatory.
Pathology
This module is an introductory course in general pathology. Its purpose is to enable
students familiarise themselves with pathological processes as they pertain to
general disease pathways. It is intended to provide a foundation and form a bridging
tool between basic science and clinical practice. The course will provide a basic
groundwork upon which systemic pathology will be taught in the ensuing year(s).
This course is mandatory and will be assessed in a hurdle examination – failure to
pass will prevent a student proceeding to the next year.
42

Course Content
Microbiology
• Bacterial, fungal and viral structure and function.
• Control of microbes and microbial disease.
o Sterilization
o Disinfection
o Antimicrobial chemotherapy
• Medically important Gram negative bacteria.
o The enterobacteria
o Pseudomonads
o Campylobacter and helicobacter
o Neisseriae
o Spirochetes
• Gram positive bacteria of clinical importance.
o The Staphylococci
o The Streptococci
o Anaerobes
• Other bacteria
o Chlamydiae
o Rickettsiae
o Mycobacteria
• Fungal Infections
• Viral diseases
o HIV
o Papillomaviruese
o Herpes viruses
o Influenza viruses
• Medical parasitology
o Toxoplasmosis
o Malaria
o Schistosomiasis
o Helminths
• Laboratory diagnosis
43

Pathology
The course will explain the principles of general pathology, focussing upon:
Aetiology and cause
Pathogenesis
Morphologic Changes
Functional Derangements and Clinical Significance
Examples of topics to be addressed include:
Cell injury
Causes
Types
Responses
Cell Death
Necrosis
Apoptosis
Cellular Adaptations, Intracellular accumulations and Ageing
Acute and Chronic inflammation
Healing
Haemdynamic Disorders:
Thrombosis and Shock
Genetic Disorders
Diseases of immunity
Neoplasia
Indicative Resources
Microbiology
Medical Microbiology:
by Patrick R. Murray PhD, Ken S. Rosenthal PhD , Michael A. Pfaller MD Publisher:
Mosby; 6 edition, ISBN-10: 0323054706, ISBN-13: 978-0323054706
Or
Medical Microbiology: A Guide to Microbial Infections: Pathogenesis,
Immunity, Laboratory Diagnosis and Control.
by David Greenwood Richard C. B. Slack F. Peutherer Michael R. Barer
Publisher: Churchill Livingstone; 17 edition, ISBN-10: 0443102090, ISBN-13: 978-
0443102097
Both of these texts are in colour and have on-line access at:
www.studentconsult.com/
Pathology
WebPath®:
http://medlib.med.utah.edu/WebPath/webpath.html
The Virtual Slide Box:
http://www.path.uiowa.edu/virtualslidebox
The Virtual Microscope:
http://vmic.unibas.ch/index.html
44

Text books:
Underwood:
General & Systematic Pathology
4th edition
ISBN 0443073341 ·
Paperback 856 Pages
Churchill Livingstone · Published July 2004
Basic Pathology: Updated Version by
Kumar, Stanley L. Robbins, Ramzi S. Cotran
Publisher: Elsevier Science
Pub. Date: February 2005 ISBN-13: 9781416025344, 904pp
Learning Outcomes
Microbiology
“On successful completion of this course, students will be able to…”
• Connect specific microbial pathogens with particular disease states and vice
versa
• Propose means and methods required to control microbial pathogens and
parasites
• Specify the key elements needed to conclusively identify a microbial pathogen
• Manipulate bacteria and fungi in the laboratory at a basic level.
Pathology
“On successful completion of this course, students will be able to…”
• Define and explain different forms of cell injury and their consequences
• Appreciate disease progression at cellular and tissue levels.
• Describe the mechanistic basis of disease.
• Characterise and differentiate the biology of normal and cancer cell growth at
gross, microscopic and molecular levels.
• Communicate the acquired expertise in seminars, meetings, and other
scholarly activities such as written reports and/or with engagement in
professional practice.
•
Methods of Teaching and Student Learning
Microbiology
In year 2 the microbiology course is “organism-based” whereas in year 3 the course
become “disease focused”; to this end the major groupings of pathogenic organisms
are introduced in year 2. This strategy ensures that a student is adequately prepared
for year 3. The didactic lectures given in Microbiology interdigitate with a series of six
practical classes. These practical classes emphasise the major facets of
microbiology; observation, microscopy, laboratory diagnosis and control of
microbes. In addition, most content will be available on-line at
http://www.tcdmoodle.ie/login/index.php
Pathology
The teaching strategy essentially involves didactic lectures. However, informal
interaction is usual and students are expected to participate in question-and-answer
and problem solving sessions.
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Methods of Assessment
Microbiology 50%
Summative assessments
(1) MCQ assessment of material delivered in lectures. This accounts for 33% ex
50% of the Aetiology and Mechanisms of Disease. It comprises of 70 MCQ
questions, each question has five possible answers of which only one is
correct.
(2) MCQ assessment of the practical course. This accounts for 17% ex 50% of
the Aetiology and Mechanisms of Disease. It comprises of 30 MCQ questions,
each question has five possible answers of which only one is correct.
Formative assessments: Students are required to answer up 15 questions per
practical session. These are contained within a practical manual provided and
answered directly into this manual.
Pathology 50%
Summative – MCQ assessment of material taught during module. The examination
is 2 hours in duration and comprises 200 statements which the student must mark as
true/false in addition to a series of extended matching questions.
Grading Pass >/= 50%
0-39 Fail- poor grasp of basic material
40-49 Fail – Some understanding of basic concepts
50-59 Pass – Adequate grasp of material.
60-69 Pass – Demonstrates clear understanding of material
70-100 Pass – Excellent understanding of basic material with ability to integrate
disparate topics.
Formative – informal question and answer session to be completed during lecture
slots with sample MCQs to be answered.
Evaluation
Feedback is collected via a web-based survey which is held every second year. This
survey analyses students’ perception of the course, lectures, lecturers and practical
classes. The recommendations garnered from these evaluations inform subsequent
teaching practice.
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Module 7: FUNDAMENTALS OF CLINICAL AND PROFESSIONAL
PRACTICE
ECTS Value
10 Credits
Clinical Skills
Tutors
SJH
AMNCH
Ms Clare Martin
Ms Triona Flavin
Dr. Jim Woo
Ms Phillippa Marks
Ms Marie Morris
Contact Hours
Time: Tuesday 9- 4pm in term time.
Venue: Standardised program on two sites St James Hospital (SJH) and Adelaide and
Meath Hospital (AMNCH)
Aims
The Year 2 Introduction to Clinical Practice & Clinical Skills course is mandatory and aims to
introduce students to the basic elements of clinical practice so that students can maximise
their learning opportunities as they proceed through the clinical undergraduate years.
• To develop, at first in a laboratory setting, the technical skills essential for the delivery
of a safe effective service to patients. Students learn a range of practical skills
including taking a clinical history, performing an examination and interpreting simple
investigations
• To focus directly on the range of skills necessary to ensure that students have
rational and empathetic interactions with patients, in particular excellent listening
and communication skills
• To assist the development of the student as a member of a multidisciplinary health
care team
Course Content
The program aims to deliver
• Systems based bedside Clinical Examination
• Practical Clinical Skills contact time
• Shadowing allied health professionals and learning the skills of multidisciplinary team
working
• Communication Skills training
• OPD exposure
• History taking, preparation and case presentations
• Series of seminars e.g. ECG, X-ray, Blood Profiles, Health & Safety, Hand Washing,
Wound Care
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Practical Classroom Skills Content
• Vital Sign assessment
• Basic life support- Adult
• Basic suturing skills including ties
• Intravenous line insertion
• Principles of point of care testing using urine and blood glucose monitoring as
examples
• Testicular examination
• Breast examination
• Examination of Lumps and cervical lymphatics
• Fundoscopy, Auroscopy
Indicative Resources
• Dedicated Clinical Skills Tutors
• Clinical Skills Laboratories equipped with simulators, manikins and practice models.
• Practical classroom skills sessions are supported with written reading materials
• Dedicated Clinical Skills Web site.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of year 2 clinical skills course students should be able to:
• Take a comprehensive clinical history
• Be able to perform a systematic and thorough clinical examination
• Be capable of summarising and presenting their findings, facilitating discussion of the
important aspects of each case.
• Have an understanding of routine tests and investigations in common practice such
as: CXR , ECG, Blood profiles
• Display an understanding of Clinical Skills and demonstrate each practical skill on
simulated models in the Clinical Skills Laboratory.
• Be introduced to aspects of medical professionalism such as:
Multidisciplinary team working, Communication skills, Patient safety
Methods of Teaching and Student Learning
• Small group teaching sessions
• Didactic course material
• Procedural demonstration
• Individual practice repetitions
Methods of Assessment
• Presently students are required to submit a log book as a mandatory record of
attendance, participation and achievement of essential activities.
• End of year summative assessment is in the form of a Objective Structured Clinical
Examination (OSCE) which incorporates a series of practical and written stations.
The pass mark is reference based and is common with OSCE examinations.
• Failure of supplemental OSCE is a barrier to progression into 3 rd year.
(N15 University of Dublin Calendar).
Evaluation
• Student evaluation of each aspect of the course/ skills programme is collected and
analysed on a cyclical basis.
• Evaluation comments are taken into account when considering course improvement
and delivery.
• Collection of data sets are utilised in research activities
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PERSONAL INJURY PROCEDURE
Practical Schedule
Please read carefully the information below concerning safety in the laboratory and in the
clinical situation.
Safety in the Laboratory
• Make yourself aware of the emergency exists from the laboratory
• In the event of evacuation specific instructions will be given
Many cultures used in the laboratory are potentially pathogenic. It is therefore vital that good
safe laboratory practice and aseptic technique should become second nature to the student.
It is good practice to follow the same safety rules irrespective of the degree of hazard
involved.
• You are required to own and wear a Howie style laboratory coat (sold in the Student’s
Union Shop) at all practical sessions. Failure to do so will exclude you from the practical
session. The coat must be buttoned up at all times. This is to protect your normal
clothes from contamination and damage. This must not be worn on the wards or
elsewhere.
• No smoking, eating or drinking s permitted in the laboratory.
• If you spill cultures report the fact immediately to a demonstrator, who will give you
further instructions.
• All materials should be handled so that there is no inadvertent contamination of the
environment or yourself. For example, wet preparations of bacteria on sides and used
pipettes should be submerged in disinfectant immediately after use to prevent
contamination on the bench. Do not work with bacterial cultures or chemicals over a
laboratory manual or notebook.
• Do not rush around or carry sharp items around the laboratory. At any sign of
misconduct you will be asked to leave the laboratory.
• Always leave the bench clean and tidy. Always remember that in shared laboratory
areas other students will be using the bench and their safety should not be put at risk.
• Always wash hands with Hibiscrub before leaving the laboratory. Dry them thoroughly
with a paper towel.
• Report any accident/incident, even if trivial, to a demonstrator.
49

MICROBIOLOGY SAFETY IN THE HOSPITAL
Each individual is responsible for his/her own safety and that of others, whether patient or
staff. Most safety precautions are common-sense. Hand washing is of utmost importance –
wash your hands before and after attending each patient.
Ensure that you are immunised against infectious diseases such as polio, rubella, TB and
Hepatitis B.
You must observe strictly the guidelines set out for the management of patients with
hepatitis, or who are suspected of suffering from hepatitis. In such cases, it is essential that
body fluids, especially blood, are carefully handled and that needles and syringes are
correctly disposed of.
Each ward has been provided with guidelines for the isolation and management of infective
diseases. Also available are policies concerning the use of antimicrobials and disinfectants,
the maintenance of closed urinary drainage and i.v. catheterisation. Consult these
documents and abide by the policies contained in them.
PLAGIARISM
The following text is reprinted from the College Calendar Academic Progress (pages G12-14)
and should be borne in mind by all students:
“…Plagiarism is interpreted by the University as the act of presenting the work of others as
one’s own work, without acknowledgement. Plagiarism is considered as academically
fraudulent, and an offence against University discipline. The University considers plagiarism
to be a major offence, and subject to the disciplinary procedures of the University.
Plagiarism can arise from deliberate actions and also through careless thinking and/or
methodology. The offence lies not in the attitude or intention of the perpetrator, but in the
action and in its consequences.
Plagiarism can arise from actions such as:
(a) copying another student’s work;
(b) enlisting another person or persons to complete an assignment on the
student’s behalf.
(c) quoting directly, without acknowledgement, from books, articles or other
sources, either in printed, recorded or electronic format;
(d) paraphrasing, without acknowledgement, the writings of other authors;
Examples (c) and (d) in particular can arise through careless thinking and/or methodology
where students:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
fail to distinguish between their own ideas and those of others.
fail to take proper notes during preliminary research and therefore lose track of the
sources from which the notes were drawn;
fail to distinguish between information which needs no acknowledgement because it
is firmly in the public domain, and information which might be widely known, but
which nevertheless requires some sort of acknowledgement;
come across a distinctive methodology or idea and fail to record its source;
All the above serve only as examples and are not exhaustive. Students should submit work
done in co-operation with other students only when it is done with the full knowledge and
50

permission of the lecturer concerned. Without this, work submitted which is the product of
collusion with other students may be considered to be plagiarism. It is clearly understood
that all members of the academic community use and build on the work of others. It is
commonly accepted also, however, that we build on the work of others in an open and
explicit manner, and with due acknowledgement. Many cases of plagiarism that arise could
be avoided by following some simple guidelines:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Any material used in a piece of work, of any form, that is not the original thought of
the author should be fully referenced in the work and attributed to its source. The
material should either be quoted directly or paraphrased. Either way, an explicit
citation of the work referred to should be provided, in the text, in a footnote, or both.
Not to do so is to commit plagiarism.
When taking notes from any source it is very important to record the precise words or
ideas that are being used and their precise sources.
While the Internet often offers a wider range of possibilities for researching particular
themes, it also requires particular attention to be paid to the distinction between one’s
own
work and the work of others. Particular care should be taken to keep track of the
source of the electronic information obtained from the Internet or other electronic
sources and ensure that it is explicitly and correctly acknowledged.
It is the responsibility of the author of any work to ensure that he/she does not commit
plagiarism. Students should ensure the integrity of their work by seeking advice from their
lecturers, tutor or supervisor on avoiding plagiarism. All departments should include, in their
handbooks or other literature given to students, advice on the appropriate methodology for
the kind of work that students will be expected to undertake.
If plagiarism as referred to above is suspected, the Head of Department will arrange an
informal meeting with the student, the student’s tutor, and the lecturer concerned, to put their
suspicions to the student and give the student the opportunity to respond.
If the Head of Department forms the view that plagiarism has taken place, he/she must notify
the Senior Lecturer in writing of the facts of the case and suggested remedies, who will then
advise the Junior Dean. The Junior Dean will interview the student if the facts of the case
are in dispute. Whether or not the facts of the case are in dispute, the Junior Dean may
implement the procedures set out in CONDUCT AND COLLEGE REGULATIONS §2….”
51

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE POLICY
ABSENT LECTURER PROCEDURE
In the event that students are present for a teaching session and a lecturer does not
arrive, please notify the class representative who should then notify the relevant
departmental Secretary. Department contact details below,
Anatomy
Clare O’Farrell
Tel: 01 896 1182
Biochemistry
Miriam Wilson
Tel: 01 896 1851
Microbiology
Muriel Gowing
Tel: 01 896 2138
Molecular Medicine
Amanda Duggan, AMNCH
Tel: 01 896 3844
Mary Kavanagh, SJH
Tel: 01 896 2100
Neuroscience
Geraldine Quinn
Tel: 01 896 2241
Pathology
Jean Freeman
Tel: 8962396
Pharmacology
Geraldine Power
Tel: 01 896 1563
STUDENT ABSENCE
If absent from any timetabled teaching and/or examinations students are required to
submit a Medical Certificate to Student Affairs, School of Medicine, Chemistry
Building, School of Medicine, TCD. Immediately.
52

SOURCES OF SUPPORT AND HELP IN COLLEGE
• Student Counselling Service – 199 - 200 Pearse Street, Tel:
896 1407, or email: student-counselling@tcd.ie Emergency
appointments are available. (Entrance to the Service via College
Campus adjacent to the Creche). This service is confidential and
free to students.
• Chaplains – House 27, chaplaincy@tcd.ie. Tel: Kieran Dunne
and Paddy Gleeson : + 353 1 896 1260, Alan McCormack : + 353
1 896 1402 ; Katherine Meyer : + 353 1 896 1901 - The
Chaplains run a Bereavement Support Group for those who have
experienced loss (please contact the Chaplains). The Chaplains
will also help you make contact with other religious communities
in Dublin.
• College Health Service – House 47 (beside the rugby pitch),
Tel: + 353 1 896 1556. Appointments may be made in person or
by telephone. This service is free to most students.
http://www.tcd.ie/College_Health
• College Tutors and Senior Tutor’s Office, House 27. Tel: 896
2551. stosec@tcd.ie. You can find your tutor's name and contact
number on the Student Information System :
http://isservices.tcd.ie/portal
• Niteline - A confidential help-line for students run by students is
available during term-time, by telephone between 9pm and
2.30am from Thursday to Sunday at 1800 793 793.
• Student 2 Student - A group of Trinity students trained in
listening and support skills who are available for face-to-face
supportive chats. Confidential, free, and flexible. Email:
peer@tcd.ie, phone: 896 2438.
_________________________________________________________________________
53

TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN
School of Medicine
Student Subject Exemption Form
__________________________________________________________________________
Please refer to your student handbook/study guide for further information regarding
the granting of exemptions
Must be returned to the Medical School Office by Friday, 6 th November 2009
Exemptions cannot be approved after this date
STUDENT NAME:
_________________________________________________________________________
COURSE: _________________________ I.D. NUMBER:_____ _____________________
YEAR:___________________________TUTOR:_____________ ___________________
EXEMPTION SOUGHT FROM (subject)
______________________________________________
It is assumed that this exemption is sought from both examinations/assessment,
coursework etc. Should the case be otherwise, e.g. exemption from coursework only,
please state (otherwise leave
blank):_________________________________________________________________
JUSTIFICATION (include relevant academic qualifications and evidence of primary
degree in the subject):
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
STUDENT’S SIGNATURE:____________________ DATE:____________________
55

TUTOR’SCOMMENTS:_______________________________________________________
______________
__________________________________________________________________________
________________
SIGNATURE: _____________________________ DATE:
_________________________________________
COMMENT FROM RELEVANT COURSE COORDINATOR:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
________________________________
SIGNATURE:____________________________________________________DATE:_____
______________
SIGNATURE:____________________________________________________DATE:_____
______________
DIRECTOR OF UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING & LEARNING’S APPROVAL
EXEMPTION FROM _________________________
EXEMPTION FROM COURSEWORK AND EXAMS
EXEMPTION FROM COURSEWORK ONLY
SIGNATURE:
_____________________________________DATE:___________________________
56

This year, TAKE TO THE STREETS to support:
November 5th 2010
The Burns Unit, SJH
Colorectal Cancer Screening, AMNCH
The Cancer Care Fund, AMNCH
Trinity Access Programme (TAP)
Street Collection, Campus Games, Talent Show, Night Out,
Med Cup and much more!
Get involved early. Email medday@tcd.ie
57