BIOLOGICAL RHYTHMS - 2022/3
Module code: BMS3066
Module Overview
The Biological Rhythms module is a FHEQ Level 6 module that builds on knowledge gained in FHEQ Level 5 modules (Physiology, Neuroscience). This module will run over one semester and will provide students with a comprehensive research-led overview of current topics in Biological Rhythms with a special emphasis on human chronobiology. In addition, evaluation of skills for critical appraisal and interpretation of scientific literature will be addressed throughout all research-led lectures, the tutorials and coursework assessment.
Module provider
School of Biosciences
Module Leader
VAN DER VEEN Daan (Biosciences)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 6
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 100
Lecture Hours: 11
Tutorial Hours: 6
Guided Learning: 20
Captured Content: 13
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None
Module content
Indicative content includes:
Basic principles
Photoreception
COURSEWORK TUTORIAL
SCN clock
Clock genes
Peripheral clocks
Comparative chronobiology
TUTORIAL: BASIC MECHANISMS
Melatonin and the circadian system
Seasonality
Clocks, metabolism, and chrononutrition
Non-circadian rhythms and metabolism
Chronopharmacology
Assessment of human circadian rhythms
Circadian regulation of sleep
Tools for studying human circadian rhythms
TUTORIAL: CLOCK, FOOD, AND METABOBLISM
Jet lag
Shift work
Non-24-h disorders
Ageing
Genetic disorders of sleep timing
Clocks and mental heath
TUTORIAL: CIRCADIAN RHYTHM DISORDERS
Panel discussion: Current research challenges
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | COURSEWORK I: 1500 word critique of research paper | 50 |
| Coursework | COURSEWORK II: 3 x 750 word written responses to thematic questions | 50 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy consisting of two course works is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to:
- Critically appraise and evaluate scientific findings from published literature
- Use electronic literature data bases effectively
- Write a critical structured essay with a fixed word limit.
The summative assessment for this module consists of:
Coursework I (50%). This is assessed based on structure, breadth and depth of content and clarity as well as presentation of a 1500 word essay to present a literature supported critique of a recent peer-reviewed research paper.
Coursework II (50%). This is assessed based on structure, breadth and depth of content and clarity as well as presentation of a three written responses (750 words per response) to question(s) raised on three separate topics covered in the module. Responses should be supported by literature.
The formative assessment and feedback for this module is provided via
Seven thematic, structured tutorials spaced throughout the module
Content section on SurreyLearn Discussion boards on SurreyLearn Feedback on coursework I
Module aims
- Develop students' understanding of the evolution and physiological importance of biological rhythms in a range of species
- Develop students' knowledge of how biological rhythms are generated and controlled
- Expand students' understanding of the importance of biological rhythms in occupational health and disease processes in humans
- Expand students' knowledge of circadian and seasonal timing with emphasis on areas of expertise within active research programmes in the FHMS
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Describe the basic generation and control of circadian and seasonal rhythms | KCT |
| 002 | Appreciate the interaction between central and peripheral clocks; photic and nonphotic time cues | KCT |
| 003 | Understand theoretical concepts and protocols and tools used to assess circadian rhythmicity | KCT |
| 004 | Describe the role of melatonin in circadian and seasonal rhythms | KCT |
| 005 | Appreciate the effect of ageing and blindness on circadian timing and sleep | KCT |
| 006 | Appreciate the links between clocks, sleep and metabolism and the contribution of underlying circadian rhythm disturbances to pathology e.g. sleep problems, disorders of metabolism | KCT |
| 007 | Appreciate chrononutrition, describing the circadian control of post prandial physiology and timed meals as synchronisers | KCT |
| 008 | Use electronic databases to selectively access information | PT |
| 009 | Critically evaluate the intellectual and technical aspects of published literature | CPT |
| 010 | Show capacity for independent, critical thinking | CP |
| 011 | Write a critical appraisal of literature (essay 1500 words, excluding references) in a structured and scientific manner | CPT |
| 012 | Describe the effects of altered environments on human health (eg jet lag, shift work) | KCT |
| 013 | Appreciate that drug pharmacology is affected by time of day and circadian timing | KCT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
Provide the students with knowledge and understanding of key concepts via the set of lectures, whilst promoting the development of personal and transferable skills relating to critical assessment of literature, as well as integration of knowledge via the tutorial sessions. Tutorial sessions provide the opportunity for students to define their difficulties or points where they would value feedback which is then timely delivered by the lecturer.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- Lectures: 11 hours
- Captured content: 13 hours
- Tutorials: 6 hours
- Guided learning (coursework): 20 hours
- Independent learning: 100 hours
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: BMS3066
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biomedical Science MSci (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Nutrition BSc (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Nutrition and Dietetics BSc (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biochemistry BSc (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biochemistry MSci (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2022/3 academic year.