BIOLOGICAL RHYTHMS - 2023/4
Module code: BMS3066
Module Overview
The Biological Rhythms module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive, research-led overview of current topics in Biological Rhythms, with an emphasis on mammalian Chronobiology. The module builds on critical evaluation skills developed in previous modules, including appraisal and interpretation of scientific literature and evaluating current gaps in our knowledge. The module is delivered as a mix of lectures, online content, and several tutorials in which knowledge is integrated and evaluated. The summative assessment of this module consists of two pieces of course work, in which students apply skills in digital literature searches, resourcefulness in evaluating literature and interpreting current knowledge to develop forward-looking views that apply and validate research insights in real world conditions.
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: 64
Lecture Hours: 27
Tutorial Hours: 7
Guided Learning: 20
Captured Content: 32
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None
Module content
Indicative content includes:
- Basic principles
- Photoreception
- SCN clock
- Clock genes
- Peripheral clocks
- Endogenous melatonin and the circadian system
- Photoperiodism
- Comparative chronobiology
- Assessment of human circadian rhythms
- Circadian and sleep protocols - lab and field
- Circadian regulation of sleep
- Ageing as example
- Clock, metabolism, chrononutrition
- Rhythms in the gut
- Non-circadian rhythms and metabolism
- Chronobiology in the real world
- Consequences of shift work and Jetlag
- Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders
- Treatments of circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders
- Genetic disorders of sleep timing
- Chronopharmacology
- Clocks and mental health
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
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:
Thematic, structured tutorials spaced throughout the module
Drop-in sessions
Content section on SurreyLearn
Discussion boards on SurreyLearn
Feedback on coursework I.
The assessment strategy of this module is specifically designed to develop the students’ digital skills and confidence and resourcefulness in evaluating information.
Module aims
- Develop students' understanding of the evolution and physiological importance of biological rhythms in a range of species, with an emphasis on mammalian species including humans.
- 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 ultradian, circadian and seasonal timing with emphasis on areas of expertise within active research programmes at the University
- Further developing students¿ capabilities in searching and evaluating digital resources, and applying the scientific knowledge in these resources to real world conditions such as shift work, meal timing and daily light exposure.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Describe the basic generation and control of circadian and seasonal rhythms | KCT |
| 003 | Appreciate the interaction between central and peripheral clocks, and the role of photic and nonphotic time cues for these clocks | KCT |
| 004 | Understand theoretical concepts and protocols and tools used to assess circadian rhythmicity | KCT |
| 005 | Describe the role of melatonin in circadian and seasonal rhythms | KCT |
| 006 | Appreciate the effect of ageing and individual light perception on circadian timing and sleep | KCT |
| 007 | Appreciate the links between clocks, sleep and metabolism and the contribution of underlying circadian rhythm disturbances to pathology e.g. sleep problems, mental health issues and disorders of metabolism | KCT |
| 008 | Appreciate chrononutrition, describing the circadian control of post prandial physiology and timed meals as synchronisers | KCT |
| 011 | Use electronic databases to selectively access information | PT |
| 012 | Critically evaluate the intellectual and technical aspects of published literature | CPT |
| 013 | Show capacity for independent, critical thinking | CPT |
| 014 | Write a critical appraisal of literature in a structured and scientific manner | CPT |
| 015 | Apply knowledge and research findings to answer chronobiological questions | KCPT |
| 009 | Understand the concept of chronopharmacology and that drug treatment is affected by time of day and circadian timing | KCT |
| 002 | Describe the relevance of ultradian and seasonal rhythms | KCT |
| 010 | Describe circadian timing in the microbiome, and their link to health | 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 further developing and building on personal and transferable skills, first introduced in previous modules, that relate to critical evaluation 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: 27 hours
- Tutorials: 5 hours
- Drop-in sessions: 2
- Captured content: 32 hours
- Guided learning (coursework): 20 hours
- Independent learning: 64 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
Other information
Resourcefulness & resilience: This module is designed to further build and develop the student’s ability to understand primary research, and engage with a constructively critical evaluation of value and quality of this research. The module is designed to that feedback on first coursework based on constructive critical assessment of literature can be used to improving the second coursework. In addition, regular tutorials and discussion board interaction also allow for discussion and exchange of ideas
Sustainability: The module highlights the role of natural and artificial light on biological rhythms, and also presents contents on biological rhythms in malaria transmission and mediating some of the effects of climate change.
Digital capabilities: The module uses discussion boards to ask questions and discuss module content. Both coursework assignments on the module promote the use internet sources to find literature.
Employability: There is a strong emphasis on further developing ‘constructive criticism’ in tutorials, discussion boards and course work.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrition and Dietetics 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 |
| Nutrition BSc (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 |
| Biochemistry 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 |
| 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 |
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 2023/4 academic year.