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Endocrinology is the study of hormones and their control of a wide range of physiological activities. In this unit you will study the molecular and cellular processes which determine the function and control of the human endocrine system and learn about the defects in these processes which can cause endocrine diseases including diabetes and adrenal dysfunction. You will also look at the clinical treatments for these diseases and current research in the area.

To explore the impact of cell and molecular biological techniques on our understanding of endocrine control mechanisms and endocrine disease.

A student completing this unit will have an:

• Understanding of the molecular and cellular processes which determine the function and control of the human endocrine system.
• Appreciation of the defects in these mechanisms that underlie the development and progression of endocrine disease.
• Awareness of current strategies for the clinical management of endocrine malfunction and of current research in these areas.

• Endocrine control of extracellular Ca homeostasis. PTH, vitamin D & calcitonin: production, receptors & roles. Clinical abnormalities of Ca metabolism: Hyper- and Hypoparathyroidism, Osteoporosis & Rickets. Current research on Ca-sensing receptors and their therapeutic potential.
• Clinical investigations, consequences & management of diabetes mellitus and hyperinsulinism.
• Pituitary hormones in health & disease. Pituitary tumours.
• Nutritional endocrinology in health & disease. Anti-obesity medications. .
• Pituitary-adrenal axis: The principal pathologies of the pituitary gland and their molecular basis; the clinical and surgical management of pituitary tumours. The diagnosis and management of adrenal pathologies. Disorders of glucocorticoid signalling; their consequences, diagnosis & management.

Written examination (95%), comprising 1 essay plus MCQs. Coursework: Two essay plans from a past paper, followed by peer assessment (5%).

• Marked scripts available, with comments, following marks release

•  Canvas Discussion Board - checked regularly by Unit Coordinator. 

There are no specific textbooks for this unit, though "Essential Endocrinology and Diabetes" by Richard Holt & Neil Hanley (Wiley-Blackwell, 6th Edition; External Link to book) may be found useful. The Endotext website (requires free login) is also useful for the topics listed above: http://www.endotext.org/. 
 

The year studying abroad is an integral part of the course and must be completed. Some costs, such as tuition fees, are substantially lower. Other costs can vary and are not included in the tuition fee. For example, living costs may be higher or lower than the UK, and there are travel-related costs to consider, such as paying for a passport, visa fees, health insurance, and (if needed) vaccinations.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's (PDF document, 91KB).

Students participating in placements outside the UK may be able to apply for funding from the depending on eligibility. Priority will be given to students from low income households.