Module: Biological Basis of Disease

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Biological Basis of Disease
Module Code	GCB1016 (ITS: NS344)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module explores the biological basis of diseases that have significant global health burden (in developed and developing countries). The epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of these diseases will be examined and factors implicated in the aetiology such as lifestyle and genetic predispositions will be considered. Specifically a large proportion of the learning will focus understanding the mechanisms driving the pathophysiology of each disease.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain current theories of the pathophysiology for cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and mental health disorders.
2. Discuss in detail the etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and mental health disorders
3. Understand and establish links between society and health and explore how this can impact on disease outcome.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	32	No Description
Independent Study	45	Independent Reading
Independent Study	45	Independent Learning through quizzes and practice exams
Total Workload: 122

Section Breakdown
CRN	11260	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Paul Buchanan	Module Teacher	Patricia Johnson

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Quiz	The assessment will consist of two sets of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The first set will be completed midway through the course, covering material from the first half of the module. The second set will take place at the end of the course, focusing on content from the second half	30%	As required
Formal Examination	The end-of-module assessment will be an invigilated examination consisting of two structured essay questions. Students will select these from a choice of topics drawn from across the module content.	70%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Disease
Prevalence and difference in distribution of disease types across developed and developing countries · Basic contributions of environmental factor diet fauna climate human factors across all diseases

Cancer
Principles of Neoplasia · The molecular basis of cancer · Tumour viruses and human cancer · Cancer: Invasion and Metastasis · Screeningprogrammes

Diabetes
Types of diabetes · Associated co-morbidities · Therapeutic options· Disease epidemiology

Mental Health Disorders
Biological basis of mental health disorders, prevalence, societal impact and etiology

Circulatory Disease
Origin and prevalence of circulatory disease· Origin and prevalence of circulatory disease, pathophysiology of common circulatory disease, preventative measures and treatments

Respiratory Disease
Pathology of major respiratory disease types i.e. infectious, chronic non-communicable and genetic. Prevention and treatment options Disease statistics

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Vinay Kumar,Abul K. Abbas,Jon C. Aster: 2020, Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease E-Book, 5th, Elsevier Health Sciences, 1396, 9780323609937
Sue E. Huether,Kathryn L. McCance: 2019, Understanding Pathophysiology - E-Book, Elsevier Health Sciences, 1117, 9780323672818

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None