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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2018 - 2019

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

Module Aims: In this module students will learn how targeted therapeutics have revolutionised the treatment of inflammatory/autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Psoriasis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. In contrast to Precision Medicine for Cancer where predictive biomarkers and diagnostic assays are used to determine the likelihood of response to targeted therapy, such biomarkers and assays are lacking for the treatment of patients with inflammatory disease. Hence, students will be able identify the critical need for development of biomarkers and diagnostic assays to predict the likelihood of response to therapy in the context of inflammatory disease by providing an up to date synopsis of the latest developments in this field of Precision Medicine. The module will also cover exciting new therapies that have recently been approved for inherited conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, as well as gene modulation technologies including gene therapy, RNA interference and CRISPR technology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate standard and specialist knowledge of the molecular basis of inflammation and how unregulated/non-resolving inflammation can lead to inflammatory diseases.
2. Exhibit a critical awareness of how targeted therapies have been developed for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Psoriasis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
3. Address the critical need to identify biomarkers and the development of diagnostic assays to predict who is likely to benefit from these targeted therapies and who is unlikely to benefit.
4. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge relating to the pattern of inheritance of diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and how targeted therapies have led to better outcomes for subgroups of patients with these disorders.
5. Scrutinise in detail the mechanisms of gene delivery to human cells and how this has been exploited for gene therapy.
6. Identify the complex biological, mechanistic and ethical issues that may limit the ability of technologies including RNA interference and CRISPR to modulate gene expression and to be able to identify their potential applications for Precision Medicine.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture18Online lectures
Assignment Completion502 x short assignments
Tutorial66 x tutorials
Online activity10Source and critically analyse a relevant publication relating to Precision Medicine for Inflammatory Disease and partake in an online discussion forum.
Assignment Completion100Long Assignment
Independent Study66Independent study of lecture material and directed reading
Total Workload: 250

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

Precision Medicine 2: Targeted Therapeutics and Diagnostics for Inflammatory Diseases and Inherited Diseases
Overview of Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases; Precision Medicine for Inflammatory Diseases and Inherited Diseases; Precision Medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis; Precision Medicine for Multiple Sclerosis; Precision Medicine for Inflammatory Bowel Disease; Precision Medicine for Psoriasis; Precision Medicine Gene Therapy; Precision Medicine for Inherited Diseases: Cystic Fibrosis; Precision Medicine for Inherited Diseases: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; Precision Medicine in the pipeline: RNA interference and CRISPR technology

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

    Other Resources

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