? Credit Points : 10  ? SCQF Level : 10  ? Acronym : BMS-4-PYosn

Many diseases, including ischaemic coronary heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS and spongiform encephalopathies are thought to be closely linked to free radical over production which in turn leads to a variety of pathophysiological changes and cell death. This course will introduce students to the chemistry and biochemistry of free radical production in nature, starting with a detailed discussion of free radical physical chemistry using molecular orbital theory followed by a discussion of how perturbations to the normal equilibrium existing between free radical synthesis and degradation leads to an over production of highly oxidising moieties which elicit tissue damaging chain reactions involving macromolecules. We will then examine the aetiology of several degenerative diseases, emphasising how anthropogenic environmental toxins may target specific molecular sites in genetically susceptible individuals. A good knowledge of chemistry would be helpful for students taking this module.

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : Permission of the Curriculum Approval Officer. Physiology 3 is recommended.

Home subject area

Physiology (Biomedical Sciences), (School of Biomedical Sciences, Schedule T)

Other subject areas

Physiology (Biological Sciences), (School of Biological Sciences, Schedule K)

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) 45 minutes per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type Day Start End Area Lecture Friday 09:00 17:00 Med+Vet

Increased understanding of biological processes. Detailed learning outcomes will be provided later.

100% Written exam

The Course Secretary should be the first point of contact for all enquiries.

Course Secretary

Ms Victoria Farrar
Tel : (0131 6)50 3717
Email : v.farrar@ed.ac.uk

Course Organiser

Dr Mike Ludwig
Tel : (0131 6)50 3275
Email : Mike.Ludwig@ed.ac.uk

School Website : http://www.dbcls.med.ed.ac.uk/

College Website : http://www.mvm.ed.ac.uk/