Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes

The module is designed to provide an introduction to the fundamental principles of endocrinology and diabetes . This will include an account of cellular signalling pathways and receptor classes. This will then introduce gene regulation, differentiation, and the importance of hormones in development and homeostasis. The role of hormones in both pediatric and adult life will be introduced. The module will also provide the basics on defects in hormonal function, both genetic and autoimmune, that are relevant to the understanding of pathophysiology and endocrine disease. Clinical chemistry and the assessment of hormone function will also be covered.

This module has been designed to give the student a broad overview of  the disease entities seen within paediatric endocrinology and an understanding of their underlying pathophysiology. The student will be introduced to the current clinical approaches used to investigate and manage the core conditions seen within paediatric endocrinology. Students will be taught through lectures delivered mainly by clinicians. They will consolidate and contextualise their learning by participating in tutorials in which clinical data will be discussed and they will also have the opportunity to observe in paediatric endocrinology clinics.

This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of pivotal biochemistry, pathophysiology and pathology relevant to endocrine disorders in adults. This will be achieved by a blend of lectures, seminars and practical sessions. The emphasis will be placed on the commoner clinical problems and their solutions. Various clinical sequelae due to endocrine disorders will be introduced and a broad range of clinical and underpinning scientific scenarios will be covered.

This diabetes module will highlight the main aspects of diabetes in its various forms across the lifespan.  Lectures will be delivered by clinicians to teach the pathophysiology of the main conditions and complications of diabetes, as well as explaining current management strategies.  The vital role of the multidisciplinary team and self-management of the condition will be illustrated.  The impact of diabetes will also be explored in a wider societal context.  Students will be encouraged to observe in clinics to help contextualise their learning.  Tutorials will focus on clinical data and case histories.

The module has been designed to give the student an understanding of endocrine disease and how progression in the field of pharmaceutical medicine and translational research has been used to develop effective treatments.



It will introduce the student to the genetics and treatment of endocrine disease and how both in vitro and in vivo models systems have been used to (1) further our understanding of disease complexity and (2) test potential new drugs. The subject of drug development in the context of translational research will be discussed.





A series of tutorials and lectures will help link specific aspects of the course, together with practical aspects of drug research and development

The research project module will provide the opportunity to learn and apply research methods to test a specific scientific hypothesis. It will also enable the development of good laboratory skills in the appropriate methods and proper recording and analysis of experimental results. Health and safety in the laboratory and the ethical aspects of research will also be covered.

A list of projects will be made available and students will be asked to select their top choices. Once assigned a project of their choice, students will carry out a 25-week research project. Students will present a poster of their findings during the module. Upon completion of their research project, students will submit a structured dissertation describing their research. This will be supplemented with an oral exam. 

During the project, students will be expected to attend departmental seminars to widen their scientific knowledge, laboratory group meetings to present their current work, and regular supervisor meetings to discuss progress and plan experiments.





The research project module will provide the opportunity to learn and apply research methods to test a specific scientific hypothesis. It will also enable the development of good laboratory skills in the appropriate methods and proper recording and analysis of experimental results. Health and safety in the laboratory and the ethical aspects of research will also be covered.



A list of projects will be made available and students will be asked to select their top choices. Once assigned a project of their choice, students will carry out a 25-week research project. Students will present a poster of their findings during the module. Upon completion of their research project, students will submit a structured dissertation describing their research. This will be supplemented with an oral exam. 





During the project, students will be expected to attend departmental seminars to widen their scientific knowledge, laboratory group meetings to present their current work, and regular supervisor meetings to discuss progress and plan experiments.