Courses - Faculty of Medical And Health Sciences
Medical Science
Stage I
Human Mind and Body Relationships
Humans share with other living things the features of physical self-generation and adaptation to the environment. Humans also live in a mental (mind) world and maintain relationships with our perceived environments. Minds and bodies mutually affect one another. This mind/body dance, which is explored in this course, is what gives rise to all of human behaviour from simple daily activities to the highest forms of creativity.
Environmental Threats to Human Health
Our environment sustains our lives but at times threatens our health. These threats may occur naturally, or arise from damage we have inflicted on the environment. This course considers health impacts of climate change, pollution, lifestyle choices, poverty and affluence, workplace hazards, emerging infectious diseases, and dangers affecting cancer risk.
Biology for Biomedical Science: Organ Systems
Introduction to human biology with particular emphasis on integrated organ function. The course will deal with: structures and processes associated with the function of the nervous, locomotor, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, endocrine, musculoskeletal and reproductive systems.
Restriction: HUMANBIO 142
Stage II
Human Structure and Function
Presents the structure of biological systems with special reference to human biology, from the levels of histology through to gross anatomy. Specific examples of the correlation between structure and function will be considered. An introduction to current techniques for the visualisation of biological structure will be presented.
Prerequisite: BIOSCI 107, MEDSCI 142
Microbiology and Immunology
An introduction to the nature and roles of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites as the causative agents of human diseases. Topics include: the defence mechanisms of the body, the immune system including autoimmunity and allergy, control of disease by antimicrobials, sterilisation, disinfection and infection control practice.
Prerequisite: BIOSCI 107, MEDSCI 142
Restriction: OPTOM 241, PHARMACY 203
Mechanisms of Disease
Outlines the basic mechanisms, operating at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels, by which human disease develops. These include genetic factors, cell injury, inflammation, repair, circulatory disturbances, and neoplastic change. These mechanisms are illustrated by descriptions of the pathogenesis of specific diseases that are relevant to the New Zealand situation, or are the focus of current biomedical research.
Prerequisite: BIOSCI 107, MEDSCI 142
Pharmacology and Toxicology
A solid grounding in the principles underlying pharmacology and toxicology, including the nature of drug targets, their interaction and response (pharmacodynamics), the fate of drugs within the body (pharmacokinetics), toxicity classification and testing, poisons and antidotes, adverse drug reactions, selective toxicity, drug discovery and development. Selected drug examples will be studied to illustrate key principles of clinical pharmacology.
Prerequisite: CHEM 110, MEDSCI 142, and 15 points from BIOSCI 106 or 107
The Physiology of Human Organ Systems
An integrative approach is used to study fundamental physiological processes which enable the body to overcome the challenge of life. Drawing on examples of normal and abnormal function, the course examines the interaction of vital physiological processes, from cellular control mechanisms to multiple organ systems. Topics include: control of fluid and electrolytes, cardiovascular control, energy use, and the delivery of oxygen and metabolites.
Prerequisite: BIOSCI 107, MEDSCI 142
Restriction: PHARMACY 205
Principles of Neuroscience
The impact of neuroscience revolution on our understanding of human physiology and biomedical research is reviewed. Topics include: mechanisms of neurotransmission, learning, memory, sensory perception (vision, hearing, touch and smell) and application of gene therapy for treating neurological diseases. Special emphasis is placed on the integration and control of physiological function by the nervous system. Examples include control of movement and coordination, regulation of reproduction, blood pressure, breathing, appetite, body weight and sexuality. Developmental neuroscience is also considered. Laboratory exercises provide insight into neural structure and function and include application of neuroimaging technologies.
Prerequisite: BIOSCI 107, MEDSCI 142
Stage III
Analytical Anatomy and Visualisation
Examines the analysis, description and quantification of anatomical structures, including visualisation methodologies and the challenges of imaging subcellular to whole organ anatomy. Emphasis is placed on emerging applications and technology, including computational anatomy, surgical planning and research applications. Appropriate uses of human tissue, modern imaging technologies, tissue preparation, imaging artefacts, and novel visualisation techniques will be explored.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 201
Molecular Basis of Disease
An in-depth analysis of the cellular and molecular basis of disease, including the role of environmental and inherited risk factors, as well as mechanisms of response to cell injury and inflammation in the disease process. A number of examples will be studied including cancer and infectious disease.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 203
Cancer Biology
A study of the scientific basis of cancer including: mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cancer, carcinogenesis, DNA damage and repair, properties of cancer cells (including abnormalities of growth and cell cycle control), the growth of tumours, the classification and histopathology of cancers, and an introduction to therapeutic strategies.
Prerequisite: BIOSCI 356 or MEDSCI 203
Biophysics of Nerve and Muscle
An advanced treatment of the physiology of excitable cells. Topics include: the biophysical basis of membrane potential, the spread of electrical activation and synaptic transmission, structure, excitation, mechanics and energetics of muscle and functional differences among muscle types. The approach is quantitative with particular emphasis on current advances in the field.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 205, 206, or for BE(Hons) students, 15 points from MEDSCI 205 and 15 points from courses at Stage II listed in Part II of the Biomedical Engineering specialisation in the BE(Hons) Schedule
Cardiovascular Biology
An advanced treatment of the human cardiovascular system that provides an integrated framework for understanding the structure, function and regulation of the heart and circulation, and their modification by drugs. Topics include: the energetics and mechanics of the heart, the regulation of heart rhythm and the control of blood pressure and the regulation of flow through the microcirculation. The course is illustrated using examples drawn from current research in the field and from representative disease states.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 205
Neuroendocrinology of Growth and Metabolism
An introduction to the mechanism controlling the production of hormones and how these achieve their effects in regulating body function. The course focuses in particular on the hormone systems controlling growth and metabolism and contrasts the differences between fetal and adult life. It also highlights how defects in endocrine systems are associated with conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 205
Reproductive Biology
Aspects of reproductive biology including: regulation of gonadal function, the menstrual and oestrus cycles, ovulation, spermatogenesis, feto-maternal physiology including placental function, animal reproduction and assisted reproductive technologies.
Prerequisite: 15 points from BIOSCI 107, 203, MEDSCI 142
Immunology
The biology, cellular and molecular events underlying the immune response. The nature and characteristics of antibody-mediated and cell-mediated immunity including antigen recognition and presentation, antibody and T cell receptor structure, immune regulation and cytokines, immunogenetics and histocompatibility. The relationships of the immune system to the activities of pathogenic organisms. Applied immunology including biotechnology, infection, autoimmunity, tumour immunology, transplantation and immunodeficiency.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 202 or BIOSCI 201
Nutrition, Diet and Gene Interactions
Gene-X environment interactions are increasingly being recognised to play an important role in the risk and pathogenesis of various diseases. The interaction between genetics and dietary factors in modulating mechanism of gut, bone, cancer and metabolic disease will be considered in this course, as well as the technologies required to understand such interactions.
Prerequisite: BIOSCI 202 or 203
Sensory Neuroscience: From Molecules to Disease
The physiology of neurosensory systems in health and disease with an emphasis on clinical relevance and current advances in research. The course will provide in-depth coverage of mechanisms involved in each system at a broad systemic level, down to the molecular level. Topics include vision, hearing, balance, olfaction, taste, touch and pain.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 206
Integrative Neuroscience: From Fetus to Adult
The development and function of the central nervous system in health and disease. Topics include development of the CNS, synaptic function in health and disease, development and pathophysiology of motor systems, perinatal and adult brain ischemia and neuroprotection, stroke, chronobiology/human circadian rhythm and olfactory dysfunction during dementia, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. The objective of this course is to provide an overview of the development and function of the central nervous system in health and disease. The course explores the anatomy and physiology of the brain during development into adulthood, and highlights the pathologies of various central nervous system disorders.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 206
Pharmacokinetics and Drug Toxicity
Considers the biochemical processes involved in achieving clinically-relevant drug concentrations that result in therapeutic effects and drug toxicity, from drug input, distribution, and elimination plus the ways in which these processes are described (pharmacokinetic modelling). Explores factors such as drug-drug interactions, pharmacogenetics, dosing and pharmacokinetic considerations in selected populations and that may influence both clinical effectiveness and drug toxicity.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 204 and 30 points from MEDSCI 203, 205, BIOSCI 203
Restriction: MEDSCI 303, 306, 321
Molecular Pharmacology
Explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms of drug action with a focus on G-protein coupled receptors and biochemical targets for cancer therapy. Drug design is considered from the perspective of in silico modelling, biochemical assessment and intracellular signalling.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 204 and 30 points from MEDSCI 203, 205, BIOSCI 203
Restriction: MEDSCI 304, 321
Pharmacology of the Brain and Body
Extends the principles of pharmacology acquired at Stage II to discuss how diseases can be treated in a variety of organ systems including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory systems with emphasis on the central nervous system. Covers the mechanisms of action of drugs, and the influence of anatomy, physiology and pathology.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 204 and 30 points from MEDSCI 203, 205, 206, BIOSCI 203
Restriction: MEDSCI 305, 307
Special Topic
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 204 and 30 points from BIOSCI 203, MEDSCI 203, 205
Restriction: MEDSCI 303, 306, 318, 319, 735
Capstone: Medical Sciences
Students will integrate and communicate knowledge attained during their study of medical sciences ranging from normal physiology through pathological process to the safe and effective use of medicines to treat diseases. Students will consider wider societal issues involved in research, such as human and animal ethics, within the context of Aotearoa and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Prerequisite: 15 points from MEDSCI 318-320 and 15 points from MEDSCI 301-321
Restriction: BIOMED 399, BIOSCI 399, PHARMCOL 399, PHYSIOL 399
Postgraduate 700 Level Courses
Drug Discovery Biology
Reviews recent studies on the use of chemical and genetic methods to characterise the role of proteins in disease and their potential as drug targets. Topics will include proteins involved in regulation of immune response, lipid mediated cell signalling pathways, drug-protein interactions, some discovery methods, and pre-clinical studies on mechanism of action.
Advanced Biomedical Imaging
Theory and practice of biomedical imaging from the sub-cellular to whole body level with specific emphasis on recent developments. Principles of digital image-processing and image analysis (including quantitative morphology), computed tomography and volume rendering and analysis. Imaging modalities including atomic force microscopy, light and confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, X-ray, CT, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.
Stem Cells and Development
Stem cell biology and the genetic regulation of developmental processes will be examined in normal and disease settings. Blood, immunity, vascular networks and the kidney will be used as systems to explore important concepts in organ development and regeneration. This knowledge will be applied in understanding disease processes such as leukaemia, inflammation and kidney disorders, and in designing new therapeutic strategies.
Infection, Immunity and Disease
Examines the ways in which host immune mechanisms control infection, infectious organisms evade host defence mechanisms, and the consequences of these processes for the host. Examples of human infectious diseases will include: HIV, hepatitis B, influenza, tuberculosis and streptococcal infections. Consideration of the consequences of infection will incorporate discussion of immune self/non-self discrimination, immune tolerance and autoimmune mechanisms, including the impact of response against infections on autoimmunity.
Genomic Medicine
Examines a range of medical genetic disorders that illustrate principles of disease mechanisms, diagnosis and management. These will include: haemophilia, familial cancer, late-onset neurological disorders and mitochondrial disease.
Antimicrobials and Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance is a public health concern developing worldwide. The nature of antimicrobial agents will be explored by examining their discovery, development and mechanisms of action. Antimicrobial resistance will be studied to understand both mechanisms of resistance and the factors that drive resistance. Emphasis will be placed on recent advances in the discovery of antimicrobials and the development of novel strategies for the control of infectious agents.
Advanced Immunology and Immunotherapy
Explores recent advances in immunology including the genes, proteins and cell types involved in the innate and adaptive immune response, with a focus on how key components are integrated at a systems level to determine immune outcomes. Examines a range of inflammatory and immune mediated diseases, together with methods of immunotherapy, including the latest approaches to combat cancer and autoimmune disease.
Nutrition in Health and Disease
The influence that dietary patterns, foods and food components have on the promotion and protection against the common nutrition-related diseases in New Zealand. The relevant epidemiological, clinical, and biochemical/physiological aspects of each disease are covered.
Nutrition Mechanisms
The mechanisms by which food and food components can influence disease processes. Topics covered include: the interaction between genotype and nutrition, antioxidants and oxidation protection mechanisms, dietary toxicology, the process of atherosclerosis, and the influence of the intra-uterine environment on growth and disease.
Clinical Nutrition
Prevention of malnutrition and maintenance of nutritional status during acute and chronic illness through 'artificial' or 'interventional' means. Diagnosis and quantitation of malnutrition, and monitoring of nutrition support therapy. Practical techniques, common complications and quality assurance through a multidisciplinary team approach. Includes treatment of anorexia nervosa and cancer cachexia.
Critical Evaluation of Nutritional Therapies
The suggested roles for micronutrients, 'nutriceuticals' and functional foods in general health, exercise performance and disease are evaluated using an evidence-based approach. The roles of micronutrients as dietary supplements and the potential actions of nutriceuticals and functional foods are also critically evaluated. Regulatory and ethical issues in the use of nutritional remedies are considered, including their use as supplements in chemotherapy or other conventional therapies, or in individuals with no symptoms.
Principles of Cancer Therapy
Examines the molecular and cellular processes underlying cancer treatment and the development of tumour-selective therapy; the principles of radiotherapy and chemotherapy; DNA and the basis for its interactions with anticancer drugs; recognition of DNA by proteins; exploitation of these processes by anticancer drugs, oncogenes and other regulatory gene products; signal transduction mechanisms and strategies for changing cell cycle control; cytokines and the role of host responses in cancer therapy; new approaches to cancer therapy including gene therapy and photodynamic therapy.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 302
Advanced Cancer Biology
Advanced studies of concepts related to the biology of cancer. These will include: molecular mechanisms, signal transduction pathways, genomic instability, telomeres and telomerase, anoikis, DNA damage sensing mechanisms, and hypoxia and tumour progression.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 302
Molecular Toxicology
Covers the current understanding of mechanisms implicated in toxicity of drugs and environmental chemicals plus the basis of inter-individual susceptibility. The course identifies strategies used to predict and prevent adverse reactions during drug development.
Advanced Drug Disposition and Kinetics
Advanced study of the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs, and the analysis of these processes. Also included are: in vivo/in vitro techniques in drug ADME studies used in drug development; drug analysis in biological matrices; and pharmaco-genomic aspects related to drug disposition.
Advanced Neuroscience: Neuropharmacology
An advanced study of current research topics in neuroscience. Involves critical analysis of the literature within the context of a series of major research themes that encompass models from molecular through to systems level neuroscience. Themes will be selected from the following areas: neurogenesis, neurodegeneration and/or addiction.
Pharmacology of Anaesthetics and Analgesics
General aspects of anaesthetics and analgesics. Topics covered include the development of modern anaesthesia, the mechanisms of action of drugs used in general and local anaesthesia, and issues surrounding safety and efficacy of anaesthesia, including drug error and circadian variation in drug action.
Pharmacometrics
An introduction to the application of mathematical models used in the interpretation of pharmacological observations. Computer-based analysis methods are investigated using individual and population-oriented approaches.
Biomedical Research Techniques
An introduction to some of the most commonly used techniques used in today's research laboratories; from tissue culture to confocal microscopy, RT-PCR to mass spectrometry, immunoassay to cloning. Emphasis is placed on understanding the principles behind the techniques, how they are applied to address specific questions, and how to evaluate and use the data they generate.
Clinical Pharmacology
The disposition and action of medicines in humans of all ages will be explored, as well as adverse reactions, effects of pregnancy, medicine classification, and evaluation of clinical trials. Emphasis is placed on understanding the sources of variability of medicines and the use of target concentration intervention.
Cancer Pharmacology
The pharmacological basis of the action of anti-tumour drugs relevant to human cancer therapy, emphasising the variability of chemotherapy effects, interactions between anti-cancer agents and early phase clinical trials.
Advanced Neuroscience: Neurophysiology
An advanced coverage of selected topics in neurophysiology and brain pathophysiology. Includes presentations and critical analysis by the students of the current scientific literature within the context of several major research themes that encompass models from molecular and cellular to systems level. Themes will be selected from the following module: (1) Astrocyte physiology and pathophysiology, (2) Spinal cord injury and the extracellular matrix, (3) Microglia physiology and pathophysiology, and (4) Biomarkers of dementia.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 206, 317
Perinatal Physiology and Medicine
Fetal development has long-term consequences for health. This advanced course offers a wide range of research themes relating to fetal development and future health. Topics include: placental development, fetal physiology, and endocrine regulation and metabolic function during fetal and postnatal life. The course explores pathogenesis of disease and injury of the fetus and newborn, and how biomedical research leads to potential clinical treatment strategies.
Reproductive Science
Molecular regulation and coordination of normal reproduction. The reproductive disorders that arise when normal biological processes are disrupted. Recent molecular methods have enabled us to study these processes and to understand how they can go wrong. Genomic and proteomic approaches to the understanding of reproduction and reproductive disorders will be presented. Examination of the new technologies that allow us to overcome some of these reproductive problems.
Advanced Reproductive Biology
Focusses on recent scientific advances in the field of human reproductive biology and medicine, with an emphasis on developing critical thinking skills. Examines the scientific approaches used to understand normal and pathological pregnancies, recent advances in reproductive medicine, and the ethical implications and considerations of assisted reproductive technologies.
Molecular Aspects of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Explores how hormones are able to control such a wide range of physiological processes. Covers molecular aspects of hormone action with particular reference to the neuroendocrine and peripheral endocrine systems that control appetite and metabolism. Other topics covered include how defects in hormone action lead to diseases such as cancer, obesity, Type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Advanced Cardiovascular Science
Examines the current state of the field of research relating to cardiovascular physiology, including critical analysis of the literature. This course portrays how an integrative physiological approach can reveal new levels of understanding in the field of cardiovascular research. Examples of this approach will be drawn from research programmes within the broad area of cardiovascular biology.
Prerequisite: 15 points from MEDSCI 309, 311, 312, 316, 317
Concepts in Pharmacology
Explores cellular and molecular mechanisms of drug action and drug discovery and development from the perspective of in silico modelling, biochemical assessment, intracellular signalling and human disease. Considers the pharmacokinetic processes involved in achieving clinically-relevant drug concentrations, the link between concentration and effect, the time course of effect and factors that may influence both clinical effectiveness and drug toxicity.
Restriction: MEDSCI 321
Biomedical MRI
Provides students with a thorough understanding of a range of biomedical MRI techniques as well as advanced clinical MRI applications such as functional imaging of the brain and cardiovascular system. Laboratories will cover MRI applications in basic science, and MRI applications in clinical medicine.
Biological Clocks
Chronobiology – the study of biological rhythms and the clocks that control them. Theory, anatomical location and molecular machinery of biological clocks will be covered, as will the control of rhythms of different time scales from days (circadian rhythms) to years (circannual rhythms). The influence the human circadian clock has on physiology and drug efficacy, and the effect hospitalisation has on the control of sleep cycles will be given special attention.
Advanced Sensory Neuroscience
Advanced study of the physiology of neurosensory systems in health and disease. Provides an in-depth coverage of the molecular, cellular and systemic mechanisms underlying vision and hearing.
Prerequisite: MEDSCI 316
Medical Imaging Technology - Level 9
Study of the physical processes underlying current clinical imaging techniques. Topics include: physical principles of image acquisition, processing and display; artefacts, image acquisition methods and parameters and their impact upon patient safety and image quality; management of radiation exposure; principles of X-Ray, fluoroscopic, mammographic, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, ultrasound imaging; MRI safety; dose estimation and quality assurance. Emphasis is placed on patient and practitioner care, image quality and artefacts in relation to image interpretation.
Anatomy for Medical Imaging - Level 9
Study of clinical and radiographic human anatomy, as demonstrated by current imaging techniques. Topics include: developmental anatomy, surface anatomy, functional anatomy and cross sectional anatomy. Emphasis is placed on normal variants and range of normality, and how to give a structured account of anatomy in relation to image analysis and identification.
Design and Analysis in Biomedical Research
An in-depth exploration of the principles of experimental design and data analysis in biomedical contexts. A focus on critical appraisal of choice of statistical tests to address experimental questions and appropriateness and limitations of analysis and interpretation of results will be undertaken. Practical and computer statistical packages are used.
Restriction: MEDSCI 725
Project Design in Biomedical Science
An individualised course of study in which each student will provide an exposition of the background to a specific research question in the biomedical sciences combined with a proposal of the best methods to investigate that specific question. A holistic consideration, including the ethical, regulatory, budgetary as well as, any other relevant aspects, of the chosen methods will be documented.
Prerequisite: 30 points from Medical Science at Stage III or higher with a B– or better
Restriction: BIOSCI 761, MEDSCI 701, OBSTGYN 705
Drug Development
Examines approaches for bringing potential new therapeutic drugs from the discovery bench into the clinic and the drug development process. Explores a variety of drugs and uses case studies to provide a practical understanding. Integrates multidisciplinary perspectives, drawn from academic and industry experiences, on practices that contribute to the development of safe and effective drug therapies.
Prerequisite: 30 points from Biological Sciences, Medical Sciences or Pharmacology at Stage III or higher, or equivalent
Early Life Nutrition, Lifelong Health
An in-depth exploration of the importance of the early life nutritional environment for health across the life course including critical appraisal of evidence from epidemiological, clinical, and pre-clinical studies.
Thesis - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in MEDSCI 784 A and B
Thesis - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in MEDSCI 785 A and B
Thesis - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in MEDSCI 786 A and B
Dissertation - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in MEDSCI 790 A and B, or MEDSCI 790
Research Portfolio - Level 9
Supervised research that represents the personal scholarly work of a student based on a coherent area of inquiry. Culminates in a conclusive piece of work related to a specific area of specialisation or scope of practice.
To complete this course students must enrol in MEDSCI 793 A and B
Thesis - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in MEDSCI 794 A and B
Thesis - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in MEDSCI 796 A and B
Research Portfolio - Level 9
Supervised research that represents the personal scholarly work of a student based on a coherent area of inquiry. Culminates in a conclusive piece of work related to a specific area of specialisation or scope of practice.
To complete this course students must enrol in MEDSCI 797 A and B