Syllabus

• Week 1

  Introductions, study skills and your first case!

  • Introductions

    An introduction about the course, the learning objectives and completion.

  • Studying at university

    We all have our own preferred way of learning. In this section, we will offer suggestions to help you optimise your study strategies in preparation for learning at university.

  • Structure and metabolism of biological molecules

    This case helps consolidate your knowledge of biological molecules. We will cover carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, their structure and metabolism.

  • Summary

    A brief summary of what we've covered and the knowledge you should have gained during Week 1. This section also includes a sneak peek at what we'll be covering in Week 2.

• Week 2

  Chemical structure and bonding & Cardiovascular systems

  • Structure and bonding

    This exercise aims to apply your knowledge of structure and bonding to the properties of a pharmaceutical. Areas you will be considering are bonding in molecules and compounds, electronegativity, polarity and solubility.

  • Cardiovascular systems

    In this case we explore the cardiovascular system. Areas we will cover will include organisation of the cardiovascular system and blood vessels; their structure and function.

  • Summary

    A brief summary of what we've covered and the knowledge you should have gained during Week 2. This section also includes a sneak peek at what we'll be covering in Week 3.

• Week 3

  Mitosis and uncontrolled cell division & Communication systems

  • Cell cycle, mitosis and uncontrolled cell division

    This case aims to consolidate your knowledge of mitosis and uncontrolled cell division and relate this to an applied case. Areas covered are the cell cycle, mitosis, cancer and kidney function.

  • Communication systems: Neurones and hormones

    This case aims to help consolidate your knowledge of communication systems within the body. Areas covered include why communication systems are required in the body and how they are generated and integrated.

  • Summary

    A brief summary of what we've covered and the knowledge you should have gained during Week 3. This section also includes a sneak peek at what we'll be covering in Week 4.

• Week 4

  Immune systems & Acids, bases, pH and buffers

  • Immune systems and antibiotics

    In this case we explore the immune system and the selection of antibiotics. Areas we will cover in this case include the body’s natural defences, basic principles of inflammation and defence against pathogens.

  • Acids, bases, pH and buffers

    This case consolidates your acid-base knowledge and numeracy skills in a case-based scenario. Some areas covered are acids, bases and pH, actions of buffers, transport of blood gases and calculation of dosages and drip rates.

  • Summary

    A brief summary of what we've covered and the knowledge you should have gained during Week 4. This section also includes a sneak peek at what we'll be covering in Week 5 - our final week!

• Week 5

  Genetics & Organic chemistry

  • Genetics

    Here you will consolidate your existing knowledge of genetics and inheritance in a case-based scenario. Some areas you will cover include genetic diseases, genes and inheritance and screening for genetic disorders including PCR.

  • Organic chemistry

    This exercise aims to consolidate your knowledge of organic chemistry and relate this to an applied case. Areas you will be covering are organic functional groups, formation and naming of esters and reaction mechanisms.

  • Summary

    A brief summary of what we've covered during Week 5. As the course comes to a close, we also highlight further reading/resources that you can use to continue to prepare for university. Finally, we celebrate your achievements!

Who will you learn with?