| 2003 |
|
YEAR BOOK |
The Open University in Ireland
|
Health matters with The Open University
|
The area of biological health studies has expanded rapidly at The Open University (OU) in both research and teaching; the main research areas being - Molecular Genetics, Neuroscience and Immunology and Cell Biology.
Molecular Genetics
Molecular genetics has advanced dramatically as a result of the recent international genome sequencing projects. The Molecular Genetics group at the OU is using this information as a basis on which to investigate genetic and cellular processes. The integration of this genomic data with innovative genetic tools has allowed the group to develop new, powerful methods for understanding important cellular interactions that are involved in genetic replication, the processes of ageing, and the development of disease.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience has been a major research theme since the foundation of the OU in 1969. Today, neuroscience research at the OU covers two main areas - learning and memory, and the peripheral nervous system.
The Learning and Memory group focuses on the molecular and cellular processes that occur during memory formation. This research is done using various techniques - including behaviour, pharmacology, neuroanatomy, biochemistry and molecular biology. One of the greatest challenges in Neuroscience is to defeat neurodegenerative disease. As the population ages, more people will be afflicted by devastating brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and senile dementia - neurodegenerative conditions that affect memory. Rapid advances in molecular genetics have made it possible to study the pathogenic processes of some diseases and how they affect the physiology of the brain, especially in relation to learning and memory. The OU research group is particularly interested in how neurodegenerative conditions affect communication between brain cells, and it is hoped that these studies will aid the development of new, effective treatments in the fight against brain disease.
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the 'built-in' nervous system of the gut and plays a vital role in the regulation of gastrointestinal functions. ENS dysfunction has been implicated in a number of gastrointestinal disorders, some of which increase with ageing and affect the quality of life of many elderly individuals. Recent evidence suggests there may be a relationship between these age-associated problems and a high caloric intake. The ENS also undergoes neurodegenerative changes in diabetes. So, in collaboration with University College London, the OU group is studying the nature and mechanisms of age and diet associated ENS neuronal losses, and investigating causes of diabetic neuropathy in the ENS, in order to understand these processes more fully and work towards their future prevention.
Immunology and Cell Biology
Researchers in immunology and cell biology focus on the development of immune reactions in the brain, the reaction of different tissues to inflammation, and the interactions between different types of tissues. Immune reactions affect brain tissue in a very different way to other tissues and can cause severe damage, as for example in multiple sclerosis (MS). This is partially due to the specialised environment of the brain, which normally holds back potentially damaging reactions. The OU research group is specifically concerned with the roles of different components of immune reactions and how they interact with each other, looking at how tissues vary in their ability to produce a range of molecules to react to and tackle inflammation. It is hoped that the results obtained will help devise therapeutic agents that will selectively adjust inflammation in different tissues.
Studying Life Sciences
Results from the above research areas have fed directly into a range of new undergraduate courses. For example, the eight-week course Introduction to the Human Genome provides an excellent insight into genetics, DNA and what the genome project has been striving to achieve. As well as investigating the biological basis of this subject, it also addresses the ethical issues raised in relation to genetic rights and modifications. This interrelationship between science, ethics and sociology is continued in several longer undergraduate courses at 2nd and 3rd year level, with an holistic approach central to learning and teaching. Neurological research on brain function, memory development and disease are presented alongside sociological issues in the courses Biological Psychology: exploring the brain and Signals and Perception: the science of the senses. Finally, the course Infectious Disease combines the latest knowledge of disease function and control, and looks at what makes one disease more biologically and socially persistent than another.
A route to continual development and new opportunities
Studying with the OU provides a flexible and effective method to pursue and maintain continuing professional development. Many of the OU courses, diplomas and degrees can be used to fulfil the academic requirements needed for membership of a range of professional institutes. There are no entry requirements for our undergraduate courses, but you must have a first degree if you want to study at postgraduate level. The courses described above are part of a wider range of science courses offered by the OU in Geosciences, Life Sciences, Molecular Science, Natural Science and Physical Science.
For further information on studying or teaching with the OU, please contact: Dr Arl�ne Hunter, The Open University in Ireland, 40 University Road, Belfast, BT7 1SU; Tel: (028) 9024 5025; E-mail: [email protected] ; Web: www.open.ac.uk/science