Antioxidants, Phytoprotectants and Disease

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Define the concept of free radicals and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species
• Describe the mechanisms by which free radicals may cause disease
• Review the metabolism of antioxidants and phytoprotectants
• Debate the clinical trial and epidemiological evidence for the importance of antioxidants and phytoprotectants in modifying disease risk
• Evaluate dietary sources and the dietary recommendations for antioxidant and phytoprotectant intakes
• Assess the role of diet in carcinogenesis, coronary heart disease and other conditions in which free radicals/reactive oxygen and nitrogen species play a part
• Use research literature and full range of library and online resources for research and module assessment exercises
• Critically evaluate current research in antioxidants and phytoprotectants
• Integrate evidence base for antioxidants/phytoprotectants to written essays for module assessment exercises.

Indicative content includes, some or all of the following topics:

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Journal club
• Class discussions.

Assessment for the module is optional for those taking it as a short course. Assessment is compulsory if it is being taken as part of an award programme. Please contact the course leader, Kourosh Ahmadi, or the Programme Administrator, Angeliki Panagiotara, for further details.

Summative assessment

The summative assessment for this module consists of: 

• Coursework: a range of subject areas will be assessed, demonstrating learning outcomes across the range for the module.
• You will be required to submit the coursework electronically on a set deadline two months following the module.

In order to complete the assessments you will, as a starting point, be required to demonstrate knowledge obtained from the course material and reading. The essays will also require you to discuss and reflect on the material. Coursework essays are expected to be well researched and referenced.

Formative assessment

You will receive feedback electronically and module organisers will be available for further discussion if necessary.

You will be required to do some reading prior to the module starting, take a look at the reading list.