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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The development and function of the central nervous system in health and disease. Topics include development of the CNS, functional imaging of the human brain, synaptic function in health and disease, development and pathophysiology of motor systems, perinatal and adult brain ischemia, stroke, and sleep related disorders. The topics are covered at an advanced level with emphasis on current advances in the fields.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The critical review and analysis of research literature relating to a research topic. Components include an extensive literature review article defining the current knowledge relevant to a particular research area, a research proposal outlining proposed Masters research topic and its significance, and a formal presentation of the proposal. Suitable for students intending to undertake a Masters thesis.

The critical review and analysis of research literature relating to a research topic. Components include an extensive literature review article defining the current knowledge relevant to a particular research area, a research proposal outlining proposed Masters research topic and its significance, and a formal presentation of the proposal. Suitable for students intending to undertake a Masters thesis.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.