Biomedical Science/Applied Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) with foundation year

You will study the physiology, organisation, structure, and function of key physiologic/organ systems (e.g., nervous, musculo-skeletal, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, gastrointestinal, and renal systems). You will investigate cause-and-effect mechanisms and the interaction between systems in maintaining homeostasis and good health. There will be some discussion of consequences of homeostatic mechanisms breaking down to foster an understanding of human body function with an appreciation of disease states. You will be introduced to laboratory-based techniques e.g., electromyography, electrocardiograms, and spirometry, for the measurement of different physiological variables. You will also develop study skills such as accessing scientific literature, appropriate referencing and academic writing.

Compulsory

This module will introduce the fundamental principles of inheritance, human genetics, population genetics and evolutionary principles. Inheritance patterns including human blood groups and mitochondrial inheritance patterns will be explored. Ethical issues surrounding access to genetic information will be discussed as well as the impact of historical events and projects. You will take part in collaborative working and develop presentation and peer feedback skills.

Compulsory

This module examines the structure and function of key biological molecules. Chemical principles relating to proteins, carbohydrates and lipids will be considered and linked to function. This module will also place emphasis on the fundamental techniques used to analyse biological molecules and the principles of these methods. The theory and practical application of relevant analytical methods will be considered. Throughout this module there will also be the development of Good Laboratory Practice and fundamental laboratory procedures and techniques. You will be introduced to R, a programming language for statistical computing and graphics, and use it in the analysis of data.

Compulsory

You will examine cellular structure, communication, enzymes and metabolic pathways in this module. Cellular interactions and cell signalling will be included and considered alongside aspects of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. The energy used to drive these processes will be considered especially in relation to the role of enzymes of catalysts. Key metabolic and signalling pathways will be explored and considered in relation to drug development processes.

Compulsory

This module introduces the different types of infectious agents that are relevant to human health and considers the different ways in which these agents can be cultured, enumerated, controlled and analysed. Relevant laboratory techniques are also developed and used to consolidate the theoretical teaching. The immune system and the key components are also introduced and examined in the way in which these are relevant to preventing and eliminating infection. Current and emerging topics such as vaccination and antimicrobial resistance are also discussed.

Compulsory

In this module you will explore the application of fundamental biology principles to practical exercises, to mimic real-life scenarios in commercial and applied biology. The module considers, among other things, our genetic information, its structure, function and inheritance (genotype), and how this determines the characteristics of an individual (phenotype). The module introduces you to human individual variation and the central dogma of DNA to RNA to protein (transcription and translation). In addition, you will seek to gain knowledge and skills relating to the retrieval and analysis of biological sequence information using bioinformatics tools and analytical software such as Excel and R. Ethical issues, such as increased access to genomic information, quality control and accreditation issues, will be considered. You will be supported to understand and practice effective collaboration strategies, including record keeping and use of collaborative software, plus giving and receiving of feedback.

Compulsory

In this module you will consider the consequences of mutations and chromosomal abnormalities in human inherited disease states, and the methods used for their detection and diagnosis. You will examine a number of well-characterised examples of single gene disorders and chromosomal aneuploidies, integrating understanding of genetic changes with altered molecular and cellular function leading to pathophysiological symptoms. You will also consider prenatal and neonatal screening and technologies that permit reproductive choices and gene technologies that offer potential therapeutic strategies. The ethical and societal implications of these technological advances will be debated.

Compulsory

In this module you will explore the links between pathogenesis and the causative agents of communicable disease. Notable and current communicable diseases will be studied with a focus on how infection presents in human hosts and the virulence factors that enable pathogens to establish infection. You will also investigate the different types of antimicrobial agents available, their mechanisms of action and use in treatment. You will consider the body’s immune defence to pathogen attack, both through the innate and adaptive immune response, extending the depth and breadth of this topic from your previous studies. You will study the development of lymphocytes and the ability of the immune system to distinguish self and non-self cells and molecules, including the immune response to tissue transplants. The use of biotechnology to create recombinant antibody-based therapies will also be considered.

Compulsory

This module aims to introduce you to the key principles of haematology from the formation and function of blood cells through to understanding of common blood disorders. Nutritional anaemia is covered including blood morphology, along with sickle cell anaemia, bone marrow turnover and the reticulocyte. You will also have the opportunity to study an introduction to the coagulation cascade and laboratory diagnosis for bleeding/clotting disorders. The module also introduces you to key concepts and processes in transfusion science, including blood grouping systems, compatibility testing of blood products and practices for safe and effective transfusion. You will then be able to apply this understanding to patient case studies and laboratory practice.

Compulsory

In this module you will explore the life cycle of eukaryotic cells, cell signalling pathways, interactions between cells and their extracellular environment, and protein folding, trafficking and modification pathways. You will extend your understanding of normal cellular processes considered in Year 1 and take a more detailed focus on control mechanisms. You will also consider the consequences of aberrations in these cellular events and the resulting disease manifestations, based on contemporary research literature. Laboratory sessions will include histopathological examination and introduce you to contemporary techniques to assess gene expression changes.

Compulsory

During this module you will consider the mechanisms that operate within the human body to enable maintenance of key biochemical parameters within defined limits (homeostasis), and the consequences of disease processes. You will undertake a detailed examination of human nutrition, appetite control, digestion, absorption and metabolism of key nutrients, integrating these aspects to then explore dysfunction and associated disease states. You will also consider aspects of the endocrine system that control growth and metabolism (pituitary and thyroid hormone functions) and reproductive function, together with associated disorders. You are introduced to key diagnostic procedures within the clinical biochemistry laboratory linked to these topics.

Compulsory

This module will enable you to further develop your professional competencies. This includes enhancement of skills in experiment design, literature research, statistical analysis of data, laboratory confidence and competence, and transferable skills including teamwork and communication. You will be expected to collaborate with other professionals within the healthcare arena, and with service users, and to exhibit professional standards of conduct and behaviour. You will be supported to prepare for application, interview and selection processes for future employment or further study opportunities. The placement process and opportunities available will be introduced, as well as support for those wishing to undertake a placement².

Compulsory

(0 credits, optional)

Optional

(0 credits, optional)²

Optional

(0 credits, optional)²

Optional

In this module you have the opportunity to investigate the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of clinically relevant microorganisms. The epidemiology of current and relevant infectious diseases will be studied, as well as the role of interventions such as vaccination programmes and public health and infection control policies in the control of the spread of infection. You will also study implications of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) both globally and locally, particularly the identification and treatment of resistant infections, consideration will also be given to current strategies to tackle AMR.

Compulsory

This module aims to enable you to understand the scientific underpinning for laboratory investigations in clinical chemistry and immunology. It builds on the knowledge and skills you developed in the Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders module previously studied to consider laboratory investigation of patients for disorders of water and electrolytes, acid/base balance, further aspects of endocrine disorders and toxicology investigation. Quality control and quality assurance within the clinical chemistry laboratory, and the development of Point of Care Testing (POCT) devices are considered in greater depth and detail. The immunology section of the module extends your understanding of the immune system as a defence against infectious disease to focus on topics such as the links between chronic inflammation and disease, immunodeficiency (both innate and adaptive), autoimmunity and hypersensitivity.

Compulsory

This module extends your learning from Year 2 to explore, in detail, the molecular, genetic and cellular mechanisms of cancer. You will discuss inherited cancer syndromes, inherited predisposition to cancer and somatic mutations and cancer. You will focus on the key hallmarks of cancer which define and explain the properties of malignant cells. These concepts are linked to applications in biomedical science including improved diagnostic approaches, personalised therapies and preventative strategies. During the module you will consider -omics-based approaches, and their current and future potential.

Compulsory

This module extends your previous learning on haematology to a more advanced consideration of haematological disorders and safe transfusion practices. Coverage of anaemias is focussed on the thalassemias and more complex clotting disorders and anticoagulation therapies are discussed. You will also consider haematological malignancies. Transfusion science aspects of the module will focus on the role of the laboratory in ensuring safe transfusion, potential hazards and adverse transfusion reactions, and haemolytic disease of the newborn.

Compulsory

This module aims to support and prepare you through the process of defining your research question, planning your experiments and considering the most appropriate data analysis methods for your final year research project. The module is designed to enhance your skills in literature searching, experimental design, scientific writing, data processing and statistical analysis. You will be required to submit your proposal for ethical and health and safety approval, and to address key aspects of project management and logistics. You will also consider how novel ideas and findings can be harnessed to deliver commercial value. You will have the chance to discuss the multidisciplinary nature of enterprise and innovation, opportunities for commercial development of ideas and an awareness of intellectual property.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is for you to conduct a piece of investigative research, which may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, in a specialised area of Biomedical Science. This module follows from the Research Design in Biomedical Science module, and you implement your research proposals in this module. The variety and scope of projects allows you to pursue your own interests, potentially linked to future career aspirations, and to integrate prior skills and knowledge. You are supported and guided by your supervisor, but are encouraged to develop independence of thought, and the ability and confidence to adapt and evolve your research ideas, based on reflective practice.

Compulsory