COURSE IN DEPTH
Year One
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Biochemistry
20 credits
Biochemistry is the study of the fundamental chemical and molecular reactions that occur within living organisms. The aim of this module is to introduce the biochemical reactions that occur within the human body, framed in the context of human health and disease. There are 5 broad themes in biochemistry that will be covered throughout the module:
- Properties of water, pH and buffers.
- Protein structure and function
- Nucleosides and nucleotides
- Carbohydrates and lipids
- Enzymes and Metabolism
Fundamentals of Cell Biology
20 credits
This module will introduce you to key cellular and sub-cellular concepts associated with biomedical sciences. You will encounter the cell as the fundamental, yet dynamic, unit of life. The module aims to describe the relationship between structure and function, and how the characteristics of cells facilitate their activities and allow them to contribute to the activity of tissues. You will develop a detailed and in-depth understanding of why and how cells behave as they do, both on their own, and as part of a tissue in a living organism.
This module covers the main themes and laboratory techniques in cellular biology, and alongside the Biochemistry module (level 4) prepares you for the Introduction to Human Physiology level 4 module, the Blood Science and Clinical Biochemistry and Cellular Analysis level 5 modules, and the Molecular Basis of Disease and Pathophysiology level 6 modules.
Essential Skills for the Biosciences
20 credits
This module will provide you with the fundamental scientific skills that will form the foundations for your success throughout your degree and into your career beyond. Many scientists are involved in the direct generation of data; be it physiological measurements of blood glucose levels pre- and post- exercise; the activity of an enzyme in a biochemical assay; or the rate of growth of a pathogenic bacterium on a particular food source. Therefore, understanding the basic principles of how to process this data is essential, and equally as important is knowing how to correctly use the scientific instruments available in the laboratory to generate the initial data.
Introduction to Human Physiology
20 credits
This module is delivered in the second semester of your journey on the Biomedical Sciences programme and will provide you with the essential knowledge and understanding of human physiological systems. You will start with the fundamentals of homeostasis and gradually work towards exploring the physiological and scientific principles of organ systems. Theory and practice will be linked throughout by use of clinical examples to import the significance and relevance of the topics covered.
Genetics
20 credits
This module will provide you with an introduction to the field of Genetics. An understanding of genetics is fundamental to understanding biological processes, and the role of genes in health and disease. This module will discuss modes of inheritance, how information is encoded in DNA, how this information is translated, and the impacts of mutations on genetic conditions.
Microbiology
20 credits
This module introduces students to the fundamentals of the microbial world. Students need to understand the important principles of how microorganisms function and survive before advancing to the topics where we explore the roles of microorganisms in disease.
The module is designed to be challenging and thought-provoking by the inclusion of contemporary topics that feature heavily in the news and in daily life as well as addressing issues that are potentially life-threatening. Importantly, topics are also discussed that illustrate the importance of the microorganisms associated with the human body in maintaining a healthy state. Moreover, the module also examines how our lifestyles can affect the microbes associated with our bodies and how this may impact on human health for example, obesity and diabetes.
Year Two
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).
Research Methods in Science and Engineering
20 credits
This module is designed to give you the necessary skills and knowledge required to design, execute and disseminate a research project in the biomedical sciences and clinically-related research fields. It will prepare you to:
- Critically analyse scientific/medical research literature
- Assess ethical aspects like fraud, plagiarism, medical and academic misconduct
- Evaluate research design including data management
- Statistical analysis
- Develop presentation skills
- Scientific writing
- Publishing skills
Clinical Biochemistry and Cellular Science
20 credits
Disruption of normal cellular and biochemical processes has an impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing. In this module, you will investigate cellular and tissue function, and assess the investigative methods used for determining abnormalities at a biochemical and cellular level. These will include biochemical methods for detection of biological molecules.
The module aims to bring together the ability to represent data in an appropriate manner and assess the impact on an individual’s health. This will allow the information to be presented in a case specific manner, and information tailored to explain a specific individual and their health, and where appropriate to diagnose and monitor conditions. This will look at the principles of tests to investigate and determine the function and dysfunction of organs and systems and the changes seen in disease.
Fundamental Principles of Pharmacology and Drug Development
20 credits
This module will build on the knowledge and skills developed at level 4 and will explore the scientific foundations of pharmacology. You will use this underpinning knowledge to examine how the pharmaceutical industry designs and develops novel drug entities to treat the underlying pathophysiology of common diseases.
Blood Science
20 credits
This module will provide you with an introduction to the components of human blood, the functions of the different cell types, and the disorders that affect them. This module will also include the techniques for diagnosis and monitoring of blood disorders, the interpretation of clinical and laboratory data, and the essential features of modern clinical and laboratory haematology.
Infectious Disease
20 credits
This module will build upon the level 4 Microbiology module, by introducing you to the different types of microorganisms that infect humans and cause disease. One of the critical issues in clinical microbiology is the speed of reporting results of tests as some infections are potentially life threatening. You therefore review some of the important and time-saving techniques and how they are beginning to replace traditional cultural methods. You will also examine antibiotic-sensitivity testing and different ways this can be accomplished. Treating the human body as a series of systems, you will examine the barriers to prevent infections and how pathogens have evolved ways to circumvent these obstacles.
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Work Placement
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide a practical context for you to develop key employability attributes such as communication, organisation, interpersonal and networking skills. The work placement is an excellent opportunity for you to apply your scientific academic knowledge and skills outside of the University environment. By engaging with a placement provider you will be viewing first-hand the scope of a job role and demands placed on employees.
Exploring careers in Biosciences
20 credits
A number of our graduates will go on to work in bioscience related areas, whilst others will
embark on careers outside this field. Some of the students on this course will be undecided
on a choice of career at this stage. This module is intended to introduce students to the
variety of careers that bioscience graduates can choose from. They will learn about the key
roles and responsibilities in these careers, as well as the skills and qualifications needed to
compete for these jobs.
Sandwich Year
With the support of our dedicated placement team, you'll secure a year-long work placement with an organisation that allows you to further explore an area that interests you.
The placement is an incredible opportunity to apply the knowledge that you have developed to a hands-on role and get invaluable work experience before you graduate. Employers and graduates feedback to us about how important this year is and if gives you a real head start when finding a job.
Final Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
Research Project
40 credits
The Research Project will provide you with experience of how information is reviewed, and how novel information is acquired, analysed and presented. You will be involved in the initial planning of the project, the continual project development, and responsible for the communication of the research findings. It is an opportunity to apply the theoretical, research, and academic skills that you have acquired throughout the programme to answer novel questions. The project enables you to demonstrate initiative and creativity in your approaches to examining a specific problem or question.
Molecular Basis of Disease
20 credits
An understanding of a disease at the cellular and molecular level is important for those working in the biomedical sciences. This module is designed to explore the molecular, biochemical and cellular changes in human disease and how this has contributed to the development of novel diagnostic tools and of knowledge-based treatment strategies. It will also provide you critical-thinking skills to explore human health and diseases through reference to primary research articles, and reviews.
Pathophysiology
20 credits
This module aims to look at the conditions that are known to be the main cause of morbidity and mortality nationally and globally according to the Office of National Statistics and the World Health organisation. It is important that individuals are able to recognise key symptoms of the condition and the underpinning physiology accounting for these changes. They should also be able to identify key literature about the incidence, treatment and prevention of the disease from the literature.
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Applied Toxicology
20 credits
Toxicology is the scientific study of adverse effects that occur in living organisms due to chemicals. It involves observing and reporting symptoms, mechanisms, detection and treatments of toxic substances, in particular relation to the poisoning of humans. This module will develop your knowledge and skills gained in the level 5 module, Fundamental Principles of Pharmacology and Drug Development. The module will also develop your employability skills through sessions that develop your critical analysis, communication and academic writing skills.
New Technologies in Biomedicine
20 credits
Modern healthcare providers are constantly striving to provide better patient care, improved diagnostics and treatments for current and emerging diseases. However, in order to comply with financial pressures and an expanding, increasingly mobile global population, healthcare improvements must be efficient, cost effective and sustainable. Underpinning these improvements are new technologies and contemporary approaches that provide more rapid and rigorous diagnostics and therapies. Research within the Biosciences has had a substantial part to play in these developments, with advances in DNA sequencing, genetic engineering and drug discovery for example, leading to significant medical breakthroughs.
Control of Global Infectious Disease
20 credits
In this module you will learn about the impact of infectious disease outbreaks around the world and the epidemiological strategies used to monitor and prevent them. You will explore the microorganisms that are the causative agents of disease, learn how infection is transmitted, study the impact on human health and the current strategies to combat disease.
Neuroscience
20 credits
The World Health Organisation stated recently that “There is ample evidence that pinpoints to neurological disorders as one of the greatest threats to public health”. This module is designed to introduce you into the exciting world of neuroscience, by giving you a clear understanding of basic principles of neuronal (inter)action, learning and memory, emotion and motivation, necessary for your contribution to research in brain disorders like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s’ disease, epilepsy, dementia, anxiety and depression.
This module will build upon the basic understanding obtained in the modules, Introduction to Human physiology, Fundamentals of Cell biology, Pharmacology and Research methods, and will equip you to critically appraise recent developments in brain disease research across all levels of analysis, and evaluate various exciting therapeutic approaches.
Immunology
20 credits
This immunology module is designed to review topical aspects of advanced immunology with emphasis on the regulation of the immune response, and the role of dysfunctional immune systems in the aetiology of a variety of disease states.
Topics include antigen processing and presentation, transplant rejection, autoimmunity, hypersensitivity, cell migration homing and extravasation, cytokines, mucosal immunology and autophagy.
Medical Pharmacology
20 credits
The Medical Pharmacology module builds up on the concepts delivered in BMS4004 Human Physiology module (level 4) and BMS5004 Fundamental Principles of Pharmacology and Drug Discovery module (level 5). This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts of medical pharmacology and covers drugs acting on the major organ systems of the body, including the cardiovascular, renal, nervous, gastrointestinal, respiratory and endocrine systems. The content of the module will further introduce students to drugs used against inflammation, fever and pain whereas cancer pharmacology session will focus on the mechanisms of action of major classes of anti-cancer agents.
