Why you should study this course
Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), the Biomedical Science and Applied Biomedical Science degrees integrate a broad range of biological disciplines to promote understanding of how the human body works and the biology of disease. Throughout the course you will gain practical experience in the laboratories based in our state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building. Here you will learn and develop the key skills and techniques required for working in a laboratory.
To practice as a biomedical scientist, you must hold an IBMS accredited degree and also be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Students are enrolled on Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) - those who undertake a 12-month placement between years two and three in an approved laboratory, and complete a training portfolio, are then transferred on to Applied Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) for the final year of study. The academic content of both courses is the same, however those on Applied Biomedical Science are eligible to apply for HCPC registration and biomedical scientist roles upon graduation (additional costs may apply).
Both the Biomedical Science and the Applied Biomedical Science courses explore the human body in health and disease, from the functioning of whole body systems down to cell and molecular processes. Course content provides a broad knowledge in the mechanisms, diagnosis and therapeutics of human disease with particular emphasis place on the specialist areas of biomedical science: clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology, cellular pathology, haematology, immunology and genetics.
Laboratory sessions are a fundamental component of the course and aim to help with the development of not only laboratory techniques, but also data interpretation and analysis. Within the lab you will have the opportunity to gain experience of techniques such as PCR, cell culture, flow cytometry, tissue staining, protein detection and microbial culture.
You’ll be taught by experienced academic staff who have a range of hospital and research laboratory experience, bringing their expertise into their teaching (please note staff are subject to change).
We benefit from extensive links with employers, such as the NHS, university research labs, public health laboratories and biotechnology companies where some of our previous graduates have found employment. We also focus on student-centred teaching in which you devise and carry out your own laboratory experiments so that you can demonstrate your ability to work independently and solve problems to future employers.
What you'll study
Year one
In the first year, we introduce you to basic scientific principles using examples of disease processes to illustrate the core material. This continues in the second year with greater emphasis on the biology of disease and the introduction of more specialised modules.
Modules
-
Human Physiology from Cells to Systems - 20 credits
In this module you will consider the key features of eukaryotic cells, their organisation into tissues and organs, and the structure and function of major physiological systems in the human body. You will have the opportunity to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, to develop an understanding of human cell and body function and an appreciation of disease states.
Compulsory
Assessment: Test, coursework
-
Genotype to Phenotype - 20 credits
Our genetic information, its structure, function and inheritance (genotype), and how this determines the characteristics of an individual (phenotype) is what you will study on this module. You will be introduced to the principles of heredity, the complexity of human genetics, human individual variation, evolutionary principles and population genetics. The central dogma of DNA to RNA to protein (transcription and translation) will be also be discussed. On successful completion of the module you will gain knowledge and skills relating to DNA manipulation in the laboratory, and the retrieval and analysis of sequence information using bioinformatics tools. You will also examine the ethical issues resulting from increased access to genomic information.
Compulsory
Assessment: Test, presentation
-
Structure, Function and Analysis of Biomolecules - 20 credits
You will be introduced the principles and practice of key laboratory techniques used in the analysis of biological molecules. You will be supported to understand and develop a sound appreciation of good laboratory practice, including maintenance of laboratory records, quality assurance, competence in fundamental laboratory procedures and routine calculations such as concentration and dilution. You should also gain an understanding of the use of contemporary digital technologies to analyse and present data effectively, and the format of standard laboratory reports.
Compulsory
Assessment: Test, coursework
-
Academic and Professional Development for Life Sciences - 0 credits
In this module you will have a series of regular small group or individual tutorials with your Academic Personal Tutor (APT). The aim of these sessions is to encourage self-awareness and self-reflection, to enable you to develop strategies to enhance your own development, to maximise your academic success and career prospects. These tutorials will allow you to get to know your APT and to develop your skills and competencies. You will start to establish an evidence-based portfolio that you will extend throughout your university studies to provide a valuable resource for future employability.
Compulsory
-
Enzymes and Metabolism - 10 credits
The role of enzymes as biological catalysts to facilitate chemical reactions within the body will be your focus in this module. You will also examine the role of energy in determining the rate and direction of chemical reactions, and the mechanisms by which enzymes act to lower energy requirements. Enzyme assays and the kinetics of enzyme reactions including reagent and enzyme concentrations, reaction conditions, cofactors and inhibitors are investigated in theory and in practice.
Compulsory
Assessment: Test
-
The Microbial World - 20 credits
This module introduces you to the different types of microorganisms with a detailed focus on bacteria and viruses. You will consider the structure, growth characteristics and laboratory cultivation/propagation and enumeration of bacteria and viruses, and the role of microorganisms in both human health and disease is explored, together with an introduction to the body’s protective response to infection, the immune system. You will investigate control strategies for microorganisms, including sterilisation, disinfection, antimicrobial compounds and vaccines, together with current and emerging concerns such as antimicrobial resistance. Laboratory classes will develop key skills in aseptic technique and culture of bacteria and viruses.
Compulsory
Assessment: Test, coursework
-
Drugs, Receptors and Responses - 10 credits
This module will introduce you to the fundamental principles of cell communication operating in both healthy and disease states, and the mechanisms of action of selected drugs that act via cellular receptors (pharmacodynamics). You will also examine the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs (pharmacokinetics). The search for novel or improved drugs involves many stages, from target identification, compound synthesis, in vitro and in vivo testing, including human clinical trials. You will be introduced to this process, including consideration of ethical, safety and regulatory issues.
Compulsory
Assessment: Test, coursework
-
Professional Practice for Life Scientists
In this module, you will demonstrate your developing laboratory and professional skills and competencies and preparedness for future employment. Workshop and tutorial sessions, involving the University’s Talent Team will raise awareness of opportunities available from this course, placements, short work experience and other enhancement activities and encourage you to create an appropriate online networking profile.
Compulsory
Assessment: Objective structured practical, portfolio
-
Add+vantage - 10 credits
The focus on preparing students for successful futures helps to set Coventry apart as a university. The Add+vantage modules teach a range of work experience and extra-curricular activities that are taken each year, and broaden students’ knowledge and skills within a work focused environment. There is a very wide range of Add+vantage free-choice subject areas, and they are arranged in themes.
Compulsory
Year two
The second year brings a more in-depth approach to your studies and you will take a more independent approach to your work. You will be introduced to the specialist pathology modules including cell biology and genetics. This will also prepare you for a year on either a placement or study abroad year or for the final year of your course.
Modules
-
Genetic Basis of Disease - 20 credits
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
Assessment: Test, coursework
-
Infectious Disease and Immune Defence - 20 credits
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 though 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
Assessment: Test, coursework
-
Haematology and Blood Disorders - 10 credits
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
Assessment: Test
-
Investigative Approaches to Inherited Immune Disorders - 10 credits
In this module you integrate knowledge and skills from the Genetic Basis of Disease and Infectious Disease and Immune Defence modules. You will be supported to investigate, with other students, an inherited condition that affects the immune system. The genetic basis of the disorder, the consequences for the immune response and resulting susceptibility to infection will be considered and you will have the opportunity to report your findings as group presentation.
Compulsory
Assessment: Presentation
-
Cellular Basis of Disease - 20 credits
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
Assessment: Test, coursework
-
Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders - 20 credits
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
Assessment: Test, coursework
-
Biomedical Science Professional Practice - 20 credits
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 team work 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 placement.*
Compulsory
Assessment: OSP (objective structured practical), coursework, portfolio
Final year
In the final year, you will have the chance to continue to study content aligned to the key disciplines in more depth and detail where you will be required to apply your knowledge and understanding. Additionally, you should complete your final year project which can focus on a wide variety of different subject areas and can be laboratory or non-laboratory based.
Modules
-
Medical Microbiology and Virology - 20 credits
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
Assessment: Coursework, presentation
-
Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology - 20 credits
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
Assessment: Coursework
-
Research Design in Biomedical Science - 10 credits
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
Assessment: Coursework
-
Independent Project in Biomedical Science - 20 credits
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
Assessment: Thesis
-
Cancer Biology - 20 credits
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
Assessment: Coursework
-
Clinical Haematology and Transfusion Science - 20 credits
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
Assessment: Coursework, presentation
-
Investigative Approaches in Haemato-oncology - 0 credits
This module integrates learning from the Cancer Biology and Clinical Haematology and Transfusion Science modules. You will investigate a haematological malignancy and address this topic from multiple angles. You will consider the cancer development and hallmarks, cellular pathology, genomic/genetic analysis, physiological consequences, diagnostic methods in the biomedical laboratory, and therapeutic options. You will have the chance to present your findings as an informative resource for a chosen target audience using an appropriate medium of your own choosing.
Compulsory
Assessment: Coursework
-
Add+vantage - 10 credits
The focus on preparing students for successful futures helps to set Coventry apart as a university. The Add+vantage modules teach a range of work experience and extra-curricular activities that are taken each year, and broaden students’ knowledge and skills within a work focused environment. There is a very wide range of Add+vantage free-choice subject areas, and they are arranged in themes.
Compulsory
