COURSE STRUCTURE
The curriculum of this Graduate Diploma has been custom designed to prepare you for postgraduate study within the field of Biomedical Science.
During Semester 1 and 2 of the pre-master’s programme, you study five compulsory core modules (90 credits), which aim to develop your subject-specific knowledge and understanding across a broad range of biomedical science disciplines, as well as your critical, analytical and scientific skills. You'll get a strong grounding in modern biomedicine, and study the basic scientific core subjects and the biology of disease. The aim is to build your skills and confidence in preparation for scholarly study and research at postgraduate level.
If needed, additional optional modules in English for Academic Purposes (2, 3 or 4) are available for non-native English speakers. You will study the level of module most appropriate for your needs. While this module does not form part of the overall award, successful completion is required for progression to the Master's programme for those who take it.
Compulsory core modules
LSC-30041 Biomedical Science and Pathology (30 credits, Semester 1 & 2)
The module enhances your knowledge and understanding of the pathobiology of human disease as it relates to cellular pathology, clinical immunology, haematology, clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology and clinical virology. You’ll examine the analytical and clinical functions of three more of the major departments of a modern hospital pathology laboratory, including Haematology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Immunology, Blood Transfusion, Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Microbiology. In addition, the module gives you an accurate insight into the role of Biomedical Scientists and how they assist clinicians in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease.
LSC-30014 Biochemistry Research Project (non-experimental) (15 credits, Semester 1 & 2)
You’ll be introduced to some of the key non-experimental research skills that are routinely used by biochemists and biomedical scientists. For example, in-depth literature searching, analysis of experimental data, and the use of a computer as tool for both research (bioinformatics) and dissemination of information (web page construction). As part of your assessment, you will be tasked with researching the literature on a specific topic, using library and web-based resources in order to produce a written review. In addition, you will either process and interpret some raw experimental data provided to them.
LSC-30028 Advances in Medicine (15 credits, Semester 1)
New developments in medicine are positively impacting the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care and control of relapse in a range of diseases including, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, cancer and organ dysfunction. This module provides an insight into fast emerging areas of research including nanotechnology and new biochemical tests in the fields of heart disease, cancer and fertility investigations, which will potentially improve patient care. You will also have the chance to discuss new developments in the fields of tissue engineering and stem cell technologies, and the cutting-edge advances in vaccinology and tissue transplantation.
LSC-30009 Clinical Pathology (15 credits, Semester 2)
The aim of this module is to illustrate the roles of existing and newly emerging biochemical and molecular techniques, including the use of personalised medicines in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases within a hospital pathology department. You’ll also gain an appreciation of cost-benefit decisions that are inherent in many of the diagnostic methodologies and their implications for both the patient and the clinician. Module content covers both standardised testing options and the development of new diagnostic procedures with a particular emphasis on genetic and epigenetic aspects of disease. Topics include: clinical diagnostic pathology; pharmacology; biochemistry; genetics; and inflammatory diseases. You’ll be taught by staff working for the University Hospital of North Staffordshire (UHNS), which provides a unique insight into how patients are managed, from their very first presentation at the UHNS, from the perspective of diagnosis and treatment.
LSC-30026 Case Studies in Biomedical Science (15 credits, Semester 2)
This module aims to give you an understanding of the UK health trends and the factors that affect these trends. Through clinical case studies and small group tutorials, you will explore why the UK has some of the highest incidences of certain diseases and conditions in Europe and consider what factors contribute to making them some of the most common and/or rising health problems faced by this country. This will include understanding the relevant socioeconomic factors as well as understanding the bioscience of the disease process and its diagnosis and management. You will also focus on what is being done by Government and the NHS to tackle these major health problems.
