Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) standalone modules

30 credits

This module provides an understanding of how basic chemical elements are bonded to form complex biomolecules in living systems. In this module, we will explore the role and structure of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids and delve into defining their properties and functions. The module will also introduce the vital role of energy transformations in living organisms.

Core material is delivered through lectures, online resources and activities, and problem-solving workshops supported by laboratory practicals and subsequent data analysis.

On completion of the module, you will have a comprehensive grounding in the molecular basis of life from the atomic scale up to cells. This module will help you develop the skills necessary for enhancing your learning through effective note-taking and critical thinking, which will continue to help you throughout your degree.

30 credits

This module introduces basic cell biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, genetics, germ layers, and tissue types in the human body, as well as various microorganisms. Laboratory practicals give you the opportunity to learn and demonstrate a selection of current techniques used to study cells, tissues and chromosomes. This module provides a foundation for advanced modules in cell biology, physiology, genetics, and microbiology.

30 credits

This module provides you with a dynamic exploration of how human physiology and anatomy work together to underpin health, movement, and physical performance. You will investigate how key physiological systems like the cardiovascular, muscular, and nervous systems work together, while exploring the principles of biomechanics to understand how the body moves and adapts to homeostatic challenges.  

Through hands-on labs and workshops, you will develop practical skills in data collection, experimental design, and analysis, learning how to measure and evaluate human performance. By the end of this module, you will have a solid grasp of how human physiology and anatomy are studied and how they relate to broader issues like sustainability and human health.

30 credits

This module provides a firm foundation in the general scientific and laboratory skills students require to successfully complete their programmes of study.  

A significant component of the module consists of the development and demonstration of core technical/practical skills through familiarity with the laboratory environment through hands-on learning.  

This module will also introduce you to Future Skills through engagement with the Navigate programme introducing the key graduate attributes required in developing your professional development portfolio in the biosciences. The Future Skills concepts and activities will support you in developing and evidencing your practice, scientific analytical/problem-solving, teamworking, digital competency, practical and numeracy skills.

30 credits

This module delves into the fascinating world of microorganisms, that play a big role in health and disease. We’ll explore how our immune system responds to these microscopic agents. Through interactive lectures and workshops, we’ll examine various microbiological processes. You will learn about controlling these organisms in laboratory settings and within patients. You will also become familiar with the immune system’s different cells and organs, understanding how they work together to protect the body from infections upon first exposure and during subsequent encounters. Lastly, we’ll introduce some of the molecular processes and signalling events crucial for communication between human immune cells.

30 credits

You will be introduced to the molecular and cellular basis of human diseases. This module covers basic concepts of inheritance patterns, population genetics and genetic disorders including single-gene disorders, chromosomal imbalances, epigenetics, and complex disorders. You will learn about molecular genetics techniques, genetic testing and counselling, pharmacogenomics, and personalised medicine.  

The module covers basic bioinformatic tools and computational techniques used in analysing large volumes of biological data that help in the identification of genetic variations and their influence on disease processes. You will also be introduced to cutting-edge advancements in the field including gene therapy and editing, single-cell sequencing, and omics technologies. You will gain insight into how these technologies are shaping the future of medical genetics research and clinical practice.

30 credits

This module is divided into two distinct parts. The first part is designed to enhance your understanding of the recurring physiological themes in non-communicable diseases, relating physiological systems to prevalent chronic diseases and likely mechanisms involved. Topics such as endocrinology and metabolic disease neurophysiology, cardiovascular, reproductive, renal and respiratory physiology will be covered. You will gain an insight into the clinical relevance of medical physiology and its direct application to patient care and medical practice through practical experience and interpreting results of essential clinical practice and research-based laboratory skills.

The second part broadens the scope to encompass the wider aspects of biomedical science and beyond. It focuses on developing your Future Skills by engaging them with Explore, enhancing your research, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities, and preparing you for your final year capstone project. This is further supported by tutor meetings, which help you work on tasks to develop, articulate, and reflect on their progress and graduate attributes. The Future Skills learning outcomes are integrated into this module.

30 credits

This module discusses the fascinating world of cellular mechanisms of disease and explore how cellular pathology integrates with clinical pathology and other disciplines. Particular emphasis is given to hand-on laboratory techniques to understand cellular injury and its role in routine diagnosis. By the end of the module, you will understand the effects of cell injury, inflammation, cancer, infertility, and genetic diseases on cells. You will learn how cellular pathology and diagnostic techniques contribute to disease identification and the development of research-informed treatments, preparing you for bright and impactful careers in science.

15 credits

This module provides you with the opportunity to integrate the knowledge you have gained from all other modules on the Biomedical Science course. We will use case studies to provide an overview of biomedical techniques, including the use of point of care testing (POC) and traditional laboratory diagnosis.

You will examine their applications in clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and patient management, including drug interactions and the basis of individual variation in drug responsiveness. The use of pertinent clinical cases encourages you to think 'outside the box’ and realise that when dealing with a real patient, knowledge gained from the discipline is required simultaneously to make a rational diagnosis.

The module will also examine the importance of “quality control” (QC) and “quality assurance” (QA) in clinical diagnosis enabling you to understand the importance of both QC and QA in the correct day to day running of clinical diagnostics. The Future Skills Apply learning outcomes are delivered in this module.

30 credits

This module provides you with the opportunity to integrate the knowledge you have gained from all other modules on the course. We will use case studies to provide an overview of biomedical techniques, including the use of point of care testing (POC) and traditional laboratory diagnosis.

You will examine their applications in clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and patient management, including drug interactions and the basis of individual variation in drug responsiveness. The use of pertinent clinical cases encourages you to think 'outside the box’ and realise that when dealing with a real patient, knowledge gained from the discipline is required simultaneously to make a rational diagnosis.

The module will also examine the importance of “quality control” (QC) and “quality assurance” (QA) in clinical diagnosis enabling you to understand the importance of both QC and QA in the correct day to day running of clinical diagnostics. The Future Skills Apply learning outcomes are delivered in this module.

30 credits

In this module, we delve into disease related to overactive immunity (such as autoimmune disease and hypersensitivity) and immune deficiency (like AIDS). Additionally, we explore critical aspects of clinical immunology, including cancer immunology, monoclonal antibodies and laboratory diagnostics through case studies.

We then shift focus to infectious diseases and the principles of Medical Microbiology. We take an organ system approach to study selected infectious diseases and their laboratory diagnosis, for example examining infections affecting the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and urinary tract.

30 credits

Your independent project forms a very important part of your degree programme. There are several types of projects that may be offered to you: a laboratory or field-based project, data projects involving acquisition of data and information from surveys, computer simulations or bioinformatics, or a systematic review of research literature that includes the collection, analysis, and original presentation of reported research data.  

Your project will include a review and critical evaluation of qualitative and quantitative information and data to address a hypothesis or research question, and the production of a written report.