Biomedical Science

This unit explores the biological basis of human disease and the analytical techniques used to investigate them, with an emphasis on exploring the overall physiological impact of biological changes. This will provide students with a grounding in the theory and application of the fundamental elements of cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and physiology. Areas that will be covered will include infection, transfusion, genetic disorders, and histopathology. Teaching will include lab practicals, data production and analysis and problem-based learning.

The module provides a knowledge and understanding of biochemistry including basic organic chemistry. Biological molecules and their importance in cell structure and function are also studied. You will be introduced to microorganisms, with focus on the importance of identification and classification of microbes, and the techniques and skills required for their isolation, enumeration and microscopic examination.

The Physiological Systems module introduces you to principles of human physiology at the organ system level with appropriate links to anatomy, cell biology, biochemistry and metabolism, disease pathology, pharmacology and therapeutics.

The unit will help students develop the core professional and research skills required of a scientist, with a focus on the capture, analyses, interpret and effective dissemination of biological data. Including the selection and critical analysis of information sources, understanding study design and how to develop and test research questions, including ethical, legal and moral considerations. It will also provide student with an understanding of methods used to analysis biological data and how to interpret this data, with an emphasis on statistical methods. As well as exploring different linked professional roles and their requirements with a focus on graduate employability.

The aim of this module is to develop the technical skills you have gained throughout each level of study in each module and to enable you to apply and contextualise the knowledge and skills you have gained in the first year.

The Blood Science module looks at the roles of haematology and clinical biochemistry laboratory tests in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease processes. A range of haematological and biochemical disorders are studied ranging from disorders of renal function and the endocrine system, to red blood cell disorders and haemostatic disorders.

This module introduces the roles of cytology and histopathology in the diagnosis of disease. It focuses on cells, tissues and organ systems and the changes that occur in these systems during pathology, with a particular focus on cancer. Normal cell development, including cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis is studied, as well as the classification of normal tissues and the relationship of one tissue type to another. Disorders of the renal, respiratory, central nervous and female reproductive systems as well as disorders of the liver are studied in detail. 

This unit will build on student’s knowledge of infectious agents and introduce important aspects of the immune response to infection by a microorganism in terms of the underpinnings of the biological response and physiological consequences. Population interventions such as infection control and immunisation will be examined, as well as factors affecting the spread of infection. To facilitate this appropriate epidemiology methodologies will be introduced. Students will carry out appropriate laboratory procedures involved in the isolation and identify of specific pathogens. Treatments including immunotherapy, chemotherapy and problems of resistance development using antimicrobial agents will be introduced.

This unit focuses on understanding of the role of clinical genetics in healthcare, including diagnosis, prognoses, clinical management and treatment development. It will introduce a range of molecular techniques used diagnostically and in research, and their role in the diagnosis of disease. As well as introducing bioinformatic tools and the use of 'omic' technologies. The students will be able to develop lab based and analysis skills.

The aim of this module is to develop the technical skills you have gained throughout each level of study in each module and to enable you to apply and contextualise the knowledge and skills you have gained in the second year.

This unit will draw together the knowledge gained by students during their previous units to take an integrated holistic approach to important public health topics. Indicative content will include healthy aging and complex disorders with multiple interacting biological and environmental risk factors, such as cardiovascular disease and asthma. These topics will be explored from both an individual and population level and will include discussion of population level intervention and risk factors. Students will be encouraged to take a whole person approach to studying the topics and to think about topics from a variety of prospectives including, healthcare providers, public health policy, research, service users and future planning.   

This unit will focus on the pathogenesis of immunological diseases and understanding the immunological considerations for transplantation and transfusion, and the potential consequences of both. Student will develop a knowledge of disease pathogenesis, diagnostic investigation and the interpretation of results of selected haematological and immunological disorders. As well the use of immunotherapy in specific conditions such as the treatment of cancers.

This unit allows all final year students to plan and undertake either a laboratory based research project or a library based dissertation in an
area of their own interest.

The aim of this module is to develop the technical skills you have gained throughout each level of study in each module and to enable you to apply and contextualise the knowledge and skills you have gained in the third year.

This module will explore current issues related to the area of Cardiovascular Science. It investigates the physiology, pathophysiology and treatment of a range of cardiovascular diseases.

The Biomedical Cell Biology module explores the cellular processes, cell cycle control and cell signalling events that occur during cell/tissue repair and regeneration, ageing and senescence, and human disorders. The cellular dysfunction that results as a consequence of ageing and disease development will be discussed in relation to normal cell function. Appropriate examples of biomedical techniques and model systems utilised in cell biology research will be highlighted to illustrate key concepts of the module. Implications for biomedical research and medicine will be investigated, together with ethical issues relating to the field.

The unit will cover current issues related to human genetics, particularly in relation to disease & the implications on public health. It will consider topics such as genetic principles, gene structure, function & regulation, population genetics, techniques, genetic basis of health & disease and genetic approaches which may be used to treat these.