Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

On this module you will learn the primary skills required to be a student of a science degree. These skills will cover both laboratory based and data/information retrieval and handling. As part of the laboratory skills you will study the importance of health & safety, ethics and appropriate sample handling. You will then move into the laboratory where hands on sessions offer you an opportunity to develop key skills in areas of liquid handling, microscopy, buffers, making solutions and dilutions, and enzymatic analysis. You will use your generated laboratory data to then study and understand appropriate methods of data manipulation and presentation. You will also on this module gain experience and confidence in searching for, understanding of and appreciation of scientific literature.

You will learn about the roles of the five major pathology disciplines and their role in investigation and diagnosis of disease processes. Each pathology discipline, namely; Medical Microbiology, Immunology, Cellular Pathology, Haematology and Transfusion science and Clinical Biochemistry, will be explored providing you with a theoretical understanding of the subject specialism and laboratory based analytical processes and methodologies that lead to disease diagnosis. This introduction to the fundamentals of Biomedical Science will enable you to identify the roles each laboratory plays in a Pathology Department and in combination with sessions focussed on professional skills will equip you with the skills needed to work in a safe and ethical manner to generate and assess the validity of data used in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease states.

You will learn the causes and consequences of damage to cells, including those caused by the generation of free radicals. You will increase your understanding of the pathological bases of cancer, such as characteristics of cancer cells, malignant and benign tumours, tumour suppressor genes, invasion and metastases. The introduction of the inflammatory processes in the human body underpins taught material in immune diseases later in the module. You will explore causes, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of many organ disorders: cardiovascular disorders will provide information on areas such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Information on diabetes and disorders of the reproductive hormones will be included in the endocrine section. Chronic obstructive and restrictive diseases will be taught within the respiratory disorders. Information on reproductive disorders will be taught within the section on infertility in men and women.

You will learn the basic principles of molecular biology and gain an understanding of how the many different modern techniques can be applied to understanding genetics at the level of the nucleic acids - deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). You will learn why and how DNA and RNA can be manipulated in the laboratory in order to clone and sequence DNA, and produce useful proteins. In addition, you will gain practical experience in representative molecular biology methods and understanding in the context in which they are used. You will also learn how mutations in DNA can lead to human disease and discover the techniques that have been developed to identify normal and mutant DNA sequences in complex mixtures. There will be a focus on the use of molecular biology in understanding human genetics, in particular the diagnosis of disease at the chromosome and nucleic acid levels, and also the methods used for testing and screening for genetic susceptibility. You will learn how techniques have been developed to sequence the human genome and to identify individuals based on features within their DNA. The broader influence of molecular biology in non-human species will be included in your learning using examples of applied genetics.

In this module you will explore and apply the fundamental biological and chemical principles used to develop important analyses in modern bioscience. You will learn how the composition of complex mixtures of molecules are analysed and interpreted to support clinical diagnosis or to illuminate bioscience research. Additionally, the use of cell culture to support biomedical analyses in cytotoxicity testing and also their responses to modelled pathophysiological challenges in biomedical research will be an important and exciting feature. You will learn about performing clinical diagnostics and its underpinning quality assurance. As well as the content illustrating important biological and analytical principles, the mode of assessment will develop your generic research skills in literature searching and evaluation, data analysis, critical appraisal of methodologies and report writing to prepare you for your final year research project and beyond in life as a professional scientist. Professionalism will be fostered through developing an understanding of the requirements needed for a modern diagnostic laboratory.

You will learn about how microbes (particularly bacteria and viruses) interact with their hosts, with an emphasis on the microbiology of humans, in both health and disease. You will be introduced to the study of the microbiology of key body systems and how the collective microbial constituents in certain physiological ecosystems the so called “microbiome” impacts on human health and diseases. You will also learn about contemporary methods for the diagnosis of microbial diseases and antibiotic susceptibility testing.

You will develop your knowledge of immunology, particularly in relation to how the immune system monitors and responds to microbial infections, both in health and disease, including links between microbes and the development of, cancers and/or allergic diseases. In addition you will learn about how immunological approaches can be harnessed for immunodiagnostic and immunotherapeutic applications and how vaccines can be developed and used to prevent infectious disease. You will further learn about how statistical methods may be applied to the analysis of clinical data collected in individuals with SARS-CoV-2 (including severe COVID-19).

You will develop a knowledge and understanding of cellular and haematological pathology as specialised aspects of diagnostic pathology. You will learn about normal and pathological aspects of organ and blood histology and the application of routine diagnostic techniques such as processing, microtomy and staining. In addition you will also develop a sound understanding of the theory and practice of cytology, immunocytochemistry/cytology/electron and light microscopy including its application to blood film examination. You will learn about theoretical aspects of blood transfusion as well as develop practical competencies in associated techniques. Interpretation of the results from these practical will help you develop an appreciation of their significance. This module will build upon the knowledge and practical experience from Introductory Pathology Science. The roles of the haematology, transfusion and histopathology laboratory in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease will be explored. You will integrate aspects of all 3 disciplines through the use of a patient history and case study, applying the theoretical and practical aspects of the material covered in lectures.

In ‘Medical Biochemistry’, you will learn of how the body breaks down various biological molecules such as sugars, fats and proteins to gain energy. There are a number of cellular pathways through which new biomolecules are synthesised and broken down which is central to normal functioning of the body. These biochemical pathways/ processes and the consequence of their derangements, which results in diseases or disorders, will be studied. Additionally, students will understand how the knowledge of biochemical pathways and clinical biochemistry parameter determination can be used in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of various abnormal conditions. You will learn about these various aspects in a Pathway/system/ or organ-specific manner, which will allow you to clearly understand the relationship between normal and disrupted function and how the associated differences link to development of diagnosis tests.

In the early part of the module you will learn about mammalian cell signalling processes correlated with their role in disease pathogenesis and cellular responses to toxic compounds. These lectures will provide a sound theoretical understanding of concepts that will be further explored in material designed to consider the molecular mechanisms underpinning carcinogenesis. To augment this approach you will then also learn about the molecular basis of bacterial signalling and bacterial pathogenesis. As the module further develops you will then learn about therapeutic strategies designed to alleviate disease/pathogenesis. The content of this material will include the molecular basis of therapeutic design including drug action, chemotherapy and gene therapy. These lectures will serve to provide a molecular therapeutic complement to the pathogenesis lectures. Finally through case studies and essay writing you should learn to effectively, and critically, evaluate modern molecular based research.

In this module you will explore essential advanced analytical techniques relevant to the practice of modern Biomedical Sciences. You will learn about the scientific principles underpinning these methodologies and also how they are applied to both medical diagnostics and to research. You will gain an understanding of genetic engineering strategies and purification of recombinant proteins for analysis. In addition you will also learn about advanced separation techniques such as flow cytometry and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) as well as automated enzyme analysis. You will also gain an insight into cutting edge technologies such as next generation sequencing and microarray technologies in the context of both RNA (transcriptomics), protein (proteomics) and small molecules (metabolomics). In addition to learning the theoretical aspects and gaining hands-on laboratory experience in these techniques, you will learn to evaluate, compare and make sound evidence-based choices regarding analytical approach and experimental design that will prove a key skill in your future career.

You will learn how to plan a literature investigation on a specific research topic, exploit appropriate sources and databases to search for information, evaluate and critically review the primary literature articles and assess their significance in the broader context, evaluate experimentation protocols required to carry out the proposed research, conduct experiments in a safe and effective manner and discuss the validity and significance of the data provided, present the project work in the form of an oral presentation and written report in an appropriate style and format.

“Pathology in Practice” represents the final stages of bringing together the knowledge and experience accrued from previous modules (L5) of the Pathology Specialties (Medical Microbiology/Clinical Immunology; Cellular pathology/Haematology/Transfusion Science; Clinical Biochemistry).
You will learn how to examine and assess the clinical symptoms and resulting results and data presented as a case study. As a group of 5 students, your team will decide the appropriate testing regime, in order to reach a diagnosis. This will take the form of preliminary investigations that should point the team in the right direction.
Comprising of group discussions, and guidance from “specialist” tutors in the assessment of demonstrations/practical work, and data acquisition, your team will collectively contribute data, knowledge, and understanding of the test results, to unravel the complexities of the case. Each student should represent a specialty subject and act as leader in that area. Once all test results have been examined, your team will decide the appropriate diagnosis of your patient. Discussions will include any follow up tests that may help in further elucidation of the case. A prognosis will be expected to be given.
The final exercise will be a student led poster presentation of the case study. All members of your group will be expected to contribute and answer questions during the presentation. Peer review is included whereby each student appraises the rest of the team, and awards marks for each person’s contribution.

On this module you will learn the primary skills required to be a student of a science degree. These skills will cover both laboratory based and data/information retrieval and handling. As part of the laboratory skills you will study the importance of health & safety, ethics and appropriate sample handling. You will then move into the laboratory where hands on sessions offer you an opportunity to develop key skills in areas of liquid handling, microscopy, buffers, making solutions and dilutions, and enzymatic analysis. You will use your generated laboratory data to then study and understand appropriate methods of data manipulation and presentation. You will also on this module gain experience and confidence in searching for, understanding of and appreciation of scientific literature.

You will learn about the roles of the five major pathology disciplines and their role in investigation and diagnosis of disease processes. Each pathology discipline, namely; Medical Microbiology, Immunology, Cellular Pathology, Haematology and Transfusion science and Clinical Biochemistry, will be explored providing you with a theoretical understanding of the subject specialism and laboratory based analytical processes and methodologies that lead to disease diagnosis. This introduction to the fundamentals of Biomedical Science will enable you to identify the roles each laboratory plays in a Pathology Department and in combination with sessions focussed on professional skills will equip you with the skills needed to work in a safe and ethical manner to generate and assess the validity of data used in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease states.

You will learn the causes and consequences of damage to cells, including those caused by the generation of free radicals. You will increase your understanding of the pathological bases of cancer, such as characteristics of cancer cells, malignant and benign tumours, tumour suppressor genes, invasion and metastases. The introduction of the inflammatory processes in the human body underpins taught material in immune diseases later in the module. You will explore causes, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of many organ disorders: cardiovascular disorders will provide information on areas such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Information on diabetes and disorders of the reproductive hormones will be included in the endocrine section. Chronic obstructive and restrictive diseases will be taught within the respiratory disorders. Information on reproductive disorders will be taught within the section on infertility in men and women.

You will learn the basic principles of molecular biology and gain an understanding of how the many different modern techniques can be applied to understanding genetics at the level of the nucleic acids - deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). You will learn why and how DNA and RNA can be manipulated in the laboratory in order to clone and sequence DNA, and produce useful proteins. In addition, you will gain practical experience in representative molecular biology methods and understanding in the context in which they are used. You will also learn how mutations in DNA can lead to human disease and discover the techniques that have been developed to identify normal and mutant DNA sequences in complex mixtures. There will be a focus on the use of molecular biology in understanding human genetics, in particular the diagnosis of disease at the chromosome and nucleic acid levels, and also the methods used for testing and screening for genetic susceptibility. You will learn how techniques have been developed to sequence the human genome and to identify individuals based on features within their DNA. The broader influence of molecular biology in non-human species will be included in your learning using examples of applied genetics.

In this module you will explore and apply the fundamental biological and chemical principles used to develop important analyses in modern bioscience. You will learn how the composition of complex mixtures of molecules are analysed and interpreted to support clinical diagnosis or to illuminate bioscience research. Additionally, the use of cell culture to support biomedical analyses in cytotoxicity testing and also their responses to modelled pathophysiological challenges in biomedical research will be an important and exciting feature. You will learn about performing clinical diagnostics and its underpinning quality assurance. As well as the content illustrating important biological and analytical principles, the mode of assessment will develop your generic research skills in literature searching and evaluation, data analysis, critical appraisal of methodologies and report writing to prepare you for your final year research project and beyond in life as a professional scientist. Professionalism will be fostered through developing an understanding of the requirements needed for a modern diagnostic laboratory.

You will learn about how microbes (particularly bacteria and viruses) interact with their hosts, with an emphasis on the microbiology of humans, in both health and disease. You will be introduced to the study of the microbiology of key body systems and how the collective microbial constituents in certain physiological ecosystems the so called “microbiome” impacts on human health and diseases. You will also learn about contemporary methods for the diagnosis of microbial diseases and antibiotic susceptibility testing.

You will develop your knowledge of immunology, particularly in relation to how the immune system monitors and responds to microbial infections, both in health and disease, including links between microbes and the development of, cancers and/or allergic diseases. In addition you will learn about how immunological approaches can be harnessed for immunodiagnostic and immunotherapeutic applications and how vaccines can be developed and used to prevent infectious disease. You will further learn about how statistical methods may be applied to the analysis of clinical data collected in individuals with SARS-CoV-2 (including severe COVID-19).

You will develop a knowledge and understanding of cellular and haematological pathology as specialised aspects of diagnostic pathology. You will learn about normal and pathological aspects of organ and blood histology and the application of routine diagnostic techniques such as processing, microtomy and staining. In addition you will also develop a sound understanding of the theory and practice of cytology, immunocytochemistry/cytology/electron and light microscopy including its application to blood film examination. You will learn about theoretical aspects of blood transfusion as well as develop practical competencies in associated techniques. Interpretation of the results from these practical will help you develop an appreciation of their significance. This module will build upon the knowledge and practical experience from Introductory Pathology Science. The roles of the haematology, transfusion and histopathology laboratory in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease will be explored. You will integrate aspects of all 3 disciplines through the use of a patient history and case study, applying the theoretical and practical aspects of the material covered in lectures.

In ‘Medical Biochemistry’, you will learn of how the body breaks down various biological molecules such as sugars, fats and proteins to gain energy. There are a number of cellular pathways through which new biomolecules are synthesised and broken down which is central to normal functioning of the body. These biochemical pathways/ processes and the consequence of their derangements, which results in diseases or disorders, will be studied. Additionally, students will understand how the knowledge of biochemical pathways and clinical biochemistry parameter determination can be used in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of various abnormal conditions. You will learn about these various aspects in a Pathway/system/ or organ-specific manner, which will allow you to clearly understand the relationship between normal and disrupted function and how the associated differences link to development of diagnosis tests.

In the early part of the module you will learn about mammalian cell signalling processes correlated with their role in disease pathogenesis and cellular responses to toxic compounds. These lectures will provide a sound theoretical understanding of concepts that will be further explored in material designed to consider the molecular mechanisms underpinning carcinogenesis. To augment this approach you will then also learn about the molecular basis of bacterial signalling and bacterial pathogenesis. As the module further develops you will then learn about therapeutic strategies designed to alleviate disease/pathogenesis. The content of this material will include the molecular basis of therapeutic design including drug action, chemotherapy and gene therapy. These lectures will serve to provide a molecular therapeutic complement to the pathogenesis lectures. Finally through case studies and essay writing you should learn to effectively, and critically, evaluate modern molecular based research.

In this module you will explore essential advanced analytical techniques relevant to the practice of modern Biomedical Sciences. You will learn about the scientific principles underpinning these methodologies and also how they are applied to both medical diagnostics and to research. You will gain an understanding of genetic engineering strategies and purification of recombinant proteins for analysis. In addition you will also learn about advanced separation techniques such as flow cytometry and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) as well as automated enzyme analysis. You will also gain an insight into cutting edge technologies such as next generation sequencing and microarray technologies in the context of both RNA (transcriptomics), protein (proteomics) and small molecules (metabolomics). In addition to learning the theoretical aspects and gaining hands-on laboratory experience in these techniques, you will learn to evaluate, compare and make sound evidence-based choices regarding analytical approach and experimental design that will prove a key skill in your future career.

You will learn how to plan a literature investigation on a specific research topic, exploit appropriate sources and databases to search for information, evaluate and critically review the primary literature articles and assess their significance in the broader context, evaluate experimentation protocols required to carry out the proposed research, conduct experiments in a safe and effective manner and discuss the validity and significance of the data provided, present the project work in the form of an oral presentation and written report in an appropriate style and format.

“Pathology in Practice” represents the final stages of bringing together the knowledge and experience accrued from previous modules (L5) of the Pathology Specialties (Medical Microbiology/Clinical Immunology; Cellular pathology/Haematology/Transfusion Science; Clinical Biochemistry).
You will learn how to examine and assess the clinical symptoms and resulting results and data presented as a case study. As a group of 5 students, your team will decide the appropriate testing regime, in order to reach a diagnosis. This will take the form of preliminary investigations that should point the team in the right direction.
Comprising of group discussions, and guidance from “specialist” tutors in the assessment of demonstrations/practical work, and data acquisition, your team will collectively contribute data, knowledge, and understanding of the test results, to unravel the complexities of the case. Each student should represent a specialty subject and act as leader in that area. Once all test results have been examined, your team will decide the appropriate diagnosis of your patient. Discussions will include any follow up tests that may help in further elucidation of the case. A prognosis will be expected to be given.
The final exercise will be a student led poster presentation of the case study. All members of your group will be expected to contribute and answer questions during the presentation. Peer review is included whereby each student appraises the rest of the team, and awards marks for each person’s contribution.