BSc (Hons) - Biomedical Science (with integrated foundation year)

Year one

• Essential University Skills 1
  This module develops your academic and professional skills required for effective learning and successful progression through your chosen honours degree programme and beyond.
• Essential University Skills 2
  You will expand your learning in the areas of research, writing structure and reflective learning. You will also gain skills in presenting research to an audience and in reflecting on your development throughout your integration foundation year.
• Essential Biology
  To develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of biology, essential to further study in your chosen field.
• Scientific Investigation
  To explore the protocols associated with scientific investigation.
• Essential Chemistry
  To develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry, essential to further study in your chosen field.
• Environmental Sciences
  Introduces field-based skills akin to the natural sciences with interdisciplinary content which relates Human Ecology to Toxicology, Public Health, Epidemiology and Parasitology. Giving you a good foundation in the basic principles required for your degree.

Year two

• Introductory Biochemistry
  Within this module the key aspects of macromolecules, cell structure, function and interrelationships and the processes and components that make up life at the molecular level shall be studied.
• Cell Biology
  Studies the interactions between molecules and systems in the eukaryotic cell with a view to understanding the ways in which cells both control division and differentiation to form specialised tissues.
• Anatomy and Physiology
  This module will provide students with an understanding and appreciation of basic human anatomy and physiology with particular focus on the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
• Introductory Immunology and Microbiology
  Introduces the various groups of microbes, their generalised structure, function and roles and consider the importance of the microbial world, the biology of micro-organisms and their potential in industry.
• Molecular Biology
  To provide an understanding of the basic concepts of genetics and genetic analysis alongside an understanding of the fundamental processes of inheritance and mutation, and how these are related to disease onset and susceptibility.
• Practical Laboratory Science
  To provide students in the Biological Sciences with the elementary laboratory and research skills required to pursue subsequent advanced modules.

Year three

• Exploring Research
  This module will help to provide you with the skills required to conceive, design, conduct and interpret scientific research. You will be guided in developing your ability to evaluate a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and when it is appropriate to use them.
• Human Genetics
  Encompasses the organisation of the human genome the basis of genetic variation, relationship between mutations in or near genes and the manifestation of disease phenotype.
• Infection and Immunity
  Considers recent developments in the study of immunological and infectious diseases. You will learn about recognition of microbes by the specific immune system, and how the immune system protects against different pathogens.
• Medical Microbiology
  Biology of major pathogens, their host interaction, virulence factors and means for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. You will study the mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity, starting with transmission and entry into the host, progressing through adhesion and invasion, to host response.
• Pharmacology and Physiology
  Provides students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology of the major body systems and an understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which neurotransmitters for example are capable of regulating the physiology of cells.
• Cellular and Molecular Pathology
  Looks at the role of molecular and cellular based diagnosis in a range of pathological conditions.An overview of key processes involved in diagnosis will be covered in particular the mechanism of fixation with particular reference to autolysis and putrefaction.

Year four

• Integrated Biomedical Science
  Brings together the contribution of different laboratory and non-laboratory specialities in the investigation of diseases.
• Clinical Biochemistry
  To discuss the principles of clinical biochemistry in relation to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease.
• Haematology and Transfusion Science
  This module aims to investigate the elements that constitute blood and the observed differences between the normal and diseased state. Technology utilised in the identification of key blood components will be studied as will the importance of transfusion science.
• Dissertation
  To enable you to undertake an independent piece of in depth research into a topic of your choice. This module provides you with an opportunity to develop your research skills and gain valuable experience in project management.
• Parasitology (Optional)
  To advance knowledge of key concepts in parasitology by studying in detail major human and veterinary eukaryotic pathogens.
• Toxicology (Optional)
  To develop your knowledge of the principles of toxicology and enable you to gain an in-depth understanding of the effects of toxic chemicals on the body and the environment.
• Advanced Genetics (Optional)
  This module will discuss the application of molecular genetics to clinical diagnostics, microbial biotechnology, forensic science and disease treatment as well as providing an overview of current biotechnological advances.