This course integrates a wide range of medically related subjects to investigate the biological basis of disease. This is achieved by combining core knowledge of basic areas of biology with specialised knowledge of disease processes. It is designed for students interested in understanding the processes involved in health and disease.
This course is structured to take account of the integrated and multidisciplinary nature of biomedical science. In the early stages you will acquire a broader understanding of the normal functioning of the body to prepare you for the later introduction of more specialised medical and pathological aspects related to human disease. There are a range of different module options that can be taken at years 2 and 3 according to your interests.
In the final year you will also carry out a medically-oriented research project in the laboratories of the Biomedical Sciences Research Institute.
Year 1 will extend and reinforce your background knowledge of biology and biochemistry.
In year 2 you will develop analytical skills. All modules taken at this level have integrated laboratory or equivalent clinical components embedded within them in order to address the specific theoretical and practical requirements of selected key analytical skills used in diagnostic pathology.
In year 3 emphasis will be on disease investigation and monitoring and will highlight research and new developments in these areas. This will be enhanced through site visits and external contributions.
Year 1
Cell Biology (20 credits)
This module will look at the multidisciplinary nature of cell biology and the basic structure of cells, focusing on animal cells. It will help you develop a theoretical knowledge of the fundamental physiological and biochemical functions carried out by cells.
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Genetics (20 credits)
This module will help you develop an understanding of genes and genetics, and their influence on evolution and development, and looks at the basic principles of molecular genetics, and the function and evolution of genes in organisms.
From Molecules to Microbes (20 credits)
This module focuses on the basic principles involved in the build-up of molecules from atoms: the formation, properties and importance of bio-organic molecules, the diverse nature of micro-organisms, their structure, function and importance.
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Biomedical Science (20 credits)
The aim of this module is to introduce basic concepts in the chemistry and biochemistry of biomolecules, their methods of analysis and relevance to clinical diagnostics. You will also look at tissue structure and functions, and learn about histology and its importance for the diagnosis and understanding of diseases.
Biomedical Skills (20 credits)
Learn, by observation, investigation and comparison, to facilitate and develop effective use of laboratory apparatus in the performance of basic techniques. You will also develop practical laboratory skills relevant to cell, organismal, micro- and molecular biology and physiology which will form a basis for competence in biological and biochemical experimental work.
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Study Skills (20 credits)
In this module you will develop practical learning and presentation methods which can be applied generically during study in year 1 and beyond as well as an appreciation of Personal Development Planning and effective data handling, calculation and numerical skills.
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Year 2
Human Physiology (20 credits)
The aim of this module is to encourage an awareness of the physiological nature of life in humans and develop an understanding of form, function and adaptation in organ systems central to the maintenance of life and interaction with the environment.
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Clinical Genetics and Immunology (20 credits)
The aim of this module is to provide you with a cohesive lecture and laboratory programme to enable you to become aware of mammalian immunological mechanisms and to develop an understanding of theoretical and practical knowledge in the application of clinical laboratory techniques used for diagnosis.
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Haematology and Transfusion (20 credits)
The aim of this module is to study the principles of haematology and blood transfusion, selected important diseases associated with them and their application in the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases.
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Medical Biochemistry (20 credits)
The aim of this module is to introduce you to the concepts of chemical and biochemical tests and their relevance to clinical diagnostics, to develop your knowledge and understanding about biochemical changes in disease, and to learn practical techniques in clinical biochemistry.
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Pathophysiology (20 credits)
This module will develop an understanding of the pathophysiology of selected organ systems; develop an understanding of the principles of a range of diagnostic procedures as well as allowing some diagnostic tests to be performed and others to be observed during hospital visits. It also provides the basis for understanding the pharmacological and complementary treatments of these conditions.
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Biomedical Research Skills (20 credits)
The aim of this module is to develop your ability to understand the basics of scientific research under the following areas in order to prepare you for future research-based activity:
- critical evaluation of research-based literature
- data interpretation, analysis and presentation
- dissertation writing and presentation.
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Year 3
Medical and Public Health Microbiology (20 credits)
In this module you will be introduced to medical and public health microbiology, practical skills, methods of isolation, identification and typing of bacteria from various sources.
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Cell Pathology (20 credits)
This module aims to provide a framework for the development of detailed and specific knowledge of the role of cellular pathology in the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. You will develop an understanding of theoretical principles and of current and new methodologies for microscopical preparation and analysis of cells and tissues, in order to recognise pathological conditions.
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Clinical Immunology (20 credits)
This module looks at mammalian immunological mechanisms, the roles played by T and B cells/Lymphokines in generating an immune response and helps you develop an understanding of the genetics of antibody diversity, HIV pathogenesis and the current immunodiagnostic assays for infectious and non-infectious diseases.
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Applied Biomedical Science (20 credits)
The aim of this module is to develop specialised knowledge and understanding of the pathobiology of viruses and cancers in order to appreciate analytical and pharmacological aspects of antiviral and anticancer treatments. You will also learn how modern analytical methods are applied in clinical chemistry/biochemistry.
You can then undertake a lab-based research project for 40 credits or a literature or data analysis project worth 20 credits plus an optional module from:
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Biotechnology (20 credits)
This module encourages an awareness of the importance of biotechnology in industry, and develops knowledge of a variety of biochemical processes in a range of important industrial applications.
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Or
Topics in Human Physiology (20 credits)
The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of selected human physiological systems including the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and the methodology used to monitor and assess cardiovascular and respiratory function.
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Or
Drugs and Disease (20 credits)
Through this module you will develop an understanding of the physical and chemical principles underlying biological activity of selected chemotherapeutic agents and other drugs. You will investigate currently active research areas and present a coherent analysis of up-to-date knowledge.
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Or
Biochemistry of Disease (20 credits)
This module will study the biochemical origins of the biochemical processes that occur in certain metabolic diseases, and the treatment of some diseases and analytical methodologies through practical experimentation of detecting the diseased state.
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Part-time structure
If you are studying part-time you select two to four modules from each year of study, completing the rest of the modules for the year in the following year. This leads to a maximum six-year duration for a part-time degree. If studying part-time you do not have the placement option.
