Biomedical Science Pathology Laboratory Based Degree apprenticeship (Healthcare Science Practitioner Apprentice Standard ST0413)

Genetics has become a central topic not only in biological science, but also for topics such as data science, art and culture. Genetics is revolutionising all spheres of life at an unprecedented speed. It is central to all areas of biology, from cellular development and reproduction to conservation and biodiversity. In this core module, we will provide you with the framework of this diverse area, covering areas from DNA fingerprinting and DNA/RNA editing, to ethics and conservation biology. We will expose you to the latest research in the area of molecular genetics and provide the foundation for your future. 

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 and their structure, function and importance.

The module aims to introduce aspects of Human Anatomy/Embryology and enable the appreciation of structure-function relationships at the level of the cell, tissue, organ, system and organism. The lectures in the first trimester will introduce Gross Anatomy and Embryology using a system-based approach and the second trimester will detail the Histology at cellular and tissue level. The collective systems led approach will provide a good understanding of the macroscopic and microscopic structure-function aspects of the human body.

This practical based module will allow the development of key laboratory skills in the context of working as a biomedical scientist. Hands on practical lab experience and skills assessment are supported by tutorials, virtual laboratory simulation, topical discussion and reflection, in relation to the HCPC standards of proficiency.

This work-based module delivered both at university and in the workplace. Regular tutorials and workshops will support your development of critical study skills for your degree including scientific writing, numeracy and effective data handling. This module also provides apprentices an introduction to the professional conduct and fundamental academic skills required for life at university and beyond. Apprentices will complete the module with an understanding of academic writing, professional standards, regulatory bodies, ethical dilemmas, and independent and collaborative learning which will contribute towards the IBMS registration training portfolio.

Cell biology

This module provides a broad knowledge base in cell biology that acts as a foundation for content covered in other areas of the programme. The syllabus primarily focuses on mammalian cell biology and includes key content on the structure, function, cell cycle and techniques used in visualising healthy and diseased cells. The content also focuses on cellular processes and mechanism that occur during growth and death, you will learn about cell signalling and finally the metabolic processes that occur at a cellular level that are essential for life.

Clinical and Molecular Genetics will enable students to gain practical skills in molecular biology and bioinformatics, through linked laboratory and computer sessions. The lecture programme is delivered by three academics, each an expert in their specific area of clinical and molecular genetics. Topics covered include, current molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques, the control of bacterial and eukaryotic gene expression and the effect of mutations on gene expression and how this can lead to human genetic diseases.

You will be introduced to the concepts of chemical and biochemical testing and their relevance to clinical diagnostics. The module will develop your knowledge and understanding about biochemical changes in disease, and you will learn practical techniques used in clinical chemistry laboratory. This module is a combination of lectures and practical sessions.

Haematology and Transfusion

Biomedical scientists collect and analyse blood samples for the diagnosis of diseases or ensure blood for patient transfusion is available and safe. In this module you will investigate the formation, composition, function, and diseases of blood and how it is identified, separated, and stored for donation. This module is a combination of lectures, flipped-learning and practical sessions.

This module will provide students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the wide range and inter-related nature of disease and major diagnostic approaches. Students will use a range of primary and secondary information sources and group-based discussions to develop a transferable understanding of pathophysiology. Your learning will be supported by lectures, workshops, and online material, alongside guided independent reading.  On completion you will be sufficiently informed about the multidisciplinary aspect of laboratory investigations in achieving a complete diagnosis, across a range of diseases from different physiological systems.

Physiology is the science of life. During the Human Systems Physiology module, you will explore the function of each major organ system. You will discover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlay this function, and how organ systems are integrated and regulated to maintain homeostasis, while allowing the human body to adapt to changing metabolic and environmental demands. Laboratory classes use cutting-edge equipment that allow you to see “physiology in action” and develop competence in the techniques used by physiologists to advance the field.  

This critical work based learning module is delivered both at university and in the workplace.   Regular tutorials and workshops will support your development of both professional practice in Biomedical Science and research skills.  Workplace learning builds on your first year work (Professional Practice) towards developing your IBMS registration training portfolio. These include ethics, governance, audit, experimental techniques and design, statistical analysis of data, literature searching and critical evaluation and scientific communication. This module is taught primarily by small group tutorials, but also includes some lectures and workshops.

In this module you will learn about the pathogenic mechanisms of a range of microorganisms. You will learn about public health microbiology (epidemiology and control of infectious diseases) and practice of techniques used for screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of a range of infectious diseases, involving a range of methods to detect and identify microorganisms, prevention and control of infection. This module is very broad, giving you insight into vaccination, environmental and vector control, antimicrobial chemotherapy and antimicrobial resistance for a range of microorganisms.

Biomedical scientists collect and analyse samples of tissue for the diagnosis of diseases. In this module you will investigate the features and changes that occur in cells and tissues which can be used as markers of disease and gain understanding of the techniques used to obtain, prepare, and examine them. This module is taught by a combination of lectures and practical sessions.

This module will help you develop an understanding of important analytical and diagnostic methods used in a clinical setting and on completion you will be able to critically compare different analytical methods and explain the principles of therapeutic drug monitoring applied to selected diseases. This module is a combination of lectures and practical sessions and brings together key concepts from the different clinical specialisms.

Immunology is the study of the immune system. Clinical Immunology is now a well-developed basic science which is useful for the diagnosis and management of a great number and variety of human diseases. This module is designed to give an in-depth view of the basic components of the immune system, their mechanism of action and how they influence human disease.  Research-based discussion will be part of this module in understanding our well-orchestrated immune defence mechanisms and the causes and consequences of abnormal immune function. You will also gain an understanding of selected immunological techniques. Such techniques, along with our ever-growing understanding of the human immune system, lead to better detection, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment possibilities that define the field of Clinical Immunology.

This module includes support and resources for a workplace-based capstone research project. Undertaking research and applying outcomes from research is important to improve the diagnosis of diseases. In this module you will plan, carry out and report on an independent piece of research. This will be a substantial undertaking carried out across the final academic year of the degree. It will involve the generation of novel data, which may derive from experiments or other sources, its analysis and interpretation. This module is delivered through a combination of practical work, workshops, and small group tutorials which will also contribute towards the completion of the IBMS registration training portfolio and preparation for the verification of the portfolio.