Biomedical Science with Foundation Year

Explore the characteristics of plant and animal cells which are the building blocks of all life forms; their interactions with micro and macro environments, and learn about the diversity of animal and plant life in a range of ecosystems.

This module will help you develop an understanding of the fundamentals of the periodic table, classification within chemistry, reaction processes and quantities, and the fundamentals of organic chemistry through lectures, laboratory workshops and independent study via an interactive learning platform.

This module will help you develop practical skills in the fields of biological, chemical and environmental science. It includes the use of glassware and instrumentation, developing data recording and analysis skills, and foundational laboratory-training. It also aims to train all students on how to write-up experimental work via an interactive learning platform, which includes pre- and post- laboratory training exercises. 

This module will provide students with a structured and supportive environment in which to develop their academic practice and professionalism. This will be achieved through a series of lectures and tutor-led seminars that will equip students with the skills required for successful study in Higher Education.

Develop skills for the application of statistical and mathematical methods and practise using Information Technology for effective the presentation and communication of data and ideas.

Evaluate a range of environmental and scientific factors that interact to influence health – e.g. pollution, nutrition, drug development and consider examples of environmental interventions and clinical trials.

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.

This module provides a broad cell biology knowledge base, building a solid foundation of key scientific content relevant to subsequent modules within several bioscience degrees.

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.

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.

In this module you will learn the inter-related nature of human disease and major diagnostic approaches.  Assessment is via a series of case studies to develop awareness of disease processes on a cellular level and their manifestation into localised and systemic clinical symptoms.  Students gain insight into clinical diagnostic techniques and their underpinning principles.

This module will help you to develop a range of subject-specific and generic research skills appropriate to the biomedical science discipline. These include ethics, governance, audit, experimental techniques and design, statistical analysis of data, literature searching and critical evaluation and scientific communication. Additionally, you will be introduced to the portfolio as a learning resource and shown how to relate this to professional practice.

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.  

In this module you will be introduced to microbes that cause disease both in a clinical and public setting.  You will learn essential microbiology practical diagnostics skills, methods of bacterial isolation, identification and typing of bacteria from various sources.

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 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. It 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 and how these influence human diseases. Research-based discussion will be part of this module in understanding immune mechanisms in defense against human diseases and how these mechanisms can be dysregulated. Understanding the immune system leads to better clinical diagnostic and monitoring possibilities. Towards the end of the module you will also be given an overview of how the immune system can protect the body from developing cancers.  

The final year year-long  research project is often the most exciting part of your degree and enables you to develop many cutting edge technical and transferable skills that employers are seeking. Throughout this module you will also gain considerable and detailed knowledge of your subject area and it application to fields of academic and clinical research. In this module you will plan, execute and report on an ethical study to answer a research question in an area of Biomedical Science under the supervision of one of our research active academic staff. This will be a substantial undertaking with significant independent work carried out across the academic year. It will involve the generation of novel data, its analysis, interpretation and dissemination in a presentation and dissertation.

Students will learn the critical biological capabilities that enable tumour cancer initiation, maintenance and progression, and how some of these hold promise as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. The module contains an overview of the basic biology of cancer and applicable therapeutic strategies, with attention paid to relevant current technologies and future directions in cancer biology. Lectures will be complemented with tutorials where students will be involved in critical reading of scientific papers, while learning to evaluate scientific data and familiarise themselves with a variety of modern techniques.

The role of genetics and genomics has now become mainstream and is at the forefront of healthcare and disease management strategies. In your final year, the human genetics module will expose you to the recent developments in the field, together with the foundations of human genetics. The rapid advancement of genomics has also enabled data-based discovery of genetic information. In view of that, you will have a dedicated part of the content focused on data science and analysis strategies including the R statistical package.