STAGE 1
The modules students take in the ?rst year are designed to provide an understanding of the normal structure and function of mammalian systems and micro-organisms, and to introduce the techniques and procedures for their qualitative and quantitative investigation.
Cell Biology
This module provides a basic understanding of the structure and function of a variety of differentiated and non-differentiated eukaryotic cells. It also covers specialist techniques used to study cells.
Introduction to Biological Molecules
This module examines the major classes of biomolecules, their physical and chemical make-up, and how this affects the reactions in which they are involved.
Biochemistry
An understanding of how biomolecules function in living processes, and the role they play in some of the major biochemical pathways will be studied in this module.
Cells and Tissues
Through an examination of the structure and function of the human body at both the macroscopic (gross) and the microscopic (histological / cytological) levels, you will gain experience in the histological techniques used to recognise cells, tissues and organs.
Human Genetics
In this module, students will study genes, the structure of chromosomes and the replication of genetic material during cell division. This module also covers the genetic basis of human disease along with descriptions of some of the more common genetically-related diseases.
Introduction to Microbiology
This module introduces the nature of microbes and their world, including their growth, ecology, taxonomy, safe handling and control. It also covers the immense impact of microbes on our lives and the environment in which we live.
Human Physiology 1 and 2
In these modules, students will examine a selection of organs - with the emphasis on control mechanisms. They will then concentrate on the central nervous system, thereby allowing time to consider this complex system in depth. In addition, students will be introduced to pharmacology, and the use of drugs to treat diseases.
Reproductive Biology and Embryology
The male and female reproductive systems, the production of gametes, fertilisation, the development of the embryo and foetus, and the formation of the placenta are all considered in this module.
Developing Professional Skills 1
Providing students with a range of skills to help them throughout their course and in future employment, (including the keyboard skills used in word processing, and the use of databases and spreadsheets), this module will also familiarize students with statistics and experimental design. The laboratory skills element introduces them to some of the equipment and techniques used by biomedical scientists, and shows them how to use them safely and with precision.
STAGE 2
In the second year of the course, the emphasis changes to the study of disease. By the end of the year, you will have gained a considerable knowledge based on human health and disease - the underlying causes of disease, the effects of disease on cells and tissues, the methods used in the diagnosis of disease and therapeutic intervention with drugs.
Clinical Biochemistry
This module allows you to investigate the biochemical causes and consequences of disease.
Analytical Biochemistry
In this module, you will cover a variety of analytical techniques and explore the practical methods used in modern laboratories (and the interpretation of the information they can yield).
Pathophysiology and Pharmacology of Systems 1 and 2
Observations on normal and abnormal physiology will lead to studies aimed at the understanding of the mechanisms of drug action on the cardiovascular, endocrine and nervous systems.
Immunology
This introduction to the immune system will enable you to study the tissues and cells involved, and their responses to infection - including the production of antibodies. You will also gain practical experience of immunological techniques such as ELISA.
Medical Microbiology
Here, you will gain practical diagnostic experience in the culture and identification of microbes, whilst studying the role of microbes in health and the pathogenesis of disease.
Molecular Genetics
These topics include the study of molecular genetics and introduce the theoretical and practical aspects of genetic engineering and biotechnology. Students will also expand their knowledge of cell function at the molecular level.
Cellular Pathology
During investigations on the mechanisms by which diseased states occur, progress and cause complications in patients, students will gain an insight into the range of human diseases and the changes they produce in cells and tissues.
Developing Professional Skills 2
Covering topics such as intermediate statistics, interview techniques and health and safety in the workplace, this module will enable you to develop the skills relevant to the world of work and, thereby, enhance your awareness of professional issues and, consequently, your employability.
Haematology and Transfusion Science
The module aims to develop an appreciation of the study and investigation of the different elements that constitute blood in normal and diseased states (haematology) and the identification of blood group antigens and antibodies which ensures a safe supply of blood and blood components (transfusion science).
STAGE 3
In the ?nal year of the course, students will be offered the unique opportunity to specialize in one of three major options concerned with the origin, development, transmission, monitoring, prevention and treatment of disease. Each of these specialization options consists of two modules, in addition to the four core modules taken by all students.
CORE MODULES
Biology of Disease
Students will be encouraged to develop an appreciation of: the pathogenic mechanisms (endogenous and exogenous) associated with the development, progress, manifestation and complications of disease in human beings. A range of diseases which affect particular organs/tissues will be studied together with the accompanying changes in biochemistry, morphology and physiology which arise both locally and systemically. The module will also discuss the laboratory diagnosis and management of a range of human diseases.
Medical Genetics
The module aims to develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the structure of the eukaryotic (human) genome and the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression, together with a critical appreciation of the nature and importance of gene defects in human disease. Students will be encouraged to develop a critical appreciation of the application of methods to investigate genes (their function and their expression), genetic mutations and polymorphisms.
Dissertation
In this module, students will be guided towards a greater understanding of the principles of biomedical research. Undertaking an in-depth study of a current problem in the Biomedical Sciences, they will critically examine the technical approaches used in research and provide a coherent analysis of the topic selected. Each student will be required to submit a critical report detailing this appraisal to demonstrate his/her ability to analyze data, interpret results and discuss these in the context of published literature.
Research Development Skills
This module aims to further develop your practical skills through the application of various techniques used in biomedical research and critical data analysis. Students will apply advanced statistical techniques (such as parametric and non-parametric tests, correlation and regression, variable selection methods, questionnaire design and data collection, SPSS and Scope for Analysis) to analyse and interpret data and critically discuss the results.
SPECIALIST OPTIONS
Research Topics in Medical Cell Biology 1
This module aims to broaden and deepen the students’ knowledge of medical cell biology, with an emphasis on cutaneous biology. Students will learn about cell signalling, stem cells, mesenchymal- epithelial interactions, organelle transport, glandular secretions, hormonal and neuronal control of cell and tissue function, immune responses and cutaneous pathologies. Students will also be able to broaden their knowledge of cell culture and histology and immunohistochemistry in the practical sessions. They will be encourged to further develop their oral and written communication skills, and broaden their experience of research techniques in cell biology.
Research Topics in Medical Biochemistry 1
This specialist module aims to expand the knowledge and critical understanding gained in the Biochemistry, Clinical Biochemistry and Cellular Pathology modules by studying the biochemical basis of metabolic and vascular diseases. Students will be encouraged to develop a critical appreciation of research methodologies, data handling, and data interpretation in selected fields, and learn to utilize biochemical knowledge to evaluate clinical scenarios and experimental approaches to their study
Research Topics in Cancer Biology 1
The aims of this module are to deepen the student’s knowledge of cancer and its treatment using conventional chemotherapeutic drugs and to make students aware that knowledge and understanding of the molecular basis of cancer is driving the development of a new generation of targeted therapeutics. The module aims to facilitate the development of practical skills and to extend the students’ competence in oral and written communication.
Research Topics 2
In the second specialization module, the development of knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation will be self-directed. Students will be supported by academic staff with specialist knowledge of the selected topic of study. Small groups of students will receive a briefing on the topic by an individual member of staff. They will then be expected to research the topic independently and/or in a group to develop their knowledge and understanding of it, and determine what the latest developments in the field are. Five key references will be provided and students will be expected to critically evaluate the work presented in them, and determine the contribution each has made to the overall topic, with support where necessary from the academic staff member.
