STAGE 1
The modules students take in the first 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.
Each stage has three terms and students will take up to four modules per term. These include:
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.
Microbiology (double module)
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.
Medical Physiology (double module)
In the first part of the double module, you will examine a selection of organs - with the emphasis on control mechanisms. In the second part, you will concentrate entirely on the central nervous system, thereby allowing time to consider this complex system in depth. In addition, you 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 (linked module)
Providing you with a range of skills to help you throughout your course and in your future employment, (including the keyboard skills used in word processing, and the use of databases and spreadsheets), this module will also familiarise you with statistics and experimental design. The laboratory skills element introduces you to some of the equipment and techniques used by biomedical scientists, and shows you 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).
Human Physiology and Pharmacology (linked module)
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 (double module)
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 and Molecular Cell Biology (double module)
These topics include the study of molecular genetics and cytology, 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.
Pathology (double module)
During your investigations on the mechanisms by which diseased states occur, progress and cause complications in patients, you 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.
STAGE 3
In the final year of your course, you will be offered the unique opportunity to choose between one of two specialisation concerned with the origin, development, transmission, monitoring, prevention and treatment of disease. Each of these specialisation options consists of two modules, in addition to the four core modules taken by all students.
CORE MODULES
Biotechnology and Genomes (double module)
You will study modern DNA technology and the bioanalytical techniques used for the analysis of diseased tissues and fluids. You will also investigate the role of biotechnology in the biomedical sciences, and gain an understanding of the bioanalytical techniques used in industry, hospitals and contract laboratories.
Gene Expression and Cellular Communication (double module)
Studying advanced concepts in molecular genetics, including the regulation of gene expression, you will investigate the genetic basis of disease and explore the molecular basis of genetic predisposition to disease, how gene defects give rise to disease states, and how genetic conditions can be identified in the laboratory. You will also explore the molecular basis of cell communication in normal and diseased states, and gain an insight into how an understanding of disease at the molecular level can allow the development of targeted therapeutic intervention strategies.
Dissertation (double module)
In this module, you 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, students will critically examine the technical approaches used in research and provide a coherent analysis of the topic selected. You will be required to submit a critical report detailing this appraisal to demonstrate your ability to analyse data, interpret results and discuss these in the context of published literature.
Research Development Module (double module)
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
Disorders of Blood and Immune System (double module)
This module aims to broaden the students’ knowledge and understanding of the immune and blood systems, and their associated pathological states. The structure and function of blood cells and bone marrow will be reviewed and you will study such topics as haematopoiesis and lymphopoiesis, and pathologies such as leukaemia, lymphoma, aplastic anaemia and autoimmune disease. Full consideration will also be given to issues such as stem cell transplantation, immune tolerance, immunosuppressive therapy, immune deficiency and tumour immunology.
Toxicology and Oncology (double module)
The effects of environmental factors on the causes and incidence of disease (particularly cancer) cannot be overstated. The ambition of this module then, is to deepen your knowledge of the molecular basis of cancer and examine the current treatment options available, alongside the prospects for future developments and novel therapeutic strategies. The Toxicology aspect covers ionising and non-ionising radiation and their potential roles in the induction of cancers and birth defects; industrial pollution (by metals, metalloids, organometallics, chlorinated hydrocarbons, etc) and related disease conditions (such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, bladder cancers, etc). Students will also learn about microbial toxins and cancer. The Oncology aspect includes cancer epidemiology, the current methods of cancer control and the procedures involved in the development of new therapeutic strategies to combat cancer.
Molecular and Genetic Basis of Disease 1 (double module)
By reference to topics on organ and whole-body function, this module will enable you to expand the knowledge you gained at Stage 2. Here, you will learn about the biochemical and functional aspects of steroids and their role in disease, the biochemistry of cancer (including the role of cell cycle proteins in the development of cancer and the importance of DNA repair), and the biochemical and genetic aspects of disease.
Molecular and Genetic Basis of Disease 2 (double module)
This module aims to expand the knowledge you have gained in the Biochemistry, Clinical and Analytical Biochemistry, and Pathology modules by studying the biochemical basis of metabolic and vascular diseases. You will learn about the biochemistry of diabetes and its treatment, cholesterol metabolism, hypercholesterolaemia, antioxidant mechanisms, vascular diseases (such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis and hypertension) and gene therapy in vascular disease.