STUDY

Study of the biological sciences is often supported by a range of techniques developed through the use of physics and chemistry. Furthermore, there is much evidence of interaction between the physical and chemical sciences with that of biology, much of which would benefit from a greater fundamental understanding. Therefore this module is intended to give students a broad understanding of some of the chemical and physical principles that underpin much of biology.

This module will enable students to develop the knowledge and practical skills that will prepare them for undergraduate studies in biological sciences and related subjects. This module considers the structure and function of major biological molecules and biochemical systems.

The purpose of this module is to develop student’s skills in written and oral communication and develop the study skills needed for undergraduate work. The module will explore essay writing, academic referencing, avoiding plagiarism, organising, planning and editing written work, and improving technical writing style. Students will also consider time management, meeting deadlines, developing personal awareness and confidence by class presentations. The module will also utilise on-line delivery of material via the virtual learning environment thus providing an impetus to cultivate IT skills.

This module will enable students to develop the knowledge and practical skills that will prepare them for undergraduate studies in biological sciences. This module considers the structure and function of major physiological systems within the human body. Topics covered include the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory, endocrine, nervous, musculo-skeletal and reproductive systems, and basic genetics. Theory will be supported by practical laboratory work.

Mathematics is the language of science. The study of any science requires some degree of mathematical understanding. Mathematics is not necessarily difficult, but requires a supportive learning environment where key concepts are demystified and applied in a logical and orderly fashion. Aimed at those without an ‘A-Level’ Mathematics and/or 'return to learning' students, this module aims to develop the students’ skills and increase their confidence in using mathematics in general; and in particular in the application of mathematics to health and life sciences.

This second semester foundation level module is designed to facilitate independent student engagement through a scientific investigation from a defined list of subjects. You will carry out your own simple experiments to generate some data for analysis. You will be expected to take an individual project title, design (with help from the tutor) the experiment, conduct the experiment applying the principles of a scientific investigation, capture the data, analyse it and draw rational conclusions. This module will help to develop inquiry, autonomy and application of scientific principles.

DNA is arguably the most important macromolecule in life and this module is designed to provide a solid foundation of knowledge on which students can build throughout the Bioscience degree programme. Beginning with the fundamental concepts of DNA and it’s role in heredity and the genetic code, the module will build up through expression of genotype to phenotype and the control of gene expression. 

A thorough understanding of human physiology and maintenance of homeostasis are key facets in a range of scientific disciplines. In this module, students will study the way in which different cells, tissues, organs and organ systems contribute to homeostasis from a theoretical perspective. 

Cells are the basic unit of all living organisms. In this module, students will examine the structure and function of cells, and the signals that control eukaryotic cell division, adhesion, migration, and programmed cell death. Students will analyse how cells contribute to animal physiology and disease, and be introduced to the techniques used to study cells in the laboratory. 

This module will provide students with the core skills required to carry out basic scientific procedures and communicate their research in an appropriate scientific format.  The module is based on a series of practical sessions and is designed to develop the skills required for subsequent advanced modules on the course.

This module provides introduction to the role of Biomedical Scientists within the current UK health care provision landscape. We will explore the role that Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) play in informing and overseeing education, training and continuing professional development of biomedical scientists in the UK. Moreover, you will be introduced to professional standards and codes of practice specific to biomedical scientists.

This module is designed to give a solid foundation on which to build further study in biological science.  It will investigate the fundamentals of biochemistry starting from basic atomic structure and bonding to then focus on the structure, function and metabolism of macromolecules. Students with differing levels of previous knowledge of chemistry and biology will be introduced to the range of processes taking place within the body at a molecular level.

This module prepares students for further study and employment by providing an understanding of what science is and how it works.  It introduces students to the principles of scientific research and the planning and design of experiments. Students will learn how to effectively analyse literature and communicate science in a variety of methods.

The module aims to set an introduction to some key properties and applications of selected microbial organisms. You will learn about the structural, biological and molecular characteristics of major microorganisms, to include bacteria, viruses, fungi and protists. In addition, the significance of microbes in health and disease will be investigated, also with the support of current research literature.

Effective scientists need to understand how experimentation, qualitative and quantitative analysis drives science forward via the process of attempted falsification and how this is quantified and presented. This module prepares students for further study and employment by providing an understanding of inferential statistical analysis of scientific data. It will enable students to understand, interpret and apply most of the statistical techniques that they will see in published articles and allow them to emulate such analysis in their own work.

This module is designed to review the nature of and causation of diseases, by considering environmental, genetic, and biologic factors and link the characteristics of disease to the signs and symptoms utilised in diagnosis. The module will also give the students the opportunity to investigate the positive and negative effects of diet on health and disease.

In this module, you will explore the cellular basis of infection via pathogens and the immunological defence system the body deploys in order to prevent the development of infectious disease. The module will deal with the structure and function of the human immune system in terms of the innate and adaptive immune responses focusing on the cells and molecules involved.

This module introduces students to the principles of nucleic acids manipulation and cloning. The module will include a thorough background on DNA handling, manipulation and analysis. The module will then detail the standard techniques by which DNA can be differently inserted into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and its expression monitored. Classic techniques will be presented together with the more advanced, cutting-edge technologies and approaches.

The dissertation will provide an opportunity for individuals to develop an area of scientific interest arising from either course-based or work-based experience. The focus of the dissertation will be a research-based study, central to which will be some form of hypothesis testing or problem solving.  It will enable students to utilise practical, intellectual and decision making skills in novel situations.

This final year module aims to advance and apply your knowledge of what it means to be a Biomedical Scientist, the roles and responsibilities that this profession encompass, as well as to strengthen your understanding of the role that Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) play in training and continuing professional development of biomedical scientists in the UK. The emphasis will be on reviewing professional standards and codes of practice as well as requirements for the HCPC registrations, including Registration Training Portfolio and Certificate of Competence. 

Histology is the science that studies the minute structure, composition and function of tissues. Every tissue is made of specialised cell components playing pivotal functions. When these functions are altered, the cell dysfunctions are reflected into significant histological changes, which are studied in the realm of histopathology. In this module, you will understand the different features and functions of the main classes of tissues, where cells exert specific functions. Moreover, you will become acquaint with microscopic histological specimens and receive some training on the standard techniques for tissue processing, staining and analysis.

Haematology and blood transfusion science are core clinical study areas within Biomedical Science. This module will apply your knowledge of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and immunology to the study of blood and the major proteins and cells that constitute blood. We will start by studying main types of blood cells and their distinguishing features, to then go on to consider most common diseases of the blood including anaemias, coagulation disorders and blood malignancies. Major haematology parameters and basic techniques that enable a range of diagnoses will be explored and will form the core of our practical activities. We will also explore practical considerations and limitations of blood transfusion.

This module is intended to allow the student to draw together a wide range of topics covered at levels 4 and 5 into the applied area of pharmacology and toxicology. This module utilizes understanding and application of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics and physiology to solve problems. The interdisciplinary nature of the field provides an ideal opportunity for students to contextualise their studies within an important progressive science.

The module will examine nutrition as it relates to the prevention and treatment of disease and deals with the nutritional aspects of diseases and clinical disorders by integrating students' existing knowledge of physiology, biochemistry and food science. In this module students will also consider the nutritional requirements of humans throughout the lifespan; the changing physiological status and subsequent changes in nutritional requirements will be studied along with a critical appraisal of how this is met with respect to diet, sociological status, geography and education.

This module is designed to provide students with an overview of some fundamental developmental processes that lead to the formation of a multicellular organism from a single zygote, up to the gastrulation process. The module will consider some key developmental models with cellular and molecular events underpinning both development and regeneration, therefore linking core stem cell biology knowledge.

This module will provide you with theoretical knowledge and advanced practical experience of core laboratory techniques used to carry out experimental research within the life sciences area. The module is based on a series of practical sessions and will giving you experience of performing experimental work, collecting data, and interpreting and presenting results, using a range of media.