Biomedical Science

Module Aim:  

The aims of this module are to provide an introduction to biomedical science and principles of bioanalytical science.  

This module will cover principles of professional biomedical science and give an introduction to the science and practice of the key biomedical science disciplines. It is suitable for any student wishing to gain an insight into the role of a biomedical scientist and general laboratory practice.  

The focus on biomedical science practice within the NHS will cover wider aspects of biomedical science with reference to other careers.  

The bioanalytical focus will relate to the study of biologically significant molecules in the human body and to underpin knowledge of the relevant chemical properties.

Indicative content:    

The role of the pathology service in the NHS and the relevant regulatory and professional bodies e.g. HCPC and IBMS. 

Introduction to key pathology disciplines (clinical biochemistry, clinical immunology, cellular pathology, medical microbiology, haematology and immunohaematology and transfusion science) including: 

Sample collection/preparation for analysis: separation, fixation and staining, pre-analytical variables. 

Key test profiles and procedures performed in these laboratories e.g. Near-patient testing (NPT), NPT into patient pathways. 

The role of laboratory investigation in the patient care pathway, including diagnosis and monitoring of disease 

and assessment of treatment, introduction to therapeutics 

Quality and audit in the clinical laboratory Health and Safety in the clinical laboratory. 

The importance of confidentiality and the Human Tissue Act 

Introduction to analytical methodology, reference ranges, sensitivity and specificity.

Introduction to a range of analytical techniques used to analyse biological samples. Separation techniques 

such as chromatography; including size exclusion, TLC, HPLC and GC and, electrophoresis Spectroscopy of 

atoms and molecules using absorption, emission and fluorescence. Mass spectrometry. pH electrodes. 

Concepts of specificity, sensitivity and calibration. Need for sample preparation of biological samples. 

Study a range of bio-molecules (ions to atoms to organic molecules to macromolecules + water) and their 

bonds and relate this to methods of quantification and description. 

Study of the properties of water and gain an appreciation of pH and buffers, and other solvents. Osmolarity. 

Basic thermodynamics; kinetics, equilibria and catalysts. 

Gain confidence in calculations and numerical manipulation necessary to chemically, analyse biological 

samples, e.g. molarity, concentration, ppm etc 

Interrelate the theory of analytical techniques with the chemistry of the moiety under investigation. 

This module develops the fundamental professional and practical skills you’ll need as a scientist. You’ll learn through seminars, workshops, tutorials and practical classes. 

You’ll study topics such as: 

• Identifying and using appropriate information sources and technologies 
• The application of mathematics to scientific data 
• Effective communication 
• Consideration of ethical issues around the mini project 
• Awareness and development of employability 
• Fundamental practical training 
• Creativity and problem-solving 

This module develops your knowledge and understanding of the core biomedical science concepts – including the fundamental processes of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology and genetics. 

You’ll study topics such as:  
 

• The function of biological molecules including DNA, RNA and proteins  

• The biochemistry of processes which govern cell function  

• The cell as the fundamental unit of life 

• The structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells 

• Microorganism structure, physiology, biochemistry and classification  

• Human structure, function, neurological and hormonal control  

• Our component parts and major systems  

• Embryology and the structure of normal cells and tissues 

• Haematology and regulation of normal haemostasis  

• Genetic structure and function of genes

This module introduces the fundamental professional and practical skills you’ll need as a scientist, within a programme of seminars, workshops, tutorials and practical classes. 

 You’ll study topics such as: 

• Appropriate information sources and technologies 

• The application of mathematics to scientific data 

• Introduction to professional ethics 

• Introduction to global science issues 

• Introduction to sustainability and the UN Sustainability Goals 

• Effective communication 

• Awareness and development of employability 

• Fundamental practical training 

This module enables you to apply your lab, practical and professional skills – demonstrating strong scientific practice and the employability qualities you’ll need as a scientific graduate. Through  
course-focused lab-based projects, you’ll incorporate work-integrated learning using real problems and scenarios seen within the scientific industry.  

You’ll apply learning and skills to: 

• Technical activities, experimental design and project management  

• Sustainability and sustainable lab practice within practical design 

• The use of appropriate information sources and technologies  

• Effective communication, presenting and written communications 

• Processes in accountability, time management and decision-making 

• Applications of mathematical and statistical techniques  

• Usage of information technology for the range of scientific activities  

• Data handling and manipulation of large and complex data sets  

• Data application to bioinformatics  

This module enables you to apply your practical and professional skills to demonstrate strong scientific practice and the employability qualities you’ll need as a scientific graduate. You’ll undertake  
lab-based work-integrated underpinned by subject module theoretical knowledge. 

You’ll apply skills and learning such as: 

• Ethical considerations and technical activities  

• Experimental design and project management  

• Use of appropriate information sources and technologies  

• Effective communication, presenting and written communications  

• Processes in accountability, time management and decision-making 

• Sustainability and sustainable lab practice within practical design 

• Mathematical and statistical techniques 

This module develops your understanding of the pathobiology and underlying biology of selected disease conditions – and the key laboratory diagnostic techniques used in their investigation – together with targeted therapeutics and related pharmacology. You’ll gain a core basis in the theory behind commonly used research and diagnostic laboratory techniques, with specific examples and interactive tutorials.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Terminology and epidemiology of disease
• Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying disease
• Sample collection and preparation of cells and tissues
• Electrophoresis, chromatography and centrifugation
• Routine methods in clinical biochemistry
• Near-patient / point of care testing
• Therapeutic drug monitoring
• Immunological techniques used in diagnosis
• Clinical molecular and cytogenetic methods
• Use of Machine learning/AI in genetic diagnostics
• Mass spectrometry and spectroscopy

This module develops an appreciation, understanding and application of molecular biology and biochemistry concepts and techniques. You’ll also explore the integration and regulation of metabolism, cell communication, chemical signal molecules and signal transduction. 

You’ll study topic such as:  

• Nucleic acids and recombinant DNA technology 

• Trans-membranes signalling and communication 

• Enzyme kinetics and catalytic and regulatory strategies 

• Metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and nitrogen containing compounds 

• Genetic information, chromosome structure and genomes 

• DNA replication and repair 

• Transcription, RNA processing and transcriptional regulation 

• Protein localisation, detection, modifications and targeting 

• Clinical and pharmacogenetics

Module Aim:  

This module aims to provide students with knowledge of the immune system, its components and functions, and to broaden their knowledge of viral, prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. It also aims to provide an understanding of how microbes interact with humans and the environment. 

Indicative content:  
Innate and adaptive immunity, Cells of the immune system  

Lymphoid tissues and organs, Soluble factors: antibodies, cytokines etc.  

Key systems: complement, the MHC complex  

Measurement of the effectors of the immune system  

Antigen recognition, lymphocyte and complement activation  

Inflammation, Antibody-mediated and cell-mediated effector mechanisms  

Vaccination and immunotherapy, HIV, Pathogenic mechanisms of microorganisms, Bacterial, protozoal, viral and fungal infections  

Virulence, treatment, pathogenicity, epidemiology, transmission cycles, environmental survival strategies, commensalism  

Infectious disease diagnosis  

Hospital-acquired infections/infection control including drug-resistance  

Bacterial genetics , Food, water and Environmental health  

Sexually transmitted diseases, Antibiotic resistance 

Module aim:    

The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).  

A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting.

The placement will: 

• Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course 
• Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem-solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc
• Grow their student network and relationship building skills 
• Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs 
• Help student make informed graduate careers choices

Indicative Content:  

In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.  

Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.  

To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work. 

This module supports students to develop, evidence, reflect on and improve their employment skills within the context of their career aspirations, the workplace and their own scientific discipline.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Employment and further study opportunities for Biosciences & Chemistry graduates, both in scientific and non-scientific settings
• Oral and written communication of employability skills
• Ethical and innovative use of AI in the Bioscience and Chemistry sector

This module provides understanding of clinical biochemistry, haematology – including transfusion science and clinical immunology – plus experience of problem solving and applying up-to-date knowledge of analytical techniques and diagnostic procedures.  
This is a module delivering core content as required by the Institute of Biomedical Science, integrating the study of blood sciences, clinical biochemistry, haematology, clinical immunology and transfusion science. 

You’ll study topics such as: 

• Major body and organ systems 

• The regulation of normal haemostasis  

• Normal white blood cells and red blood cell abnormalities 

• Screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring 

• Abnormal immune function 

• Neoplastic diseases and transplantation reactions  

• Blood groups, anomalies and antibody screening  

• Immune-mediated destruction of blood cells  

• Blood components and patient blood management 

• Transfusion and possible adverse effects 

This module studies disease and pathological process at a deeper level, considering the role of the pathology laboratory in assessing the utility of diagnostic tests. You’ll advance your understanding of the acquisition of infections, the mechanisms of pathogenesis in microorganisms, effects of infectious disease on the human body, epidemiology and diagnosis, and control and eradication strategies. 

You’ll study topics such as:  

• Pathology and investigation of cancer 

• Pathogenic virulence mechanisms of microorganisms 

• Environmental reservoirs of infection  

• Public health and infection control  

• Antimicrobial and antiviral therapies  

• Immunotherapy, transplantation and transfusion 

• Histocompatibility antigens in transplantation  

• Clinical genetics, ethics and pre-natal testing 

• Objective assessment of diagnostic tests 

• Common diseases and lifestyle  

Module Aim:  

The module aims to expand students’ ability to independently follow a research strategy, undertake critical assessment of data obtained and to extend and apply professional and personal skills required for the planning and implementation of a research activity. The student will develop their communication skills following scientific standards. Teaching is delivered through multiple activities, lab- and non-based, online, in person, both in groups and individually. 

Indicative content:  
Projects will be allocated a project from a pool of topics related to academic staff’s research and professional interests. 

Topics will be course relevant and can span across chemistry, biochemistry, analytical science, pedagogy, biomedical sciences, biology and bioinformatics, with each grouping containing several sub-topics.