Biomedical Laboratory Science

This module equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to conduct independent scientific research, from critical literature evaluation to experimental design and data analysis.

You’ll study topics such as:
• Conduct an independent literature review to enhance critical analysis and understanding of research topics.
• Design a structured research proposal with clear aims, ethical considerations, and safety protocols.
• Develop practical lab skills through structured experiments, including data analysis and troubleshooting.
• Understand and apply statistical methods for data analysis.
• Gain an understanding of the ethical and appropriate use of artificial intelligence in research.
• Help identify and articulate your employability skills

Engaging with these core areas will prepare you for the demands of independent research and professional scientific practice.

This module aims to equip you with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge of laboratory-based research and examine the important issues that make good laboratory practice. Within the programme, this module will prepare you for the semester two laboratory module and the semester three independent research project.

You’ll study topics such as:
• Fundamental practical laboratory training (including reagent preparation, accuracy and precision in performing experiments, health and safety) which will be underpinned by subject module theoretical knowledge.
• A range of course focussed laboratory methodologies and, where appropriate, other practical procedures.
• Effective communication and presentation skills development via the preparation of visual and written work in an appropriate context.
• Introduction to ethical issues and foundations of scientific integrity forming the implications of good laboratory practice.
• Understand and apply fundamental statistical methods for data analysis.
• Employability skills and career preparation (including CV development, application process).

This module will introduce you to the cellular and molecular basis of disease, providing foundational knowledge of how disruptions in normal cellular processes lead to pathological conditions, and to develop your ability to effectively communicate scientific findings in the context of disease mechanisms.

You’ll study topics such as:
• Cell Culture and Cellular Analysis
• Principles and techniques of cell culture
• Methods used to study cellular structures and functions
• Applications of cellular techniques in assessing disease states

Metabolic Pathways and Disease:
• Overview of some metabolic pathways
• Alterations in these pathways in diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders

Genetic and Molecular Mechanisms in Health and Disease:
• Gene structure and chromosome organisation
• DNA replication, transcription, translation, protein folding, and post-translational modifications
• Dysregulation of these processes in conditions such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases

Cellular Fates and Their Regulation in Disease:
• Mechanisms of apoptosis, cell division, cancer transformation, and differentiation
• How disruptions in these regulatory controls lead to diseases such as cancer and developmental disorders

Cell Communication and Disease:
• Role of cell communication in biological processes such as tissue growth, angiogenesis, immune responses, and stem cell determination
• Impact of disrupted communication on disease states, including cancer, diabetes, and immunological disorders

Extracellular Vesicles in Cellular Communication:
• Synthesis and roles of extracellular vesicles in intercellular signalling
• Contributions of extracellular vesicles to disease progression and pathology

Cytoskeleton and Extracellular Matrix in Health and Disease:
• Functions of the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix in cellular structure and tissue organisation
• Structural and functional alterations in these components in disease states such as fibrosis, Metastasis, and cardiovascular diseases

This module focuses on developing advanced skills in analysing and interpreting diagnostic pathology laboratory data in conjunction with clinical examination findings to formulate accurate diagnoses.  

It provides an in-depth understanding of the underlying pathology of various conditions, emphasising the scientific principles, methodologies, and limitations of the diagnostic techniques used. 

 Students will explore advanced diagnostic tools, such as histopathology, molecular diagnostics, and immunohistochemistry, while learning to critically evaluate their reliability, sensitivity, and specificity. By integrating laboratory data with clinical evidence, the module fosters a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. 

Students will study a range of topics including: 

• Haematological disorders 
• Disorders of metabolism and biochemistry 
• Immunological disorders 
• Disorders of tissues and cells  

To provide the student with the opportunity to carry out a substantial research project over a period of eight weeks. The vast majority of projects will be lab-based, all within the bioscience and chemistry research areas. Projects will be appropriate to the specific degree programme on which the student is enrolled. This will be followed by a writing-up period during which the student will prepare an article-style written report.

You’ll study topics such as:
• Literature review, relevant to the area of study, using information databases
• Planning of an agreed research project
• Acquisition and demonstration of practical skills
• Critical analysis of research results
• Preparation of written report
• Oral scientific communication
• Contributing to a research community