Biomedical Science BSc(Hons)

In this module you'll have the opportunity to study and investigate the different elements that constitute blood in normal and diseased states. The structure, function and production of different blood cells (erythrocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, platelets) will be described. The nature and diagnosis of anaemias, haematological malignancies, haemorrhagic and thrombotic diseases will be discussed. Red blood cell structure, surface proteins, disorders and metabolism will be described in detail with emphasis on the blood group antigens and their relevance to transfusion science. The methods for separation, storage and use of blood components (e.g. packed red blood cell concentrate, platelet concentrate, fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate) will be described. The causes of possible adverse effects of blood transfusion will be discussed alongside the modification/testing of blood products to reduce these complications.

This module seeks to give you an understanding of the essential processes involved in information storage and use in living cells together with the modern methods of molecular biology used to analyse genes and their expression. The essential properties of DNA and RNA together with their replication, transcription and translation into protein are discussed in some depth for both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. The large variety of recently developed methods, which allow the identification, isolation and the characterisation of genes from potentially any living organism is introduced. The major enzymes used for DNA manipulation are discussed together with strategies for cloning the genes in different hosts. Analytical techniques such as DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are dealt with in some depth. In addition, the utilisation of the isolated genes both in genetically modifying organisms and in analytical techniques are introduced. Here particular emphasis will be given to what has been learned about the way in which the expression of genes is controlled. Lectures each week are supplemented with tutorials to help build up your confidence with the material. Sessions include restriction mapping, model building in gene expression strategies and the experimental methodologies from the lectures. There is a major practical element involving the isolation of DNA from bacteria, analysis by gel electrophoresis and bacterial transformation etc.

The module builds on the basic physiology that was studied in the first year. The organisation and regulatory roles of the nervous system are considered and their interaction investigated. The central nervous system (CNS) will be investigated and the functions associated with its anatomical regions. Interactions such as sensory and motor integration, sleep-wake cycles and higher mental functions (consciousness and memory) will also be introduced. Endocrine physiology and hormonal control will also be considered with integration of activities of the nervous and endocrine systems.

The aims of this module are to introduce you to a range of pathogens responsible for major and emerging infectious diseases globally. To outline how pathogen biology not only influences pathology and transmission of disease, but is also the target for therapeutic intervention. We'll provide you with an overview of the drug discovery pipeline and other factors involved in the control of infectious diseases. This module also covers the mechanisms of action of existing and potential new therapies and discusses the significance of infectious diseases in the context of 21st century life. It also introduces the emerging importance of the commensal microflora and the concept of dysbiosis in the aetiology of a range of pathologies. The bases of pathogenicity and virulence for a range of bacterial, eukaryotic and viral pathogens will be addressed alongside discussion of current and prospective treatments for the diseases caused by these micro-organisms. The emerging importance of commensal microflora and the concept of dysbiosis in the aetiology of a range of human pathologies and antibiotic/drug-resistance are also important themes in this medical microbiology-themed module. Infectious diseases significant in a UK context and more widely in a global context will both be addressed. Lectures and assessment will cover bacterial, viral, and eukaryotic pathogens, which are the aetiological agents of human disease in tropical and temperate countries. Lecture content will include discussion of leading causes of mortality globally: e.g. cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV-AIDS. Threats posed by antibiotic resistance, challenges and opportunities associated with new medicine development, and the significance of emerging diseases against a backdrop of climate change will all be addressed.

​This module will extend and develop your understanding and knowledge of cell biology with a particular focus on how cells communicate and the importance of this for multicellularity. Key themes include regulation of the passage of molecules across the cell membrane, intracellular and cell surface receptors, signal transduction pathways and second messengers. The role of the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix and selective cell adhesion in formation of tissues are also considered. You will gain an understanding of different techniques that are used to study cell biology. The practical component of this module will help you to develop your laboratory practical skills and ability to analyse and present acquired data.

This module covers the use of molecular genetic and cytogenetic techniques to delineate the cause and treatment of disease and illnesses and delivers an introduction to genetic counselling. The module begins with an account of the aetiology of human genetic disease and how DNA technology has aided disease gene mapping, cloning and sequencing and gives you an overview of gene and mutation databases. The latest methods used for disease diagnosis are then discussed, including fluorescence in situ hybridisation and high-throughput DNA sequencing. Prenatal diagnosis, population screening and ethics in medical genetics are discussed. You'll also be introduced to the concepts and tools for the study of complex diseases. The current state of gene therapy and animal models for human disease are also considered. The module highlights two particular diseases of interest – the diagnosis, molecular pathology and treatment of cystic fibrosis and the genetics and epigenetics of diabetes.

This module provides a comprehensive overview of adaptive and innate immunity. Detailed discussion is also provided for a broad range of parasites, bacterial pathogens and viruses and the dynamic interaction occurring after infection of a susceptible host: the host’s immune response; the evasion, inactivation, and/or manipulation strategies deployed by the microbial invader. Key experimental techniques commonly used in immunology research and in the diagnosis/monitoring of disease are also discussed.

This module provides the opportunity for you to learn about a range of different chronic diseases that can affect human health and quality of life. The underlying biology associated with some of these chronic diseases will be studied, the mechanism(s) by which they arise or develop and current treatments. There will be a particular focus on cancer as an example of a complex chronic disease. Other chronic diseases to be studied will be chosen to reflect recent advances in knowledge or treatment of a disease.

Cellular pathology is the microscopic examination of normal and abnormal cells (cytopathology), and tissues (histopathology) for indicators of disease. You'll have the opportunity to prepare and analyse specimens with disease-relevant markers and familiarise themselves with the use of light microscopy and interpretation of generated data. Immunohistochemistry slides will be prepared, processed and stained with antibodies and staining patterns will be compared between normal and diseased tissues. Lectures will be sectioned into an introduction to anatomy followed by an introduction to tissue architecture and organ function with particular reference to pathological diseases including cancer. The theory and concepts of clinically relevant techniques such as histochemistry and immunohistochemistry utilising chromogenic or fluorescent detection will be discussed with special reference to standardised clinical pathology services. Clinical biochemistry is the investigation of the function and dysfunction of systems, organs and tissues by the measurement of biochemical markers. Lectures will expose you to the broad range of function tests (e.g. liver, cardiac, kidney, pancreatic, thyroid function tests). The different biochemicals used as tumor markers will be described with an overview of the methodology used in laboratory tests. Methods for detection of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol will be discussed alongside the factors which may affect the accuracy of the test. Therapeutic drug monitoring will be discussed with reference to optimizing individual dosage regimens appropriate for the clinical condition. Quality Control in a clinical laboratory will be discussed with tutorials on the use of Levey-Jennings Charts and Westgard rules.