Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

Cell Biology

Biological sciences can be studied at a cellular, organismal and community level. In this module, you will be introduced to some of the main concepts of cellular biology, including the processes of cellular respiration, photosynthesis, osmosis and diffusion, and the key molecules of DNA and enzymes. This will be complemented by a review of the related chemical principles that underpin each of these topics. You will also be introduced to safe working practices, laboratory skills, study skills in higher education, and Personal Development Profile (PDP), as well as developing your understanding of hypothesis testing.

Chemistry for the Life Sciences

Life is based on the interactions of many different biomolecules, and the properties of these molecules conform to the basic laws of chemistry and physics. This module provides a thorough grounding in chemical concepts and technical skills that will allow an appreciation and understanding of life processes at the molecular level and will prove valuable for the study of subsequent biology-based modules.

Health and Disease

This module enables you to examine and debate the multidimensional concept of health at individual, community, and societal levels, and appreciate the basic principles of epidemiology. The module also provides an understanding of the concepts of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, and biological principles underlying disease processes. You will discuss epidemiological factors influencing the incidence of disease states and investigate the aetiology and pathogenesis of some diseases of importance in the developed and developing world. You will be introduced to basic techniques and instrumentation relevant to clinical laboratory diagnosis of disease, such as aseptic techniques, plating methods, and microscopy.

Introduction to Evolution and Genetics

This module examines the theories surrounding the origin of life, the chemistry of the early earth, and the proposed “RNA world”. The module also explores the theory of evolution by natural selection and the consequences at both the whole organism and molecular level by examining Darwinism and phylogenetic studies using bioinformatic resources, as well as introducing bioinformatic analysis of proteins. Additionally, you will discuss current ideas about evolution and allele frequency in relation to genetics, with topics including Mendel from the point of view of the biochemist, selection on human genes, genetic drift and founder effects, the genetics of pathogens, single nucleotide polymorphisms, and human disease.

Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

This module provides an opportunity to learn more about the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body. The content is wide ranging and introduces key biological theories and laboratory techniques. It is particularly suitable if you wish to study human biology-related modules in the second year of your course and wish to strengthen your fundamental knowledge in the subject. There is a significant component of practical work, and you develop skills useful for a range of careers in biological and biomedical sciences.

Professional Development in Biomedical Science

In this module, you will be introduced to NHS career pathways and other employment options and gain a flavour of the type of work you will encounter and skills you will require as professional biomedical scientists. There will be visits to and shadowing opportunities in workplaces, talks by biomedical science related employers and existing University of Worcester medical science researchers. You will undertake a problem-based learning group project, developed with the input of employers, where you can explore possible biomedical science roles and gain relevant practical experience in the laboratory. Guest lecturers will provide an insight to the clinical practice aspects of the role of a biomedical scientist.

Clinical Immunology

Knowledge of the components and function of the immune system is vital for understanding how the mammalian body interacts with potential pathogens and defends itself. Immunology is also key to appreciating the biochemical recognition of “self” and the evolution of multicellular organisms. Additionally, an insight into immunology is also vital for understanding many laboratory techniques used in the study of proteins. Key laboratory skills will be covered, including separation and staining techniques, sample handling and storage in a pathology laboratory. You will use case studies to learn to evaluate clinical data and further develop their problem-solving skills.

Microbiology

This module examines the principal features of the main groups of micro-organisms and their relationship both to the environment and other organisms, as well as the evolutionary relationships of micro-organisms. You will learn about the growth and reproduction of micro-organisms, and how these can lead to disease. An introduction to microbiological laboratory techniques forms a fundamental part of the module, allowing you to develop practical skills relevant to a range of biological and biomedical science careers.

Molecular and Cellular Biology

This module considers the current state of genomics and develops your understanding of central genetic principles, as well as illustrating some of their applications. You will examine the central themes of gene cloning and gene technology and how these are applied in investigating biological phenomena. The module also explores how cells are regulated through control of the genes they express and how the biochemistry and biology of the whole organism is affected by gene expression. You will also be introduced to advanced concepts of cell biology, introduced building on the concepts developed earlier in your degree. You will have the opportunity to take part in a bioinformatics activity and to gain laboratory skills suitable for a range of careers in the biological and biomedical sciences.

Professional Aspects of Biomedical Science

This module is delivered through a professional careers-related project. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the various roles biomedical scientists undertake, a range of scientific and non-scientific issues in biomedical science, how they integrate, and how to communicate these appropriately and effectively. You will take part in a team project with groups of four to six students working on a medical science scenario designed in partnership with an employer. The scenario will cover professional and other regulations, governance, the importance of communication, quality assurance and control, ethics, the human tissue act(s), as well as audit and clinical audit. Lectures, tutorials, and workshops will support the project, with input from professional biomedical scientists where appropriate.

Project Development

At the heart of any biological sciences degree is the need to develop the ability to identify research questions, design appropriate experiments, execute experiments effectively, and evaluate findings. This module will develop your analytical, statistical, and data presentation skills, building on material introduced earlier in your studies, as well as enabling you to define a research question for your independent research project in your final year.

Systems Physiology 1

This module examines the tissues and organs tasked with maintaining the composition and integrity of the extracellular environment in humans. It will cover the advanced anatomy and physiology of these organs, the inter-relationship of function, and general aspects of pathophysiology. The physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and gastrointestinal systems is covered in this module. Where relevant, guest lecturers will enhance sessions with clinical perspectives of topics covered.

Research Project

In this module, you will undertake an independent, hypothesis-based research project. These projects fall into two categories: practical based and non-practical based. The non-practical based group of projects include an evaluation of a primary data set that has not been previously analysed such as an RSPB database, a bioinformatics study, an ecological management plan, or testing a hypothesis using published research.

Cell Pathology

Cellular pathology involves the study of body organs and tissues (groups of cells). There are two main subdivisions within cellular pathology: histopathology, which involves the examination of sampled whole tissues under the microscope, and cytopathology, which is the examination of single cells. This module explores the causes of human disease and develops the practical and cellular pathology skills you will need as professional biomedical scientists. You will investigate the major pathological changes that occur in disease, at the molecular and cellular level via the principles and application of related current and potential diagnostic techniques.

Clinical Biochemistry for Biomedical Science

Haematology and Transfusion Science

Haematology is the study of blood components, and it has a major role in biomedical science. This module focuses on modern applied haematology, as well as the legislation, ethical considerations, and quality assurance procedures that govern blood component collection, transfusion, and stem cell donation. You will visit to a hospital haematology laboratory to deepen your understanding of the applied clinical aspects of their subject.

Infection Science and Antimicrobial Resistance

In this module, you will develop your knowledge of different types of microorganisms and how they cause disease. The module also enables you to further study the immune system in health and disease. Through laboratory practicals, you will develop your laboratory skills and explore the design of diagnostic tests for pathogens. Building on knowledge and skills developed throughout your degree, you will gain a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenicity and virulence of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in human diseases, the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, infection control and the future of antimicrobials.

Neuroendocrinology

In this module, you will investigate the anatomy and function of the human brain. The four neuroendocrine axes will be introduced, and you will explore their roles in health and disease. You will develop their skills and confidence in working independently through laboratory work and study of primary research.

Pharmacology

The Biochemistry of Cancer