BSc Medical Science

Title:

Anatomy & Physiology

Code:

BI1AP12

Convenor:

DR Natasha Barrett

Summary:

Anatomy and Physiology introduces the amazing structure and function of key bodily systems to explore how organs work to support life. Whilst focussing on the context of a healthy Human, the structure and function of the Human body is consolidated through selected comparisons made to other vertebrates.  Theoretical knowledge, to introduce the structure and function of each of the main body systems, is gained through lectures, and then applied in practical classes.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Set exercise 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Building Blocks of Life

Code:

BI1BEC1

Convenor:

PROF Phillip Dash

Summary:

Genes and cells are the fundamental building blocks of all life. All life is made up of cells and their function is controlled by genes. In this module we will introduce students to the dynamic nature of the cell and major concepts in cell biology and genetics. Microbial, animal and plant cell structures are examined and compared during a tour of the structure and function of the major organelles. The module also provides an overview of major cellular processes including energy production, cell death, cell communication, photosynthesis, stem cells, organization of cells into tissues and how cells survive extreme environments. Alongside this understanding of cells we will also examine genetics and genetic tools to understand transcription and translation, inheritance and evolution, gene regulation and key experimental techniques such as genetic engineering.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Class test 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Key Skills in Biomedicine

Code:

BI1BM12

Convenor:

DR Chris Jones

Summary:

Alongside gaining in-depth biological knowledge in other modules, developing transferrable skills is essential for your development as a Biologist. This module focuses on providing a common foundation in transferable skills relevant to increasing success whilst studying at university and in future careers.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Pathology

Code:

BI1BP2

Convenor:

DR Sam Boateng

Summary:

Pathology is the study of diseases and how they affect the body.  This module introduces the tissue structure (histology) of the major systems in the Human body and the disease states (pathology) that can affect them along with an introduction to the treatment of disease and broader topics such as public health and epidemiology.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Set exercise 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introductory Microbiology

Code:

BI1S1

Convenor:

DR Geraldine Mulley

Summary:

This module provides students with an introduction to the discipline of Microbiology. Students will learn the fundamental biology of bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi and viruses; their structure, replication, nutrition, the diverse environments where they live (including host-microbe interactions), and how some microbes benefit society (food production and biotechnology), whilst others cause disease. The module will also provide students with an understanding of how some microbes cause infections, the various ways to prevent and treat infectious diseases, and how microbes develop resistance to antimicrobials. Students will learn the techniques needed for safe handling of microbiological samples to isolate and purify bacteria and fungi from food samples in the laboratory.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Clinical and Metabolic Biochemistry

Code:

PM1MPAS1

Convenor:

DR Graeme Cottrell

Summary:

This module will provide you with an overview of the major metabolic pathways in biological systems, health and disease and how these concepts are applied to diagnosis and the creation of therapeutic agents. It will develop your knowledge of the immune system and how antibodies are used to diagnose and treat disease. The module touches on a variety of concepts that will allow you to apply knowledge from other modules, specifically the modules Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, Medical Microbiology and the Building Blocks of Life.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Practical 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Principles of Drug Action

Code:

PM1PCOL1

Convenor:

DR Mark Dallas

Summary:

This module introduces you to biological concepts of pharmacology that will help you to understand drug action on the body. This includes how drugs exert both positive/and negative effects on the body, and how the body deals with drugs; the module will also include examples from body systems. It will include a brief introduction to classes of drugs, including basic models of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. The module includes core science concepts linking physiology to drug action and is appropriate for research and medically/patient focussed students. It will also support the development of science communication skills, with specific reference to explaining drug action to an array of audiences. Training in pharmacology will be supported by integrated workshops to highlight real world application. Together, these will foster the development of an understanding of the principles of drug action and an ability to communicate science effectively.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Set exercise 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Fundamentals of Physics for Medicine

Code:

BI1EPM

Convenor:

DR Lindsey Thompson

Summary:

This module is designed for students with little or no recent background in physics and will provide students with basic knowledge of physics and its applications in Biology and Medicine. Lectures will provide a broad base of fundamental principles of Physics while practical sessions will give students a chance to gain some ‘hands on’ experience. 

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Set exercise 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Professional Skills for Healthcare A

Code:

PM1MPAS2

Convenor:

DR Lizzy Lander

Summary:

This module will examine and address key questions for future healthcare professionals: what does it mean to work in healthcare? What skills will I need? How can I begin gaining and practising the skills I will need to work in healthcare? Through exploring roles in healthcare, defining and practising key skills that a healthcare professional needs in their career such as communication (listening, speaking and writing), reflection and numeracy, this module will provide the basis for your future studies and career.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Class test 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Anatomy & Physiology 2

Code:

BI2AP12

Convenor:

DR Natasha Barrett

Summary:

The Human body is amazing!  Our hearts beat 100,000 times a day; we produce 1.5 litres of saliva every day; our kidneys filter 180 litres of blood a day (but we only urinate about 1.5 litres); our finger tips are sensitive enough to detect miniscule changes in a surface; we can (nearly) always fit in a sweet dessert!  Anatomy and Physiology 2 builds on the foundations of Part 1 Anatomy and Physiology to explore Human medical anatomy (structure) and physiology (function) and its application to a clinical setting.  Whilst focussing on the context of a healthy adult, the module also introduces how the structure and function may differ for individuals.  We’ll explore how age (focussing on adulthood and geriatrics) affects the body’s structure and function.  Theoretical knowledge is gained through lectures and then applied in practical classes by learning to carry out clinical examinations.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Set exercise 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Clinical Biomedicine

Code:

BI2BCB5

Convenor:

PROF David Leake

Summary:

The Clinical Biomedicine module describes what happens to your blood or tissue sample when it is taken to the Pathology laboratories in a hospital. The role of haematology laboratories in investigating the various types of blood cells, leukaemias, lymphomas, myelomas, blood groups and haemostasis is described.  The techniques used in cellular pathology laboratories are covered, including histopathology, immunochemistry, cytology, cervical screening and auto-immunity. The types of assays used in clinical biochemistry laboratories are described and their roles in diagnosing liver, renal, endocrine and heart disease and inborn errors of metabolism. The use of tumour markers in cancer patients is discussed, as is the detection and measurement of drugs, both therapeutic and illegal, and poisons. You will carry out a practical in which you diagnose someone’s disease by determining their haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, blood type and full blood count. There is also a practical on the different types of blood coagulation assays and one in which you stain a cervical biopsy and carry out a Papanicolaou stain of cells. There is a talk from a hospital scientist on careers in hospital laboratories.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Report 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Key Skills in Biomedicine 2

Code:

BI2BM45

Convenor:

DR Renee Lee

Summary:

This module will provide students with tutorials and lectures in transferrable skills relevant to study and future careers in Biomedicine and related professions. These will include generic skills and also subject specific skills, and the content will build on and enhance the skills covered in key skills 1.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Molecular Drug Targets

Code:

PM2PCOL1

Convenor:

PROF Gary Stephens

Summary:

This module will teach application of pharmacology to physiological systems from molecule to patient. A molecular, cellular and systems level approach to the study of drug action towards treatment of disease in cardiovascular, renal and respiratory systems that will develop from core skills introduced in Part 1 Principles of Drug Action. This module introduces students to concepts of pharmacology and integrates physiology, chemistry, therapeutics and practice with a focus on molecular drug targets in renal, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Practical classes, interactive lectures and workshops will support pharmacological concepts. Science and practice concepts from all cognate disciplines that link to drug action on key molecular drug targets will be taught. These include: physiology and pathology of renal, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, medicine development and delivery and medicines management. Together, these concepts will develop an understanding of key molecular drug targets and relevant pharmaceutical issues in a range of fundamental areas of drug and medicines use.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Set exercise 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Medical Applications of Physics

Code:

BI2APM

Convenor:

DR Lindsey Thompson

Summary:

This module will provide students with a good understanding of how fundamental principles are essential to how the body functions. The focus is to relate understanding to diagnosis and non pharmacological treatment of specific common conditions. Students will gain experience of the full process and will be provided with opportunities to discuss treatment options and choices at the clinical level. No previous knowledge of Physics is required.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Set exercise 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Endocrinology

Code:

BI2BB4

Convenor:

PROF Phil Knight

Summary:

This course aims to provide the student with a comprehensive introduction to the role of the endocrine system in regulating the activities of the major organ systems of mammals, with emphasis on man.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Project 15%, Class test 15%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Cells and Immunity

Code:

BI2BC45

Convenor:

DR Mike Fry

Summary:

This module will build on molecular cell biology concepts introduced at Part 1 and will introduce new concepts that will form the foundation for further development in modules at Part 3. The aim will be to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of eukaryotic cell structure and function in molecular terms, focusing on cells in tissues and immune cells and the interplay that occurs between them during infection. The module will start by introducing a range of topics linked to cell function in all cell types and then will move on to consider these in the context of the functioning of the immune system during an infection in a tissue.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Report 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Pharmacology and Toxicology

Code:

BI2BE4

Convenor:

PROF David Leake

Summary:

Drugs do not work by magic – they work by nudging the control systems in our body so that some particular process will work either faster or slower. You will learn how drugs act by binding to the receptors for our normal signalling molecules, including neurotransmitters, and how drugs manage to reach these receptors after they have been ingested. You will also discover the ways in which various substances, including drugs, can damage the body (toxicology). There is a pharmacological practical for you to carry out to discover that the very simple molecule nitric oxide has regulatory functions all the time in our bodies (a practical which earned the scientists that performed it a Noble Prize).

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Report 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Infectious Diseases

Code:

BI2BI45

Convenor:

DR Geraldine Mulley

Summary:

Newly evolved viruses, antibiotic resistant bacteria, ineffective malaria drugs continue to cause problems in our fight to control infectious disease.  In this module you will initially study viruses of global significance (including Ebola and Coronaviruses), their transmission, detection and how understanding their different replication strategies helps to develop therapies and prevention methods. This is followed by a tour of bacteria, fungi and protists of clinical significance in the UK, causing for example respiratory infection, meningitis, sepsis, sexually transmitted disease, food poisoning, skin infections and malaria. Influence of the human microbiome, how synthesis of unique microbial structures are targeted by antibiotics and the problem of resistance are addressed. Your knowledge of microbiology in the hospital and community will be enhanced through practicals where you ‘Identify the culprit’. 

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Report 23%, Class test 18%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

The Bacterial Cell

Code:

BI2BR5

Convenor:

PROF Simon Andrews

Summary:

The purpose of this module is to provide students with an understanding of fundamental aspects of bacterial, metabolism, physiology and genetics. By the end of the course students should understand how bacteria manage to utilise a wide variety of nutrients through the diversity of their metabolic capabilities and how these processes are regulated. Students will also learn about the mechanisms of important bacterial processes, such as genetic exchange, membrane assembly, solute transport, cell growth, motility and taxis, and stress (e.g. osmotic and pH) resistance. At the practical level students will learn to perform membrane preparations, transposon mutagenesis, and biofilm and evolution experiments.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Set exercise 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Venoms and Poisons

Code:

BI2EVP5

Convenor:

PROF Phillip Dash

Summary:

This module aims to provide the student with a comprehensive overview of venoms and poisons, including an introduction to important venomous and poisonous animals and poisonous plants, including the role of the venoms or poisons for defence or predation. This module will cover the evolution of venoms and poisons, the biochemistry underpinning their synthesis and mechanism of action, general principles of toxicology and an overview of their medical uses.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Set exercise 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Professional Skills for Healthcare B

Code:

PM2MPAS1

Convenor:

DR Sarah Greenwood

Summary:

This module continues to develop from the Professional Skills A module completed in Year 1. The module develops skills essential for healthcare and medical practice and provides placement experience for students both in hospital and within simulated environments to provide a breadth of experiential learning opportunities. Students will learn with and from different health care professionals through a portfolio of inter professional education sessions. Students will continue to develop effective communication skills with a focus on written, listening and oral communication. Additional key skills that are developed during this module are clinical calculations and problem-solving. Reflective practice and independent learning skills will be developed, and students will complete their Personal and Academic Development (PAD) portfolio.

Assessment Method:

Portfolio 50%, Report 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Medicines in Health Care

Code:

PM2MPAS2

Convenor:

DR Lizzy Lander

Summary:

This module brings together biochemical and biological science knowledge to understand the use, mechanisms and selection of different medicines.

Expands from core principles of drug action and molecular drug targets modules and provides a more detailed discussion of drug pharmacokinetics and biopharmaceutics. The module focusses on the gastrointestinal tract and liver and on drug delivery concepts including the different administration options for medicines (e.g. mouth) and how these affect drug use. The module will use case studies of exemplar drugs (e.g. proton pump inhibitors) to explore key concepts. Physicochemical concepts, and opportunities for the design and synthesis of known and novel drugs, will be illustrated throughout using relevant examples.

Throughout the module students will discuss the material (e.g. group work) in an inter-disciplinary environment to facilitate learning of content, and to gain a wider perspective of the core material. 

Assessment Method:

Exam 40%, Assignment 30%, Set exercise 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering

Code:

BI3AT17

Convenor:

PROF Faustina Hwang

Summary:

This module examines how human capabilities are affected by ageing and impairment, and how this affects interactions with technology that can improve quality of life and independence.

It introduces a range of examples where the application of engineering principles and practices have been used in the design and development of assistive technology devices and rehabilitation systems.

The module comprises 20 hours of in-class lectures and interactive exercises plus a programme of guided independent study/directed reading. The module is assessed by research and/or design work and a written report on the work.

Assessment Method:

Report 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Radiation in Medicine

Code:

BI3BDI2

Convenor:

DR Lindsey Thompson

Summary:

This module will provide students with a good understanding of an introduction to clinical diagnostics and nuclear medicine. The aim is to develop an understanding of imaging equipment linked to diagnostics.  Students will also gain experience of Nuclear Medicine in terms of safety, treatments, treatment planning.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Research Project

Code:

BI3PRO

Convenor:

DR Renee Lee

Summary:

The aim of project work is to provide the student with an experience of biological research through the design and execution of an individual project.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Medical Genetics

Code:

BI3BA7

Convenor:

DR Dyan Sellayah

Summary:

This module aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of hereditary human diseases and an appreciation of gene-environment interactions in determination of outcomes of genetically determined disease.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Assignment 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Bacterial Pathogens

Code:

BI3BC7

Convenor:

DR Simon Clarke

Summary:

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of key factors involved in bacterial pathogenesis. Using selected examples of human and animal pathogens, both the disease and molecular basis of pathogenesis will be considered.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Class test 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Cardiovascular Disease

Code:

BI3BE8

Convenor:

PROF David Leake

Summary:

The world’s leading cause of death is cardiovascular disease, mainly coronary heart disease and strokes. The underlying cause is most often atherosclerosis, in which cholesterol is laid down in inflamed arteries. This leads to thrombosis (clotting) and heart attacks and strokes, which are very sadly often fatal. You will learn the latest insights into the causes of heart attacks and strokes and how drugs, including the cholesterol-lowering statins, can be used to treat it. You will also discover how cardiovascular disease can be prevented by changes to our lifestyle and diet.

Assessment Method:

Exam 75%, Oral 25%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Neurobiology

Code:

BI3BI8

Convenor:

DR Nandini Vasudevan

Summary:

The aim of this course is to develop a comprehensive picture of the nervous system. This will be achieved by delivering a broad ranging course on neurobiology that covers molecular, cellular, systematic aspects of neurobiology.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Viral Pathogens

Code:

BI3BJ8

Convenor:

PROF Ian Jones

Summary:

To gain knowledge of the replication and cell tropisms of some of the leading virus pathogens. To convey an understanding of the diverse mechanisms by which some viruses, whilst interacting with their hosts, lead to disease while others do not.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Set exercise 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Evolution in Health and Disease: Lessons from the Natural World

Code:

BI3EHD

Convenor:

DR Dyan Sellayah

Summary:

This interdisciplinary module is suitable for all SBS degree programmes. Biomedicine and evolutionary biology offer two distinct perspectives on the same biological phenomena. One is concerned with diagnosing and treating ill-health caused by dysfunctional biological processes. The other serves to understand how natural selection has shaped the genetics underlying biological processes of populations and species over generations, yet rarely are the two perspectives integrated. We know that many diseases have a genetic basis, yet understanding how evolutionary factors have shaped the underlying genetic basis for disease may provide important mechanistic insight and reveal new approaches for treatment. In this module, we will apply evolutionary principles to the understanding of the causes of modern medical conditions. We will learn how some of the most important medical problems of our time – e.g. infectious disease, obesity, ageing, and mental health disorders – have been shaped by our evolutionary history, study relevant evolutionary processes across the animal kingdom and the Tree of Life, and gain an appreciation of the implications of evolutionary biology to human health and disease.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Seminars in Biology

Code:

BI3S78

Convenor:

DR Louise Johnson

Summary:

This module utilises seminar series in SBS and other relevant Schools. Students will attend their choice of ten or more life science research seminars throughout the academic year, and write and submit a report for each. Assessment will be based on three assignments: an MCQ test on experimental design and statistics; a Summary Paragraph based on a result presented at a seminar; and a portfolio of seminar reports accompanied by a synoptic essay.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.