Biomedical Science (with Foundation Year)

Big data – it's a phrase that a lot of people would argue is overused, or at least not always used in the appropriate context. So, what is it really? How is it made and how do we make sense of it?

You learn how big data is not just abundant but a growing field in so many aspects of our society from policing and conservation to health and bioinformatics. You explore how groups and communities use and share big data to help keep themselves safe in disaster zones around the world. You begin to value the role data plays in helping to make sense of community relationships in society, from uncovering criminal networks, tracking disease outbreaks to developing a deeper understanding of our ecology.

Data might end up in a data-frame spreadsheet format but it doesn't begin there. It is often created with people and animals engaging with each other and technology. You explore how search engines collate and store the data we need to help make predictions, enhance decision making, or simply to better understand society's needs.

This module provides an overview of fundamental concepts in chemistry and their application in the context of environmental and life sciences

Chemistry is the study of the structure, properties and reactivity of elements and compounds, and plays a key role in all physical, life and applied sciences. The topics covered include the structure of the atom, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical reactivity, environmental science, biogeochemistry, pollution, green chemistry and climate change.

This module is based around a series of laboratory sessions. The first sessions emphasise important foundation skills, such as how to work safely in a practical environment and how to properly document practical work. These are followed by a series of sessions based on your wider academic interests including the basics of microscopy, handling microorganisms, safe handling food, using volumetric glassware and investigating acid base titrations.

You focus on how science can help address some of the global grand challenges that face society. A group project enables you to develop innovative answers to some of the biggest issues of our time based on health and wellbeing, resilient and secure societies, digital and creative economy, sustainable environments and learning for the 21st century. The themes reflect the University's focus on externally facing research that makes a real, practical difference to the lives of people and the success of businesses and economies.

You explore the diversity of life on earth and the concept of evolution. You consider Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection to demonstrate relationships between species, the principles of taxonomy and speciation, and how they relate to the evolutionary tree.

You are introduced to the physiological processes, cellular organisation, homeostasis, metabolism, growth, reproduction, response to stimuli and adaptation - all hallmarks of living organisms equipping diverse species to survive and thrive.

You gain an appreciation of how knowledge of issues in health and disease relate to modern society. You focus on the life sciences from a human perspective, develop an understanding of human biology and explore the role of different but interconnected life science disciplines in modern life. While reviewing life science from an interdisciplinary context, you examine the major human body systems – cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory, endocrine, nervous, digestive, skeletal and reproductive.

You gain a basic knowledge of human body structure and to relate this knowledge to both the understanding of the mechanisms associated with the control and regulation of physiological processes of the major organs systems of the body. This will allow you to develop ability to apply, evaluate and interpret the knowledge to solve problems in the discipline. You also develop applied contexts of the knowledge such as the construction of biological profiles for human identification including sex, age at death, stature determination and biological affinity. The module will be delivered through lectures, computer- aided learning via interactive web-based activities and labs.

You will develop an understanding of key concepts necessary to underpin subsequent studies in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical sciences and molecular biology. Building of the underlying principles of chemistry is essential to understand complex biological systems. This module will introduce the fundamentals of chemistry and link them to the key biomolecules and biochemical processes which form the basis of life.

You increase your understanding of biological processes at the cellular level. You will explore eukaryotic cell architecture and function with a molecular and mammalian focus, and learn about cell division and the cell cycle, genetic organisation of cells, DNA replication and gene expression. Your exploration of these aspects of cell and molecular biology will be supported by a series of laboratory-based sessions.

Within this module you recognise, use and demonstrate good laboratory skills in the biomedical laboratory. You develop your understanding of the role of a biomedical scientist and the skills set associated with the good laboratory practices, including knowledge of quality procedures.

You are introduced to a range of microscopic organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa, microbial cell structure and function, microbial growth, microbial diversity, and the importance of microbes in the environment, industry and human health.

You gain an overview of normal histology and cytology of major organs and systems of the human body and molecular and cellular factors underpinning the pathology of common diseases. The causes, mechanisms and extent of disease are examined, as well as adaptations to injury, such as apoptosis and necrosis (death of living cells or tissues), autophagy, inflammation, wound healing, and neoplasia (abnormal new growth of cells).

You focus on treating and preventing disease. You study the nature of the adverse effects of drugs and other chemicals on living systems. You explore treatments of diseases in major organs and the effects of drugs used in chemotherapy.

You explore the various techniques involved in a biomedical laboratory to help identify the cause of disease. The module will introduce the procedures involved in the preparation, processing and staining of tissue for use in disease diagnostics and experimental research. Cellular pathology techniques such as microtomy, microscopy, staining and immunohistochemistry will be introduced in relation to alterations in cellular, tissue and organ function in different diseases.

You are introduced to recent advances that have taken place in our understanding of human reproductive and developmental biology. You examine the process of human development from the formation of gametes (gametogenesis) through to birth and identifying genetic disorders. To complement this, you see how to apply this knowledge in the areas of stem cells, IVF and genetic counselling.

You gain a broad understanding of the human metabolism, endocrinology and clinical biochemistry. Metabolism, the chemical processes that occurs in living organisms, is examined in the context of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, cellular respiration and metabolism of drugs. Endocrinology, the study of the physiological role of hormones, is covered in detail, including a review of the mechanisms underpinning hormone action, the roles of second messengers and endocrine system disorders. Enzyme kinetics and enzyme regulation is also a significant topic.

The module will also explore the methods used for the collection, measurement and analysis of clinical samples in the biomedical laboratory. You will also cover the principles and applications of clinical biochemistry investigations used in screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease.

You gain a solid foundation of the immune system and its role in protection against microorganisms and maintaining human health. You will learn about the functional organisation of the immune system, the immune cells and chemical mediators, antibodies, and cellular processes related to the innate and adaptive immune responses.

This module introduces you to a range of modern molecular biology concepts and techniques. General molecular biology, molecular biology of genetic diseases and the use of molecular biology for applications such as the production of recombinant proteins and biomedical science forensic applications will be addressed. The new age of molecular biology is underpinned by gene/genome sequencing, sequence analysis and sequence manipulation. You will be given a thorough introduction to the principles of sequence analysis and how these techniques have revolutionised all areas of molecular biology. Particular attention will be paid to the technique of PCR. The module will also introduce bioinformatics concepts around visualising and analysing DNA sequence data, as well as basic molecular data analysis. The module content will be delivered via a series of interactive lectures that will allow students to gain insight into the theoretical aspects of molecular biology and bioinformatics. A series of laboratory practical sessions will introduce the basic techniques that lie at the heart of modern molecular biology such as DNA purification, PCR, restriction digestion, nucleic acid analysis via agarose gels, and sequencing.

You explore the function and dysfunction of systems, organs and tissues by measuring biochemical biomarkers. You explore modern analytical techniques used for measuring biochemical markers which aid the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases. You also explore therapeutic drug monitoring methods including those used to investigate drugs of abuse.

You are introduced to genetic disorders, including chromosomal abnormalities, single gene disorders, birth defects with a genetic component, etc. You will learn to apply genetics knowledge to disorders seen in patients. The module is highly case-based, meaning the concepts will all be directly associated with patients throughout.

An emphasis will be based on new and current techniques like Next Generation Sequencing and advances in the NHS analysis of genetic disorders, such as whole genome sequencing of all seriously ill children and paediatric cancer patients that have recently been implemented. Discussions of the ethics involved in sequencing whole genomes, identifying genetic disorders, and screening for genetic disorders will be incorporated throughout.

You study the origin and creation in the body of all the different types of blood cells (red, white, platelets), the roles of these in normal function, and how they are defective in blood disorders, including blood cancers. You will learn about blood groups, antibodies, and other important considerations in transfusion as well as transplantation. Coagulation and associated disorders will also be covered.

Some of these lectures and the practicals will be conducted by external lecturers (including NHS staff and from local companies). Practical sessions will train in preparing blood films and identifying disorders (haematology); identifying blood groups and antibodies in blood samples and recognising whose blood can be donated to whom (transfusion science); and testing for coagulation factors.

You explore how modern clinical microbiology can be used to detect, diagnose and control infectious diseases. You extend your understanding of the molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis and it allows you to explore how modern molecular biology techniques have been employed to define the nature of host-pathogen interactions.

You complete an in-depth, independent investigation into a specialist aspect of your field of study. In your project you will bring together a range of practical and academic skills developed in previous years of study. Regardless of the nature of the project, this process acts as a capstone experience requiring analysis and critical evaluation of data as well as critical reflection on the potential risks, moral and ethical issues. This piece of work will involve a significant individual contribution on your part. You will be supported by the appointment of an academic staff member as your research supervisor. They will act as a mentor and guide you through the development and completion of your research project.

Finally, you will communicate your independent research by producing a research poster and journal article to allow you to develop essential skills which mirror professional practice when research is presented at scientific conferences and for publication.