Biomedical Science BSc

Core modules:

Experimental Skills for Bioscientists

This core module is designed to give you the essential practical skills you'll need for a successful career in scientific research. Throughout this module, you'll build a strong foundation in laboratory techniques, data handling, and scientific methodology.

In Semester 1 you'll learn fundamental lab skills, such as pipetting, microscopy, and performing basic mathematical calculations. You'll also learn to use analytical software to collect and process data.

In Semester 2 you'll work with your coursemates on group projects that allow you to develop your own hypotheses, design and conduct experiments, collect and analyse data, and present your findings in the form of clear and concise lab reports.

This module will train you in the core competencies you'll need to perform experiments and communicate scientific research effectively.

20 credits

Professional Skills for Bioscientists

This module is built around a team-based project focussing on identifying and communicating a real-world bioscience problem.

Your team will pick one issue from the UN's Sustainable Development Goals to focus on. You'll research this issue using articles, reports, and data to better understand it, before creating a digital project showing why the issue matters and needs action. Depending on your interests, you could choose to focus on environmental issues, health disparities, or agricultural challenges.

You'll then identify key populations that are affected, outlining the underlying causes that have led to such problems, and consider the career pathways that bioscientists could take to address this challenge.

20 credits

Building Blocks of Life

This core module will introduce you to the essential components that constitute all living organisms.

To understand the complexity of any biological system, we must understand it across scales from molecules through to cells, tissues, organisms, populations and ecosystems.

This module explores the key principles of molecular cell biology that form the foundation of life. You'll learn about the structure and function of cellular components, how genetic information is stored and transmitted, and how cells communicate through signalling pathways in microbes, fungi, animal and plant kingdoms. You'll then explore how single cells develop into multicellular organisms.

We'll also discuss the fundamentals of the immune system of animals, how other organisms such as plants respond to and clear infection, and how this knowledge can be exploited to develop therapeutics including vaccines.

20 credits

Genetics and Evolution

This core module explores the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms and processes that underpin all life on Earth which are the central unifying themes of modern biology. You'll examine sources and mechanisms of variation from genes to populations, and investigate evolutionary processes of selection, adaptation, and the origin of species.

We'll also introduce you to the approaches used to study genetics and evolution including classical population and quantitative genetics, phylogenetic trees, and the fossil record.

At the end of this module, you'll be able to recognise real-world applications of genetics and evolution spanning disciplines from medicine to conservation.

10 credits

Origins and Diversity of Life

This core module will introduce you to the staggering diversity of life on Earth, from extremophiles in hydrothermal vents, and the first plants on land, to animals exploiting niches on land, sea, and air.

You'll start by looking at the origins of life and examine the evidence for major transitions in Earth history, such as the colonisation of land and extinction events that have shaped life over geologic time.

We'll take an in-depth look into the great evolutionary success story of the microbial world. You'll learn about the physiological features and adaptations of microbes that have enabled them to colonise every available niche on the planet and extend this knowledge to give you an understanding of their importance for human health.

10 credits

Fundamentals of Physiology and Neuroscience

During this module you'll gain an understanding of the fundamental physiological processes that enable the human body, including the brain, to function.

You'll learn about the major cell types, tissues and organ systems of the human body, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and renal systems. As part of this, you'll also explore the nervous system and the ways that it communicates with the sensory and motor systems. Once you understand the mechanisms of sensation and movement, you'll begin to explore the brain's role in behaviour and cognition.

As you learn about normal physiology, you'll also cover how diseases and drugs affect different cells, tissues and organ systems. You'll gain insights into the experimental methods and techniques used to study physiology and neuroscience before applying these approaches. 

By the end of this module, you'll have a solid foundation in these two interconnected fields, preparing you for further study in biomedical sciences.

40 credits

Core modules:

Advanced Professional Skills for Bioscientists

During this module, you'll develop the advanced professional skills you'll need for a data-driven world. You'll then apply your new skills, working in a team to address a real-world problem.

We'll train you to use the statistical programming language, R, which is used to apply statistical methods to solve biological data problems.

In the second semester, you'll work in a team to address a 'Global Challenge' from the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Alongside your coursemates, you'll work to develop an innovative solution to this challenge by applying your creativity and your biological knowledge. This will give you insight into project management, finance, intellectual property and leadership, depending on your role in the team.

Throughout the year, you'll learn how to evidence your new professional skills for a digital world, and develop self-awareness of your own preferred working styles and how these can contribute to effective teamwork. We'll also teach you how to build a portfolio of evidence that showcases the skills you've developed, making you stand out from the crowd when you start applying for jobs.

20 credits

Experimental Skills in Cell Biology and Pharmacology

This core module will build on the laboratory techniques and associated scientific skills that you developed in your first year.

Throughout the year, you'll complete mini group research projects, developing your own hypotheses before applying robust experimental design principles to test them. You'll then apply data analysis techniques to visualise and interrogate the data. 

We'll teach you how to effectively communicate your research projects. You'll be shown how scientific posters can be used as a creative and succinct form of communication, and learn how to review your own research in line with relevant literature.

We'll then introduce you to the exciting fields of bioinformatics and pharmacology, equipping you with a solid foundation of skills, ready to analyse genomic and pharmacological datasets.

20 credits

Optional modules
You'll choose 40 credits from the following list:

Advanced Molecular Cell Biology

The aim of this module is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of some of the main concepts and problems in molecular cell biology. The module is also designed to emphasize the importance of this field to modern medicine. The module will explore  key areas in molecular cell biology including e.g. DNA repair, the cytoskeleton, cell communication, cell signalling and vesicular trafficking in cells. Sessions will incorporate aspects of primary experimental research, and introduce you to the research literature and how this informs our understanding. Topics will also be related to relevant diseases. Teaching will be provided through lectures and practicals. As well as traditional didactic lectures, active learning sessions will be employed to consolidate knowledge and understanding of principles.

20 credits

Introduction to Human Anatomy

This practical unit is designed to provide Level 2 undergraduate students with an introduction to the gross anatomy of the human body. It offers an opportunity for students to engage in group-based study of the body's various systems, fostering a foundational understanding of the anatomy of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis, upper and lower limbs, and head. The primary objective of the course is to establish a clear correlation between the structure and function of the human body. Lectures will be complemented by practical sessions, asynchronous online learning materials, and formative weekly assessments. Students will be expected to demonstrate independent work in completing certain tasks. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be well-prepared to pursue more advanced anatomy courses at Level 3.

20 credits

Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology

This module will give you a broad understanding of neuroscience, covering neurophysiology, molecular biology, neuropharmacology, model organisms, and simple behaviours.

Building on your knowledge from the first year, you'll learn about the concepts behind complex topics such as higher brain function, behaviour, biological psychiatry, and neurodegenerative disease.

20 credits

You'll choose 40 credits from the following list:

Physiology of Cells and Systems

This module covers advanced physiological concepts of cells and systems, building on the physiology covered in the first year.  The module starts by reviewing the basic cellular physiology that is critical for the normal function of all cells.  These key aspects are then revisited, looking at a range of specific systems within the body.  Systems are reviewed from the molecular level up to whole body physiology, with an emphasis on the physiology and pathophysiology of ion channels and transport proteins.  Advanced physiology of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems is covered, along with a number of pathophysiological conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, hypertension, sudden cardiac death and acid base balance disturbances.  The module then reviews the advanced physiology of the nervous and muscular systems, looking at myotonia, ataxia, epilepsy and myasthenia gravis. You will also study the pharmacological approaches used to treat a range of different diseases.  Experimental evidence presented in lectures will show you how research approaches can be used to help inform our understanding of disease.  The module uses an active learning approach, with interactive classes aimed at consolidating your knowledge and understanding, and developing your skills in problem solving and critical analysis, together with lectures, and practical classes to provide key content and additional skills development in physiology. 

The module aims to: 1. Provide students with a knowledge of key aspects of cellular physiology.2. Examine advanced systems physiology and pathophysiology, showing the impact of molecular and cellular changes. 3. Review pharmacological treatments of disease. 4. Provide opportunities to develop skills in critical analysis, experimental design and problem solving.  

20 credits

Development, Stem Cells, Regeneration and Ageing

This module will give you an in- depth understanding of the developmental process in multicellular organisms, and how genes regulate this. 

During your lectures you'll learn about the development that occurs throughout the entire life cycle of an organism, and its sensitivities to environmental factors, as well as the links between environment, growth and ageing. We'll also discuss how development provides the backdrop of many medically, biologically, and economically important processes and technologies.

Your practical classes will then give you hands-on experience with manipulation of developmental model organisms.

20 credits

Microbiology 2

This module introduces key concepts in bacterial physiology, genetics, virulence and therapeutics, building on the microbiology topics covered in earlier modules. Topics to be covered in the first half of the module will include aspects of bacterial growth and gene regulation, microbial biodiversity and cellular differentiation, and biotechnology. The module will then move on in the second half to consider both sides of the bacterium-host interaction and the consequences for human health. Using a selection of important human pathogens as examples, the bacterial strategies and virulence factors that contribute to disease will be introduced. The human immune response and the potential of vaccination to protect against disease will then be examined. The targets, mode of action and potential resistance mechanisms of a range of current and potential antimicrobial agents will then be considered. The module will provide opportunities throughout to develop the ability to analyse and interpret microbiological data.

20 credits

Molecular Genetics and Genomics

This module will introduce you to a range of concepts and topics in modern molecular genetics and genomics.

You'll discover how genomes are organised, packaged and maintained, and why these processes are so important. Together, we'll examine how state-of-the-art molecular and computational tools allow us to interrogate genomes to determine how they are inherited and expressed. 

After this, we'll examine how core mechanistic processes (transcription, splicing, mRNA transport and translation) shape how cells operate, and what happens when errors occur in these processes. You'll look at examples in humans and examine the nuclear and extranuclear genetic basis for disease, and how modern genomic tools can be utilised for diagnostics. 

Throughout the module, you'll learn about historic and modern techniques for genetic manipulation through interactive sessions. You'll discover what these tools can achieve; and ethical considerations for using them not just in humans but in all multicellular organisms.

20 credits