All module information is for 2026/7 entry and is subject to change.
First year
Core
Cell Biology
Cells are the building blocks of the human body. An understanding of how cells function is needed to be able to understand how human bodies work,
This module supports the programme by developing learners’ knowledge of the underlying concepts and core principles of Biomedical Science (PLO1) through the development of an understanding of the cellular basis of life and our anatomy. This module will introduce the structure and function of cells, specialised cell types including immune cells and the visualisation techniques used to study subcellular organelles.
This module will support those students who wish to undertake a career in research or the cellular basis of disease.
Molecules of Life
Understanding how molecules within a cell interact is key to being able to understand how the human body responds to physiological changes or drug treatments.
This module supports the programme by developing learners' knowledge of the underlying concepts and core principles of biomedical science (PLO1) through the development of understanding of key chemical principles relevant to biological systems. This module covers the basic molecules of life, metabolism and function of these molecules and the role of electrolyte and pH homeostasis in supporting their physiological conformation. The biochemistry of processes that support life, including cellular metabolism and its control, will also be covered.
This module will support those students seeking knowledge to support their employment or further study in medicine and medical research. It emphasises the importance of molecular interactions in normal physiological responses.
Laboratory and Professional Skills 1
Scientists are not only responsible for routine testing required for healthcare decisions, but they are also fundamental for furthering our understanding of disease and pioneering new treatments. To be able to work effectively, scientists must possess not only key laboratory skills but also keen inquiry, evaluation and critical analysis skills.
This module supports the Biomedical Science programme by developing learners' practical, literacy, numerical and data-handling skills. The module also furthers understanding of professional standards in Biomedical Science and facilitates the acquisition of core personal transferable skills (PLO2-5). This module will support those students seeking technical knowledge, practical skills and professional skills to support their employment in research or routine testing laboratories.
Human Physiology
Human diseases have wide and varying impacts on different parts of the human body. For example, Diabetes can cause problems for the cardiovascular system, the renal system, nerves and visual systems. Therefore, it is important to understand how the human body works in health so that changes which happen in disease can be identified and treated.
This module supports the programme by developing learners' knowledge of the underlying concepts and core principles of Biomedical Science (PLO1) through the development of an understanding of the functional organisation of the human body using a systems approach to normal anatomy and physiology, and selected examples of pathophysiological changes and disease.
This module will support those students seeking knowledge to support their employment in medicine and medical research. It emphasises the control and integration of cells and systems in the healthy body and outlines some important disease states.
Introductory Microbiology
The importance of microbiology has recently come into sharp focus with numerous outbreaks of infectious diseases and global pandemics. This has led to the prioritisation of microbiology research and major healthcare developments in this area.
This module supports the programme by developing learners' knowledge of the underlying concepts and core principles of Biomedical Science (PLO1) through the development of an understanding of microbial structure, growth and adaptation to new environments. The impact of this on human health will be introduced, including how bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites cause infections and built upon further by examining the immune response to infection.
The Level 5 module Medical Microbiology and Infection Control builds on this module.
This module will support those students who wish to develop a career in either medical or industrial microbiology. It will provide fundamental practical experience of aseptic techniques and bacterial identification.
Genetics
Genetics is at the core of our very existence. Genetics explains how human bodies are built, and governs our inheritance, susceptibility to disease and response to treatments. Understanding the concepts of genetics can help drive advances in healthcare and personalised medicine.
This module supports the programme by developing learners knowledge of the underlying concepts and core principles of Biomedical Science (PLO1) through understanding classical, molecular and clinical approaches to genetics. It also focuses on knowledge of inheritance, structure and role of red cell antigens.
This module will support those students seeking knowledge to support their employment in research or clinical testing laboratories.
Second year
Core
Clinical and Analytical Biochemistry
Clinical and Analytical Biochemistry is the division of laboratory medicine that deals with the measurement of chemicals in blood, urine and other body fluids. Test findings are useful for detecting health problems, determining prognosis and guiding patient therapy.
This module supports the programme by developing learners’ knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of Biomedical Science (PLO6). It also enables learners to evaluate and discuss the laboratory specialities of clinical biochemistry (PLO7).
The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of how biochemical techniques are used in biomedical sciences to screen, diagnose, monitor, treat diseases and develop new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of diseases. Learners will develop presentation and data analysis skills.
This module will help those students seeking knowledge to support their employment in medicine and medical research. It emphasises the importance of biochemical analysis of human samples in the diagnosis of health and disease.
Medical Microbiology and Infection Science
Medical Microbiology is a branch of medical science concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. This field of science studies the various clinical applications of microorganisms for the improvement of health. Medical microbiologists support and oversee the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness caused by microorganisms.
This module supports the programme by developing learners' knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of Biomedical Science (PLO6). It also enables learners to evaluate and discuss the laboratory specialities of medical microbiology (PLO7).
This will be achieved by considering a variety of pathogenic microorganisms, exploring the virulence factors and pathogenesis of infectious agents, including bacteria and viruses, revisiting the concept of host/microbe interactions in health and disease, and the roles of host responses in clinical conditions caused by infection. The techniques used in the identification and characterisation of microbes in modern and routine diagnostic microbiology will be considered, as well as hospital- and community-acquired infections and the roles of infection control; emerging infections in relation to potential epidemics and pandemics will be explored. The concept of epidemiology in monitoring and addressing infectious diseases will be investigated.
This module will support those students seeking knowledge to assist their employment in medicine and medical research. It emphasises the importance of host/microbe interactions in health and disease.
Immunology, Haematology and Transfusion Science
Immunology is a branch of medicine that studies the immune system, which protects us from infection through various lines of defence. Haematology and Transfusion Science is the study and analysis of blood and blood-forming tissues. Both are key disciplines required routinely in laboratory investigations for diagnosis of health and disease,
This module supports the programme by developing learners' knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of Biomedical Science (PLO6). It also enables learners to evaluate and discuss the laboratory specialities of clinical immunology, haematology and transfusion science (PLO7).
In this module, learners will develop an appreciation of the fundamentals of the immune system and immune responses. Learners will be introduced to some basic immunological techniques commonly used throughout the Biomedical Sciences. Learners will develop an appreciation of the study and investigation of the different elements that constitute blood in normal and diseased states (haematology) and the identification of blood group antigens and antibodies, which ensures a safe supply of blood and blood components (transfusion science).
This module will support those students seeking knowledge for their employment in medicine and medical research. It emphasises the importance of the blood and immune system interactions in health and disease.
Laboratory and Professional Skills 2
Scientists are responsible for not only routine testing required for healthcare decisions, but they are also fundamental for furthering our understanding of disease and pioneering new treatments. To be able to work effectively, scientists must possess not only key laboratory skills but also essential inquiry and critical evaluation skills.
This module supports the programme by developing learners’ practical, literacy, numerical and data handling skills. The module also furthers understanding of professional standards in Biomedical Science by facilitating the acquisition of core personal transferable skills (PLO8-10).
This module will enhance student employability through a focus on personal and career development. Students will be supported to identify and further develop personal transferable skills, particularly in the application of numerical and practical laboratory-based skills, and to develop confidence and independence in the laboratory.
Pathology
Pathology is a Biomedical Science specialist laboratory discipline that involves the study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of tissue specimens. Human diseases have a wide impact at the cellular level and tissue level. Understanding the mechanisms by which diseases occur is essential in the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
This module supports the Biomedical Science programme by developing learners' knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of Biomedical Science (PLO6). It also enables learners to evaluate and discuss the laboratory specialities of cellular pathology (PLO7). This will be done by promoting learners' appreciation of: the pathogenic mechanisms (endogenous and exogenous) associated with the development, progress, manifestation and complications of disease in human beings; the range of diseases which affect particular organs/tissues and the accompanying changes in morphology both locally and systemically. Learners will also understand the importance of digital pathology in diagnostic medicine in order to achieve even better, faster and cheaper diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of cancer and other important diseases.
This module will support those students seeking knowledge to support their employment in medicine and medical research. It emphasises the control and integration of cells and systems in the healthy body and the mechanisms involved in the development of specific diseases
Molecular Biology
Molecular Biology is a branch of biology that studies how molecules interact with one another in living organisms to perform functions of life. In the context of the programme, molecular biologists investigate human genetics and the molecular basis of disease using advanced laboratory techniques which will be covered in this module.
This module supports the programme by developing learners’ knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of Biomedical Science (BMS PLO6). It also enables learners to evaluate and discuss the genetics laboratory speciality (BMS PLO7, HCS PLO6).
This module aims to promote knowledge and application of the basic principles of Molecular Biology. To appreciate recombinant RNA, DNA, proteins and their functions. To describe the application of gene expression systems and cloning. To describe techniques relating to DNA isolation, purification and quantitation (including PCR). To understand the principles of genetic sequencing (Sanger, Illumina, Short- and Long-read technology), genetic testing, screening and pharmacogenetics (personalised medicine). To explain methods relating to genetic manipulation and its ethical issues (RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9).
This module will support those students seeking knowledge to assist their employment in medicine and medical research. It emphasises the importance of the use of molecular biology techniques in scientific and applied research.
Final year
Core
Biomedical Science Research Project
The Biomedical Science Research Project is an individual programme of supervised research in which the learner, in consultation with their supervisor, designs and carries out experiments, analyses data, presents findings and critically evaluates results and published literature. These skills enable the learner to become autonomous while working on a unique, cutting-edge research project in a biomedical science field.
This module supports the programme through the acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge in a research-led project (PLO11). It also enables learners to demonstrate their ability to manage autonomous learning and make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources to devise and sustain arguments (PLO12-13).
This capstone project module will build on prior learning to develop research design skills through the planning and execution of hypothesis-based research and scientific writing.
This module will support those students seeking knowledge to assist their employment in any laboratory-based employment (e.g. NHS, public health laboratories, research and development laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, food and water industry, veterinary laboratories, forensic science). The skills will also facilitate learner transition to other higher education programmes.
Learners are encouraged to self-reflect on enterprise, entrepreneurship and employability skills throughout the module, giving them specific examples to be used in job applications and/ or interviews.
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Clinical Genetics and Genomic Medicine
Technological improvements and reduction in the cost of whole genome sequencing has made personalised medicine a reality. This module explores not only the principles underlying core technologies but also the data analysis and application in a clinical setting.
This module also aims to give students an introduction to bioinformatic data processing for large datasets.
This module supports the programme through applying skills in critical thinking, numbering skills (HCS PLO11) and developing technical skills required for data analysis (HCS PLO12 and 13, BMS PLO11 and 13).
This module will support those students seeking knowledge to support their employment in research or who wish to go on to further study in this field.
Biology of Disease
To be able to treat and monitor chronic and acute diseases a fundamental understanding of the causes, mechanisms and pathology are required. This requires knowledge and understanding which spans more than just the clinical disciplines of Biomedical Science but also extends to cutting edge scientific research.
This module supports the programme through applying skills in critical thinking (Healthcare Science (HCS), programme learning outcome (PLO) 11), discussion and evaluation of current research (HCS PLO12, Biomedical Science (BMS) PLO11 & 13).
The module explores the mechanisms of development, progression, manifestation and complications of disease in human beings.
The focus of this module is understanding the role of laboratory testing in diagnosis of disease and the underlying cause of pathological changes observed at not only the macro and microscopic level but also the accompanying changes in biochemistry, cell biology and physiology.
This module will help those students seeking knowledge to support their employment in healthcare laboratories, medicine and medical research.
Optional
School of Chemistry and Biosciences Study Abroad Experience
Benefit from studying and living abroad. Develop intercultural awareness and competence through reflection on your experience. Enhance your personal development allowing you the scope to transfer the skills acquired to both academic work and your future career. Broaden your academic knowledge by studying appropriate modules and embrace different academic approaches. Where appropriate, enhance your language skills and develop strategies for more effective language learning.
Industry, Innovation and Healthcare
Individuals looking to pursue a career with industry or healthcare need an awareness of regulatory rules and procedures within these sectors. This module will provide specialist training in this area and will also cover science communication.
Research Design
To be able to test a hypothesis, scientists must construct an experiment or a series of experiments to ensure that the data generated will be robust and valid. This module provides training on key considerations that should be made during experimental design.
This module supports the programme through acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge in a research-led project (PLO11). It also enables learners to demonstrate their ability to manage autonomous learning and make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources to devise and sustain arguments (PLO12-13).
This module will provide training tailored to those students who are considering continuing to study a higher degree e.g. MSc or PhD.
Science Education
Individuals who wish to pursue a career in teaching science will often read for a science degree before going on to further study or on-the-job training to become a teacher.
This module will support those students seeking to explore future career options in science education by enabling students to develop knowledge and understanding of the skills and abilities required to teach STEM subjects.
Diagnostics in Biochemistry and Immunology
Accurate diagnosis of disease is important for delivery of an effective treatment. Monitoring of chronic disease also allows efficacy of treatment to be assessed.
This module supports the Healthcare Science programme by developing learners' understanding of diagnostic procedures in Healthcare Science (PLO12) through experience of the application and delivery of a range of core and specialised methods and techniques in clinical biochemistry and immunology. This module also focuses on understanding the importance of clinical biochemistry and immunology in the clinical investigation of patients.
This module will support those students seeking knowledge to support their employment in healthcare laboratories, medicine and medical research.
Diagnostic Histopathology
Histopathology is the study of changes in tissues caused by disease. Diagnosis and therefore treatment of disease relies upon understanding the changes which are happening within the human body.
This module supports the Healthcare Science programme by developing learners' understanding of diagnostic procedures in Healthcare Science (PLO12) through experience of the application and delivery of a range of core and specialised methods and techniques in pathology. This module also focusses on understanding the importance of pathology in the clinical investigation of patients.
This module will support those students seeking knowledge to support their employment in healthcare laboratories, medicine and medical research.
Diagnostic Microbiology
Infection by microbial species can cause a plethora of human diseases with variation in the severity of symptoms. Treatment options are species specific and using the wrong treatment can make symptoms worse. Therefore, accurate detection and diagnosis of the pathogenic microbe is vital.
This module supports the Healthcare Science programme by developing learners understanding of diagnostic procedures in Healthcare Science (PLO12) through understanding strategies to prevent and investigate bacterial infections. This module also enables students to understand and gain experience of the application and delivery of a range of core and specialised methods and techniques from across the infection sciences.
This module will support those students seeking knowledge to support their employment in healthcare laboratories, medicine and medical research.
Cancer Biology
To be able to improve cancer treatments and outcomes an understanding of the underlying the biology controlling cancer establishment, growth and spread is required.
This module supports the programme by developing learners’ understanding of key aspects of Biomedical Science (PLO11) through the study of cancer biology, specifically the biochemistry, pathology and molecular biology of cancer. The module will also introduce common first line cancer therapeutics and drug development.
This module will support those students seeking knowledge to support their employment in medical research or who wish to go on to further study in this field.
