MSci (Hons) Biomedicine Integrated Master's degree at Lancaster University

This module provides an exciting opportunity to explore the anatomy and physiology of key body systems and build a solid foundation to support your future learning. Focusing on the human system, you will examine the structure-function relationships of the organs and tissues that protect, sustain, and maintain the body in health. You’ll also discover the mechanisms of communication within and between tissues that regulate responses to maintain homeostasis within an organism. Through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops and hands-on laboratory sessions, you will develop essential scientific knowledge and practical skills, reinforcing your understanding of how the body maintains hom

Explore the fascinating world of genetics and biotechnology, from the fundamentals of inheritance to cutting-edge genomics. You’ll examine Mendelian genetics and the molecular basis of inheritance through learning how DNA is replicated and how genes are transcribed and translated. You’ll examine the human genome, genome sequencing and be introduced to the role of bioinformatics in understanding genetic data. You’ll also discover how DNA damage can lead to genetic mutations that can in turn lead to heritable and non-heritable diseases and explore genetic testing techniques used today. The module also introduces other key molecular biotechnologies, including microbial, plant and animal technol

This module introduces you to the essential skills required to support your studies in the biosciences. You will learn how to design and undertake safe, ethical, hypothesis-driven experiments, and gain hands-on experience of essential laboratory skills and equipment. This is complemented with training in carrying out scientific calculations and the use of computational tools to effectively analyse and present diverse types of data. Finally, this module prepares you to communicate your research to a scientific audience through effective presentation of results and developing a scientific writing style that summarises and critically evaluates your results in the context of current scientific l

This module will introduce you to the incredible world of microbiology. You’ll learn how some microbes are harmful, but others have important roles in the environment, in our bodies and are even exploited in the food industry. Through hands-on practical sessions and workshops, you’ll learn how to identify microbes and understand the dynamics of microbial growth. You will also learn about how the human host responds to exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. We will explore the intricate relationship between pathogens and human health and explore how pathogens cause disease. The biology of infecting organisms and the host’s immune response will both be examined as these are vital components in

Cells are the basic building blocks of life. In this module you will be introduced to how cells use biological molecules to perform specific functions. All cellular life, from single celled bacteria and yeast to complex multicellular organisms, including plants and humans, synthesise simple organic molecules such as sugars, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids. You will learn how organisms are able to synthesise these molecules to build complex biomolecules to store energy and genetic information. In addition, you will gain knowledge about the function of specific cell types, and intracellular organelles that perform essential processes within cells. You will learn how cells use defined pr

With 70% of diagnoses within the NHS based on results provided by laboratory services, Biomedical Scientists working in healthcare laboratories play essential roles in diagnosing disease and evaluating treatment effectiveness. In this module you’ll be introduced to key biomedical laboratory specialisms, including Cellular Pathology, Medical Microbiology and Clinical Biochemistry, and the quality assurance criteria essential for optimal laboratory operation. You'll become familiar with the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and management of a range of diseases and explore the use of point of care in the detection of disease. You’ll also be introduced to the basic principles of pharmacology to

Pharmacology is a cornerstone of modern medicine. It provides the basis for the discovery, development, and use of drugs for the management and treatment of human health and disease. In this module you will learn about the key concepts and principles that underpin the science of pharmacology. We will consider how drugs interact with targets in the body, to cause their physiological effects, and how our bodies interact with these drugs. We will also explore how these are impacted by factors like age, sex, and ethnicity. We’ll then explore drug discovery and development, including the stages involved in taking a new drug from initial concept through to clinical use. Finally, we’ll consider the

In this module you’ll explore the molecular principles that govern cellular function and metabolism. You’ll study the structure and function of key biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, with an emphasis on their roles in metabolic pathways and other essential cellular mechanisms. Topics include enzyme kinetics, metabolic regulation, and the biochemical basis of energy transfer within the cell. The module will provide you with the molecular underpinnings of human health and highlight how disruptions in biochemical pathways contribute to disease development. Laboratory sessions will let you gain a more in-depth and practical understanding of the topics covered. By the end o

In this module you’ll explore the intricate processes through which cells respond to environmental and developmental signals. You’ll study the cellular signalling pathways, gene expression regulation, and the molecular mechanisms that guide processes such as growth, differentiation, migration, and survival. The contribution of stem cells to these processes and how tightly regulated mechanisms shape tissues and organs will also be examined. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the dynamic interplay between cells and their surroundings, and how disruptions in these mechanisms contribute to developmental disorders and disease.

This module explores the positive and negative roles of microbes with regards to human health. You will learn how our indigenous microbes help with numerous physiological functions, protect us from invasion by pathogens and how they are tolerated by our immune system. We will take a detailed look at the pathogenic mechanisms of a range of microbes and what makes some more virulent than others. You will learn about our natural defence, the innate and adaptive immune system and how its various components (organs, cells, and messengers) collectively function to fight off infections. We will also examine human interventions to control infections, i.e., prevention (e.g. disinfectants, vaccination

In this module you will gain a deep understanding of the molecular processes that underpin the normal function of genes and genomes, with a focus on eukaryotes, and how these processes can become disrupted in disease. We'll discuss DNA replication and the importance of faithful transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next. We will also consider the molecular mechanisms used by cells to ensure the information encoded in the genome is transcribed and translated appropriately to produce proteins. You'll gain insight into the crucial role epigenetics plays in genome function through its regulation of gene expression and learn about how mutations arise in genomes and their

This module takes you through the process of drug development - from initial discovery to market. We'll cover target identification and validation followed by hit identification and lead discovery. You’ll learn about different approaches for finding new drugs: from high throughput screening of compound libraries to focused screens, virtual screens and structure-based drug design. You’ll gain insight into challenges in assessing the efficacy and safety of new drugs, including the testing strategies and legal requirements involved. We will explore how preclinical models are used to test pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters and how this helps determine factors like drug formulation an

In this module you'll gain a detailed understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system. You will learn how the diverse cell types of the nervous system work together to allow it to perform its various complex functions. We will cover aspects from the microscopic scale, such as the molecular inner workings of single neurons and synapses, up to the large-scale complexity of how brain areas work together to process information and produce behaviour. How these processes are impacted in a variety of neurological disorders will also be considered. You will also gain new insight into the range of experimental approaches and techniques that have been used to reveal fundamental aspec

In this module you will develop your understanding of the key stages in the life cycle of proteins, from their synthesis to their breakdown. You will explore amino acid biosynthesis, protein translation by ribosomes, the intracellular trafficking of proteins, and the post-translational modifications that influence protein function. Protein degradation pathways, such as the ubiquitin-proteasome system, will be considered. The importance of regulation of protein homeostasis in health and disease will also be discussed. The module will integrate experimental approaches and techniques used to study proteins and provide you with new insights into their applications.

This module will equip you with an in-depth understanding of critical concepts in the science of pharmacology through exploration of real-world examples. You will gain deeper insight into how pharmacodynamic parameters determine how drugs are administered and their effects on the body. In addition to looking at how drugs affect the body, we'll also discuss how the body affects drugs - exploring in detail the pharmacokinetic parameters of absorption, distribution metabolism and excretion (ADME). You'll learn how drug formulation and delivery route can alter ADME characteristics, enabling a drug's effects to be fine-tuned to achieve the required clinical outcome. We will cover adverse effects

The research project provides you with first-hand experience of research and the opportunity to be immersed in an area of work of current interest in biomedical and life sciences. Your research project is underpinned by training in research methods to support you in planning, conducting, and reporting on an open-ended investigation. Throughout your project, you’ll receive one-to-one support from a member of academic staff with expertise in your specific area of study. Projects cover a wide variety of topics and may be carried out in a variety of ways. They involve a significant amount of original work and analysis, so you gain experience in a range of skills, including experimental design an

This module will examine the fundamental genetic causes of cancer, before discovering how modern genomics is transforming our understanding and treatment of this disease. You’ll explore the genetic and environmental factors that drive cancer, including inherited predisposition syndromes and lifestyle risks. You’ll learn about cancer prevention strategies, screening techniques and diagnostic methods used in clinical practice. You will also explore the latest advances in cancer treatment, from targeted therapies to immunotherapy and the challenges of turning scientific discoveries into real-world treatments. You’ll engage with current research, gaining insights into the future of cancer care a

Whilst scientific advances have led to tremendous improvements in human health over the past century, significant challenges remain. These include, problems associated with an ageing population and an increase in non-communicable diseases, new and re-emerging infectious diseases, the impact of environmental factors and social determinants on health, as well as continued disparity in access to healthcare provision across different population groups. In this module you will study challenges of global significance that will provide you with a real-world perspective on human health and the multi-disciplinary and collaborative approaches required to tackle challenges on a national and internation

This module will provide an in-depth exploration of novel pharmacological approaches that are revolutionising the treatment of many conditions. You will be introduced to new concepts in the design and use of small molecules to treat disease. For example, we will look at how PROTACs and molecular glues can be used to degrade target proteins rather than inhibit them. We will also discuss recently emerging therapeutic avenues such as biologics, nanotechnology, cell and gene therapy, immunological therapies, and other medicine modalities. You'll understand how these approaches work and the benefits they offer in treating and preventing disease.

In this module you will learn how brain circuits are set up and how they work to process information and produce behaviour. This module will give you a deep and broad understanding of nervous system function, from the mechanisms involved in the development of the nervous system, to how it is set up to process sensory information. You will learn about the neural control of complex behaviours, learning and memory and higher order cognitive processes. You’ll also learn about the valuable role that experiments conducted in a diverse range of model organisms has played in elucidating the developmental pathways, molecular mechanisms and neural circuits underlying behaviours. Practical exercises wi

Bioinformatics is a technical field that uses software applications to analyse many kinds of information relevant to biochemistry and other branches of biology. These include databases of biological sequences, structures, networks, and functional annotations. In this module you’ll learn how to apply various important software tools to investigate a protein. Specifically, you will learn how to visualise and manipulate protein structures, how to detect evolutionary pressures in gene sequences and how to track their history using phylogenetics. The scientific computing skills you will acquire are also a valuable transferrable skill for other disciplines.

Ageing is perhaps the most multidisciplinary area of study and certainly one of the remaining great mysteries in biology. Although we have known for decades why we age, our understanding of the biological mechanisms of ageing remains incomplete. In this module you will learn about current evolutionary and mechanistic thinking on ageing. We will cover how the advent of modern molecular biology tools has empowered experimentalists to put theories to the test, unravelling context-specific and conserved mechanisms of ageing, to paint a complex, but hopeful picture of human ageing. You'll journey through the intricate, sometimes shocking, history of biogerontology, from early rate of living and m

In this module you will examine the role of cell signalling in maintaining health and the results of its dysfunction in disease. You will cover key signalling pathways and second messenger systems and their roles in cellular communication. Emphasis is placed on experimental techniques used to study signalling pathways and their potential as therapeutic targets. Through case studies, research literature and experimental approaches you will develop a critical understanding of signalling mechanisms in both normal physiology and disease states.

Advances in biomedicine raise complex ethical challenges that shape research, policy, and healthcare. In this module you will explore key ethical principles, examining how cultural, social, and political factors influence biomedical debates. This module will equip you with the critical thinking skills to navigate dilemmas across public health, genetics, regenerative medicine, and clinical trials. Through interactive seminars and workshops, you'll engage with real-world ethical controversies, enhancing your ability to assess biomedical advancements and their societal impact. Key topics include the development of ethical principles in biomedicine, ethical considerations in human and animal res

In this module you will deepen your knowledge of clinical genetics and immunology. The genetic bases for diseases will be covered, along with the role of the clinical geneticist, the variety of diagnostic approaches and the future of genetics in medicine. Examining immune function and immunopathologies, you'll consider clinical conditions such as autoimmunity, allergy and immunodeficiencies and how immunological techniques facilitate diagnosis and treatment. You will examine genetic and environmental causes of immune dysfunction and learn how this knowledge can be harnessed clinically in the context of transplantation and genetic disease.

A significant percentage of the global population live with a chronic disease which limits their ability to perform common tasks and live a fulfilling life. This module explores various diseases that affect human health, including neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease; arthritis; cerebrovascular disease and diabetes. You’ll investigate the molecular mechanisms of disease and the clinical investigations performed by Biomedical Scientists to diagnose disease and monitor the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Many chronic diseases are more common in older people, so measuring biological age is critical in delivering accurate diagnoses and targeted interventio

In this module you will undertake an extended research project on a specific topic within your field of study. The MSci project enables you to build on the research skills you developed during your Biosciences Research Project but further enhances your independence and experience of working in a research environment. You will undertake a review of relevant and contemporary research literature, apply appropriate research methods and techniques to collect, analyse and interpret data; and present your findings in an extensive written report and oral examination. The overall aim of this module is to help you develop greater competence in conducting rigorous, independent research, and to refine y

Did you know that your brain is formed in the first 4 weeks of pregnancy and continues to mature into your mid-20s? Did you also know that your brain shrinks by about five percent per decade after the age of 40? In this module, you’ll study a range of brain disorders that typically emerge at different points during childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Using examples such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease, you’ll learn how genetic and environmental factors lead to the dysfunction of brain cells and associated pathologies. The impact of this on behavioural and cognitive changes will also be discussed. You’ll also actively participate in discussions of current and emerging met

Cancer is a complex disease that arises from our own cells and tissues. Mutation in specific genes play a key role in promoting tumourigenesis. Consequently, these molecular differences between cancer cells and our healthy tissues, provide an opportunity to target cancer. You will explore the hallmarks of cancer to gain insight into how cancer cells differ from normal cells, learning how these provide opportunities to effectively treat cancer. You will also learn how a deep understanding of the genetic changes in cancer cells can identify which patients would benefit from specific treatments. The immune system plays a key role in tumourigenesis and for the treatment of cancer. You will devel

How do new medicines get discovered? What needs to happen to get new medicines available to people who need them? This module will provide you with the tools to critically evaluate the drug discovery process, using examples of successes and failures. You will learn how current and emerging tools, such as genomics, virtual design, high throughput screening and safety testing are used to allow new medicines to reach clinical trials and regulatory approval. You will participate in discussions to unpick what we mean by diseases or conditions with unmet medical and societal need, intellectual property, Big Pharma and Small Biotech. This module will also help you recognise the wide array of roles

Beyond the classical role of protecting us from infection, we are now beginning to uncover the key role of inflammation in obesity, cancer, and ageing. Therefore, understanding our immune system, as the key orchestrator of inflammation, has never been more important. In this module you will gain advanced knowledge of the innate and adaptive immune system, understanding classical and novel cell types, their role in preventing disease and how failure of the immune system results in chronic infection or autoimmunity. You’ll study immunological disorders and how application of innovative immunological research is applied to biomedical science and clinical practice. You will also explore how our

In this module you will study Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), a diverse group of conditions caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi, and toxins found in snake venom. The World Health Organisation estimates that NTDs affect more than 1 billion people worldwide, disproportionately affecting impoverished communities in tropical and sub-tropical regions, with significant health, societal, and economic consequences. Despite the tremendous impact NTDs have on human health and wellbeing, these conditions are considered ‘neglected,’ as historically they have received little attention and funding from the global community. In this module you will develop a de