BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Bachelor's degree at the University of Derby

The aim of this module is to introduce the basic concepts of modern Biomedical science as a scientific discipline suited for NHS and other careers. The module will focus on principles of professional biomedical practice in different disciplines and provide an insight into the role of a biomedical scientist. It will also define and discuss the role of accrediting, regulatory and professional bodies (such as IBMS and HCPC).

Assessment: Coursework

This module introduces key concepts essential to the understanding of biological and biochemical structures and processes at an atomic, molecular and cellular level. The basic skills required to understand and interpret the behaviour of biological and chemical materials, both qualitatively and quantitatively, will be covered. This module provides an introduction to biodiversity, to the cell, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic, along with the basic biochemistry of carbohydrates and lipids.

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

In this module, the fundamental anatomical and physiological concepts in biology will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the homeostatic interaction between the structure and function of organ systems and their relationship with the internal and external environment. Mammalian, principally human, systems physiology, building on basic comparative physiology, and acknowledging biodiversity, will also be established.

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

The module aims to develop an understanding of what health and wellbeing is and the states of human health that exist. Students will gain knowledge of impacts upon health and wellbeing, and significant public health issues. They will also be introduced to how the clinical laboratory specialities of biomedical science work together in disease diagnosis.

Assessment: Coursework

The module aims to provide a broad introduction to, and basic understanding of, the key concepts in classical and molecular genetics. The content will cover the range of cellular and organismal genetics and show how classical genetics, together with the latest developments in molecular genetics, are being applied to the problems of how genes in different species are organised, expressed and interact to give the final phenotype. The module also addresses the role of genetics in society and some of the ethical issues that surround its use.

Assessment: Coursework

This module will introduce students to the key research methodology required in medical biosciences, which will include cellular pathology, clinical microbiology and clinical biochemical experimental techniques, ethical implications, scientific report writing, presentations and data analysis. Future careers in Biomedical Science and Human Health.

Assessment: Coursework

The aim of the module is to introduce the basic concepts of microbiology. In this module, the students will learn the structure and basic growth requirements and control of microorganisms, and medically important and environmental bacteria, fungi, virus, protozoa and helminths. There will be an introduction to host-pathogen interaction and important microbes in public health. Use of aseptic techniques will be covered in practical laboratory classes.

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

This module will introduce the students to molecular and cellular mechanisms/events of immunity. It will further explore and the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiency syndromes. In addition, the module will analyse immunological basis of cancer and explore immune response to infectious agents and cancer.

Assessment: Coursework

The module covers both theoretical and practical aspects of Diagnostic Molecular Biology including population genetics, polymorphism, gene expression and regulation with examples from numerous methodologies including DNA extraction, PCR, RTPCR and structural and functional genomics. A range of skills will be developed which are directly relevant to the workplace. The Diagnostic Molecular Biology module builds directly on a range of aspects of genetics covered in the first-year modules; particularly ‘Clinical Genetics’ and ‘Chemistry for Life’.

Assessment: Coursework

This module builds on year one and aims to provide the student with a clear view of cell structure and function, together with the underlying biochemistry and biochemical pathways supporting these activities. The involvement of membranes and the cytoskeleton will be illustrated in activities such as energy production, mitosis, and cytokinesis, together with cutting edge subjects such as stem cells, cell aging, cell signalling and cancer. The module will also prepare students for their Research Project. Students will receive guidance on how to plan and propose a piece of independent research and complete a University Research Ethics proposal form, as well as relevant Health and Safety documen

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

This module aims to deliver basic and specialist knowledge through lectures, practical and case studies on haematology and transfusion science subject. Students will learn about different haematological disease, their laboratory diagnosis, blood donation, donor screening, use of blood components and principles and techniques in haematology and transfusion laboratory.

Assessment: Exam, Practical

The module will introduce students to key concepts, techniques and current laboratory practice in cellular pathology (Histopathology and Cytopathology). They will study disease is organs, tissues and cells (such as inflammation, hypersensitivity, cancer etc.) and understand the role of biomedical science in diagnosis, assessment and treatment of disease.

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

This module forms part of the placement year typically completed between the second and final stage of a degree programme. The module provides a framework for the development of reflective skills appropriate to all areas of professional practice including for example aspects of problem solving such as objective setting, planning, negotiating, demonstrating, and reflecting. The emphasis in this module is on the analysis and evaluation of work completed within the organisation and future employability planning. During the module students will develop a reflective portfolio where they record the skills, knowledge and experience developed during the placement experience and evaluate how this wil

Assessment: Coursework

This module represents an opportunity for the student to exercise initiative, creative thinking, and organisational skills in the pursuit of an independent piece of work of their choosing (subject to approval on academic, safety and ethical grounds where appropriate), and is a continuation of the personal skill development initiated in Stages 4 and 5. Central to the research study will be a degree of problem-solving and formulation and testing of hypotheses.

Assessment: Coursework

A knowledge of cell signalling is essential to understanding the molecular mechanisms of disease and the rationale behind drug design. This module focuses on the regulatory mechanisms behind the cellular response to a variety of external signals, considering our current understanding of signalling pathway regulation in health and dysregulation in non-communicable disease states.

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

This module will provide a comprehensive understanding of disease-causing microbes, including their spread, pathogenicity, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The module will focus on public health concerns with rapid evolution of drug-resistant variants and hospital-acquired infections. Particular emphasis will be given to advanced techniques used in clinical practice and research.

Assessment: Coursework

The module is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge on metabolic and clinical aspect of diseases (with selected examples). Students will gain in-depth understanding on the development and application of analytical techniques used for diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.

Assessment: Coursework, Practical

The module aims to provide students with comprehensive knowledge on increased role of automation in the NHS laboratories including point of care testing. Emphasis will also be given on the role of clinical research in medicine and the importance of bioethics in research as well as patient care pathways. It will also introduce advances in diagnostic and therapeutic with the advent of genomics (including pharmacogenomics), proteomics, and personalised medicine.

Assessment: Coursework, Exam