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

This module aims to develop the skills essential for study at university and facilitate the transition into Higher Education. The module will help students understand university systems and processes, the study skills they require to succeed and the role they have in their own learning. The module will be taught through a series of lecture, tutorials and workshop sessions. The module will cover three broad themes linked to individual awareness / personal development, digital literacy and study skills. Topics will be delivered by a range of academic and specialist support staff. Indicative content includes learning styles, student wellbeing, employability, scientific writing, oral communicati

Assessment: Practical

This module will provide students with a theoretical understanding of anatomy and physiology of key body systems. Fundamental anatomical and physiological concepts will be explored for diverse body systems with focus on composition and function. The concepts of health and disease will be introduced while exploring diverse body systems. The following theoretical areas will be covered: basic body anatomy; structure and function of key body systems; introduction to the concept of health and disease.

Assessment: Exam, Practical

This module will introduce the key concepts that underpin biological sciences. It will provide students with a theoretical understanding of the fundamental bioscience areas of cellular biology, biochemistry and genetics. It will also introduce students to how biotechnology is informing our current knowledge of the regulation of cellular mechanisms. The module will also incorporate practical learning to enable students to apply their bioscience knowledge. The following areas will be covered: cell biology; cell types; microscopy; biochemical components and regulation; genetic regulation and genetic inheritance; cellular adaptation; laboratory and practical skills.

Assessment: Coursework

This module aims to gives students an overview of basic chemical principles that form the foundations of chemistry. Students will learn about the fundamental concepts in chemistry. Students will also skills in practical laboratory techniques and data analysis. The module will be taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and practical sessions, employing a range of active learning approaches. Lectures will introduce students to theoretical aspects and principles in chemistry, while problem-based learning in tutorials will be used to consolidate understanding of the key concepts. Students will also undertake chemistry-based laboratory experiments to apply chemical knowledge in a practica

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

This module is an introduction to organisms and their environments. This module develops a basic understanding of ecology, biodiversity and environmental sustainability, through the study of interactions between organisms in natural environments and those modified by man. This module outlines the biological, chemical and physical aspects of the biosphere; the cycling of biologically important chemical elements at different scales; the flow of energy through food chains; introduces the concepts of food webs, ecosystems, communities, and biomes. This module will be taught through a series of interlinked lectures, tutorials, practicals and field trips, and guided independent self-study. Indicat

Assessment: Coursework

This is an interdisciplinary module that introduces you to the study of a broad range of Earth and Environmental Sciences. It is highly practical and underpinned by both field and theoretical investigations. You will apply a range of appropriate techniques to explore the fields of geology, geography, and environmental science. Module learning outcomes On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: Demonstrate a knowledge of topics and skills in geoscience that are relevant to understanding the Earth as a system Plan and conduct practical environmental assessments Interpret environmental data Module content The module will be taught through a series of lectures, practical classe

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 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

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

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

This module provides a framework for the development of “lifelong learning” skills appropriate to all areas of professional practice; including objective setting, planning, negotiating, implementing, demonstrating and reflecting. The emphasis in this module is on the analysis and evaluation of the work completed within the organisation. This module also gives students an opportunity to relate their academic knowledge to the work environment.

Assessment: Coursework

Students need to be aware of the commercial realities and external factors that influence the success of an organisation. This module provides opportunities for students to acquire an understanding of contemporary issues that may impact on industrial and professional practices relevant to a career within their chosen discipline. During this period of work experience, students can gain a deeper appreciation of the responsibilities arising from both corporate and individual responses to such issues, thus enabling them to relate to the wider world when exploring a personal direction for potential career development.

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