Aims

The module is intended to provide students with an introduction to the biology of disease that is applicable to human science. It will:

• Develop understanding of fundamental concepts of aetiology, pathology and epidemiology which may be applied in further studies.
• Review the causes and effects of a range of significant diseases, especially those prevalent in the UK.
• Provide an opportunity for students to develop written and presentation skills.
• Provide an opportunity to take on self-directed research of relevant topics.

Module Content

• The nature of disease and pathology
• Tissue damage and cell death processes
• Basics of cancer biology, cancer detection and treatment
• Haematology (functions & dys-functions of the blood)
• Ageing and age related disease
• Cardiovascular disease and obesity
• Role of reactive oxygen species and cytokines in disease
• Pregnancy related complications.

Aims

This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of key biochemical concepts such as regulation of enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways (carbohydrate, protein and lipids), metabolic regulation, and pathological metabolism (including inherited metabolic diseases). The practical work aims to give students an opportunity to further investigate and reinforce knowledge of key lecture biochemical topics through practical sessions.

Module content

• Overview of metabolic regulation
• Carbohydrate metabolism
• Amino acid metabolism and the Urea cycle
• Lipid metabolism and nucleotide metabolism
• The pentose phosphate pathway and its role in red blood cells
• Methods of studying metabolism and metabolomics
• Rate controlling steps in metabolism
• Allosteric enzymes and covalent modification
• Metabolic control by hormones
• Whole body metabolism and the role of the liver
• Blood lipids in health and disease
• Inborn errors in metabolism
• Obesity and diabetes
• Metabolic related clinical case studies

Module Aim

• A detailed understanding of diagnostics and medicine in a clinical setting.
• An understanding of major diagnostic methods, therapeutic interventions and treatment strategies.
• An appreciation of current research which underpins the evaluation and development of drugs in clinical and experimental settings.
• The module will communicate pharmacological and bioanalytical knowledge relevant to the Biomedical Scientists and Health Care Professional.  

Module Content

Review of the major disease processes and their descriptive terminology.

• Risk factors for, classification and aetiology of the major diseases (e.g. disorders of the immune system, organ dysfunction, cancer).

• Clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment interventions (medical and surgical) in the management of major diseases and disorders.

• Biochemical tests for selected disorders of organ function and human biochemistry.
• Interpretation of histological sections.

• Integration of physiological systems and their impact on disease progression and management, including monitoring of measurable outcomes.

• Specific classes of therapeutics, mode of action, distribution, metabolism, elimination.

This module covers the major topics in cellular and molecular immunology, including antigen recognition, antigen processing and presentation to B and T cells, the molecular events leading to the generation of antibody and T cell receptor diversity, antibody effector functions, the role of CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets and NK cells in immune responses, self-tolerance and autoimmunity, the inflammatory response and the role of immunity in protection against pathogens. The module will allow core immunological principles to be utilised in developing research proposals.

Module content:

• Fundamentals of immunology.
• Innate immunity.
• Specific acquired immunity.
• B cells and Antibodies.
• Membrane receptors for antigen.
• Antigen specific recognition.
• The anatomy of the immune response.
• Lymphocyte activation.
• The production of effectors.
• The regulation of the immune response.
• Development and trafficking of immune cells.
• Applied immunology.
• Immunopathology.
• Immunodeficiency.
• Allergy and other hypersensitivities.
• Autoimmune diseases.

Module Aim

To develop an understanding of regulatory issues, health and safety, quality control, accreditation and the application of academic knowledge in a pathology and general laboratory context.

Students will gain experience of applying and developing skills in an appropriate and relevant setting to make students increasingly responsible for their own learning and encourage them to value and evaluate learning through experience.

Module Content

A support lecture programme (which will include seminars and professional visiting lectures), will be available to students. It is expected the student will have opportunity to learn about the same content while on placement in the professional environment. 

Topics covered will include;
Professional and regulatory bodies related to the practice of Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science,
Health & Care Professions Council).
HCPC standards of proficiency for Biomedical Scientists.
Medical Laboratory Accreditation and quality control (United Kingdom Accreditation Service-UKAS & NEQAS)
Health & Safety (COSHH, SOPs, risk assessments)
Continued professional development.
Clinical governance.
Roles and experience within the NHS (including MLA & AP, STP - Clinical Scientist & NHSP experience).
Clinical statistics, time and record keeping.
Reflective and evidence based practice.

Databases and Bioinformatics.

Module Aim

To develop an understanding of regulatory issues, health and safety, quality control, accreditation and the application of academic knowledge in a pathology and general laboratory context.

Students will gain experience of applying and developing skills in an appropriate and relevant setting to make students increasingly responsible for their own learning and encourage them to value and evaluate learning through experience.

Module Content

A support lecture programme (which will include seminars and professional visiting lectures), will be available to students. It is expected the student will have opportunity to learn about the same content while on placement in the professional environment. 

Topics covered will include;
Professional and regulatory bodies related to the practice of Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science,
Health & Care Professions Council).
HCPC standards of proficiency for Biomedical Scientists.
Medical Laboratory Accreditation and quality control (United Kingdom Accreditation Service-UKAS & NEQAS)
Health & Safety (COSHH, SOPs, risk assessments)
Continued professional development.
Clinical governance.
Roles and experience within the NHS (including MLA & AP, STP - Clinical Scientist & NHSP experience).
Clinical statistics, time and record keeping.
Reflective and evidence based practice.

Databases and Bioinformatics.

The placement laboratory will aim to allow rotation between a minimum 3 of the following pathology disciplines:
Clinical Biochemistry.
Haematology & Transfusion Science
Medical Microbiology.
Clinical immunology.
Molecular Biology & Genetics.
Cellular Pathology (Histology & Cytopathology).
Point of care testing.