Biomedical Science

This module will consider the anatomy and function of the immune system and immunopathology and then consider the diseases and microorganisms that affect the different organs and tissues of the human body. Indicative topics will include inflammation, innate and adaptive immunity to pathogens, immune defence mechanisms against bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, antibody classes and functions, antigen processing and presentation, complement, the generation of antibody diversity, cell communication and immunopathology, including autoimmunity, hypersensitivity and transplant rejection. In the medical microbiology section of the module, indicative topics will include epidemiology, virology, parasitology, fungal infections, skin infections, GI tract infections, CNS infections, respiratory tract infections, UTI and STD infections.

This module will consider the anatomy and function of normal tissues, organs and systems and then describe their major pathophysiological conditions. It will consider the aetiology of the condition, its biochemistry and its manifestation at the level of cells, tissues and the whole patient. It may also cover the diagnosis and treatment of the disease condition. Indicative topics will include the reproductive system; muscle; nervous system; and endocrine system.

Introduction and basic principles of drug action: key drug targets including major receptor subtypes, ion channels, transporters, and structure-function relationships.

Systems pharmacology: the biological basis of diseases states affecting different physiological systems, therapeutic approaches to treating these diseases, and the cellular/molecular mode of action of drugs used. Indicative diseases may include hypertension, asthma, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, infertility, depression and anxiety.

This module covers the general principles of metabolic disorders and focuses on pathways, enzyme mechanisms, and diseases associated with defects in metabolism.

This module introduces students to clinical biochemistry and cellular pathology, and molecular pathology. Students learn about the principles of and procedures for a wide variety of techniques employed in modern laboratory medicine. Students practice integration and practical application of this knowledge throughout the module using diagnostic case study analyses. The clinical biochemistry section is organised anatomically. The cellular and molecular pathology section is organised according to laboratory medicine specialities, with particular emphasis placed on the detection and diagnosis of cancer in the NHS. Quality assurance, governance and regulatory systems relevant to UK laboratory medicine are introduced.

A. Communication Skills in Biosciences: Essay writing, oral presentations, laboratory reports, the scientific literature and literature reviews. Working in groups.

B. Techniques in Biomolecular Science: Electrophoresis, Immunoblotting, Protein Determination, Activity Assays, Purification.

C. Computing for Biologists: Bioinformatics, phylogenetic trees, database searches for protein/DNA sequences.

D. Mini-project – introduction to research skills: Students will work in groups of eight to undertake directed experimental work (Group Project) before extending the project further through self-directed experiments working as a pair (Mini Project).

E. Careers: The programme will be delivered by the Careers Advisory Service and will review the types of careers available for bioscience students. The sessions will incorporate personal skills, careers for bioscience graduates, records of achievement, curriculum vitae preparation, vacation work, postgraduate study, interview skills and action planning.

The module deals with the molecular mechanisms underlying the ecological, medical, scientific and commercial importance of microorganisms (including prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms). This involves descriptions of how microbial genetic information is stored in DNA, how that information is decoded by the cell and how this flow of information is controlled in response to changes in environment. The Module also discusses microbial interaction with humans and the environment. Throughout the module, the mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes will be compared and contrasted and will touch on the latest tool development in microbiology.

One-on-one meetings and small group tutorials focused on academic progression and the development of key skills to support the core curriculum and future study or employment. Students meet with their Academic Advisor individually or in small groups at intervals during the academic year. Individual meetings review academic progress, support career planning etc. Themed tutorials develop transferable skills; indicative topics are essay and report writing, presentation skills, sourcing information, critical analysis etc. The tutorials are informal involving student activity and discussion. Year group events deliver general information e.g. on University resources, 4-year programmes, module selection etc.

The module deals with the molecular mechanisms of gene expression and its regulation in organisms ranging from viruses to man. This involves descriptions of how genetic information is stored in DNA and RNA, how that information is decoded by the cell and how this flow of information is controlled in response to changes in environment or developmental stage. Throughout, the mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes will be compared and contrasted and will touch on the latest developments in how we can analyse gene expression, and what these developments have revealed.

The cell is the fundamental structural unit in living organisms. Eukaryotic cells are compartmentalized structures that like prokaryotic cells, must perform several vital functions such as energy production, cell division and DNA replication and also must respond to extracellular environmental cues. In multicellular organisms, certain cells have developed modified structures, allowing them to fulfil highly specialised roles. This module reviews the experimental approaches that have been taken to investigate the biology of the cell and highlights the similarities and differences between cells of complex multicellular organisms and microbial cells. Initially the functions of the cytoskeleton and certain cellular compartments, particularly the nucleus, are considered. Later in the unit, the mechanisms by which newly synthesised proteins are secreted or shuttled to their appropriate cellular compartments are examined.

This module will cover the following areas:

* Principles of metabolic regulation: Allostery, cooperativity, phosphorylation, and hormonal control. Metabolic regulation in response to cellular energy status. Transcriptional regulation.

* Plant metabolism: Photosynthesis and carbon fixation.

* Microbial metabolism: Nitrogen metabolism, stress responses, metals, and secondary metabolites.

* Metabolism in biotechnology: Manipulating microbial metabolism for the production of useful compounds. Manipulating mammalian cell metabolism in biotechnology.

Developmental biology deals with the pathways and processes involved in forming an entire organism from a single fertilized cell. This module will describe the various steps required to build an organism, covering both human development as well as covering key concepts in developmental biology derived from the study of model organisms. Furthermore, students will explore the deep connection between development and stem cells. Stem cells contribute to the development and maintenance of the organism throughout life. Students will cover how and where in the body stem cells are formed and maintained. We will also explore how stem-cell based technologies play key roles in new technologies for drug screening and tissue regeneration using recent examples from the primary literature and seminal papers in the field.

Projects are designed by individual members of staff in keeping with their research interests and fall into one of four categories:

• Wet/Dry Laboratory and Computing: practical research undertaken in the teaching laboratories, or on computers followed by preparation of a written report

• Dissertation: library-based research leading to production of a report in the style of a scientific review

• Business: development of a biotechnology business plan

• Communication: similar to dissertation projects but with an emphasis on presenting the scientific topic to a general, non-scientist audience

Eukaryotic pathogens; mechanisms of pathogenesis; transmission and diversity

Bacterial pathogens: virulence factors including toxins and adhesins.

Viral pathogens: mechanisms of pathogenesis and avoidance mechanisms; viruses and cancer.

Human fungal pathogens: mechanisms of transmission and epidemiology; virulence factors; host resistance mechanisms.

This module describes the anatomy, physiology, pathology of the blood and blood forming tissues. It covers a wide range of disorders including haematological malignancies. Blood transfusion theory and practice are introduced. Roles for haematopoietic stem cells during blood cell development and as therapeutic agents are discussed. Students will be exposed to ethical and regulatory concerns with regard to transfusion and blood cell therapies.

Molecular diagnostics combines laboratory testing with the precision of molecular biology and is revolutionising the way clinical and public health laboratories investigate diseases. Molecular diagnostic tests are increasingly being used in clinical settings, and have supplanted numerous conventional tests, in many areas of laboratory medicine including oncology, infectious diseases, clinical chemistry, and clinical genetics. In this module, students will learn the state-of-the-art molecular diagnostics techniques and their application in public health, by combining lectures, focused workshops and practical training.

One-on-one meetings and small group tutorials focused on academic progression and the development of key skills to support the core curriculum and future study or employment. Students meet with their Academic Advisor individually or in small groups at intervals during the academic year. Individual meetings review academic progress, support career planning etc. Themed tutorials develop transferable skills; indicative topics are essay and report writing, presentation skills, sourcing information, critical analysis etc. The tutorials are informal involving student activity and discussion. Year group events deliver general information e.g. on University resources, 4-year programmes, module selection etc.

Recent events have illustrated the importance of ensuring that science is communicated effectively to non-scientific audiences. This module considers best practice in science communication, making use of case studies that illustrate its importance in developing an informed and empowered public, while developing skills in different modes of communication that enhance future employability.

The module will develop understanding and analytical skills in virology, based around interactive seminars wherein students will analyse, present, and discuss the relevant research literature. The students will gain experience in scientific design, literature analysis, scientific communication, and the analysis of experimental data.

Bioinformatics Data sources & Sequence analysis: Databases and data availability. Using sequence data for analysis – sequence searching methods, multiple sequence alignments, residue conservation, Protein domains and families.

Protein Bioinformatics Methods: Protein structure and function prediction. Prediction of binding sites/interfaces with small ligands and with other proteins. Bioinformatics analyses using protein data.

Genomics: An introduction to the analysis of genomic data, primarily focussing on the data available from genome sequencing – how it can be used to study genetic variants and compare genomes (i.e. comparative and functional genomics).

This module is designed to provide students across the university with access to knowledge, skill development and training in the field of entrepreneurship with a special emphasis on developing a business plan in order to exploit identified opportunities. Hence, the module will be of value for students who aspire to establishing their own business and/or introducing innovation through new product, service, process, project or business development in an established organisation. The module complements students' final year projects in Computing, Law, Biosciences, Electronics, Multimedia, and Drama etc.

Cells and subcellular compartments are separated from the external milieu by lipid membranes with protein molecules inserted into the lipid layer. The aim of this module is to develop understanding of both the lipid and protein components of membranes as dynamic structures whose functions are integrated in cellular processes.

This module will cover the following:

Outline of microbial physiology and genetics

Microbial metabolism and homeostasis

Control of microbial physiology through gene expression regulation – Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression

Experimental approaches used to study microbial genomes and gene expression

Microbial biodiversity and complex signalling in the environment

Cancer formation and progression; underlying factors, cancer cell heterogeneity, uncontrolled cell division, invasive growth/metastasis formation.

The Molecular Biology of Cancer: (Proto-)oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes, cell cycle control, cell death.

Cancer therapies.

The module deals with basic neuroanatomy and molecular and cellular neurobiology, such as transmission of signals within the nervous system and sensory perception. It explores more complex functions of the nervous system, e.g. behavioural and cognitive functions including learning, memory, emotions and appetite control. Throughout the module both the normal nervous system and disorders that arise as a consequence of abnormalities will be covered.

The module provides a detailed molecular basis for the ageing process. It reviews the organisms and experimental methods used to study ageing, and discusses the findings of this work to provide both knowledge and context to the process of ageing.

Topics may include: Importance and principles of ageing research

Why do organisms age and theories of ageing

Overview of processes and pathways controlling ageing

How ageing and lifespan is measured.

Signalling pathways that control ageing

Diseases of ageing

Ethics of ageing research

There will be two workshops: 

Workshop 1: Data analysis session (whole class or 2-3 groups).

Workshop 2: Group discussion of key ageing research paper(s) (small groups ).