Biomedical Sciences with Integrated Placement Year MSci

This module is designed to help you build on the foundational skills gained in your first year, taking your academic and professional development in life sciences to the next level. You’ll enhance your understanding of experimental design, statistical data analysis, and digital tools tailored to life science research, all while continuing to examine the ethical standards that guide the field. You’ll also strengthen your ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and refine your computational techniques for tackling complex data.

Through practical classes and workshops, you’ll gain hands-on experience with advanced methodologies crucial for life science professionals. The module also encourages you to communicate scientific concepts effectively across various media, while reflecting on your growth and development. By addressing global challenges through the lens of innovation and responsibility, this module provides a well-rounded framework for tackling real-world issues in life sciences.

This module provides you with an introduction to genetics and genomics, bridging classical genetic principles with modern genomic technologies. You’ll gain an understanding of gene structure and function, including aspects of DNA replication, transcription, translation and RNA biology. You’ll also explore the biology relating to inheritance patterns, genetic variation, and the application of genomics in research and health. 

Taught content will illustrate how to analyse the genetic basis of phenotypic variation, evaluate its effects on individuals and populations, and synthesise insights to explain how genetic factors influence traits. Consideration is given to the technological advancements in sequencing, bioinformatics, the ethical considerations surrounding genomic data, and industrial and societal applications.

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the cellular (e.g. T cells, B cells) and molecular (e.g. innate immune signalling, antibody production) aspects of the immune system in health and disease.
 

You will learn about how specific aspects of microbial physiology and biochemistry impacts the immune response to infection. The mechanisms by which medically relevant pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, are able to evade the immunological response will be explored, in addition to the development of non-infectious diseases resulting from immune dysregulation. 

In this module, you will explore the human musculoskeletal system from its development in the embryo through to ageing, in both health and disease. You’ll study the structure and function of bones, muscles, joints, cartilage, skin and the nervous system and how they work together to enable movement and respond to changes across the lifespan. You’ll integrate knowledge from anatomy, physiology, embryology and pathology, gaining a deeper understanding of musculoskeletal health and disorders.

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• apply and integrate anatomical knowledge using current scientific literature

• select, critique and summarise a relevant scientific paper 

• develop communication and reflection skills through feedback and report writing

You will spend time in the anatomy suite and engage directly with human cadaveric material to support your learning, helping you build essential scientific and professional skills.

In this module, you’ll delve into the intricate cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable communication within the nervous system. You’ll gain a deep understanding of how neurons and glial cells work together to process and transmit biochemical signals, as well as how they interact with target tissues to regulate essential functions. 

Your studies will focus on the molecular and cellular levels, exploring intercellular and intracellular signalling along with the pathways and cascades involved. This detailed examination offers valuable insights into the fundamental processes that underpin nervous system communication, equipping you with a strong foundation in this essential area of neuroscience. 

In this module, you’ll delve into the development and organisation of the nervous system, examining its complexities through comparative studies of invertebrates and vertebrates. You’ll explore evolutionary concepts and analyse the nervous system at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels, gaining insights into how it develops, functions, and supports life. 

The module places a strong focus on the mammalian brain, offering a detailed understanding of its structure and function. Through this comprehensive exploration, you’ll uncover the intricate processes that shape the nervous system and its remarkable adaptations across different species. 

This module offers you a comprehensive introduction to modern biotechnology, covering foundational concepts and the tools used to address biological challenges. You’ll explore how biotechnology contributes to solutions for complex societal issues, including pandemics and vaccine production, biofuel development, food security, and the creation of therapeutics. Alongside this, you’ll engage in discussions about the ethical dilemmas that arise from the use of biotechnology in society.

Laboratory classes will give you hands-on experience in applying biotechnological concepts, reinforcing your understanding of core techniques. This practical approach, combined with in-depth exploration of biotechnology’s applications, equips you with valuable skills and insights into its pivotal role in tackling global challenges.

This module explores the fascinating world of microorganisms, focusing on how bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses survive and thrive as the predominant biomass on Earth. You’ll examine key themes in microbiology, including the discovery and diversity of these organisms, their replication and survival mechanisms, and their ecological roles and interactions. Topics will also cover disease-causing processes such as antibiotic resistance, alongside the beneficial effects of microorganisms, like probiotics and gut microbiota, and their applications in technology and society.

A key feature of the module is its emphasis on experimental techniques, such as genomics, used to study these themes. You’ll also participate in a lab-based practical, applying your knowledge to a specific focus area. This hands-on approach will deepen your understanding of the complex and essential roles microorganisms play in the natural world.

This module explores the complex relationship between human nutrition and physiological function. Building on foundational knowledge from year one, it delves deeper into how nutrients influence metabolic processes, body systems, and overall health. You’ll gain an advanced understanding of how the body integrates and responds to dietary intake, how various nutrients influence specific physiological functions, and the impact of nutrition on health conditions and disease prevention. Emphasis will be placed on integrating key concepts from both nutrition and physiology to support evidence-based practices in health and wellness.

In this module, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts behind effective drug exposure and the toxicity of drugs and chemicals. You'll learn about the processes that affect the concentration of drugs reaching their targets within the body, such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Additionally, you'll develop basic quantitative skills for estimating and interpreting drug exposure parameters.

The module will also delve into the mechanisms and consequences of drug and non-drug toxicity on various body systems, and how toxicity can be assessed using different methods. Through interactive workshops, case studies, and practical exercises, you'll enhance your analytical and problem-solving skills, preparing you for a career in pharmacology, toxicology, and drug discovery.

In this module, you will explore how drugs are used to manage diseases affecting major body systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, metabolic, infectious and immune-related conditions. You’ll learn how drug actions relate to disease mechanisms and gain insight into how pharmacological strategies are developed and applied in clinical and biomedical settings.

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• identify key drug classes and explain how they work in relation to specific diseases

• describe drug mechanisms at the molecular level and link them to therapeutic outcomes 

• critically assess scientific literature to draw evidence-based conclusions

You will also engage with materials covering complex health issues such as chronic illness, mental health, eating disorders and life-threatening conditions, building a deeper understanding of the real-world challenges in disease treatment.

In this module, you'll embark on a comprehensive exploration of the protein life cycle, from translation and folding to action and eventual degradation. You'll learn about the diverse roles of proteins, understanding how their structure enables them to function as enzymes, molecular machines, cellular receptors, ion channels, and transporters, which are key targets in pharmacology. Through selected examples, you'll uncover how proteins drive biological processes such as metabolism and signalling, and how disruptions in protein activity can lead to various diseases.

You'll delve into proteins as therapeutic targets, investigating drug-protein interactions and the use of proteins as industrial tools and therapeutic agents. By the end of this module, you'll grasp the core principles of protein science and understand how these principles underpin vital biological processes. This module will equip you with the knowledge to appreciate the significance of proteins in health and disease, and their applications in biotechnology and medicine.