Biomedical Science - BSc (Hons)

Abertay University

This module will explore key physiology relevant to blood sciences, disease prevention and ImmunoTechnology. Indicative content Blood: You'll explore how blood cells are formed, their different types and functions, and how your innate and acquired immune systems protect the body. You'll examine immune responses at a molecular level, including T and B cells, antibodies, complement activation and defence mechanisms. You'll also investigate immune system disorders, including hypersensitivity, autoimmune conditions and immunodeficiency diseases, as well as the role of immunology in transplantation and cancer. Diagnostics: You'll discover how biological samples including blood, sweat and tears can be used to diagnose and investigate health conditions. Applications of Immunotechnology: You'll explore key immunotechnology techniques used in diagnostics, including presumptive testing, ELISA and lateral flow testing. You'll learn how test performance is measured using sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) and ROC curves, and you'll be introduced to techniques including PAGE and Western blotting.

This module follows the processes that take oxygen into the lungs, distributes it to cells via the cardiovascular system and uses it to generate ATP. Indicative content Cardiovascular System: You'll explore the main components of the cardiovascular system and how they work together, including how ECGs and blood pressure measurements can be used to understand cardiovascular function. Respiratory System: You'll learn how respiration and gas exchange support the body, and explore how energy is produced through aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. You'll examine key processes including the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, alongside the chemical principles needed to understand how they work. Practical Activities: You'll put your learning into practice through activities that demonstrate key principles of cardiovascular physiology, respiration and metabolism.

The aim of this block is to study how the body is influenced by external chemical factors such as drugs and toxin. You'll study the cellular and physiological processes that drugs and toxins interact with to produce a response and how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolises and excretes the drug or toxin. Drugs as therapeutics and substances of abuse will be discussed. You'll explore the sites of action for these compounds and their physiological purposes. Learn how to quantify drug actions and why this is important for drug development. Discover how route of administration impacts the effectiveness and response of a drug or toxin, how it is distributed about the body and how it is metabolised and excreted. Indicative content Drug Targets: You'll explore key drug targets, including cell-surface receptors, enzymes, ion channels and transporters, and learn about their roles in cell communication and metabolism. Example System: Peripheral Nervous System: You'll explore the peripheral nervous system and use typical agonists and antagonists to understand how drugs can affect it. You'll also examine the effects of therapeutics and toxins, and explore how well-known substances of abuse act on the body. Quantifying Drug Action: You'll learn how drug activity can be measured using enzyme kinetics, dose-response curves, EC50 and LC50 values, binding studies and dissociation constants. Pharmacokinetics: You'll explore what happens to drugs in the body, from different routes of administration and distribution to phase 1 and 2 metabolism. You'll also examine the roles of the liver in drug metabolism and the kidneys in excreting drugs and their metabolites. Forensic Considerations: You'll explore post-mortem redistribution and its importance when considering drug concentrations after death.

This module starts at the molecular and cellular level with genes and genotype, moves on to phenotype and protein-structure and function and finally genetic distributions within populations. Both clinical and forensic applications and implications will be studied. Indicative content Genes and Gene Expression: You'll explore the structure of human genes and how gene expression is controlled, including variations linked to medical conditions and forensically useful human traits. You'll also examine splicing, differential gene expression, common human variation and mutations, including point mutations, indels, repeat expansions and chromosomal abnormalities. Human Genomics and Bioinformatic Analysis: You'll investigate the structure and organisation of the human genome and chromosomes, alongside methods for DNA sequencing and analysis. You'll also explore genetic variation within the human gene pool and key concepts in population genetics, including Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Genetic Engineering and Other Analytical Techniques: You'll develop your understanding of genetic engineering and DNA analysis techniques, including basic cloning, restriction digestion, ligation, transfection, PCR, gel and capillary electrophoresis, and accurate DNA fragment sizing. You'll also explore CRISPR gene editing and how it can be used to modify DNA.

This module gives you the chance to explore how diseases and dysfunctions in the human body develop at the cellular, tissue, and molecular level. You’ll start by looking at the general processes and methods used in diagnosis and monitoring, before diving deeper into specific conditions. Along the way, you’ll connect the science of disease with its real-world consequences—covering everything from how it begins, to how it’s detected, to its impact on patients. Indicative Content - Basic Principles of Pathology: You’ll be introduced to the foundations of pathology, exploring how structure and function are linked in the body and how this relates to signs, symptoms and syndromes. You’ll learn the key terms and language used in the field, gain an understanding of how pathology services are organised, and consider the growing role of molecular pathology and imaging in both current practice and future developments. - Core Techniques in Clinical Biochemistry: This section introduces you to the wide range of diagnostic, monitoring and screening tests used in healthcare. You’ll cover the basics of test design, sample handling and interpretation, before applying this knowledge to specific conditions such as carbohydrate and lipid disorders, and to the assessment of organ function in the liver, kidney and heart. You’ll also explore water, electrolytes and acid–base balance, tumour markers, near-patient testing, therapeutic drug monitoring and the investigation of substance misuse. - Core Techniques in Cytopathology and Histopathology: Here you’ll develop an understanding of the techniques used to study cells and tissues, including different types of microscopy and methods of preparation such as microtomy and cryomicrotomy. You’ll learn about routine and specialist staining, the challenges of accurate reporting, and how normal cell and tissue structures compare with those affected by disease. You’ll also explore immunocytochemical approaches such as FISH, and examine the vital role of imaging in screening, diagnosis and monitoring. - Understanding Neoplasia: You’ll study the distinctive features of neoplasms, from benign to malignant, and learn how cancers are classified and described. This includes exploring the characteristics of cancer cells, their molecular pathogenesis and the multi-step nature of neoplasia. You’ll also examine how cancers spread through metastasis and the clinical consequences of established malignancies, including paraneoplastic syndromes. - Cellular Pathology: Cell Injury, Adaptation and Death: This part of the module focuses on how cells respond to stress and injury. You’ll look at cellular homeostasis, the cell cycle, DNA damage and repair, and how these processes are linked to disease. You’ll explore different types of cell death, including necrosis and apoptosis, and study adaptive responses such as hyperplasia, atrophy, metaplasia and dysplasia. You’ll also consider abnormal deposition processes, including calcification. - General Pathology: Inflammation and Repair: You’ll investigate the body’s inflammatory and repair processes, from the sequence of acute inflammation and its mediators to the complexities of chronic inflammation. You’ll study how tissues repair themselves at cellular and molecular levels, with examples such as skin and bone healing, and explore new developments in tissue repair. The effects of ageing on repair and the role of immunopathology are also key themes. - Systemic Pathology: Selected Dysfunctions: Finally, you’ll bring together your knowledge of cellular, molecular and systemic pathology by studying selected dysfunctions in depth. You’ll explore how investigative techniques and clinical management are applied to conditions such as colorectal carcinomas, inflammatory bowel diseases, stomach cancers, female reproductive cancers, hepatocellular failure and other hepatobiliary disorders, as well as renal pathologies. (Respiratory conditions are covered separately at Level 10).

This module gives you the essential knowledge you’ll need for working professionally in clinical settings, no matter whether you’re on the Applied or Standard BMS route. You’ll explore key topics in bioethics (medical ethics) and learn what’s expected of you in real-world healthcare environments. It’s a core part of your degree and required for everyone, helping you meet the standards set by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). If you’re on the Applied route, this module is especially important—it’s a must-have before you head out on your hospital placement, and it ensures you’re ready to meet the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approval requirements. Indicative Content - Management and Professional Issues in the NHS Context: You’ll explore what it means to be a Biomedical Scientist working in today’s NHS—from professional conduct and regulation to how labs manage staff, workload, and user demand. You’ll also look at how training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) help you grow in your career, and why teamwork is vital in clinical environments. - Health and Safety: Learn how health and safety laws apply in the lab, and how to spot and assess risks. You’ll get to grips with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and understand how biological safety is managed to keep everyone protected. - Bioscience Industry: Discover how global standards like the ICH Guidelines and FDA Regulations shape the development and manufacture of biotech and biological products. You’ll see how quality, safety, and efficacy are built into every stage of the process. - Bioethics: You’ll dive into ethical thinking and explore different approaches—like deontological and teleological—and systems such as rights-based ethics, religious laws, and utilitarianism. Then, you’ll apply these ideas to real-world biomedical and bioscience issues that matter today.

This module dives into how human diseases are detected, diagnosed and treated in clinical settings. You’ll be taught by practising clinical biomedical scientists who bring real-world experience into the classroom. You’ll explore blood—what it’s made of, how it works when you’re healthy, and what changes when disease is present. You’ll also get hands-on with a range of diagnostic techniques used to investigate and understand different conditions. Indicative Content - Haematology: You’ll explore disorders affecting red and white blood cells, as well as platelets—looking at what causes them and how they’re diagnosed. This includes inherited and acquired anaemias, cancers of the blood, and other serious conditions. You’ll also learn about how blood clots, and what happens when that process goes wrong. - Serology and Transfusion Science: Get to grips with blood group systems and how donor blood is collected and tested. You’ll learn how to check compatibility between donors and recipients, understand the risks involved in transfusions, and see how blood products and reagents are prepared, stored and used safely. - Haematology and Serology Practicals: Put theory into practice by examining the shape and structure of blood cells and learning how to classify them. You’ll also get hands-on experience with blood processing and testing techniques used in clinical labs.

To become a confident and capable lab scientist, you’ll need to understand how experiments are designed, developed and tested. This module gives you the hands-on practical skills and core scientific knowledge to work independently and reliably in a lab setting. You’ll learn how to plan and carry out experiments, develop assays, and analyse results—building the foundations you’ll need for a successful career in biomedical science. Indicative Content - Experimental Design & Statistics/Data Analysis: You’ll learn how to set clear objectives and build strong hypotheses for your experiments. You’ll explore key concepts like factors, levels, blocking and randomisation, and use statistical tests to make sense of your results—with support from SPSS, a widely used data analysis tool in science. - Health & Safety: Find out how health and safety rules apply in the lab, including COSHH regulations. You’ll learn how to work safely with chemicals and biological materials, and understand the responsibilities that come with being in a professional lab environment. - Mini Investigation: You’ll carry out a mini research project using a range of experimental methods, which you’ll apply and evaluate critically. The techniques will vary depending on your chosen project. You’ll also explore quality systems and international standards (ISO) that help ensure reliable and professional lab work. - Information Literacy: Learn how to search for scientific literature effectively using full-text databases, abstracts and reference management software. You’ll develop the skills to find, organise and use information from trusted sources to support your research. - Principles of Experimental Techniques: You’ll build a detailed understanding of the experimental techniques used in your mini-project. That includes knowing when and why to use each method, and recognising their strengths and limitations in real lab scenarios.

This module gives you both the theory and the hands-on experience you’ll need to master key laboratory methods used in biomedical research and diagnostics. You’ll explore the principles behind these techniques, learn how to optimise and apply them, and develop the skills to interpret your results with confidence. Indicative Content - Core Techniques: PCR and qPCR: You’ll learn both the theory and practical steps of PCR and qPCR, from extracting and checking the quality of RNA to designing and testing primers. You’ll explore how to optimise experiments, compare relative and absolute quantification, and carry out final data analysis with confidence. - Core Techniques: Western Blotting and Other Immuno-Based Methods: Discover how proteins are studied using western blotting. You’ll cover every stage—from protein extraction and measurement to antibody selection, SDS-PAGE, transfer, antibody exposure and imaging. You’ll also explore the theory behind other antibody-based methods, including immunohistochemistry and ChIP, and see how they’re applied in biomedical research. - Core Techniques: Reporter Assays: Investigate how scientists study gene activity using reporter technologies. You’ll look at how response elements in gene promoters are identified and activated, with examples such as CALUX, and understand how these tools are used to explore gene regulation. - Cutting Edge Methods and Industry Application: Step into the future of biomedical science by exploring advanced techniques like next-generation sequencing, ChIP-seq, proteomics, epigenetic sequencing and lipidomics. You’ll compare targeted and global approaches, understand the theory behind them, and see how these cutting-edge methods are developed and applied in industry.

In this module, you’ll explore how drugs and toxins affect the human body (pharmacodynamics) and how the body, in turn, processes them through administration, distribution, metabolism and excretion. You’ll go beyond the basics of pharmacology to study both therapeutic and forensic aspects of the subject. On the therapeutic side, you’ll follow the journey of drug development — from early biological research to licensed clinical products — and learn about the vital roles of process management and quality by design in meeting regulatory standards. On the forensic side, you’ll examine issues such as drug abuse and cases of accidental or deliberate poisoning, gaining insight into the real-world impact of pharmacology in both healthcare and society. Indicative Content - Mechanisms of Drug Action and Pharmacodynamics: You’ll explore how drugs act on the body by studying cellular structures as drug targets, with a particular focus on cell surface receptors. You’ll learn about the pharmacodynamics of drug–receptor binding and how to measure drug efficacy and binding in vitro. - Pharmacokinetics: You’ll investigate how the body processes drugs and toxins through absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME). This includes different routes of administration, how these affect drug action, and the role of Phase I and II metabolism, biotransformation and bioactivation. You’ll also study elimination and excretion, as well as factors such as pharmacogenetics that influence ADME. Case studies will help you apply this knowledge, including an introduction to quantitative elimination and back-calculation. - Preclinical Development: You’ll examine the preclinical stage of drug development, focusing on pharmacokinetics and toxicity studies in animal models, and how these provide essential safety data before human trials can begin. - Clinical Trials: You’ll gain an understanding of clinical trials, from Phase I through to Phase IV, and the principles of Good Clinical Practice. You’ll explore how trials are designed, the challenges of recruitment and sample size, and how to minimise bias. You’ll also learn about data analysis approaches, including per-protocol and intention-to-treat analysis. - Poisoning: You’ll study the effects of toxicity and toxidromes, as well as approaches to the treatment of poisoning. You’ll learn about different sample types and how they’re handled, alongside screening and confirmatory tests. You’ll also explore post-mortem toxicology and how toxicological reports are produced. - Topic Case Studies: You’ll apply your learning to real-world examples through case studies in clinical, environmental and forensic toxicology, helping you connect theory with practice.

In this module, you’ll explore the cutting-edge world of human medical genetics, gaining a deeper understanding of both current knowledge and exciting new developments shaping the field. Indicative Content - Principles and Concepts in Human Genetic Diseases: You’ll explore the main causes and types of genetic disease at an advanced level, looking at areas such as developmental abnormalities, polygenic effects, and epigenetic changes. To bring these ideas to life, you’ll study real examples of specific disorders. These may include haemoglobinopathies, developmental disorders, inherited forms of blindness, muscular dystrophy, hereditary cancers, neurodegenerative conditions, and psychiatric disorders. Some of these cases will form the basis of your coursework, with individualised titles tailored to your study. - Techniques Relevant to Clinical Genetics: This part of the module focuses on the technologies shaping modern clinical genetics. You’ll learn about pre-implantation diagnosis, pre-natal screening and testing, and how sequencing is used in medical diagnostics and screening. You’ll also explore the bioethical questions raised by genetic testing. Alongside this, you’ll gain insight into key laboratory techniques such as PCR, DNA sequencing, and fragment analysis, and see how they’re applied in diagnosing disease. - Genetic Therapies for Human Diseases: Here, you’ll examine the therapies being developed to treat the genetic conditions introduced earlier in the module. You’ll study somatic gene therapy (both in vivo and ex vivo approaches), gene therapy for cancer, and advanced techniques such as gene targeting and gene editing. You’ll also consider the possibilities and controversies of germline genetic modification, while engaging with the important bioethical debates surrounding these therapies.

This module is designed to give you a detailed understanding of clinical microbiology principles and processes related with human disease, diagnosis and treatment. You'll also undertake a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on an infectious disease related topic. Indicative content Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms: You'll investigate different types of disease-causing microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and helminths, learning how to identify them and exploring the diseases they can cause. Microbial Pathogenicity: You'll explore the mechanisms microorganisms use to cause disease and develop your understanding of how infections affect the body. Diagnosis and Monitoring of Infectious Diseases: You'll examine techniques used to screen for, diagnose, treat and monitor a range of infectious diseases, including point-of-care testing (POCT). You'll explore methods for detecting and identifying microorganisms, alongside approaches to preventing and controlling infection, including vaccination, environmental measures and vector control. Antimicrobial Chemotherapy and Drug Resistance: You'll explore how major natural and synthetic antimicrobial drugs work and how clinical laboratories test microorganisms for drug sensitivity. You'll examine MIC values, the mechanisms behind antimicrobial resistance, the limitations of current treatments and strategies for developing new ones. You'll also explore methods for assessing sensitivity to antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and anti-parasitic drugs. The Microbiome, Health and Disease: You'll investigate the relationship between the microbiome, health and disease, including how microbes can be used to help manage infections and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as IBS and obesity. Systematic Review: You'll learn how to plan and carry out an appropriate search and screening strategy for a systematic review, including how to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analysis: You'll develop skills in extracting, analysing and reporting data as part of a meta-analysis.

In this module, you’ll gain the essential foundations to carry out an in-depth investigation into a research topic of your choice. You’ll explore both qualitative and quantitative research methods, discover a range of analysis techniques, and develop the project management skills needed to plan and deliver your work successfully. It’s your opportunity to combine theory with practice and take real ownership of your research journey. Indicative Content - Introduction to Research: You’ll explore the nature and purpose of research, looking at different approaches such as quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, developmental, and practice-based research. You’ll also see how these fit within wider philosophical perspectives like positivism, interpretivism, and pragmatism, and consider the strengths and weaknesses of each. - Dealing with Practical Issues: You’ll learn how to take a research idea from concept to completion. This includes identifying a topic, setting clear objectives, and developing a research strategy. You’ll also explore what makes a strong project, address ethical issues, and identify the most suitable research methods for your chosen study. - Appraisal of Current Subject-Specific Knowledge: You’ll develop the skills to carry out a literature review, from searching and evaluating sources to organising and synthesising information. You’ll practise writing a review, managing bibliographic records, and creating strong research questions for both quantitative and qualitative projects. - Data Collection and Analysis: You’ll explore different approaches to collecting and analysing data, including quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, and iterative designs. You’ll also learn about questionnaire design, sampling methods, and data modelling, giving you the tools to handle data effectively and draw meaningful conclusions. - Writing Your Research Proposal: You’ll learn how to identify a research problem, define its purpose, and frame your main research question(s). You’ll then choose appropriate strategies and methods to design your proposal. You’ll also practise discussing findings, drawing conclusions, making recommendations, and reporting your work, preparing you for planning, writing, and submitting a dissertation. - Ethics and Risk Assessment: You’ll engage with Abertay University’s ethics and risk assessment processes, developing a clear understanding of how to conduct research responsibly and safely.

In this module, you’ll build cutting-edge knowledge and a deep understanding of the science behind health and the dysfunction of selected body systems, explored in an integrated way. You’ll also evaluate both current and future treatment options, while reflecting on how the work of biomedical scientists directly affects patients and those who care for them. Indicative Content Aetiology, Genetic Causes, Pathophysiology and Diagnostic and Treatment Monitoring: You’ll investigate the underlying causes, genetic factors, and disease mechanisms of a range of major health conditions. Alongside this, you’ll explore how these conditions are diagnosed, monitored, and treated, including the use of point'of'care tests that are increasingly important in modern healthcare. Conditions studied will include: Coronary Heart Disease, selected cancers, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Type 2 Diabetes.

In this module, you’ll take charge of your own research journey. You’ll develop your thinking skills and strengthen the way you communicate, all while working towards research goals that you’ve defined yourself. It’s an opportunity to grow as an independent learner, express your ideas with confidence, and take ownership of your academic development. Indicative Content - Project Work: You’ll carry out a focused project on a specific aspect of your discipline, working under the guidance of an academic supervisor or team. This is your opportunity to apply your knowledge, explore your own ideas, and develop as an independent researcher. - Project Log / Lab Book: You’ll keep clear and accurate records of your work in a suitable format, helping you stay organised and track your progress. This will also give you valuable experience in maintaining professional research documentation. - Communication of Findings: You’ll produce a final project report that follows discipline-specific guidelines, showcasing your ability to write in a professional academic style. You’ll also present your research outcomes through a poster presentation, building confidence in sharing your work with others.