Biomedical Science

Anglia Ruskin University

This module introduces the biomedical science diagnostic disciplines of medical microbiology, clinical chemistry, cellular pathology, haematology and immunology. This will include the day to day workings of an NHS pathology department as well as the scientific background of the diagnostic procedures performed. In this module You'll learn to describe and discuss basic sample handling, storage and screening within the various pathology laboratories. There is a firm grounding in the legal requirements for safe working practice, ethical issues and quality assurance procedures and You'll study legislation governing these, which will enable them to identify potential risks and hazards within pathology laboratories. You'll explore the concepts of reference ranges and the use, analysis and evaluation of quality control data, as well as a range of separation techniques and the principles behind some of the major analytical methods. Finally You'll learn the fundamental principles used in obtaining results and how results are communicated to service users.

This module is designed to develop your experience and understanding of techniques that are used in the Biomedical Sciences in both clinical and research settings. You'll be provided with experience in a variety of laboratory skills appropriate to the key subjects of Molecular Biology, Cellular Pathology, Haematology and Medical Microbiology. In addition to equipping you with essential laboratory skills, You'll have continued engagement with good laboratory practice and health and safety practices that are required of biomedical scientists in research and clinical laboratories. You'll also be provided with further experience in the analysis of experimental data. Additionally, this module will introduce you to techniques and experimental skills that could be employed during your final year research project. The majority of the teaching will be through practical classes where You'll gain hands on experience of the techniques taught. Lectures will be used to provide further theoretical background to the techniques used and the processes required for the analysis, interpretation and presentation of results.

Building on the knowledge you will gain in the first year, you will further examine a range of metabolic pathways with a view to gaining a detailed understanding of the overall strategy of metabolism and the internal logic of key metabolic pathways. You will also discuss the effects of drugs and inhibitors and the role of allosteric enzymes in the feedback control of metabolism. Attention is also paid to the organisation of the genome and how genetic material is transcribed and translated. This leads to an understanding of the significance of inborn errors of metabolism and the effects of therapeutic drugs on individual reactions of metabolism. Finally there is more examination of cellular specialisation and the structure and biological functions of the major cellular organelles, as well as intracellular trafficking and hormonal signalling. While providing you with detailed subject specific knowledge, this module will help you to develop a number of transferable skills including practical (laboratory) techniques and skills relevant to general employment including report writing, data collection, handling and presentation.

At Anglia Ruskin University we strive to ensure that you receive an outstanding academic education and student experience - and understand that, whilst embedding employability skills within the credit-bearing curriculum is important, it is only part of the set of achievements needed to obtain employment. This zero-credit module will be used to track and verify the progress you've made with respect to key employability skills and endeavours. You'll work closely with your personal tutor, Students' Union Volunteering Service, Study Skills Plus, and Faculty Employability Advisor to engage with co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities and activities to enhance your personal attributes.

This module builds upon the first year Human Anatomy and Physiology modules and develops a detailed knowledge of major theories of physiological principles, extending and broadening the skill base, whilst fostering increasing autonomy. Centred around the concepts of homeostasis and the biology of disease, the module starts with an introduction to the role of drugs and drug action, and their role in physiology and pathophysiology. The module then examines circulatory function in detail, looking at normal functioning and control of the heart and circulatory system, and differential supply of blood to the tissues. Respiration and its control are examined, in relation to gas exchange in the lungs and the tissues. The response of the body to physiological perturbations including altitude, diving, exercise and pregnancy are discussed. Additional aspects covered include a detailed discussion of the brain and neurotransmitters, liver metabolism, and relationships between diet and risk of disease. There is a detailed examination of blood as a tissue, closely surveying both the cellular and plasma fractions, and the physiological responses to haemorrhage. Students receive an overview of normal integrated physiological processes which is then contrasted with changes resulting from disease conditions, thus preparing them for more detailed analysis of systemic disease at level 6. Case studies are investigated and discussed for each topic. The students participate in practical sessions, with collection of physiological data using themselves as subjects.

This module will introduce the concept of independent, student-directed research, giving them the opportunity to design and propose their own research project. During the process, each student will be assigned a supervisor to help and guide them through the process, from the initial concept to the final research proposal. The module will deliver a range of lectures, workshops and practical work designed to introduce information, skills and requirements necessary for preparing a successful research proposal. These include defining and developing a conceptual framework, finding and reviewing relevant literature, identifying and understanding appropriate materials and methods for analyses, understanding the potential outcomes and impact of the research, ethical considerations, and health and safety considerations. The module will contain a laboratory-based practical/theoretical assessment designed to test the student's ability to undertake essential research techniques; this mark will be used to help determine the student's suitability for the types of third year project available. In addition, the student will attend small group / individual sessions with their assigned supervisor to give research- and project-specific guidance. The module will culminate in the production of a written proposal outlining and justifying the research topic the student would like to undertake.

In this second year module you'll learn about the structure, function and inheritance of genes. You'll learn how genes give a biological explanation for how organisms look, function and even behave. You'll develop your understanding of how variation in genes provides the raw material for evolution. You'll start by learning the classical patterns of inheritance, building on concepts covered in the first year module Core Biology 1. You'll go on to learn how these classical patterns may be more complicated as two or more genes interact. You'll learn how chromosomes may be mutated and the effects of these mutations on the body. Also in this module you will find out about the genetics not only of individuals but also of whole populations. You'll learn about the genetics of cancer and epigenetics and about current methods of genetic analysis. The concepts you learn in class will be backed up by practical's You'll carry out in the laboratory where You'll work in groups to conduct breeding experiments, stain chromosomes to view under a microscope and use various techniques to carry out genetic analysis of DNA. Lectures covering concepts are followed by genetic problems or case studies to work on in class. As well as gaining specific subject knowledge, this module will help you to develop a number of transferable skills including practical laboratory techniques and other skills relevant to general employment including data collection, handling and presentation and report writing.

The module is also intended to provide a detailed knowledge of the processes of general pathology for the Level 6 module Human Pathology. By developing the concept of the biology of disease from the molecular level to the whole organism, it allows consideration of the causes of cellular injury and further develops how these lead to a failure of cellular homeostasis and function. In this context, students will also be expected to be able to identify and/ or classify particular diseases with respect to their aetiology, pathogenesis, complications and sequelae and prognosis. Other concepts which are considered comprehensively include acute and chronic inflammation, the immune response to disease, and aetiological agents of disease (e.g., genetic, environmental factors and infective agents.) With respect to the latter, emphasis will be placed on understanding the structure, classification, biochemistry and control of significant pathogenic agents. The basic principles of the biology of disease also provide an unifying theme to the module, which is developed through further consideration of genomics and the implications of age, gender, ethnic origin and epidemiology. Key to understanding disease diagnosis and progression is a comprehension of the range of diagnostic techniques currently used in pathology laboratories. Students are required to demonstrate specific knowledge and understanding of these techniques by deciphering case studies. As a corollary, modern-day ethical considerations of biomedical research, and disease diagnosis and treatment are also discussed. Resources include current textbooks (see below), web-based information and image files as well as lecturer-prepared visual aids to assist conceptual understanding.

Ruskin Modules are designed to prepare our students for a complex, challenging and changing future. These interdisciplinary modules provide the opportunity to further broaden your perspectives, develop your intellectual flexibility and creativity. You will work with others from different disciplines to enable you to reflect critically on the limitations of a single discipline to solve wider societal concerns. You will be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines to apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, seek and maximise opportunities to realise your potential to give you a distinctive edge and enhance your success in the workplace.

An independent biomedical scientist needs to be able to integrate knowledge from a wide variety of disciplines in order to diagnose disease and this module is designed to help you develop the skills to do this. You will be taught using a case-based active learning approach designed to give an authentic experience of disease diagnosis, medical testing, treatment options and potential patient outcomes.

Blood sciences is one of the key clinical disciplines of biomedical science, and includes haematology, blood transfusion, immunology (also covered in Clinical Immunology) and clinical chemistry. You will learn the key features, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of haematological disorders including anaemia, leukaemia and haemophilia, and infectious diseases such as malaria. Transfusion science involves the identification of blood groups for blood donation, which ensures that the correct grouped blood is matched to patients requiring blood in conditions such as road traffic accidents, and undergoing operations and cancer treatments. We shall also review the potential offered by the use of stem cells. Using a case study-based approach you will explore the pathophysiological processes that lead to these conditions, applying your knowledge and learning from this and other modules from your course.

The immune system is regarded as second only to the brain in complexity, and is what allows us to survive the onslaught from external hazards. However, at times our immune system can be our own worst enemy. This module builds on aspects introduced in ?Principles of Pathology?, and allows you to develop a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of clinical immunology at a molecular, cellular, tissue, and whole patient level. You will build a thorough understanding of the normal and pathological operation of the immune system, consider the role and significance of immunity to infection, and the positive and negative roles of inflammation in health and in disease. We will start with the origins, development and properties of lymphoid cells and look closely at antibody structure and function. Other topics include antigen-presenting cells and lymphocyte activation, humoral and cell-mediated immunity, innate and acquired immunity to pathogens, autoimmunity, hypersensitivity, immunodeficiency and immunisation, through to transplantation immunology and vaccine design. Tissue typing and novel cellular approaches to cancer therapy are also included in the course

This module aims to cover some of the most topical and exciting recent developments in biomedical science, focussing particularly on those advances which are likely to become key elements of biomedical careers in the near future. You'll learn about next generation DNA sequencing, the gut microbiota, metabolomics, proteomics, stem cell therapy and CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing. This module is taught in a variety of ways; as well as going to lectures, You'll learn through going to journal clubs, workshops, a 'Dragon's Den'-style group exercise, and by attending three conference days. The first conference day offers insight into the different career paths that are open to graduates of Biomedical Science, through presentations by speakers at various stages of diverse careers. The second conference day focuses specifically on routes of entry into research-centred careers. The third day aims to develop your skills of critical analysis, by presenting a poster and attending a series of presentations by eminent guest researchers. This module places emphasis on self-directed learning, you are encouraged to rely more on current journal articles than standard texts.

This module will help develop your knowledge of clinical human pathology at a molecular, cellular, tissue, and whole patient level, and provide you with a detailed understanding of the pathological processes at the biochemical, histological and anatomical levels. The module builds on the key concepts of disease introduced in 'Principles of Pathology'. A wide survey of these processes as they are found in diseases of the main organ discussed in 'Human Anatomy and Physiology' and 'The Physiology of Organ Systems' will follow, with an emphasis on clinically important areas. You will use case studies to develop a critical evaluation of evidence to support synthesis of conclusions/recommendations and investigation of contradictory information. Building on your knowledge and understanding will reinforce the relevance of the pathological processes that underpin clinical manifestations of the biology of disease. While pathology is a vast field, particular emphasis is put on the causes, progression, side effects and complications, diagnosis and treatment of the major diseases including a special emphasis on diseases of the vascular system (including the cerebrovascular system), blood, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and digestive tract. Students are encouraged to explore further topics of interest on their own to develop their autonomy and independent learning.

Enhance your microbiology skills and knowledge by gaining a deeper understanding of microbial pathogenicity, which is essentially how microbes cause disease. Through a series of hands-on lab sessions, lectures and seminars you will explore 'host-pathogen' interactions during infection, particularly exploring how microbes have evolved to cause damage to the host. A major focus will be on bacterial diseases of humans and animals but you will also consider fungal, parasitic and viral diseases.

Molecular cell biology is at the cutting edge of modern biological and biomedical science. We will be building on your knowledge and understanding of cell structure and function at the molecular level, questioning evidence from experiments that have contributed to our modern understanding of concepts and models of cell function. You will explore techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, viral transfection and recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics, and the range of methods for isolating proteins and DNA.

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and drug action, where a drug is defined as any molecule which exerts a biochemical or physiological effect on cells, tissue, organs, or organisms. Translational medicine is a rapidly growing discipline in biomedical research that utilises pharmacology to improve the discovery of new diagnostic tools and treatments, using a multi-disciplinary and collaborative "bench-to-bedside" approach. You will be studying the basic mechanisms of drug action, looking in depth at drug-receptor interactions, drug action, and the principles needed to develop successful new drugs.

The knowledge and skills of biomedical science and pathology are being applied to an ever increasing number of specialist fields. In this module you will develop a deeper understanding of these advanced specialisms. It will build upon your knowledge of routine diagnostic pathology disciplines gained in the ?Diagnostic Techniques in Pathology? module and you will learn to apply these to a range of specialist fields in the clinical, pharmaceutical and forensic pathology sectors, ranging from reproduction and fertility, through paediatrics and neonatology to gerontology, and from pharmacology and neurology to drug monitoring and forensic pathology. You will consider the theoretical and practical aspects of pathology through the application of knowledge and practical skills in each discipline. Additionally, you will gain an appreciation of the governance and legislations involved in these specialisms. This module is designed to impart a systematic knowledge of the theory, skills and techniques required of a graduate biomedical scientist and additionally, prepare you for careers in a variety of specialist fields.

In this module you are required to undertake a final year research project, as a key component of your degree, focused on a topic relevant to your degree field. Your project may be based on current Anglia Ruskin University research interests, something of interest to you or, if suitable work-place supervision is available, related to the research of your previous, or current, employer. Your project must show evidence of appropriate academic challenge, technical expertise, and progress. You will be required to identify and formulate problems and issues, conduct a literature review, evaluate information, investigate and adopt suitable research methods, and use appropriate methods for data collection, analysis and processing. You will demonstrate that you have fulfilled these criteria via regular meetings with your project supervisor where you will show evidence of project development via discussion and the presentation of spoken, written and other appropriate evidence. A substantial dissertation will form the bulk of the assessment for this module, supported by a presentation and/or other supporting evidence and including an assessed PDP component. In the course of your studies with us you may generate intellectual property, which is defined as an idea, invention, or creation which can be protected by law from being copied by someone else. By registering with us on your course you automatically assign any such intellectual property to us unless we agree with the organisation covering the cost of your course that this is retained by them. In consideration of you making this assignment you will be entitled to benefit from a share in any income generated in accordance with our Revenue Sharing Policy in operation at that time. Details of our Intellectual Property Policy and Guidelines can be found on My. Anglia under Research, Development and Commercial Services or by contacting this Office for a hard copy.