Clinical Science with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of cell biology and microbiology, focusing on the structure, function, and dynamics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as the study of microorganisms. 

You will explore various topics, including cell division, the cell as the fundamental unit of life, cell specialisation, microorganism structure and physiology, identification and classification of microorganisms, control of microorganisms, causes and pathology of common diseases, lifestyle impact on human health, investigation and diagnosis of diseases, therapeutic strategies, human life cycles and aging, and the role of stem cells in regenerative medicine. 

By the end of the module, you will have acquired knowledge and skills necessary for understanding the intricate relationship between cells, microorganisms, and human health.

This module has been designed to support you in developing the core technical and transferable skills required to study, undertake research, and communicate effectively on topics in the Biosciences. You will arrive at University with a wide range of skills and proficiencies, so this module aims to support your transition and equip you with the essential skills you need at later stages of the course.

The aim of this module is to provide an appropriate foundation in core concepts of physical and quantitative Chemistry for you across different disciplines including biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biological sciences, and pharmacology. 

Using workshops and practical sessions, this module will deliver an integrated understanding of matter, and the connection between the structure of atoms, molecules and compounds and their physical and chemical properties (eg, bonding and energy). 

It also supports you in developing quantitative skills for solving chemistry calculation problems that form the basis of many analytical methods eg, spectrophotometry, chromatography etc.

The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the key principles, concepts and terminologies of biochemistry and molecular biology. It aims to explore the structure and function of biological molecules (DNA, RNA, protein, enzymes, lipids and carbohydrates) as well as the biochemistry of processes that support life and metabolism. These concepts will be taught using lectures, tutorials, and lab practicals.

This module provides knowledge and understanding of the structure of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and how these molecules encode the properties of cells – providing you with a basic grounding in the genetics and molecular biology underpinning human biology and health.

This module will introduce you to human anatomy. You'll gain insights into the relationship between the structure and function of the individual at the system level and as a fully integrated organism. Theory will be supported by a virtual practical activity.

In this module, you will focus on the key techniques used for therapy and diagnostics based on ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. These include the underlying science and clinical application of X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and radiotherapy. You will also learn to practise effectively in partnership with other clinical specialties and the wider MDT to deliver safe and effective patient care, critically appraise and apply developments to evolve services in Medical Physics and formulate and apply strategies to resolve issues based on analysis of available information and evaluate the success of the strategy applied.

In this module you will develop comprehensive knowledge for using biological and chemical methods to study the chemical processes that take place at the molecular level. And acquire skills and behaviours for carrying out complex analyses on specimens of body fluids and tissues, assuring the quality of laboratory medicine investigations, auditing the diagnostic and clinical use and performance of investigations, and developing new and existing tests. Specifically, you will develop advanced knowledge and skills in chemical pathology, haematology, microbiology, transfusion medicine, immunology and immunogenetics, molecular pathology (including Cytogenetics), informatics and laboratory management.

This module aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the current concepts of basic immunology as well as continue to build on your infection knowledge from Level 4 with respect to diseases you may encounter in the clinic.

Theoretical concepts are reinforced through laboratory practical sessions which will introduce you to diagnostic microbiological and basic immunological techniques and data analysis which are broadly used in a variety of clinical settings and scientific disciplines.

This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Haematology and Transfusion Science, encompassing the structure, function, and production of blood cells, as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various blood disorders. 

It also aims to explore the principles and practice of haematological techniques, the preparation and use of blood components, patient blood management, the application of NPT/POCT equipment, quality assurance considerations, the impact of lifestyle on human health, human life cycles and ageing, and the emerging field of stem cells and regenerative medicine.

This module aims to equip you with comprehensive knowledge, skills, and practical experience in research, evidence-based practice, clinical audit, innovation, and collaborative teamwork in biomedical and biosciences contexts.

In this module, you will focus on the key techniques and underpinning science for a range of diagnostic tests. It complements the Medical Physics module (which focuses on therapy and diagnostics based on ionizing and non-ionizing radiation). A range of common diseases are covered including diabetes, COPD, cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. There will be an emphasis on the use of biomarkers in disease detection. 

This module aims to equip you with comprehensive knowledge, skills, and practical experience in research, evidence-based practice, clinical audit, innovation, and collaborative teamwork in clinical science contexts.

The module aims to:

• Provide an overview of human genetic concepts and clinical disorders that have a genetic component. The course seeks to teach the students to apply their knowledge of the principles of human genetics to a variety of clinical problems.
• Provide firm groundings in the knowledge and practice of cytogenetics, biochemical genetics and molecular cytogenetics (such as fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), microarrays) and molecular-based techniques.

The module aims to enable you to understand and gain experience of the application and delivery of a comprehensive range of cellular pathology analyses including systematic investigation of pathological specimens, applications of cyto-histopathology and reproductive science and to understand their importance in the clinical investigation of patients. In addition, building on the Year 1 module content, you will understand how knowledge of the immune system can be applied therapeutically, in clinical practice.

In this module you will have an in-depth knowledge of selected aspects of clinical microbiology, including public health microbiology, the laboratory investigation of a range of infectious diseases, isolation and identification of microorganisms; anti-microbial and anti-viral therapy (including drug resistance) and infection control.

The 40-credit module aims to equip you to plan and produce a small-scale research project relevant to your own area of interest. You will learn to develop an appreciation of how scientific knowledge advances through research including the challenges and limitations. With the support of a supervisor, and shared discussions with other students, you will work independently to carry out a research project to completion.