Biomedical Science

Molecular And Cellular Biology

The nature of cells will be investigated at four levels, each broader than the previous one 1. The study of biologically important molecules including the properties of nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Within this component will be consideration of the relationship between chemical composition, physical properties and biological function. For nucleic acids this will extend to base pairing, semi-conservative replication, Mendelian inheritance, transcription, secondary processing of mRNA and translation. For proteins this will extend from amino acid composition including post-translational modification to amino acid chain folding, tertiary and quaternary protein structure, enzyme activity and the nature of metabolic pathways. 2. The study and comparison of the structures and growth of different types of viruses. This section will include laboratory cultivation and the difficulties of viral classification. 3. The study and comparison of the structures and growth of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Within this section will be consideration of the benefits of the localisation of particular cellular functions and the specific roles of the various cellular components of both types of cells together with their relationships such as how they contribute to energy transduction or hormone secretion. The eukaryotic cell cycle and the processes of mitosis and meiosis will also be a component of this section. 4. The concept of cellular differentiation and how it has contributed in the evolution of multi-cellular organisms. Within this component will be considered the structure and role of cellular junctions, extracellular matrix and the concept and mechanisms of gene expression in the control of cellular function.

Module code: BIOL40682

Developing Research And Professional Identity

This module will introduce and develop your understanding of professional practice within the life sciences. It will begin to develop your identity as a biologist and help you to recognise your development in the broadest sense. The global importance of biologists and the impacts that biological research, enquiry and endeavour has on our world will be explored. This module is designed to help you acquire the skills and qualities that will enhance your prospects, horizons and personal success and begin to prepare you for the expectations of the world of work.Key global issue in the life science sector and current advances that are changing (or have the potential to change) the biological landscape will be covered. Students will become aware of the wide ranging roles that biologists play in the world and of their importance. You will examine global issues and current advances through a cross-level lecture series and short cross-level workshops. You will be exposed to topics across a broad biological spectrum helping you to recognise the diversity of biologists and biological applications. This will allow you to further develop your own professional identity as a biologist.Your own development professional development, both within this module and within other modules taught across level 4, will be discussed allowing you to reflect on your identity as a biologist. Students will create a professional development portfolio that will form the framework of a degree-long biological sciences portfolio. Experiences and development will be discussed under two broad themes – professional conduct and professional practice. The portfolio will support the professional development of the biologist and will move from level to level with the student, providing them with a record of their transferable skills that will be useful post-graduation. A dedicated tutorial programme will offer support and guidance in recognising these developments.

Module code: BIOL40679

Practical Skills For Life Scientists

This module provides learning opportunities that enable you to acquire the skills and qualities that will enhance your prospects, horizons and personal success, thus preparing the you for the expectations of the world of work. The foundations of being able to ability to carry out inquiry based learning and critical analysis will be developed. Your work ready and employability skill set will be enhanced helping give you the technological, digital and information literate underpinning expected of graduates today. Within the scientific framework we will help you begin to understand the importance of being enterprising and entrepreneurial and strengthen your ability to apply graduate attributes to a range of life experiences to facilitate life-long learning. Workshops will introduce and develop the core skills associated with HE study with an emphasis on developing you as a `Bioscientist' in the broadest sense. Core practical laboratory and analysis skills will be introduced in a rolling plan allowing you to develop competencies as you progress. These sessions will encompass fundamental hands-on skills including microscopy, handling micro-organisms, working safely, accurately and precisely and will also include the fundamentals of statistics as applied within the Biosciences. The hands-on practical skills will allow you to develop and and encompass the nature of the scientific method, types of data, descriptive statistics and the fundamentals of inferential statistics. Basic practical and numerical based competencies will be assessed during the learning sessions.

Module code: BIOL40683

Disease Health And Environment

Disease, Health and Environment are fully intertwined so that our health, and the health of life on the planet, depends upon the environment and its critical role in ecological balance, ecosystem services and healthy living. Our impact on the global environment is unprecedented and together with natural changes and their consequent often unknown effects, we need to understand these complex relationships to minimise our impact, restore habitats and improve our environment for health and wellbeing

Module code: BIOL40680

Genetics And Diversity

Genetics, evolution and diversity lay the foundations of life science education and enable advanced study of the life sciences in the 21st century. Understanding the concepts, the evolutionary drivers of life on the planet, will ultimately enable us to apply this knowledge to life saving and game changing bioscience technologies that have the power to enhance, remediate, manipulate, control and create life.

Module code: BIOL40681

Global Issues And Professional Development

This module builds on, and develops, the themes and learning previously gained in your first year. As awareness and understanding of global issues in the biological sciences grow, you will be encouraged and supported in taking an active role in disseminating appropriate and accurate scientific material. Recognition of professional and personal development and identity as a biologist will remain a core theme and will, at this level, have a strong employability focus. This module is designed to help you acquire the skills and qualities that will enhance your prospects, horizons and personal success and continue to prepare you for the expectations of the world of work.You will attend the cross-level global issues lecture series, and will use the cross-level workshop sessions to help support and develop your ideas for disseminating accurate information to various audiences.You will be expected to maintain a professional development portfolio and further specific opportunities for professional development will be provided. This may include opportunities to make connections with numerous individuals and groups, both from within our own department, from other schools and departments, as well as with external collaborators. These connections will help to inspire and guide your professional and personal development. You will also be supported in finding a suitable work placement provider in order to complete the required hours of work placement.

Module code: BIOL50721

Applied Scientific Practice (Advanced Skills)

This module builds upon the fundamental laboratory skills you developed in your first year. Blocks of advanced hands-on skills development techniques will be delivered that support the major areas of the biological sciences. Areas will include advanced microbial techniques, field sampling and identification, biochemical testing, physiological measurements and the techniques of molecular biology.All blocks will incorporate appropriate experimental design protocols and the use of inferential statistics applicable to the data being collected.

Module code: BIOL50719

Interventions And Disease Management

This module will help you consider the prophylactic and therapeutic interventions that are impacting upon human health and disease. You will explore molecular interventions, bioinformatics and data science that are informing the decisions made in a healthcare setting. Areas such as transfusion and transplantation, therapeutic drug monitoring, immunotherapy and vaccinations, pharmacogenetics, anti-microbial and anti-viral therapies (including drug resistance and infection control), and reproductive interventions will be considered. Aspects of regenerative medicine and ageing will also be covered. Consideration of these interventions will be taken at the level of public, or population, health and as well as an individualised, precision medicine approach.

Module code: BIOL50728

Health And Disease (Development And Detection)

You will investigate the processes that contribute to our overall health and wellbeing before considering how changes to, or dysfunction of, these processes can contribute to disease. Consideration will be given to the collection of diagnostic samples as well as the types of samples collected. This will include investigation of neoplastic disease (cellular pathology), pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms (medical microbiology), haematological function and dysfunction (haematology), haemostasis in health and disease (coagulation), reproductive function and dysfunction (clinical embryology), immunological function and dysfunction (clinical immunology), biochemical and metabolic dysfunction (clinical biochemistry) as well as infectious disease and substance abuse. Consideration of the application of clinical genetics will be given across all fields and this will include aspects of medical ethics. You will consider the application of current techniques within each area, as well as technological advances that allow disease to be diagnosed, or predicted, in both times of apparent good health and disease. This will include consideration of cellular, biochemical, and molecular investigations.

Module code: BIOL50727

Managing The Natural World

As environmental management has moved into the 21st century the traditional idea that managing the natural world is about returning damaged ecological systems to their prior state has become more controversial. This module will build upon this changing emphasis and will consider more flexible adaptive approaches to managing ecosystems. These will be built upon the firm underpinning that humans and their activity are also part of the natural world. Some material with focus upon preventing further damage but the emphasis will be a sustainable incorporation of society and ecosystem. The key thread will be the incorporation of conservation based ideas into sustainable and equitable frameworks. Not only in the proximate urban setting but at the planetary level. Well planned and integrated “greenspace” have the potential for providing areas of high biodiversity they may also deliver highly useful environmental goods and services, including coping with a diverse range of problems ranging from drainage and pollution, coping with food and water security, all the way to improvements in both physical and mental health. The module aims to provide you with an insight into the variety of ways the landscape may be managed and utilised when trying to provide a more collective stewardship of our environment. As such it will cover a wide range of traditionally disparate disciplines ranging from the biological and biophysical components through to the human factors, both positive and negative, that contribute to this area of study. Overall the module will explore the idea that protection of the environment and the economy are not mutually exclusive and give you some of the knowledge and approaches that the environmental professional is increasingly confronted by, competing or even conflicting environmental objectives, further complicated by the multifunctional character of the ultimate goal, planetary sustainability.

Module code: BIOL60672

The Brain

There are four key themes encompassed within this module:1. The protection of the brain microenvironment by the Blood Brain Barrier understood in terms of selective transporters and the tight junctions. 2. Non-neuronal glial cells, such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia and epidermal cells. 3. Sensing and moving, considering electrical transmission to and from the brain via nerve tracts.4. Who am I. Here memory, in terms of long-term potentiation, is considered. Learning considering synaptic plasticity is explored and an examination of decision making.

Module code: BIOL60676

Conservation Biology

Conservation biology has been described as a ‘crisis discipline’ and as one of the most value-laden areas of biology. During this module we will examine both descriptors, and the implications for how we go about conserving biodiversity. We will look at the various meanings of terms such as biodiversity, conservation and rarity. We will critically examine the role of zoos, biotechnology and species reintroductions as conservation strategies, as well as the role of ecological theories and concepts (e.g. Island Biogeography Theory, metapopulation theory, landscape ecology, population viability analysis). This will include a more general look at the role of theories and models in science. The single-species (e.g. flagship and umbrella species) and habitat-based (e.g. biodiversity hotspots) approaches will be examined. Having covered the topics outlined above you will be in a better position to evaluate the ethical and pragmatic arguments for nature conservation, including policy decisions and strategic agendas such as ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’, to reach informed opinions.

Module code: BIOL60665

Molecular Pharmacology

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge of the targets for pharmacological intervention in disease with an emphasis on neuropharmacological agents. You will be asked to explore the key concepts of molecular pharmacology: •Molecular Signalling and Mechanisms of Drug Action•Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery•Drug-Receptor Complex effects•Human Body Systems Analysis of Drug Action•Drug Transport and Metabolism

Module code: BIOL60675

Microbial Genomes And Pathogenesis

Microbiology has been revolutionised by the ease of whole genome sequencing, enabling us to better appreciate the diversity of life on earth and the interactions of microorganisms and the environment. This module will explore the methods used to analyse microbial genomes and the genes they encode. You will be introduced to state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools and their applications: you will gain hands on experience of applying these tools to analyse sequence data to understand the biology of the microorganisms. The pathogenesis of a range of bacteria, viruses and parasites will be investigated in the context of their genome and the virulence genes they encode. The importance of genome rearrangements, resulting in antigen variation, and differential gene expression in pathogenesis will be discussed. We shall study the application of whole genome typing to understand the epidemiology of pathogens, such as during infectious disease outbreaks, including the real-time sharing of whole genome sequence data for surveillance. We will critically evaluate the use of whole genome sequencing to inform antimicrobial chemotherapy, including the challenge posed by data analysis for routine application. You will learn about the application of SSU rRNA screening and metagenomics in microbiome research, biotechnology and drug discovery.

Module code: BIOL60674

Diagnostic Pathology

In this module, you will explore the multidisciplinary use of biomedical investigations in the diagnosis and evaluation of pathological processes. The module will develop your underpinning knowledge of blood, cellular, infection and genetic sciences and you will integrate these across a range of case studies to evaluate the role of biomedical investigations in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease.Within the module you will follow a series of clinical case studies across a range of pathological conditions, including malignancy, chronic multifactorial diseases, acute and emergency presentations, and the effects of aging. Alongside these case studies, you will attend lectures and undertake online learning to develop your knowledge of biomedical investigations across all disciplines. You will then apply your knowledge and evaluation through group workshops where each case will be discussed in a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) format, integrating clinical data with the results of biomedical investigations, and evidence-based practice.Discipline-specific content will include the role of routine and specialist haematology in the diagnosis and classification of anaemias, malignancies and monitoring of coagulation pathways; the role of transfusion science in the preparation and supply of therapeutic blood products; the role of clinical biochemistry in the monitoring of organ and system function and dysfunction, and the assessment of nutritional status; the role of cellular and molecular pathology in the diagnosis and stratification of malignancies; and the role of clinical microbiology in the diagnosis and treatment of infections. Throughout the module, you will be encouraged to develop a critically evaluative approach, with emphasis given to the appropriate requesting and interpreting of clinical tests, sensitivity, specificity and predictive value, and the uncertainty of measurement in a clinical context.

Module code: BIOL60667

Cancer Biology And Regenerative Medicine

Tumour biology will be studied under four broad headings, each one considering tumours on a larger scale. 1. Molecular and Cellular Tumour Biology: Here we will study genetic changes associated with carcinogenesis including the effects of chemical and physical carcinogens, oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes and their relationship to DNA repair mechanisms and cell cycle progression. Changes in cellular morphology and behaviour associated with carcinogenesis will also be studied.2. Tumour Growth and Treatment. Within this section we will study the changes in tissue architecture associated with the progression from normality to malignancy and metastasis. We will also consider, in the context of tumour development, the effectiveness and mechanisms of currently used approaches of tumour therapy including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. 3.Whole Body Effects of Tumours: This section will include study of the effects that tumours may have on parts of the body distant from their site of growth due to either their physical growth e.g. through blockage of the alimentary tract, or their metabolic effects e.g. through the secretion of ectopic hormones. This section will also include screening and diagnostic tests for cancer. 4.Tumour Epidemiology: Here we will consider the findings of large scale studies of the incidence tumours in populations. The balance between genetic, epigenetic and environmental influences will be evaluated together with an evaluation of the possible effectiveness of intervention strategies to reduce tumour incidence by changing behaviour and lifestyle. The second part of the module considers the discipline of regenerative medicine and stem cell biology. You will study stem cell biology in depth and their application to regenerative medicine. You will study the molecular and genetic control of cell fate specification and differentiation., including stem cell niches, adult, embryonic and cancer stem cells. Induced pluripotency and the use of stem cells in therapy. Consideration will be given to existing and potential clinical use of stem cells and their derivatives, and of the ethical issues that this raises. As this is a rapidly developing field, strong emphasis will be placed on understanding the current research in this area.

Module code: BIOL60664

Medical Immunology And Immunotherapy

In this module you will study how the immune response develops and resolves, focussing on the activation and functional diversity of T and B cell responses – including T helper cell differentiation and regulatory T cell function. The cellular requirements, molecules and associated signalling pathways, required for each of these processes will be covered. Following on from this we will discuss how these processes can be modulated to aid in the control of disease.You will go on to understand the role of clinical immunology departments in the diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the immune system. The importance of basic and translational research, and how these fit into the remit of HCS, will be examined.The history, development and current diversity of immunotherapy treatments will be discussed. Their impact on patient outcomes, both actual and potential, will be considered. Biologics such as monoclonal antibody therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, CAR T cell therapy, vaccines, and cytokine therapy are examples of the immunotherapies that could be covered. Elements of design and development, clinical trials, funding and the relationship to personalised medicine will be covered. The influence of genomics on the development and impact of cancer immunotherapies will be considered.A ‘patient first’ approach will be taken throughout the module considering the importance of being able to convey complex mechanisms, processes and therapies to a lay audience.

Module code: BIOL60673

Integrated Biology Of Disease

The module studies the interrelationships that are involved in the development of multifactorial human diseases and of their relationships with each other. Many of the major chronic multifactorial disorders that affect the World’s population in the 21st Century are a result of genetic, environmental or even it could be argued behavioural factors. This module explores the impact of these factors on disease development and thus reviews the current understanding of their aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Examples of diseases are cardiovascular disease (such as atherosclerosis and high blood pressure), diabetes mellitus, obesity and amyloidosis.

Module code: BIOL60669

Applied Parasitology And Medical Entomology

Applied parasitology will investigate the interactions between parasites and their hosts. The focus will primarily be placed on human health effects but will include important veterinary examples. Parasitic groups will include, for example, protozoa, helminths, ectoparasites and vector borne infections. Many of the vector borne infections are carried by insects and mites that are within the scope of medical entomology, although there are notable exceptions.Medical entomology relies on a thorough understanding of vector insect biology, ecology and the behaviour. Haematophagy is studied very much from the anthropological perspective, with a focus on the effects of insects of medical importanceCo-ordinated global activities of surveillance and control are examined and we will look at current concerns and threats both nationally and internationally. Management strategies are explored through example and the lessons learnt from history. Parasitological and medical entomological research forms a theme throughout the module where research informed sessions focus on authentic challenges to human health.

Module code: BIOL60663

Toxicology

This module is designed to provide you with a thorough grounding in the essential principles of modern toxicology. These principles will be extended and explored through a series of specific studies designed to appeal to a varied range of scientists. It is envisaged these will include areas such as behaviour altering drugs, agrochemicals, food additives, various air pollutants, organ specific toxins, endocrine disrupting substances, weaponised toxins, poisons/poisoning and post-mortem toxicology.Techniques for assessing toxicity within the laboratory and field will be critically evaluated including some of the standard analytical approaches. In addition, the module will include data-handling techniques used in the analysis and statistical treatment of toxicological data.

Module code: BIOL60677

Current Advances And Bioethics

This module will allow you tailor both assessments to topics that are pertinent to you. This module is designed to hone the skills and qualities that will enhance your prospects, horizons and personal success, leaving you prepared for the expectations of a life science graduate in the world of work.You will have the opportunity to attend the cross-level lecture series and will work to identify a topic that is most important to you. You, will plan, prepare, and deliver a short seminar at the end of the year on your chosen topics and will produce a review article on the same topic. There will be a particular focus on bioethics and this will be evident in both assessment components.

Module code: BIOL60666

Life Science Research Project

The project is designed to allow you to demonstrate your development as a scientific practitioner in the pathway of your choice and is viewed as a culmination of your discipline expertise and professionalism. This substantial project provides the opportunity for you to draw together all the practical experience, knowledge and critical understanding your pathway has provided. You are required to study a topic relevant to your Course and pathway from an idea generated by yourself in discussion with an academic adviser.

Module code: BIOL60671

Genomics And Bioinformatics

The module will cover the dynamic fields of genomics and bioinformatics and their application to the fields of medicine and biotechnology. Topics to be covered:-Eukaryotic and prokaryotic genome structures-Technologies to analyse genomes and other types of genomic data-Analysis of genome data, such as whole genome sequencing-Other types of big data: transcriptome, proteome, metabolome-Analysis of big data by bioinformatics

Module code: BIOL60668

Biological - Biomedical Placement Year

Students on all undergraduate Biological and Biomedical Science awards at Staffordshire University can opt to undertake a placement (sandwich) year; a structured work experience opportunity which enables you to develop and implement subject-specific and general transferable skills whilst getting a flavour of a professional working environment. This experience is designed to integrate with and complement the academic studies that you undertake as part of your Biological or Biomedical Science degree.

Module code: BIOLP0001

Academic And Digital Skills

Module code: BIOL30465

Chemistry

Module code: BIOL30468

Maths And Data Handling

Module code: BIOL30466

Communicating Science Project

Module code: BIOL30464

Biology

Module code: BIOL30467

Applied Science

Module code: BIOL30469

Advanced Research Methods And Biological Techniques

This module is designed to allow you to critically engage with the literature in order to design experiments and studies that produce meaningful data at a level that would be of publishable quality. The module will provide you with the theoretical principles of experimental design, an understanding of new and evolving technologies that will support the research of the future, and the statistical framework within which to apply the fundamental concepts.

Module code: BIOL70645

Specialist Topics In Life Sciences

This module will help you to personalise the Award to your area of interest. You will explore specialist topics across your area of study and you will consider the impact of these topics in today’s World. Examples of specialist topics include Big Data, advances in the biopharmaceutical industry, personalised medicine, implications of food manufacture on health, computational biology, the management of aquatic environments and aquaculture, impact of travel on health, and quorum sensing, amongst others.

Module code: BIOL70646

Msci Life Sciences Placement

You will undertake an industrial placement related to your area of interest – another opportunity to personalise your Award. As part of the placement you will complete a structured piece of project work, relevant to the company in which you are placed. The content will be highly dependent on the nature of the work undertaken during the placement. The work can be varied but will be tailored to meet your learning and experiential needs whilst satisfying the company business and related requirements.

Module code: BIOL70647

Biological Research Assistantship

Experience life in a dynamic research environment. Acting as a full time research assistant you will plan, execute and report on a substantial research project related to an active area of research within the department. This will include carrying out an initial literature review on the topic of interest, completing the ethical and risk assessments for the work as well as giving oral and written reports on your findings.

Module code: BIOL70648