Applied Biomedical Health Bsc (Hons)

In your first year, you will take two, 60 credit courses: Introduction to Applied Biomedical Health and Introduction to Human Biology.

Introduction to Health and Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing provides you with a broad, core foundation of knowledge covering the major themes and compliments the other 60 credit Human Biology course that you will take alongside it. In your first year, you will gain an understanding of the models and theories of health and wellbeing. You will look at social and psychological approaches to health and wellbeing, as well as the differences in health and wellbeing between social groups.

You explore the different causes of health, wellbeing and illness and will look at how policy is used to improve health and wellbeing. You will consider how health is experienced differently by different social groups due to inequalities is society. You will also look at key issues in the UK such as disability, mental health, obesity, cancer and addiction.

Introduction to Human Biology

Introduction to Human Biology, the second year-long course you will study at first year, provides you with anatomical, physiological and biological knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the human body and how it works. All major body systems will be explored from the cellular and molecular level through to whole organs and systems integration. Students will also be introduced to principles of biochemistry and organic chemistry. It is expected throughout the course that knowledge and understanding will be applied to the medical context whereby dysfunction from disease and ageing will follow on naturally from normal organ function. Research methods are integrated both within lectures, seminars and tutorials, with rigorous application of scientific method underpinning all activities. Practical skills are pivotal; students will learn, consolidate and practice their lab skills each week in the ‘Essential Laboratory Techniques’ practical curriculum.

Assessment at first year will include portfolios of various assessments, practical lab write-ups and lab diaries, MCTs, group projects, knowledge tests and case-study reports.

A significant amount of time will be spent each week throughout first year building a strong foundation of laboratory and practical skills using a range of scientific equipment.

Your first year also denotes the beginning phase of your journey in developing essential transferable skills for success in your degree and future careers.

By the end of the first year, you will also have gained skills in researching information, academic writing, problem solving referencing, numeracy and data analysis.

Your second year is a slightly different structure to first year but you will again take 2, year-long, 60 credit courses: Explorations in Applied Biomedical Health and Explorations in Human Biology.

Explorations in Applied Biomedical Health

Explorations in Applied Biomedical Health will provide you with an advanced understanding of the underlying principles of human health and disease from a cellular perspective. Taking a more applied approach, the response of the human body to external factors such as exercise and nutrition will also be studied with a view to discerning how health may be improved through lifestyle modification. Medical microbiology will introduce how various pathogens and their actions affect health and disease. Explorations in Biomedical Health will also incorporate research methods and data handling in addition to advanced practical techniques in Applied Biomedical Health. The latter two will further enhance the development of practical laboratory skills, critical thinking, problem solving and data handling skills with a view to refining employability and professional attributes.

Curriculum content:

• Research Methods and Data Handling in Biomedical Science
• Cellular Pathology
• Adaptation and Response of the Human Body to the Environment
• Physical activity, diet and exercise in Public Health and health promotion
• Clinical Nutrition for Health
• Medical Microbiology (for Public Health)
• Advanced Practical Techniques in Applied Biomedical Health

Explorations in Human Biology

Building on the foundations of first year, on this side of the course, you will begin the more detailed study of the integrated function of the human body, the biological changes that occur through dysfunction or disease and the body’s defence mechanisms. The pathophysiological basis of various diseases such as diabetes, CVD, will be introduced from a variety of perspectives and will include exploring the metabolic biochemical, molecular and cellular, microbiological, immunological and epidemiological underpinnings in more depth. You will learn through both lectures and more advanced practical laboratory activities, further building your skills as a field and lab scientist, while becoming more specialist in these academic disciplines. This is a challenging and interesting year in which to explore you own emerging specialisms.

Curriculum content:

• Determinants of Health and Disease
• Human Metabolism
• Immunology and Clinical Genetics
• Epidemiology
• Investigative Methods in Disease Biology
• Practical Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology

In your third year, you will study Advanced Studies in Biomedical Health (45-Credits), Advanced Studies in Human Biology (45-Credits) and a Research Dissertation (30-Credits) in Applied Biomedical Health.

Advanced Studies in Applied Biomedical Health

Advanced Studies in Applied Biomedical Health will provide in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the diagnostics, treatment and monitoring of selected disorders and diseases of the human body from an immunological and genetic perspective. A strand on blood and haematology will provide the theoretical and applied knowledge of the diagnosis and management of some benign and malignant blood disorders. Exercise and chronic disease will be the final theoretical component at level H through which students will gain a critical and mechanistic understanding of the efficacy of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. A scientific communication and professional development strand is also incorporated into this advanced course to prepare students for future vocations in health, the sciences,  biomedicine, research or postgraduate study. Students will have two specialist seminar options to choose from a selection, in order that they can specialise in areas which interest them.

Curriculum Content:

• Immunological and Genetic Diagnostics of Chronic Disease
• Blood/Haematology
• Exercise and Chronic Disease
• Science Communication and Professional Development
• Specialist Seminar Options e.g. Exercise and Cardiovascular Health

Advanced Studies in Human Biology

Advanced study of any discipline requires students to draw on the knowledge and understanding that they have acquired from the previous years of study. In your third year you will develop an excellent understanding of the mechanisms by which diseases affect the human body and how pharmacological therapy targets and treats contemporary medical conditions. The curriculum incorporates the research specialisms of the teaching team and will include the advanced study of current areas of research, such as ageing, dementia, obesity, cardiovascular disease, genetics, pharmacology and clinical drug treatments for the future. In addition, lab practicals and seminars at level H will further refine practical and research skills and allow students to use a range of advanced techniques applicable to health and biomedical professions.

Curriculum content:

• Genetic and Molecular Basis of Human Disease
• Contemporary and Advanced Lab Techniques in Human Biology

Applied Biomedical Health Dissertation

The final year research dissertation runs over two semesters and students are expected to spend the equivalent of one full day each week working on the project. The dissertation brings together experimental planning, practical data collection, data analysis and interrogation, critique of literature and presentation skills, all of which have been developed throughout the course of the undergraduate degree programme. Students will be allocated a supervisor for the dissertation with whom they will liaise with and be guided by throughout the research process although the dissertation is considered largely an independent piece of work.   Students will be expected if undertaking a laboratory-based project to demonstrate professionalism and good laboratory practice with strong consideration of ethical considerations and health and safety at all times.