Medical Sciences BSc Honours

Students of Life Sciences need to be comfortable with the chemistry and biochemistry of the molecules of life and the processes in which these molecules are vital components. This module will enable you to explore the diversity and function of a broad range of biological molecules, combining a range of learning and teaching methods (lectures, practicals and tutorials) to support you through this challenging subject. You will be given the opportunity to develop laboratory skills, and a number of formative practical exercises will be undertaken, in line with the theoretical content of the module. You'll be assessed both formatively and summatively, giving you the opportunity to improve your skills and to prepare for higher levels of study. Areas covered are: properties and reactions of biological molecules; biomolecular processes; energy for life’s processes and laboratory techniques for biochemistry and molecular biology.

This module aims to provide an introduction to the biology of the cell and the fundamental processes and interactions that take place during the life of a cell. The biodiversity of cells within the Tree of Life will be considered, with particular focus on the domains Prokarya and Eukarya. Cell division, specialisation, ageing and death will be examined at the individual and population level, alongside gene inheritance, transmission and expression, and the role of genetic variance and natural selection on cell populations. Cell behaviour and the ability of cells to communicate and interact with one another as well as impact on the environment will be covered. Practical work will ensure you receive a foundation in experimental techniques of cell biology.

The emphasis for this module is to develop an understanding of how the structural organisation of different cell types within a tissue/organ enable and support the tissue/organ’s normal function. For every tissue/organ studied, the functional role of that tissue/organ in the whole body, as covered in Human Physiology, will be studied. A significant component of the module will be evaluating the impact of pathological processes on whole body physiology and integrity.

The module explores the scope of pharmacology and introduces the concept of drugs as biologically active, selective molecules. In addition, drug interactions with cellular targets will be studied in order to provide examples of their clinical usage and consideration of potential adverse effects. Selected experimental techniques used in pharmacology will be reviewed. The significance of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion in determining systemic drug action will also be studied.

This module will provide an introduction to the organisation, communication, and support systems of the human body. Major physiological systems will be covered with emphasis placed on the maintenance of homeostasis via feedback mechanisms.

The module will introduce the concepts of employability and professionalism in the workplace with specific reference to the Bioscience/Life Science industry. Emphasis will be placed on learning to conduct one’s self as a credible scientist with ethical professional and honest manner with consideration for scientific advances and technological innovation. You'll be taught about scientific communities, learn to appreciate diversity and constructive discussions on scientific topics; evaluate scientific literature, importantly critically examining the credibility of sources of scientific claims. You will document through a variety of assessments transferrable skills linked to a career development pathway in a professional development portfolio. Emphasis will be put on the continuity of the portfolio throughout your time at Westminster and into the world of work.

Through a blended learning approach and introduction to the Westminster Award, the central ethos portrayed will be to develop a professional employability portfolio throughout the journey through higher education. Extracurricular activities will be encouraged, and you'll learn of opportunities for non-mandatory, short term internship opportunities and short term placements through Engage and Talent Bank.

An overview of pathogenic microorganisms, the factors which contribute to their virulence and pathogenicity, and the diseases they cause will be combined with an overview of the human immune system, its evolutionary development and its interactions with those microorganisms.

The different components of the immune system will be covered in depth and consideration given to the roles of different leucocytes and effector molecules in the immune response including the key features and effectors of inflammation. Alongside consideration of the roles of the immune system in the elimination of microorganisms and mechanisms used by pathogens to avoid the immune system mechanisms.

Also covered are a range of laboratory techniques in use in the microbiology and immunology fields, the appropriate application of those techniques, analysis of the results and the merits/limitations of laboratory techniques.

You'll build on your knowledge of classical genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry. Teaching of molecular genetics, epigenetics and genomics will be underpinned by vital elements of biochemistry needed to fully appreciate these complex and exciting fields. You'll be introduced to medical and population genetics through the study of common and rare human genetic disorders and genetic studies on experimental organisms. The importance of genetics and genomics to humanity will be explored through the study of diagnostic genetics and an introduction to genetic counselling. Throughout the module consideration will be given to recent developments, current practices and ethical considerations in genetic research and practice.

Using student-centred enquiry based learning, which will allow you to become a co-creator of your own knowledge in a small group format, you'll be required to integrate and synthesise material covered in this module with learning from both Physiological Biochemistry and Physiological Networks in order to further their understanding of how the different body systems are regulated and how one system influences another. Clinical disorders will be used to demonstrate the consequence(s) of disruption to normal function in one system on another system/other systems.

This module provides a comprehensive overview of modern biochemistry. Topics include major pathways for the degradation and/or biosynthesis of carbohydrates, fatty acids and amino acids, respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, the role of enzymes in metabolic processes, all underpinned with a stress on underlying thermodynamic principles.

The module will also provide a thorough overview of various strategies (enzyme regulation, cell signaling, etc.) employed by organisms to regulate their metabolism and maintain homeostasis.

Finally, the module will also examine a number of important metabolic disorders and diseases in order to allow you to integrate and apply what you've learnt throughout the module.

This module examines the fundamental mechanisms of neural and endocrine human physiological networks, and intra- and inter-cellular communication in mammalian physiology, presenting the student with the understanding that while systems can function autonomously, they must also function as integrated networks. The module includes an overview of neuroendocrine physiology such as hormonal release via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and introductory neuroanatomy (including a mammalian brain dissection laboratory session). The module will also cover the development of the nervous system and the mechanisms involved in specific brain functions as well as key neuropathological and neurocognitive disorders.

The module covers essential elements of research methods, data analysis (as relevant to the Biosciences) and provides you with key laboratory techniques. On completion of the module successfully, you'll have developed the expertise to extract and interpret scientific information from peer-reviewed original sources, have used this information to produce a literature review of a specific area in the biosciences, prepared a design for your final year research project as well undertaken a skill-based evaluation of your competencies (PPP 5.3).

Taking as its focus selected examples of human pathology which represent major health issues in the western and developing world in the 21st century. This module will provide you with the opportunity for the investigation of the pathobiology and the investigation of selected abnormailities via laboratory tests and medical imaging. The specific content will reflect contemporary trends in health and disease, but conditions such as diabetes and obesity, cardiovascular disease, genetic and congenital disorders, inflammatory and infectious disease will form the core of the module. This module will complement the Level 6 Cancer Biology module although the two modules may be taken independently.

The module is concerned with the biology, diagnosis and clinical investigation of cancer. The key molecular changes in cancer will be discussed and how these have translated into tests used in clinical practice will be considered in the context (for example) of biomarker analysis and imaging tests. The emphasis will be on how knowledge of cancer biology has translated and impacted on clinical practice.

In this module, you'll explore immune responses to pathogens, tumour cells, and the prevention of infectious diseases. You'll examine immunodeficiency, hypersensitivity, and autoimmunity, including their investigation, diagnosis, pathology, and treatment.

You'll also study the manipulation of immune responses, including the use of vaccines and immunotherapy, as well as the principles of transplantation, rejection, and immunosuppression. The module will cover the scientific basis, clinical applications, and practical aspects of blood transfusion, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the immune system in both health and disease.

Students in this module are supervised and guided to design and carry out an independent research project, analyse and interpret the results and report their findings in scientific style. The module covers safe laboratory practices, ethical considerations, study designs, selecting and applying appropriate statistical tools and other aspects of scientific professionalism. Students are also encouraged to think about preparation for entry into the job market or into postgraduate education.

This module requires you to produce an extended piece of work covering a variety of activities related to a single theme. Your project must be related to your course of study. This will require you to combine previously acquired knowledge and techniques with newly researched ideas and communicate your results in a report and viva. You'll work independently under the guidance of a supervisor and will be expected to develop your work systematically.