Applied Biomedical Science BSc Honours

If you study Life Sciences, you 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.

It is essential that you are given the opportunity to develop laboratory skills, and as such 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 on 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.

Virtual 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.

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 requirements for this module are met by completing assignments in your place of work with the assistance of Work-based tutors. This Level 4 module requires you to demonstrate knowledge and competence in fundamental aspects of the work flow and team working in the diagnostic laboratory, understand quality assurance, and incident reporting. 

Completed assessments will provide evidence to enable you to meet the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency, which may lead to Registration with the HCPC.

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.

The requirements for this module are met by you completing assignments in your place of work with the assistance of work-based tutors. This Level 5 module requires you to integrate aspects of knowledge and demonstrate powers of critical appraisal of current practice and career developments within diagnostic biomedical laboratories. 

Completed assessments will provide evidence to enable you to meet the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency which may lead to Registration with the HCPC.

The module aims to build on knowledge of human physiology, biochemistry and anatomy acquired at Level 4 and to provide a biological insight into understanding disease processes.

At the end of this module the student will be able to explain the patho-physiological alterations occurring in a number of disorders and be able to elucidate shared mechanisms within or between disease states.

This module also aims to introduce the principle laboratory tests carried out by the specialist Biomedical Science disciplines as well as their integrated role of in disease investigation.

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.

Students will build on their knowledge of classical genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry. Teaching of molecular genetics, epigenetics and genomics technologies will be underpinned by vital elements of biochemistry needed to fully appreciate these complex and exciting fields.

Students will be introduced to the fields of 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.

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.

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).

In this module, you'll explore the cellular and molecular basis of disease at an advanced level, building the knowledge needed to critically evaluate both routine laboratory practice and emerging molecular diagnostic techniques. To reflect the demands of modern laboratory work, the module focuses on cancer, including both solid and blood tumours.

You'll use integrated case studies to examine the diagnostic process in detail, explore methods for assessing prognosis, and consider the role of predictive testing in guiding personalised medical treatment.

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.

In this module, you'll explore the clinical and technical theory and practice that underpins modern biochemistry and haematology laboratory investigations of selected disorders. You'll learn how to evaluate laboratory methods and incorporate quality assurance systems to support accurate and reliable decision-making.

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.

In this module, you'll learn to detect, identify, and characterise pathogenic microorganisms. You'll explore the pathogenesis, transmission, and epidemiology of infectious diseases, with a focus on treatment and prevention. Emphasis will be placed on diseases of current and global importance, including emerging pathogens.

You'll also cover laboratory automation, antibiotic resistance, microbial genomics, and bioinformatics, as well as the public health measures used to control the spread of disease.

The IBMS Registration Training Portfolio is a record of education and training, providing evidence that the knowledge, skills and competences required for registration have been achieved.