Healthcare Science

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the science behind biology. You'll learn about the molecular biology of the cell through to the level of the whole organism. You'll also gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience of common biological techniques.

Introducing you to the concepts of chemistry as well as the relevant mathematical manipulations. You will develop your knowledge in literature searching, the application of databases, scientific communication, ethics, and health and safety. You will also get the necessary knowledge and skills to support the understanding of biosciences as a discipline and a profession.

The module introduces the professional roles in biosciences. You will study different disciplines within bioscience through lectures and practicals. You will leave with analytical and written skills to present laboratory data. You will explore employability within haematology, clinical biochemistry, clinical microbiology, and cellular pathology, as well as physiology, pharmacology, genetics, and the wider healthcare environment.

During this module, you'll develop your experimental skills and learn about various proteins. You'll examine cell biology, molecular biology, and immunological techniques. You'll also explore biological samples, cellular components, and interactions with external factors.

You will gain knowledge of the nature of different pathology specialisms, including immunology, microbiology, haematology, cellular pathology, and biochemistry. You will investigate causes and disease effects at the cellular and subcellular levels. You will study aetiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment currently presenting major healthcare challenges.

On this module you'll learn how genomes are maintained, copied and inherited. You'll also learn how gene expression is regulated, how mutations are acquired and the effects mutations have on protein function, maturation and trafficking. Intracellular signalling pathways, the cell cycle and cell death will also be studied.

The Roles, Attitudes And Working Practices Of Healthcare Professionals – The wider aims of the NHS will be explored. In addition, the importance of regulations, the patient and carer perspective and communication issues across a range of boundaries will be further explored. Knowledge And Accompanying Skills And Attitudes To Work As A Healthcare Science Practitioner – To explore and reflect upon personal qualities and behaviours such as time management and organisational skills, communication with patients and professionals and maintenance of their own well-being and personal development. This will be recorded by starting the compilation of a portfolio.

In this module you will complete a piece of independent scientific research and will use a range of laboratory and research skills to analyse, interpret and present scientific data. As an outcome you will also gain both personal and professional development.

The aim of this module is to review critically, consolidate and extend a systematic and coherent body of knowledge of core and specialised concepts of infection and disinfection sciences, including pathogenicity and virulence and host-pathogen interactions (including host responses to microbial attack). The module will develop your understanding of the pathology and clinical presentations of the major aetiological groups of microbes including viral, bacterial, fungal, and protist infections. You'll study the strategies employed by different microbial groups to elicit infection, discuss a range of established and new investigative approaches/cultural techniques, including those for high-risk patient groups (as defined by WHO). You'll also learn the underlying principles and the applications of clinical microbiology and infection sciences delivered by specialist laboratory services (provided by Public Health England) in a hospital setting as well as gaining knowledge of treatment strategies (including those for high-risk patients) and microbial resistances that can emerge in response to those treatments. The concept of antibiotic guardianship. Evaluation of laboratory methods used for diagnosis of pathogenic microorganisms in the hospital or wider community setting (public health).

During this module you will take part in lectures. There will also be opportunity for off site visits to specialised facilities. The learning material will be assessed using different strategies that will test different skills. You'll be expected to build upon the knowledge gained from these sessions by conducting your own research into specific topics covered in the module. This will be done via an essay and oral presentation. The 4-hour open book exam, is not a traditional examination but a simulated ‘real world’ problem solving/research exercise typical of those that you could encounter in the workplace. You'll be supported by seminar sessions designed to improve exam technique.

The placement location will be decided by you in consultation with university and NHS staff. The decision will be based upon the material covered and the experiences enjoyed during the previous academic years. It is likely that local and national recruitment patterns will form an important aspect of the decision making process. The placement period will span 40 weeks and will complete the academic experience of all the operating practices and procedures commensurate with working as a healthcare scientist in an NHS pathology laboratory during which time the IBMS verification portfolio will be completed. The content will match the discipline-specific department to which they are assigned.

During this module you will take part in lectures and seminars. The learning material will be assessed using different strategies that will test different skills. You'll be expected to build upon the knowledge gained from these sessions by conducting your own research into specific topics covered in the module. This will be done via an oral and poster presentation. The 4-hour open book exam, is not a traditional examination but a simulated ‘real world’ problem solving/research exercise typical of those that you could encounter in the workplace. You'll be supported by seminar sessions designed to improve exam technique.

This module will enable you to be informed about and gain experience of the application and delivery of genetic services in the investigation of genetic disease. It will develop the your understanding of the importance of genetic sciences in the investigation of disease, demonstrate and discuss the role of genetic sciences in the utilisation of a comprehensive range of genetic analyses from chromosome analysis to gene mutation detection. You'll gain a critical appreciation of the contribution of genetic science to a patient’s health in terms of diagnostic methodologies and in the monitoring of treatment and the module will provide you with the necessary skills to apply knowledge in the pursuance of a career in genetic sciences.