BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Introduction to Microbiology

This module aims to provide an introduction to the subject of microbiology to students with little or no previous experience. They will become aware of the structure and classification of a variety of micro-organisms and will become competent in handling them safely in the laboratory. They will become familiar with the growth, reproduction and death of micro-organisms, together with methods of isolation and identification of commonly encountered micro-organisms.

Biochemistry

This module provides students with an understanding of the biochemical pathways of human metabolism and their control and serves as an essential foundation for the study and diagnosis of human disease.

The basic concepts of organic chemistry are introduced and provide a foundation for the study of the relationship between the structures and properties of biological molecules and their roles. The module then provides an overview of the basic concepts and processes of human metabolism.

Human Cell Biology

This module will also address the structure, composition and function of eukaryotic cells, their cell membranes and organelles are dealt with in detail. From this basis the module considers cell specialisation and division and students are introduced to microscopy and histological techniques, which may be used to examine cells and tissues.

Health and Disease

The module discuses health and how health is disrupted by disease and disorder. The International Classification of diseases will be discussed and a brief review of national and international disease patterns will be considered. It will allow the student to apply their physiological knowledge towards an understanding of disease. An introduction to pathological processes will be made. The role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of disease will be discussed. National disease trends will be examined; key disorders such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and cancer will be examined in depth.

Clinical Anatomy and Physiology

The module provides an overview of the anatomical structure and physiology of the heart, lung, cardiovascular and respiratory systems in the human body. This module is intended to explore the components of the blood and immune system and their various functions. It enable students to identify the anatomy and physiology of the kidney, urinary and digestive systems.

Also, the module provides an overview of the anatomical structure and physiology of the brain, central and peripheral nervous systems in the human body. It is intended to explore the components of the physiology of stress and their various functions. The module enables students to identify the anatomy and physiology of the human bones, muscles and joints.

Research Methods

This module will provide an introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methodology. Differences between qualitative and quantitative methodologies will be outlined. Students will consider different approaches to qualitative research, including ethnography, phenomenology and grounded theory and examine ways in which qualitative research data are collected and analysed. In quantitative research methodology, students will explore how statistics can be used for description, levels of measurement and the concept of hypothesis testing. The choice of an appropriate statistical test to match the research design will be considered and the two main types of statistical testing, parametric and non parametric analysis examined. Students will gain further experience of data analysis through the use of computer based statistical packages.

Medical and Analytical Biochemistry

The module provides an overview of the main principles and techniques of practical analytical biochemistry. It enables students to gain practical laboratory competence in performing the key biochemical techniques including protein purification and characterisation, spectroscopic, electrophoresis and chromatographic techniques. It also provides an overview of the main principles of medical biochemistry including carbohydrate, lipids, proteins, nucleotide and amino acid metabolism, including inborn errors and pharmacogenetics. It enables students to discuss endocrine metabolism and metabolic homeostasis as well as bone, liver and renal disease.

Biology of Human Disease

The module provides an overview of the biology of some common human diseases, such as cancer, heart/cardiovascular diseases, haemostatic disorders, genetic disease and anaemia. It will introduce students to the use of laboratory techniques in the investigation of disease, from a theoretical and practical point of view

Infection & Immunity

The module provides an overview of medical microbiology including virology, mycology and parasitology. It also provides an overview of the cellular and molecular basis of the immune response in health and human diseases. This module intends to discuss the structure, function and complex mechanisms of host defence by B- and T-Cells. It will enable students to evaluate the role of inflammatory mediators, soluble effectors and cellular cytotoxicity in inflammation and immunity.

Research Methods

This module will provide an introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methodology. Differences between qualitative and quantitative methodologies will be outlined. Students will consider different approaches to qualitative research, including ethnography, phenomenology and grounded theory and examine ways in which qualitative research data are collected and analysed. In quantitative research methodology, students will explore how statistics can be used for description, levels of measurement and the concept of hypothesis testing. The choice of an appropriate statistical test to match the research design will be considered and the two main types of statistical testing, parametric and non parametric analysis examined. Students will gain further experience of data analysis through the use of computer based statistical packages.

Pharmacology

This module is concerned with the study of the mechanisms by which drugs interact with biochemical, cellular and physiological systems. It places emphasis on drugs that are used or may be used to treat human illness and provide a forum for discussion of the mechanism/s of action of such drugs.

The module aims to:

• give an introduction to pharmacology principles
• provide a detailed knowledge of the mechanisms of actions of drugs
• develop a critical appreciation of the importance and relevance of pharmacology in the treatment of diseases and the inherent limitations of such treatment.

Blood Sciences: Haematology, Transfusion Science, Clinical Biochemistry

Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology and Transfusion comprise the blood sciences. The module provides an overview of the pathogenesis and diagnosis of the various non-malignant and malignant blood diseases. This module intends to discuss haemopoiesis, erythrocyte disorders, acute and chronic leukaemia, myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative disorders.

It also provides an overview of the blood donor selection, collection, testing and blood processing and components storage for transfusion and its adverse effects. It will discuss immunohaematology and techniques used for detection and identification. This will enable students to appraise non-malignant leukocyte disorders, platelet disorders, coagulation disorders and acute and delayed adverse transfusion effects as well as the transfusion-transmitted diseases

The module provides an overview of the role of clinical biochemistry in the functional diagnosis and monitoring of cardiac diseases, the evaluation of endocrine function, bone metabolism and plasma proteins. The module enables students to appraise the nature and application of clinical enzymology and therapeutic drug monitoring and substance abuse.

Cellular Pathology

The module provides an overview of the role of cellular pathology in the diagnosis and monitoring of malignant and non-malignant diseases. This module will discuss the normal and abnormal histology and ultra-structural features of human cells and tissues. The module enables students to appraise malignant and non-malignant gynaecological cytology, osteogensis and the role of electron microscope and immunocytochemistry in pathological differential diagnosis

Genetics & Bioethics

This module provides an overview of the applications of clinical genetics and its ethical and social considerations. It will discuss genetic counselling, prenatal diagnosis of genetic disease and also carrier detection and presymptomatic testing. It enables students to evaluate the population screening, and community genetics for single gene and chromosome disorders and also the ethical and social considerations of the Human Genome Project and treatment of genetic diseases and gene therapy.

Clinical Immunology

This module provides an overview of the diagnosis and monitoring of the various immune diseases and the interpretation of the immunoassay results. This module also intends to discuss the types, diagnosis and monitoring of various clinical allergic, autoimmune and immunodeficiency diseases. The module enables students to evaluate the clinical role of cancer immunotherapy, vaccination and transplantation immunology and immune gene therapy.

Clinical Microbiology

This module aims to reinforce the underlying concepts and principles of microbiology developed through the modules in basic microbiology and medical microbiology. Students will become familiar with diagnostic and public health microbiology - principles and practices of public health microbiology; modern techniques for the identification of pathogens in diagnostic laboratories and antimicrobial chemotherapy in patient care. Pathogenesis of microbial diseases will be covered- the molecular basis of pathogenicity of bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Mechanisms by which microbes cause disease and body defence strategies diagnostic techniques involved in the field of microbiology, and will be able to apply their developing knowledge and skills to some contemporary issues and concerns in the field of microbiology.

Biomedical Research Project

Each year our final year Biomedical Science students undertake an individual research project. This involves undertaking an extended piece of original research (often working alongside full-time researchers) in the Department’s laboratories. You will be asked to write a dissertation for assessment. A list of suggested projects is produced annually covering areas related to current research in progress in the Department. Students choose a project from the list, in consultation with the academic staff. Every effort is made to allow students to undertake the projects which are most interesting and relevant to them.

Some recent examples of research projects include work on:

• the curative effects of vitamin analogues on human acne
• detection of the Toxocara canis in soils obtained from childrens play parks
• evaluation of a kit for testing cholesterol levels.

The course requires attendance at lectures, practicals and seminars, along with private study. Work-based learning can be included in the placement.

Students have the opportunity to undertake a sandwich placement to improve employment prospects. All students will undertake a research project.

Our students study in modern, well-equipped laboratories on the vibrant Brayford campus, in the centre of the city, at our crime scene facility at the nearby Riseholme Park campus, or in centres for biomedical sciences at regional and local hospitals. The recently completed £5.5m science centre on campus includes purpose built laboratories and state-of-the-art analytical equipment for teaching and research in both biomedical and forensic sciences.

The BSc Biomedical Science is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.

The entry requirements to this award are varied but students with any of the following qualifications or their equivalent are invited to apply:

280 UCAS points which can be made up of the following:

• Passes in A level subjects including Biology or Chemistry
• Passes in GCSE Mathematics and English Language
• Advanced AVCE, preferably (but not exclusively) in science
• A National Diploma, preferably (but not exclusively) in science
• Access course
• NVQ at level 3

Mature applicants are also invited to apply, and their applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Advanced entry:

The University of Lincoln offers an APEL system, so that it may be possible for students to enter the course directly at level 2 or level 3 or gain credit for individual modules, subject to their possessing evidence of previous certificated study or experiential learning.

Yes, if you wish to work in NHS pathology or in a related field and you meet the admissions criteria.

Scientific knowledge in biology and chemistry, numerical skills, manual dexterity, attention to detial, written and verbal communication in English up to IELTS level 7 with no element below 6.5

Assessment is through a combination of methods including coursework (laboratory reports, presentations and case studies) and examinations.

A recognised qualification, which meets the educational requirements to enable you to practice as a Biomedical Scientist in the NHS, but has broad application in other careers

Interest in the scientific study of human health and disease and evidence of the skills listed above.

Primarily in hospital pathology, but other options such as medical research or work in the pharmaceutical or diagnostics industry are possible.

For further information and funding your studey please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding