Biomedical Science

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Biochemistry of Cell Function

  Want to make your stamp on eradicating some of the world’s major diseases? In this module you’ll discover how the biochemistry of eukaryotic cells plays an intrinsic role in the function of cell biology, with a special focus on mammalian tissues. You’ll be introduced to a number of key experimental procedures and laboratory techniques which will enable you to explore the chemical nature of the compounds in these highly fascinating cells, enlightening your knowledge on cellular processes.
  
  You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of the biochemical events that occur when these cellular processes fail and give rise to diseases. You’ll also deepen your knowledge on both a cellular and systemic level, and absorb yourself within the enthralling biomedical diagnostic techniques delivered by leading experts in the field, equipping you with vital skills for the world of work.
   

• Molecular Biology

  Investigating DNA and molecular concepts has never been so encapsulating. Learn about the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes alongside top scientists in the field, helping to address the world’s biggest challenges. Secure knowledge on the latest experimental evidence supporting cutting-edge concepts and laboratory techniques. 

  You’ll gain a solid insight into the most up-to-date biomedical applications and modern molecular tools used to implement recombinant DNA techniques and DNA sequencing, complementing the Genetics Module. Your learning journey will be supported into the Biomedical Science and Medical Science employability routes, for which there is a growing demand, and you’ll be thoroughly guided by leading specialists on making successful job applications for those who embark on placement work experience. 
   

• Research Methods for Healthcare Sciences

  Interested in pioneering clinical research methods and taking healthcare sciences forward to the next level? Bioscience research approaches will train you to turn the complex analytics of the whole clinical research development cycle into meaningful specialist knowledge, allowing you to understand and devise rich regulatory frameworks for academia, research establishments and the pharmaceutical industry.
  
  Fundamental approaches to eukaryotic cell culture are explored, and potential applications of cell culture are introduced, including recombinant protein expression, and genetic analysis. Acquire skills to gather and record information, and communicate your ideas effectively to drive research forward and successfully improve commercialisation based on good clinical practice.
  
  You’ll be supported by leading research supervisors who will impart their latest knowledge on research ethics, biological and chemical hazards, and teach you key principles to support your career aspirations. 

• Cellular Pathology

  In this module, you’ll be investigating disease at a cellular level using laboratory techniques that will enable you to embark on a rewarding career combating some of the most serious diseases threatening humanity.
  
  You’ll cover a range of topics including histology and cytology of major organs and systems of the human body and will build vital knowledge on the pathology of common diseases. 
  
  You’ll focus on learning the essentials of cellular pathology preparing you for the research or clinical context. Throughout this module you’ll have access to support from our in-house experts and specialists in the cellular pathology field. 
   

• Microbiology

  Ever wondered about the fundamentals of life on planet earth? In this module you’ll be studying just that, investigating organisms that are too small to see with the naked eye, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Your study will cover structures, metabolism, regulatory signals, replication and growth exhibited by these fascinating microorganisms, particularly those that are pathogenic in humans.

  You’ll identify the interaction and impact of microbes with humans, which is right at the heart of the global medical intervention challenges we face today. You will learn how to work safely with microbiological organisms, and use specialist knowledge to plan and execute experimental procedures used in diagnostic laboratory work safely with bacteria and viruses.
  
  You’ll build the transferable skills that are much sought after in workplaces, taking your employability to the next level.
   

• Genetics

  How are our genes passed from one generation to the next? How does DNA play a role in our genetic makeup? What is the science behind evolution on earth? All these questions and more shall be answered in this encapsulating module exploring the field of genetics.
  
  You’ll gain specialist knowledge on real-world biomedical applications and computational analyses techniques, which will provide the perfect foundation to your further studies. You’ll benefit from gaining specialist knowledge from experts in the field. Whether it’s healthcare, endangered species, or cancer research, as a graduate you can expect your skills to make a lasting impact on society. 

• Haematology and Immunology

  Our ability to understand how to treat and cure disease, and to positively impact human health across the globe is the reason why many scientists strive to understand the science behind haematology and immunology. You could be joining that mission. The concepts you’ll learn in this module will equip you with the fundamental knowledge of cells, molecules and genes involved in the blood and immune system. You’ll be introduced to how these components can protect us, however, can also have the ability to harm us and contribute to disease.
   
  You’ll explore the mechanisms and therapies in identifying and diagnosing blood diseases and clinical blood disorders. In addition, you’ll study the experimental working methods used in the discovery and development of novel drugs and preventative vaccines, and find out how these therapies can improve human health and transform immune systems.
   

Year 3 (optional placement year)

Compulsory modules

• Professional Placement (only for 4 year sandwich mode)

  You can extend your course by taking a sandwich year in a relevant professional role, during which you’ll remain registered as a student. We’ll support your continued academic development in the workplace (e.g. a research, pharmaceutical or hospital laboratory). You’ll gain insight from working in a professional setting and develop new practical and career skills, whilst contributing to the work of the professional team hosting you. You’ll organise the placement yourself, with our help and advice, e.g. by applying for advertised placements or finding suitable hosts.

  You’ll need to fund associated expenses during your sandwich year, usually your placement will be salaried. For a career as an NHS Biomedical Scientist, as well as your BSc Hons in Biomedical Science, you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council via an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Certificate of Competence Registration Portfolio. A placement in an IBMS laboratory can give you this opportunity.

Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)

Compulsory modules

• Molecular Biology

• Research Project

  This is the culmination of your degree, and your chance to delve into the world of research to pioneer your own breakthrough. As part of this module you’ll have the opportunity to create an individual piece of research related to your degree subject, working alongside a supervisor from the Department of Biological Sciences at Oxford Brookes University. You’ll be encouraged to explore opportunities to develop your project outside of the University, under the guidance of your tutor. You’ll participate in formal sessions that are designed to help you consider possible project choices and provide you with the necessary knowledge to search for outside project opportunities. 

• Infection, Immunity and Immunology

  In this module, you’ll study the fascinating world of the immune system and its response to infectious microbial diseases. Your study will look at how the immune system interacts with pathogens and vaccines. You’ll investigate how diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites are manifested in host-pathogen interactions, and will explore advanced diagnostic techniques. You’ll also consider immune-related diseases such as hypersensitivity, allergy, autoimmunity and immunodeficiencies and will explore the modern immunodiagnostic techniques used to diagnose these disorders in clinical laboratories.

• Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology

  In this module, you’ll gain an indispensable insight into the mode of action of pharmaceutical drugs within the human body. You’ll explore how biochemistry is applied in hospital pathology laboratories for the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. You’ll begin your study on the principles and applications of routine methods in clinical biochemistry. You’ll learn how to select the appropriate methods required to diagnose, monitor and treat disease as well as detect complications by investigating metabolic and clinical aspects of disease. You’ll be part of a discussion about heart, liver, bone, kidney, endocrine diseases, and inborn errors of metabolism. You’ll also explore the roles of the laboratory in screening for drugs of abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring and population screening.

• Genomic Medicine

  Our understanding of the genome is constantly growing. In this module, you’ll be introduced to the fundamental elements of genomics, human genetics and genetic variation. You’ll explore genetics in connection to disease and how genomic medicine can be utilised in relation to disease mechanisms. You’ll get the chance to investigate the effects of gene mutations and variations in DNA sequences (gene polymorphisms) in human health, with an opportunity to join in on an in-depth discussion on linkage. In addition, you’ll learn all about personalised medicine and the role of a key enzyme in the liver (cytochrome P450) in the metabolism of drugs and toxicity.

Optional modules