BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences

This module aims to provide you with an in-depth understanding of human physiology and anatomy, building upon foundational knowledge to explore complex integrated systems. Emphasis is placed on the structural and functional relationships within and between organ systems, with consideration of physiological regulation, adaptation, and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying disease processes

This module introduces you to the essential biological systems that protect the human body and the microorganisms that interact with it. You’ll learn about the role of normal flora in maintaining health and how microbes can cause disease, be identified and also controlled to prevent disease. The module covers the biology of microorganisms, including their structure, physiology, biochemistry, classification, and identification. You will also explore the immune system’s structure and function, including innate and acquired immunity, and the mechanisms behind acute and chronic inflammation. Through lectures, laboratory practical sessions, and case-based learning, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of host-pathogen interactions and the biological principles that underpin infection, immunity, diagnosis of microbial disease and microbial behaviour—preparing you for more advanced biomedical study.

This module explores how the human body is organised and how it functions, with a focus on its major systems: musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, immune, renal, urogenital, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine. You’ll learn how these systems are controlled through neurological and hormonal mechanisms and how they interact to maintain health. The module also introduces key concepts, for example disease processes, pharmacological therapy, embryonic development, and ageing. The module will also provide an introduction to public health and epidemiology. Through lectures, directed study and interactive learning you’ll gain a strong foundation in human biology and an introduction to pharmacology, preparing you for more advanced biomedical study and clinical applications.

This module introduces the fundamental principles that underpin life at the cellular and molecular level. You will explore the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including cell division, the cell cycle, stem cells, and cell specialisation. The module also covers key biochemical concepts, such as the structure and function of biological molecules and the metabolic processes that sustain life. You'll examine the molecular basis of genetics, including DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, inheritance patterns, genetic variation, and disorders of biomedical significance, alongside introduction to genomic technologies, genetic counselling, and ethical considerations in genetics. The module highlights how molecular biology overlaps with biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology, and introduces systems biology approaches to understanding complex biological networks. You'll gain hands-on experience with foundation-level laboratory techniques which may include for example DNA extraction, protein quantification, and spectrophotometry, developing practical skills essential for biomedical science and healthcare science. Through lectures, tutorials, practicals, and data analysis, you'll build a strong foundation for future biomedical study and research. You will demonstrate your learning through a written examination and laboratory practical assessments.

The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of nutrition, metabolism, epidemiology, and public health, equipping you with the knowledge required to analyse and interpret health data. The module will explore key concepts in nutrition and the physiological and biochemical processes underlying and metabolism. You will examine the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and disease, with a focus on nutritional and metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, lipid disorders, and inborn errors of metabolism. Public health perspectives will be integrated to highlight the impact of these conditions on populations and the strategies used to prevent and manage them. Through this module, you will develop the ability to critically evaluate scientific evidence, understand risk factors, and appreciate the role of nutrition and metabolism in maintaining health and preventing disease.

This module builds on the foundational skills and reflective practices introduced in the Level 4 'Succeeding at University in Medical Sciences' module, supporting you to deepen your professional identity and career readiness. It is designed to support you in developing the knowledge, skills, and reflective practices essential for continuous professional growth in a dynamic and evolving workplace. Through a mix of practical experience and professional development sessions, this module will enable you to explore essential themes such as personal effectiveness, leadership, communication, ethical practice, and lifelong learning. Drawing directly from work experience and/or professional setting, you will reflect on your real-world experiences to deepen your understanding of what it means to grow and succeed in your chosen field. You may draw on case studies or sector examples to connect theory to practice. You will engage in self-assessment, goal setting, and action planning to identify your strengths and areas for development. The module emphasizes reflective practice as a tool for professional learning and encourages you to critically evaluate your experiences and performance in real-world contexts. This module will develop your practical, analytical, and professional skills essential for scientific investigation in Medical Sciences. You will gain competencies in experimental design, ethical and governance frameworks, audit processes, literature searching, statistical analysis, and scientific communication, supported by hands-on activities that strengthen IT, numeracy, and data-handling skills.

This extended induction module supports your transition into university life and introduces you to your chosen academic discipline. It helps you build confidence, develop a strong academic identity, and understand the expectations of university study. You’ll explore key academic practices including independent learning, digital literacy, and ethical academic conduct—such as referencing, plagiarism awareness, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in line with university policy. The module is structured around seven themes identified by students as essential to their university experience: • Ready to Study: Clear guidance on expectations, transitions, and workload planning. • Academic Skills and Educational Gain: Development of foundational academic skills including time management, critical thinking, and digital fluency. • Career Readiness and Professional Identity: Early exploration of career pathways, CV building, and professional behaviours. • Personal Development and Belonging: Activities that foster confidence, inclusion, and identity within the university community. • Social Engagement and Community Building: Opportunities to connect with peers, staff, and wider university life. • Feedback and Reflective Practice: Structured opportunities to receive, apply, and reflect on feedback to support growth. • Wellbeing and Student Support: Embedded access to holistic support services and strategies for success. This module will also develop your subject-specific skills in: • Laboratory Skills: Opportunities to develop competence in essential skills such as pipetting and microscopy. • Scientific Literature Searching: searching for and identifying appropriate scientific literature. • Data Literacy: data manipulation and presentation, including basic statistical tests This module lays the foundation for future development, including the Level 5 Professional Development module/embedded placement experiences.