B.Sc. Biomedical and Healthcare Sciences

Year 1

Semester I (level 4)

Biology 1 (15 credits) Compulsory

Information Systems (15 credits) Compulsory

Applied Mathematics (10 credits) Compulsory

The Biology 1 module addresses the structure of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, the functions of eukaryotic cell organelles, the cell cycle, and the structure and functions of the different organ systems of the body. The Information Systems module introduces computer applications and relevant up-to-date IT software and skills. The Applied Mathematics module introduces core mathematical and numeric skills to underpin further study in the biomedical sciences.

Semester II (level 4)

Good Manufacturing Practice (15 credits) Compulsory

Fundamentals of Chemistry (10 credits) Compulsory

Science Skills Lab 1 (20 credits) Compulsory

The Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) module introduces core principles of GMP. The Fundamentals of Chemistry module covers fundamental aspects of chemistry, including atomic structure, molecular weight, solution concentration, pH and a selection of organic functional groups. The Science Skills Lab 1 module provides students with the basic skills and techniques required to work in a regulated biomedical laboratory.

Year 2

Semester I

Physiology and Anatomy of the Human Body (level 4, 15 credits) Compulsory

Biochemistry (level 4, 10 credits) Compulsory

Science Skills Lab 2 (level 5, 15 credits) Compulsory

The Physiology and Anatomy of the Human Body module provides an introduction to the study of human physiology and anatomy to underpin further study of the pathophysiology in health and disease. The Biochemistry module explains the functions, structures and properties of biomolecules including their roles in disease, and develops laboratory-related skills. The Science Skills Lab 2 module extends students’ knowledge and skills to work in a regulated biomedical laboratory.

Semester II

Lab Skills and Safety in Biomedical Sciences (level 4, 10 credits) Compulsory

Exploitation of Biology (level 5, 20 credits) Compulsory.

Scientific Communication (level 5, 15 credits) Compulsory.

The Lab Skills and Safety in Biomedical Sciences modules covers fundamental aspects of bioanalysis for life and health sciences. The Exploitation of Biology module covers production, commercialisation and ethics of biotechnology products, and the impact of biotechnology on modern society. The scientific communication module addresses written and spoken communication of scientific information and emphasises personal and professional development skills for students including self awareness, interpersonal skills, interview skills, organisation and project management skills.

Year 3

Semester I (level 5)

Enterprise in Biomedical Sciences (10 credits) Compulsory

Molecular Biology and Genetics (20 credits) Compulsory

Science Skills Lab 3 (10 credits) Compulsory

It is a strategic aim of the University of Ulster to be a sector leader in creativity and innovation, and thus learning experiences, appropriate to the subject area, which result in the development of creativity, innovation and enterprise skills by our students are promoted. The Enterprise in Biomedical Sciences module addresses this agenda, making students aware of how to exploit their own ideas and talents within their subject area. The Molecular Biology and Genetics module introduces core principles of clinical and applied genetics and contemporary molecular methods sufficient to underpin further study and research in clinical genetics. The Science Skills Lab 3 module further extends students’ knowledge and skills to work in a regulated biomedical laboratory.

Semester II

Pharmaceutical Quality Systems (level 5, 10 credits) Compulsory

Bioanalytics (level 5, 10 credits) Compulsory

Research Skills in Biomedical Sciences (level 5, 10 credits) Compulsory

Professional Practice in Healthcare Science (level 6, 10 credits) Compulsory

The Pharmaceutical Quality Systems module will demonstrate the importance of the systems approach to quality and manufacturing within the highly regulated pharmaceutical sector. The Bioanalytics module covers in detail a variety of analytical assays and instrumentation routinely employed in the analysis of biopharmaceuticals. The Research Skills module effectively ‘paves the way’ for the Project module, enabling students to secure an Honours project topic and select appropriate methodologies in order to achieve project goals. The Professional Practice module develops the core principles of professional practice in Biomedical Sciences. During this semester, a selection process for the final year research project takes place. Staff support is available to each student in making his or her final year Project topic decision.

Year 4

Semester I (level 6)

Medical Microbiology (15 credits) Compulsory.

Clinical Immunology (15 credits) Compulsory.

Haematology and Transfusion Science (15 credits) Compulsory

The Medical Microbiology module introduces the biology of microorganisms that cause human infection and explores the diversity of pathogenic mechanisms in operation for a range of diseases. Experimental and diagnostic techniques that underpin the discipline are also presented. The Clinical immunology module provides knowledge of key concepts in fundamental and clinical immunology and understanding of the value of applying such knowledge in clinical environments. The Haematology and Transfusion Science module provides a comprehensive overview of key concepts in haematology and transfusion science, with emphasis on their relevance in health and disease, as well as an appreciation of the application of these concepts in clinical practice.

Semester II (level 6)

Biology of Disease 4: Pathobiology (10 credits) Compulsory

Cellular Pathology (15 credits) Compulsory

Clinical Biochemistry (15 credits) Compulsory.

The Biology of Disease 4: Pathobiology module an in-depth understanding of key concepts in pathobiology for study in the biomedical sciences. The Cellular Pathology module is designed to meet the changing needs of the cellular pathology laboratory and as such will provide up-to-date theoretical knowledge combined with practical laboratory based work experience. The Clinical Biochemistry module is designed to provide an understanding in clinical biochemistry sufficient to underpin further study in the biomedical sciences.

Semester III (level 6)

Project (30 credits) Compulsory

The Project must include an element of primary data collection, and it requires students to carry out a piece of independent research, under supervision, in an area of biomedical and healthcare sciences, which typically draws on the student’s work-place, or is selected from a list of staff specified, non-laboratory based (dry) projects.