Applied Medical and Biological Sciences 2

Module code: BS1084

This second applied sciences module covers three key areas:

Pathological Processes

Here you will be introduced to the science of pathology. Whilst physiology describes how cells, tissues, and organs function normally, pathology describes the processes involved when things go wrong and therefore pathology is the scientific basis of all disease.

You will be introduced to fundamental concepts including cellular injury, inflammation, healing and repair, atheroma, and neoplasia (cancer).

Infection

The basic principles involved in the key disease process of infection will be introduced.  You will explore a selection of clinical problems that will exemplify selected key micro-organisms, highlighting principles of microbial physiology as well as the nature of the patient-pathogen interaction.

Introduction to Scientific Method, Literature and Scientific Writing (Part 1)

This component of the module is delivered throughout your first year and will introduce you to the scientific method and provide training in those laboratory skills that are important in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. This stream of teaching in Year 1 integrates with elements of the other modules that you will study. This component, when coupled with the teaching in Year 2 will give you a solid grounding in scientific method and research, preparing you for year three of the degree and developing a foundation for further academic study and research. Key areas covered include:

• Cellular structures and the roles of biological macromolecules and their components
• Gene expression and how this is analysed
• The use of statistical tools to describe, present and analyse data
• The use of relevant sources to inform academic writing and demonstrate academic integrity through appropriate use of academic citation and referencing conventions
• Techniques to study and handle micro-organisms appropriately
• Principles of microbial systematics and classification, especially as they apply to infection diagnostics
• Experiments that identify the sites and mechanisms of drug action
• Bioinformatics to analyse trends in complex data