Health Sciences BSc (Hons)

Gain basic knowledge of human anatomy and an understanding of the mechanisms associated with control and regulation of the physiological processes of the major organ system. Homeostasis is the key theme throughout the module, as you explore interrelationships between human functions and the organisational hierarchy to develop and increase your understanding of how the body functions. You also study the construction of biological profiles for human identification including sex, age at death, stature determination and biological affinity. This knowledge is used in the context of identification and recovery of human remains, the regulatory aspect of handing human remains and ethical issues related to human tissue research.

This is a 20-credit module.

Understand the breadth of health science, and clinical and non-clinical support services within the NHS in the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care. Through service user/carer involvement, you gain valuable insight into the personal experience of those receiving current healthcare provision.

This is a 20-credit module.

Study the key principles of biochemistry, including the structure of the atom, chemical bonding and the forces that operate between molecules, chemical reactions and biological pathways. Investigate the chemistry of carbon and why this element is capable of forming the complex three-dimensional molecules that make life possible. Crucial groups of biological molecules are studied in detail, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

This is a 20-credit module.

At a cellular level, you develop your understanding of biological processes. You explore the common features and immense diversity of form and function displayed by cells of organisms. You examine eukaryotic cell architecture and function with a molecular and mammalian focus and learn about cell division, the cell cycle, genetic organisation of cells, DNA replication and gene expression.

This is a 20-credit module.

Microbiology is crucial in many aspects of life science. You study the fundamental aspects of microbiology, learn key practical skills and theoretical concepts covering a range of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses and eukaryotic microbes. You focus on microbial cell structure and function, microbial growth, microbial diversity, the importance of microbes in the environment, industry and human health. And you benefit from a strong practical element that introduces key microbiological lab skills.

This is a 20-credit module.

You gain an overview of normal histology and cytology of major organs and systems of the human body and molecular and cellular factors underpinning the pathology of common diseases. You examine the causes, mechanisms and extent of disease, as well as adaptations to injury, such as apoptosis and necrosis (death of living cells or tissues), autophagy, inflammation, wound healing and neoplasia (abnormal new growth of cells).

This is a 20-credit module.

Clinical pharmacology encompasses all aspects of the relationship between drugs and humans. It is a diverse discipline that both sustains and advances best healthcare. You explore the nature of drugs as chemicals, which interact with cellular mechanisms at the molecular, systemic and behavioural level. Focus is on the treatment and prevention of disease and you consider the nature of adverse effects of drugs and other chemicals within living systems.

This is a 20-credit module.

Working as a project team, apply your health science knowledge to a range of environmental problems and to answer specific questions. Develop a comprehensive set of employability skills including project management, presentation of work, research and commercial awareness to support complex problem solving, and enhance your awareness of professional issues such as health, safety, environment and ethics in the workplace.

This is a 20-credit module.

From fertilisation to infancy, through puberty and into adulthood, you take a journey through your own life. You also examine what happens when the human reproductive system doesn’t work properly, and how advances in reproductive medicine can help.

This is a 20-credit module.

You gain a solid foundation in immunology and explore the immune system’s role in protecting against microorganisms and maintaining human health. Examine the functional organisation of the immune system, the immune cells and chemical mediators, antibodies, and cellular processes related to the innate and adaptive immune responses.

This is a 20-credit module.

Social, environmental and economic factors influence an individual’s health and wellbeing. A healthy diet, education, income, smoking and alcohol abuse are all considerations. You examine these positive and negative influences.

An evidence-based approach helps you to understand key developmental issues in the various stages of life, from preconception and adolescence through to old age. You develop effective research skills and learn how to critically evaluate existing information and theories, using what you have learnt to deliver solutions for key public health issues

This is a 20-credit module.

You study a range of modern molecular biology concepts and techniques. And you address general molecular biology and experimental techniques, key to the discipline for applications such as the production of recombinant proteins, DNA sequencing and functional gene measurement. The new age of molecular biology is underpinned by gene/genome sequencing, sequence analysis and sequence manipulation. You gain a thorough introduction to the principles of sequence analysis and how these techniques have revolutionised all areas of molecular biology. Particular attention is paid to the technique of polymerasechain reaction (PVR). And you examine informatics concepts, with a focus on visualising and analysing DNA sequence data, as well as basic molecular data analysis. A series of lab sessions introduce the basic techniques that lie at the heart of modern molecular biology such as DNA purification, PCR, restriction digestion, nucleic acid analysis through agarose gels, and sequencing - these are key to industrial biotechnology as well as research science.

This is a 20-credit module.

You have the option to spend one year in industry learning and developing your skills. We encourage and support you with applying for a placement, job hunting and networking.

You gain experience favoured by graduate recruiters and develop your technical skillset. You also obtain the transferable skills required in any professional environment, including communication, negotiation, teamwork, leadership, organisation, confidence, self-reliance, problem-solving, being able to work under pressure, and commercial awareness.

Many employers view a placement as a year-long interview, therefore placements are increasingly becoming an essential part of an organisation's pre-selection strategy in their graduate recruitment process. Benefits include:

· improved job prospects
· enhanced employment skills and improved career progression opportunities
· a higher starting salary than your full-time counterparts
· a better degree classification
· a richer CV
· a year's salary before completing your degree
· experience of workplace culture
· the opportunity to design and base your final-year project within a working environment.

If you are unable to secure a work placement with an employer, then you simply continue on a course without the work placement.

What are the real-world challenges associated with the launch of a healthcare product? Study the process from initial research and development through to developing a product for market. Understand nutrition, medical, biotechnology and healthcare sector ventures. Develop your entrepreneurship skills and learn how to carry out and implement effective market research, and develop a business plan.

This is a 20-credit module.

You get an overview of the health technologies used within the health sector to prevent, manage and treat diseases. You focus on the impact of medical technologies such as medicines, medical devices, diagnostic techniques and surgical procedures. You also explore how certain conditions are diagnosed and treated along with the different efficacy measures of these technologies including cost effectiveness.

This is a 20-credit module.

Ageing is a major risk factor for a number of diseases including cardiovascular, respiratory, neurodegenerative, musculoskeletal diseases and cancer. Develop your understanding of the molecular, cellular and whole organism ageing processes. Explore how ageing occurs by the accumulation of damage to molecules, cells and tissues, resulting in a loss of function and leading to an increased risk of death. And examine advances in intervention mechanisms which have contributed towards reducing disease risk and development in an ageing population.

This is a 20-credit module.

You examine key human pathogens with a clear emphasis on the subversion of host cells and causation of disease. You explore underlying molecular mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment and overall impact of many key pathogens. You gain an insight into how humans interact with a variety of non-pathogenic microorganisms and how they affect human health.

This is a 20-credit module.

You complete an in-depth, independent investigation into a specialist aspect of your field of study. You bring together a range of practical and academic skills developed in previous study, including analysing and critically evaluating data and a critical reflection on the potential risks, and moral and ethical issues. You are supported by a research supervisor who helps you develop and complete your research project.

This is a 40-credit module.