Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 60

NATURAL SCIENCES

Biomedical Science
Overview

Biomedical Science is a unique opportunity to
investigate the scientific basis of human health,
disease and therapies. It forms the basis of the
21st century approach to diagnosis, prevention and
treatment of disease and related areas of research.
At Keele we provide a research informed education
delivered by internationally recognised researchers
and both clinical and diagnostic practitioners. We
are committed to your academic and professional
development and our curriculum is designed to
maximise a broad range of desirable employability
skills. We are proud of the interdisciplinary nature
of the Keele programme and attention to focused
learning that adds context and value to your work.
Through the study of biomedical science you will
gain a thorough grounding in mammalian biology
and biochemistry and a detailed appreciation
of the relationship between normal metabolic
events and those disturbances of cell structures,
intercellular signalling systems and the immune
system that contribute to pathophysiology. You will
also experience valuable insight into core subject
areas such as clinical chemistry, haematology and
transfusion science, cellular pathology, medical
microbiology, virology, clinical immunology and
human genetics. Overall you will gain a deep
appreciation of the biology of human disorders
and understand disease processes from a medical
practitioner’s perspective.

Course content

First year
Nature’s Tools: Proteins and Enzymes examines the
structure and function of proteins.
Metabolism: Major Metabolic Pathways
demonstrates how we derive and utilise chemical
energy from food products to sustain life.
Introduction to Human Physiology and Human
Physiology and Pathology describes human anatomy
and physiology and relates that to pathological
changes that occur during disease processes.
Cells and Organelles explores the field of cell biology
and considers structure and communication of
prokaryotic/eukaryotic cells.

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Second year
Medical Laboratory Sciences I and II discuss the
role of biomedical scientists in the NHS to develop
a critical appreciation of the analytical, clinical and
diagnostic role of modern pathology services.
Molecular, Cellular and Structural Immunology
considers the complex relationship between
invading pathogens and the cellular basis of the
immune response.
Gene and Protein Engineering explores advances
in recombinant DNA technology and genomics.
Metabolism in Health and Disease explores the
specialisation of metabolism within man and
association with inherited and acquired disease.
Research and Analytical Skills train you in core
research and analytical skills relevant to a range
of bioscience disciplines.
You will also choose any two of the following
modules:
• Human Genetics
• Endocrinology and Cell Signalling
• Professional Relationships
• One from a range of electives offered across
the University
Third year
The third year is the culmination of your studies
and allows you the opportunity to apply skills
that you have developed whilst completing
30 credits of independent research; a double module
of experimental research or a single experimental
module plus a non-experimental research module.
Acquisition, Analysis and Communication of
Information develops the skills required for retrieving
and interpreting published research and analysing
and communicating experimental data.
Biology of Disease trains you to conduct an
independently researched critical appraisal of
a specific disease.
You can also specialise in areas that most inspire
you by choosing four of the following options:
• Structural Biology and Macromolecular Function
• Behavioural Neurobiology

Information and Inheritance introduces
fundamentals of molecular biology.

• Neurobiological Basis of Brain Disease

Introduction to Medical Laboratory Sciences
illustrates how scientific understandings of disease
mechanisms are put into practice by biomedical
scientists.

• Human Parasitology

Case Studies in Medicine is taught exclusively
through small, student-led tutorials to develop a
range of professional skills through problem-based
learning of clinical cases.

• Biochemistry and Therapy of Disease

• Advances in Medicine
• Case Studies in Biomedical Science
• Clinical Pathology
• Neurobiology of Vision and Hearing