Module: BIO6003-20 Medical Biology

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Dr Samantha Lane

Module Tutor Contact Details: S.Lane@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module aims to give you the knowledge, practical skills and experience needed for a career in the life sciences sector, particularly in disciplines allied to medicine; including work in clinical or research laboratories, as well as the NHS, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and the global pharmaceutical industry. You will gain skills in good laboratory practice (GLP), analytical and microbiological techniques, as well an awareness of the ethical issues related to the study of biological material, including knowledge of the Human Tissue Act. Aspects of medical biology such as pathology, toxicology, immunology and pharmacology are explored through the lecture series and applied to ‘real world’ problems and investigations through the practical sessions and assessment. By taking this module you will fulfil the Bath Spa graduate attributes to become ethically aware: prepared for citizenship in a local, national and global context and to be employable: equipped with the skills necessary to flourish in the global workplace, able to work in, and lead, teams.

2. Outline syllabus

Sessions include analysis of the pathology of cells and tissues and how these can be affected by disease, including the molecular processes leading to cancer.  The dynamic processes related to cellular toxicity are also included and linked to the development of new drugs and their journey through clinical trials into manufacture. This will form part of the ‘clinical trial pack’ assessment, where using a clinical trial protocol, you will investigate and design the treatment regime for a Phase III trial, including details of randomization, control, international multicentre distribution and data collection.  Medical microbiology is also a key area, where specialist knowledge of microbiological identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing are fundamental, alongside an understanding of infection control processes. The clinical elements of haematology and application of biomarkers for health monitoring are also included. There is also a genetic component to the module, where particular attention is given to genomics, candidate gene studies and applications of gene therapy.

3. Teaching and learning activities

You will attend sessions for four hours each week, these sessions will be a mixture of lectures, practicals and workshops.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Laboratory Portfolio (2500 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Clinical trial pack (2500 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50%