This module introduces core principles of physiology and anatomy sufficient to underpin further study in the biomedical sciences.

To introduce the principles and main processes of human physiology, appreciate the relationships between body structure and function and how environmental changes affect homeostatic functioning of body systems.

1. Discuss the main functions of major body systems and the relationships between various body systems.

2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of core principles of physiology and anatomy and gain insight into physiology of health and the pathophysiological basis of disease.

3. Engage in, and demonstrate, independent learning and the use of information technology resources to assist learning.

To explain the core functions, structures, of the major biological macromolecules of the cell and how they integrate into cellular function. This module is designed to provide fundamental understanding of the chemical processes which underlie the biochemical reactions responsible for life and is essential for further study of the biosciences. The concepts introduced in this module will be further developed in later modules of study.

1. Describe the structure, function of biological macromolecules in the cell

2. Describe mammalian cellular energetics, and discuss factor that affect enzyme kinetics

3. Outline the organisation of nucleic acids in the cell

4. Explain the role of the cell cycle and cell signalling.

This module aims to provide students with the skills and techniques required to work in a regulated biomedical laboratory, building on past knowledge/skills developed in earlier modules, and underpinning further study and practice in biomedical sciences.

1. Carry out laboratory work in a professional manner, and experimentally perform, communicate and interpret laboratory determinations relating a variety of chromatographic techniques to work environment microbial content.

2. Demonstrate proficiency in microscopy and illustrate the difference between plant and animal cells.

3. Conduct and describe/interpret an investigation using laboratory biosensor determinations.

4. Effectively discuss investigations in applied biomedical sciences.

This module considers a wide number of aspects and issues in biotechnology, sufficient to underpin and reinforce other topics in life sciences. Topics include production, commercialisation and ethics of biotechnology products and the impact of biotechnology on modern society.

Biotechnology is defined as the exploitation of biology for human benefit, and it is increasingly impacting on everyday life. It is essential that graduates in Life Sciences are familiar with the principles and processes involved in exploiting biological systems. In addition they must be able to develop an informed opinion on the ethical and moral debate surrounding biotechnological processes.

This module aims to:

1. Familiarise students with the core principles underpinning both conventional and molecular biotechnology; and

2. Provide them with detailed examples of how various organisms and their gene(s) are currently being commercially exploited.

1. Explain the key discoveries that have influenced the development of the biotechnology industry.

2. Describe the principles and technologies underpinning biotechnology and also the products associated with this industrial sector.

3. Form opinions on the commercial, moral and ethical issues associated with the development of biotechnological products and appreciate the impact of biotechnology on society.

4. Appraise an area of medical biotechnology giving rise to important products that we will hear more about in the future.

This module addresses written and spoken communication of scientific information within a professional, scientific arena and to the general public. Emphasis is given to personal and professional development skills for students, including self awareness, interview skills, critical reading, constructive review and information quality assessment.

1. Demonstrate interpersonal skills in perception, listening, questioning, assertiveness, and non-verbal communication.
2. Display good communication and presentation skills particularly for scientific concepts and ideas
3. Paraphrase and summarise written scientific information, reference sources and write a bibliography
4. Use appropriate software to format, structure and publish short scientific reports according to established conventions.
5. Establish their individual role and responsibilities as members of a scientific profession

The module is designed to builds upon key theories and applications in Biology, Chemistry and develop core laboratory skills and safe laboratory practice.

To introduce biomedical science as a profession, including core laboratory techniques and associated health and safety issues, and fundamental processes involved in the human immune system.

1. Define biomedical science as a scientific discipline, the role of the IBMS, HCPC and the Academy in regulation of the profession

2. Explain the principles of laboratory safety, COHSH and Risk Assessment.

3. Describe core technologies used in a biomedical science laboratory including microbiology and the fundamental processes involved in the human immune system

4. Interpret, compute and evaluate clinical data logically within a theoretical context.

Work based learning is an essential element for a student wishing to exit with a foundation degree, and provides a wide range of opportunities for students to experience professional laboratory work in either a medical or industrial environment. Student's benefit by greatly improving their practical abilities and employment prospects.

As was emphasised in the Dearing Report, and delineated by the QAA there is a requirement for courses to contain elements, which will prepare students for the work-place. This is particularly true for bioscience degree programmes which are specifically aimed at employment in laboratories. By providing an opportunity for students to experience professional laboratory work in an agreed medical or industrial work place environment (that may include their place of work) this module will equip them with valuable skills and expertise for their future careers.

To develop experience in specialised techniques; To provide experience in the professional dissemination of laboratory data; To provide mentoring in acquiring professional conduct and responsibility; To enable students to improve their personal and inter-personal skills.

1. Make scientific observations, appraise laboratory data and propose explanations to scientific processes

2. Apply academic knowledge to the solution of problems.

3. Participate in the laboratory environment and express considered views on laboratory practice.

4. Reflect on work-based learning experience in view of self-appraisal.

This module provides opportunities for enterprise and employability skills to be assessed, nurtured and developed within the context of biomedical sciences. This module is taught by lectures (online), tutorials and supervised time on a group project. Individual creativity and communications skills are assessed. Within the context of carrying out a group project, individual contributions to reflection on team working and enterprise skills' development and minuting a group meeting are assessed, as well as the group output of a new life sciences venture outline plan.

Students in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Ulster should be aware of how to exploit their own ideas and talents, and have an appreciation of bioethics and the requirements of employers for professional biomedical scientists. Entrepreneurship training makes graduates more employable and helps them get a good job.

Aims: To allow to meet the learning outcomes associated with the University's Policy on Entrepreurship; To provide opportunities for enterprise, employability and reflective skills to be extended, applied and integrated in the contexts of improved practice within biomedical sciences' employer organisations and new venture within the life sciences sector; and To engage the participants actively in groups in the practice of getting informed about the life sciences business environment, developing a life sciences business idea and a strategy for protecting it, defining a life sciences business proposition and evaluating its unique selling points, researching the market, studying the competition, developing a marketing strategy, identifying the resource requirements and sources of finance, preparing short-term financial forecasts and integrating all aspects within an outline business plan.

1. Appraise how the entrepreneurial process can be applied for improved practice within biomedical sciences employer organisations

2. Display skills in creativity, opportunity analysis, resource management and communication.

3. Plan a new venture for a life sciences marketable product or tradable service.

4. Evaluate and critically reflect on team work and enterprise skills development through participation in a new venture planning project.

This module considers genetic defects that contribute to human disease with study of recombinant DNA techniques, human inheritance, chromosomal aberrancies and inborn errors of metabolism, carcinogenesis and ageing. Advances in molecular genetics and the human genome project are also discussed and provide an appreciation of the potential for improved diagnostics and therapeutics.

This module introduces core principles of clinical and applied genetics and contemporary molecular methods sufficient to underpin further study and research in clinical genetics.

Aims:
This module aims to introduce the main genetic defects that contribute to human disease conditions and provide an appreciation of how molecular methods can be used for diagnosis and the potential for new treatments.

1. Appreciate historical aspects of genetics and understand the structure and function of nucleic acids and the mechanisms of human inheritance. Convey and communicate knowledge of genetic disease

2. Describe the main types of mutations and be able to discuss, using examples, how gain and loss of function mutations relate to phenotype and human health. Describe how advances in human genomics, gene therapy and prenatal screening will impact on the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Analyse and solve a range of genetics problems. Be aware of key ethical issues within the field of study.

3. Explain the principles of core techniques in molecular biology and their current and potential applications in clinical diagnostic and research laboratories. Interpret and appraise the application of a diverse range of molecular biology protocols. Assess the value of adequate experimental controls and use appropriate sample sizes.

4. Develop the skills needed to plan and conduct a investigation of human genetic disease.

Gain practical experience in a range of core contemporary molecular techniques and their application in clinical and research context.

Accurately record and report data from experimental protocols.

Critically evaluate and analyse complex molecular biological data.

Present experimental research outcomes in the format of a scientific paper

This module aims to provide students with the skills and techniques required to work in a regulated biomedical laboratory, building on past knowledge/skills developed in earlier modules, and underpinning further study and practice in biomedical sciences.

1. Carry out laboratory work in a professional manner and experimentally perform, communicate and interpret laboratory determinations of protein detection.

2. Demonstrate competency in lipid analyses and interpretation of data.

3. Demonstrate adeptness in chromatographic methods for protein purification.
4. Effectively discuss investigations in applied biomedical sciences.

This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop research skills. The fully on-line module will be taught by lectures, tutorials, and computer based practical's.

Students will be expected to select a research Project topic and then write a project brief and a literature review, and also use MS Excel and SPSS to analyse biomedical sciences data sets.

Rationale:
This module effectively 'paves the way' for the BMS537 Project: Biomedical Sciences module. The module is designed to give students the conceptual tools they need in order to make informed decisions, both in relation to their choice of Honours project topic and the methodologies to be employed in order to achieve project goals, thereby optimising overall performance.

Aims:
To make students aware of the broad and varied range of project options available;
To provide students with a choice from a range of different biomedical sciences-related project topics, offering assistance in order that they arrive at satisfactory decisions;
To provide students with opportunities to develop writing, planning, interpretation and presentation skills within a research context; and
To promote continuous improvement in students' work as they move towards the Honours project, through the provision of detailed feedback.

1. Identify, analyse, compare and integrate findings from relevant scientific literature sources.

2. Select appropriate statistical methods to analyse bioscience data arising from research.

3. Formulate the objectives and draw up an appropriate overall experimental plan for a project within a chosen area of scientific research.

4. Recognise the scope (strengths and limitations) of previously-reported work and produce the current state of knowledge within the chosen area of scientific research.

This module develops core principles of professional practice in Healthcare Science.

This module develops the core principles of professional practice in Healthcare and Biomedical Science.

Aims:
To develop best practice and concepts in the biomedical profession.

1. Understand the role of the Biomedical Scientist and the need for continued professional development

2. Demonstrate an awareness of the implications of utilising an entrepreneurial approach in health service provision

3. Discuss the engage in reflective practice in the context of Biomedical Science

4. Understand the importance of health and safety and the role of quality in Biomedical Science provision

This module will demonstrate the importance of the systems approach both to quality and manufacturing within the highly regulated biopharmaceutical sector.

1. Evaluate the development and importance of Quality System Standards.
2. Identify the principal requirements of a Quality System.
3. Evaluate the benefits of the ISO 9000:2005 and ISO17025:2005 Quality Systems
4. Illustrate the importance of documentation as required by a Quality System.
5. Discuss the importance of Good Manufacturing Practice in a regulated environment
6. Describe the main contents of a Quality Manual.

This module aims to provide students with a broad knowledge of the theory, practice and interpretation of the various pharmacopoeia tests and instrumentation routinely employed in a Biopharmaceutical Quality Control laboratory to assess the quality of raw materials, intermediate and finished-goods product.

1. Interpret the European Pharamcopoeia and US Pharmacopoeia for QC Testing.

2. Outline and evaluate the basic test methods routinely employed in the analysis of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products.

3. Describe the typical analytical equipment employed for performance of the analytical test methods.
4. Describe the basic principles of Lean Manufacturing as related to laboratory practices.
5. Analyseand draw conclusions from typical quantitative and qualitative data obtained in an analytical laboratory and/or data presented in problem solving exercises.

A problem or opportunity based investigative project within the work place, provides students with invaluable learning experiences and delivers significant benefits for their employers. Students benefit by greatly improving their practical abilities, time management, organisational and interpersonal skills and hence their employability.

Employability is a person's capability for gaining and maintaining employment and depends on the knowledge, skills and abilities they possess. For those students in the workplace, their employability can be enhanced through a work based project which aims to solve a problem or pursue an opportunity. The Biomedical investigative project will cover three stages; Analysing the situation; Researching the problem/opportunity; Generating possible solutions/Opportunity feasibility study.

Working within an area of biomedical and bio-industrial sciences, the module aims are: To provide students with a meaningful introduction to a work-based investigation; To stimulate students in the necessary research-related qualities of a questioning approach, confidence, independence and self-discipline; To guide students towards the making of satisfactory decisions and appropriate conclusions regarding their investigation; and To promote continuous self-reflection and improvement in students' work.

1. Critically reflect upon a problem or opportunity within the work place, and evaluate their own performance and learning within this environment.

2. Critically reflect upon the planning, development, management and execution of a project using appropriate investigative approaches.

3. Demonstrate an ability to relate theory to practice, through solving a work-based problem or pursuing an opportunity, and so contributing meaningfully to the employer organisation.

4. Demonstrate independence, time management, flexibility, practical skills, organisational skills and interpersonal skills in the conduct of a work based Project.

This module aims to provide learners with a deep understanding of the theory of mammalian cell culture processing as it pertains to the biosynthesis of modern biopharmaceutical products. It will examine the processing flow from cell vial thaw and subsequent scale-up through to protein synthesis and product formation. Consideration will be given to the development and characterisation of cell lines for use in biomanufacturing, the kinetics of cell growth and media requirements to optimise cell performance and productivity. The learner will be exposed to a detailed comparative discussion of mammalian cell bioreactor design, operation, and control for the successful manufacture of biotherapeutic proteins.

1. Describe the fundamentals of mammalian cell biology and cell line development and explain the process kinetics relating to cell growth and productivity for a bioreactor process.

2. Identify the key components of mammalian cell culture media formulations and relate those to the optimisation of a cell culture process.

3. Compare and contrast the most common bioreactor designs available, their key features and the relative advantages and disadvantages in different operating modes.

4. Describe the key steps in bioreactor operation, the critical control parameters and the main operating and control loops associated with bioreactor performance monitoring.

5. Analyse, evaluate and draw conclusions from data obtained from lab. demonstrations and/or data obtained from problem solving exercises.

6. Perform research on a relevant topic and communicate in writing and orally an informed and evidence based analysis and evaluation of current thinking, with appropriate conclusions.

This module provides students with an in-depth understanding of the formulation and fill finish of a biopharmaceutical and also addresses current and emerging drug delivery systems.

This module is designed to develop an in-depth understanding of the formulation and fill finish of a biopharmaceutical.

Aim:

To provide students with an in-depth understanding of major considerations in the formulation and fill finish of a biopharmaceutical also addressing current and emerging drug delivery systems with relevant professional applications in biomedical sciences.

1. Critically discuss the challenges in the formulation of biopharmaceuticals.

2. Compare routes of delivery for biopharmaceuticals (e.g. pulmonary, parenteral, transdermal) and evaluate current and novel drug delivery systems designed for biopharmaceuticals.

3. Explain the principles and applications of typical fill-finish and freeze-drying technologies.
4. Perform research and a series of laboratory experiments relating to formulation/fill-finish, and then analyse, evaluate, draw reasoned conclusions and generate a report.

This module addresses advanced aspects of quality systems and regulatory affairs including legislation for biopharmaceutical processing sufficient for further study and professional practice in the biomedical sciences.

This module is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of quality systems and regulatory affairs including legislation for biopharmaceutical processing.

Aim:
To provide an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) legislation for biopharmaceutical processing, GMP, environmental, and health and safety legislation, relevant to the biopharmaceutical industry.

1. Explain in detail the main US and EU institutions, legal instruments, the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) process and workings of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA).

2. Integrate concepts of the common technical document (CTD), variations procedures and Clinical Trial Legislation to evaluate relevant case studies.

3. Evaluate applicability of current environmental, and health and safety legislation for the biopharmaceutical industry, and procedures and directives currently regulating good manufacturing practices (GMP).

4. Perform research relating to quality systems, and then analyse, evaluate, draw reasoned conclusions and generate a report.

This module aims to provide the learner with a deep understanding of the key theoretical concepts and principles of protein purification (downstream processing) as part of biotherapeutic protein manufacturing. The module will address all key steps in downstream processing from product recovery using different filtration techniques and/or centrifugation, to protein product capture, purification and polishing using various chromatographic techniques, and viral clearance. Consideration will be given to the selection of chromatographic methods, their operation, process scale-up and evaluation of column performance. Sources of viral loads from cell culture and other avenues will be discussed including techniques for their elimination.

1. Outline the main elements of an effective and efficient downstream process design for protein capture and purification.
2. Explain downstream processing technologies such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, diafiltration, and centrifugation.

3. Discuss the general theory and principles of chromatography technology for protein purification applications and the application of this theory to evaluating column performance.

4. Compare and contrast the different types and modes of chromatography used in downstream processing.

5. Describe the various viral exclusion and elimination technologies for downstream processing as well as relevant quality control methods.

6. Perform research on a relevant topic and communicate in writing and orally an informed and evidence based analysis and evaluation of current thinking, with appropriate conclusions.

This course aims to provide the student with a broad understanding of the various aspects of process and support systems validation for the manufacturing of modern biopharmaceuticals. It will deal with the various risks inherent in bioprocessing technologies and how the application of effective validation methodologies assists in the control and management of such risks.

1. Describe the key elements in a systematic approach to validation with particular emphasis on their application to bioprocessing.
2. Understand and apply the key elements of equipment qualification and analytical test method validation

3. Evaluate the main steps involved in the process validation of the biopharmaceutical manufacture upstream process (cell culture processing).

4. Evaluatethe main steps involved in the process validation of the biopharmaceutical manufacture downstream process (protein purification).

5. Describe the validation approach for viral control technologies for biopharmaceutical manufacture.
6. Communicate and explain scientific data relating to biopharmaceutical validation.

This module aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the general principles and methods of Biocontamination control; establishing and verifying the formal system for contamination control and associated test methods and requirements; traditional and modern methods of microbial detection; expressing, interpreting and reporting results; training and documentation requirements.

1. Critically evaluate the most relevant microbes and their typical sources for the biopharmaceutical industry, explain the available detection tests, including traditional and rapid methods, and discuss appropriate prevention techniques for each contaminant.

2. Apply the design concept, justify an appropriate system/process, explain relevant regulatory expectations and identify correction and preventative action (CAPA) methodologies in relation to biocontamination control.

3. Develop and justify an appropriate monitoring regime for a pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical facility, and evaluate biopharmaceutical contamination case scenarios.

4. Perform a series of laboratory experiments (or projects)relating to biocontamination control and generate a report and presentation.

This module comprises an investigation in the field of bioscience, carried out in consultation with, and supervised by, a member of academic staff and supported by an e-tutor. The Project provides experience in planning a work programme to suit a defined set of research objectives, data acquisition and analysis, and the interpretation of the results in the light of relevant literature. Students are assessed by coursework only. A research paper is submitted for assessment. Research findings are defended via a Poster Presentation.

As part of the qualification for an honours degree students are expected to complete a research project. In addition, opportunities for students to carry out post-graduate work in the biomedical sciences continue to expand. This module draws upon research skills attained in previous study and will permit students to carry out a piece of independent research in an area of biomedical sciences. The Project can also allow students in the work place to carry out an investigation which not only benefits his or her employer but also his or her career.

Aims:

Working within an area of biomedical sciences, the Module aims are: To provide students with a meaningful introduction to research; To stimulate in students the necessary research-related qualities of a questioning approach, confidence, independence and self-discipline; To guide students towards the making of satisfactory decisions and appropriate conclusions regarding their research; and To promote continuous self-reflection and improvement in students' work.

1. Define an appropriate detailed research strategy and plan in order to fulfil the Project objectives.

2. Define an appropriate detailed research strategy and plan in order to fulfil the Project objectives.

3. Analyse and interpret the data obtained during the execution of the Project, and critically compare and integrate Project findings with findings from previous work reported in the literature.

4. Engage in critical discussion of the conduct of the Project, and the significance of its findings, with the supervisor, and write-up the different parts of the Project report and defend Project findings via a Poster presentation.