Module Directory

This module integrates content and knowledge from the core clinical specialism modules taught in the second year, to strengthen your understanding of the study, investigation, diagnosis and monitoring of human health and disease and therapeutic strategies applicable to disease states.

Through a systems-led approach, you will study the clinical aspects of specific diseases, and link this to cellular, molecular and whole organ changes. You will also develop independent research and analysis skills to evaluate the scientific literature.

The aim of this module is:

• To enable students to integrate the clinical laboratory specialities with underpinning knowledge of Biomedical Science processes, investigation and treatment used for specific diseases.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Analyse the biological basis and clinical aspects of important named diseases.


2. Critically evaluate the causes, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of important named diseases.


3. Demonstrate knowledge of the range of techniques used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.


4. Demonstrate competence in the retrieval and interpretation of the scientific literature.


5. Demonstrate competence in (a) the analysis and interpretation of data and (b) the collation, synthesis, and communication of material in the form of oral presentations and case studies.


6. Discuss the broader social, economic and ethical implications of selected issues in biomedical sciences.

Skills for your Professional Life (Transferable Skills)

1. Advanced and integrated knowledge of disease mechanisms, diagnostics, and therapies.


2. Ability to analyse data and interpret them (DAI).


3. Online information retrieval services (e.g. Pubmed).


4. Ability to read and understand scientific publications.


5. Oral presentation skills.


6. Time management – self-directed study – decision making/prioritising.

Module Cap Criteria: none- This module is core for Biomedical Science students.

Professional body requirements

In order to meet accreditation requirements, students will be required to study at least one module that contains integrated (multi-disciplinary) consideration of the clinical specialisms (IBMS accreditation criteria 2.8 - https://www.ibms.org/resources/documents/bsc-re-accreditation-guidance-for-cohorts-from-sept-2024)

Syllabus information

• The pathobiology of the major organs and tissues, with regards to cellular damage and death, inflammation, infections and repair.


• The clinical features of the pathologies of the main organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, digestive system, kidney, brain, breast, and blood.


• The pathobiological processes, diagnostic methods, and treatment options associated with major diseases such as genetic disorders, heart disease, stroke, cancer, blood disease, diabetes, and infectious disease. There should be reference to current laboratory methods available for the study, investigation, diagnosis, and monitoring of human health and disease in clinical and research environments including the biochemical, histological, immunological, and imaging techniques)


• Outlook: The development and evaluation of novel methods and therapeutic intervention strategies.


• The Ethics of Biomedical Science. What are the ethical implications of current and novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

This module will be delivered via:

• One 2-hour lecture per week
• Two 1-hour support classes per term

Students are expected to undertake the reading before classes and be prepared to engage in discussion.