Cell biology studies the properties of cells including their physiological properties, their structure, the organelles they contain, interactions with their environment, their life cycle, division and death. Molecular and cellular biology are interrelated, as most of the properties and functions of a cell can be described at the molecular level. You’ll cover the relevance of cell biology to medicine with reference to various diseases, cancer cell biology, technologies and bioinformatics. The practical element of this module will ensure you’re familiar and competent with a range of fundamental laboratory techniques and skills. You’ll not only develop confidence in using equipment to collect data, but also in the presentation and interpretation of this data. You’ll have regular tests in class with feedback to allow you to monitor your own progress and understanding. In addition, you’ll work in a group to create a poster presentation.
View the full module definitionThe human body is a complex collection of systems interacting in a way that allows it to meet the demands of a daily routine. It has the ability to adapt to changing environments to maintain the internal environment within the physiological range for its survival. This module will span 2 semesters. In the first semester, you’ll focus on the basics of human anatomy and physiology that provide an underpinning basis for future modules. Links with ill health, well-being and disruption to homeostatic mechanisms will be put into context of normal anatomy and physiology. Followed up by cell structure, function and histology, the nervous system and endocrine system, and the musculoskeletal - and respiratory systems. In semester two, you’ll study the organ systems, including the cardiovascular system, urinary system, the lymphatic system, digestive system and the reproductive system. Where appropriate, you’ll be introduced to relevant pathophysiology in parallel with the normal structure and functioning of the systems. You’ll undertake physiology-based practical sessions in the SuperLab that will develop your practical lab skills.
View the full module definitionSecure the scientific and professional skills that are essential for employment in the scientific industry. We’ll teach you the pre-laboratory work, planning and prep, health and safety and laboratory experimental design needed to work safely and competently in a lab. Secure the professional skills and training needed to operate common laboratory apparatus, such as glassware, microscopy, pH reading, weighing and measuring volumes, pipetting and the use of spectrophotometers. Communication of scientific information is vitally important for your employability and it spans many forms such as laboratory reports, journal articles and presentation skills. We’ll teach you the skills you need to succeed. Skills such as referencing, and searching for literature will be addressed. You’ll cover related numeracy skills such as SI units, converting between different expression of concentration, and basic statistics. You’ll present your findings to different audiences (scientific and non-scientific) using a variety of methods. We’ll enhance your digital literacy skills, allowing you to drawing graphs, use functions in spreadsheets, present data in tables and creating presentation slides. Regular formative activities will be undertaken in class to enable you to monitor your progress, such as online quizzes and laboratory activities. You’ll complete a lab report and deliver an oral presentation.
View the full module definitionBiomedical science is the application of biological sciences to the study of medical sciences. This module builds on the Human Anatomy and Physiology module and looks at the multidisciplinary nature of biomedical science. Biomedical science requires a sound understanding of each of the constituent clinical disciplines. These are medical microbiology, clinical biochemistry, haematology, histopathology and cytology, clinical genetics and clinical immunology. Focus on global diseases and infections, alongside methods of prevention and cure. Explore the diagnostic techniques used to analyse human samples in the investigation of causative agents. A range of common human diseases, such as cancers, anaemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and microbial infections will be used to provide background theory. Explore the mechanism of pathology, the physiological consequences to the human body and range of diagnostic investigations used as part of a differential diagnosis. Gain an understanding of the basic laboratory techniques which are relevant to the biomedical disciplines, such as aseptic technique, human blood smears, polymerase chain reaction and gram stain. You’ll put theory into practice to enhance your understanding, develop professional and practical skills and to enhance your employability profile. You’ll be assessed in a group through the oral defence of an e-poster based on a patient case study involving a disease or infection.
View the full module definitionIntroducing the physicochemical principles underlying a range of disciplines that constitute Pharmaceutical Science (pharmacology, pharmaceutics, drug discovery and development as well as pharmacovigilance).You’ll explore the concept of formulating medicines, the design of dosage forms, the factors that influence the route of administration as well as the basic physicochemical principles underlying the formulation and stability of liquid and colloidal dosage forms. You’ll get hands on in the SuperLab, to gain good laboratory practice and learn a range of fundamental physical pharmacy and laboratory techniques. You’ll develop confidence in using equipment as well as collection, presentation and the interpretation of data. Your assessment will be a coursework portfolio that compiles elements of practical lab work (discussion of results), and an in-class test as well as a signed off skills sheet.
View the full module definitionEntering higher education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all our students to make the most of the opportunities higher education provides, reach your potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is, in itself, quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You'll be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you'll explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where you collect knowledge and complete mini tasks. You'll proceed at your own pace, though we you to have completed your Into ARU exploration by week 6. If for any reason you're unable to complete by that date, we'll signpost to existing services so that we can be confident that you are supported.
View the full module definitionBiochemistry, is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. By controlling information flow through biochemical signalling and the flow of chemical energy through metabolism, biochemical processes give rise to the complexity of life. Over the last decades of the 20th century, biochemistry has become so successful at explaining living processes that now almost all areas of the life sciences from botany to genetics are engaged in biochemical research. Today, the main focus of pure biochemistry is on understanding how biological molecules give rise to the processes that occur within living cells, which in turn relates greatly to the study and understanding of tissues, organs, and whole organisms. This module builds on ‘Principles of Metabolism’. It demonstrates how the physiological actions of selected organs can be explained by their particular biochemical processes. It focusses on the metabolic integration, rather than pathways, investigating the liver, communication systems (endocrine and neurological), blood and vascular system, muscle and adipose tissue and renal biochemistry. You’ll have regular in class test to prepare you for the end of module exam.
View the full module definitionThis is a ‘systems–based’ module building upon the anatomy and physiology content from the previous year. It’ll provide a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of the various systems including the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal, endocrine and nervous system. An overview of the causes, pathophysiological changes and clinical diagnosis will add depth to your understanding. Opportunities will be offered to you to acquire professional and scientific skills through problem-based learning using medical case studies. This case study approach is used to promote transferable skills (e.g. team-working and delegation), to facilitate a deeper knowledge and understanding of specific aspects of human pathophysiology, and to develop problem-solving and reasoning skills. In-class discussions on pathological conditions will be facilitated along with regular class tests. The assessment will consist of two elements a submission of a case report on laboratory results of two case studies and a written examination on selected pathophysiological conditions.
View the full module definitionUnderstand the principals of pharmacology. Including how drugs produce their effects on the body by acting at specific targets (pharmacodynamics), as well as the absorption, disposition of drugs in body compartments with time, metabolism of drug molecules and ultimately the elimination of drugs (pharmacokinetics). In addition, the mechanism of chemical neurotransmission in the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system will be explored along with the function and neurotransmission in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Drugs acting on both systems, their mechanism of action and their applications will also be discussed, as well as the action of neurotransmitters through the development of the concept of drug-receptor interactions. You’ll learn how drugs are producing their effects and the different mechanism of actions they show when interacting with their receptors, how to distinguish between agonists and antagonists and how to create dose-response curves and how to interpret them. The application of these concepts will be illustrated by examples of the pharmacology of drugs used to treat cardiovascular and behavioural disorders. You’ll have regular in-class tests to help you monitor your progress and the final assessment will be via an exam.
View the full module definitionHere you’ll be introduced to the basic concepts of epidemiology and biostatistics as applied to public health problems. Emphasis is placed on the principles and methods of epidemiologic investigation, appropriate summaries and displays of data, and the use of classical statistical approaches to describe the health of populations. Topics include the dynamic behaviour of disease; usage of rates, ratios and proportions; methods of direct and indirect adjustment, and clinical life tables that measures and describes the extent of disease problems facing the world today. Various methods of epidemiologic study designs for investigating associations between risk factors and disease outcomes are also introduced. These data form the cornerstones of decision making at local and government level and therefore time is spent on understanding the evidence gathering process. You’ll debate and discuss medical ethics, to appreciate the close relationships between personal and professional ethical judgment in decision-making. You’ll also collect epidemiological data in and out of the clinical setting. Formative and summative assessments are based around presentation and written tasks that will develop your ability to plan and rationalise actions using epidemiological data in the real world.
View the full module definitionYou will complete a research project in your final year; therefore, this module requires the development of a research proposal. You will get the necessary tools to undertake research using qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods of inquiry. This module will also serve to aid your critical analysis of published research. It will build on those transferrable skills introduced from the beginning of the course and will look at the development of a research project from conception to completion, concentrating on the forming and shaping of a study using a variety of approaches. As such, this module will involve the development of an understanding of the use of statistics in research and will introduce you to some of the statistical data analysis techniques used in the medical and scientific literature. It will also create an appreciation for the rationale involved in making the correct choices when undertaking research and evaluating the relative ‘strength’ of evidence-based practice in healthcare.
View the full module definitionRuskin Modules are designed to prepare our students for a complex, challenging and changing future. These interdisciplinary modules provide the opportunity to further broaden your perspectives, develop your intellectual flexibility and creativity. You will work with others from different disciplines to enable you to reflect critically on the limitations of a single discipline to solve wider societal concerns. You will be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines to apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, seek and maximise opportunities to realise your potential to give you a distinctive edge and enhance your success in the workplace.
You’ll consider the therapeutic application of drugs for specific conditions. You’ll cover the principles of drug action on major organ systems including the cardiovascular, central and peripheral nervous system, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and the endocrine system. Explore major disease processes in each system and the mechanisms by which drugs exert their pharmacological/therapeutic effects. This includes a thorough grounding on intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing physiological function, incorporating mechanisms at the integrated systemic. You’ll focus on changes in structure and function in different physiological conditions (including ageing) and disease states and to pharmacological control of homeostasis. Understand undesirable side-effects brought about by combinations of drugs. You’ll learn the importance of pharmaco-economics and pharmacovigilance in clinical pharmacology and the regulatory aspects of the pharmaceutical industry. This module will cover aspects of genetic factors that affect the metabolism of foreign compounds and drug-receptor interactions. Hear current views on the relationship between pharmacogenetic polymorphisms and disease susceptibility and potential approaches to drug design using pharmacogenomics. Pharmacogenetics promises a future where a therapeutic regimen is tailored to individual patients (i.e. personalised medicine). Your assessment will be 100% coursework activities made up of reports, in-class test and case studies.
View the full module definitionYou’ll explore the use, manipulation and application of biotechnology in areas such as health, industry, and the environment with particular emphasis in pharmaceutical and medical sciences. Knowledge of current key examples of the use of biotechnology in these areas will be investigated. You’ll learn through face-to-face and independent study to develop an in-depth knowledge on mechanisms by which biological systems can be manipulated. Workshops will be held to critically examine recent advances in biotechnological products. Case studies will introduce you to the assessment and therapeutic efficacy of biotechnology products and explore the major approaches in pharmaceutical and medical sciences. You’ll analyse examples of research studies pertinent to biotechnology and investigate the importance of ethics within research and its application. You’ll debate the development of biotechnology products. You’ll be required to submit written coursework as well as a 10 min video of role-play of an interview covering topical issues and debating the therapeutic efficacy of biotechnology products.
View the full module definitionDesigned to help you integrate your specialist subject knowledge in the wider context of medical and pharmaceutical science. You’ll work together with students from different disciplines and interest areas on a patient scenario to identify the diagnosis. You’ll then collaborate to establish the most effective treatment for the diagnosis. This will be achieved through student-led discussions, workshops, practicals, tutorials and lecturers, all centred on problem-based learning. You’ll be assessed in a mock court, where you’ll need to justify your findings and defend your evidence, from probing questions from a panel of judges. Team working, leadership and management are an essential skills which employers are increasingly seeking evidence for. To enhance your employability skills, you’ll be assessed on your ability to lead one of your in-class team activities. You’ll create an agenda prior to the session that you’ll lead (as a ‘chairperson’), document the key points of the discussion through creation of the minutes from the meeting, and write a short reflective account of your experience from your session (such as time management and facilitating a team discussion). This will be a pass/fail assignment.
View the full module definitionBroaden your understanding of the implications of contemporary medical research. Core to this is an understanding of pathological processes and cancer, however, a range of selected topical medical issues demanding media attention (e.g. mental illness, obesity, communicable diseases e.g. Ebola, HIV) will also be included. Having a strong biomedical focus, the content will include causations, pathophysiology, medical signs and symptoms and investigation, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of illnesses/diseases. Subsequently, you’ll explore diverse issues such as why cells transform from benign to invasive, the prevalence, causes, morphological and molecular changes that characterise cancer cell phenotypes and treatment/prevention to the biological basis of MRSA. Key emerging science, technologies and their applications will also be outlined such as the Human Genome Project or stem cell technology. Tutorial sessions will be in the format of a journal club with students presenting and critically evaluating relevant primary research papers and reinforcing the purpose and need for evidence-based medicine. Formative in-class critical appraisal of relevant research will be conducted. Summative assessment by submission of a review paper on a contemporary topic within the field of medical science and a written exam.
View the full module definitionThe Undergraduate Major Project is the culmination of the degree – it gives you a chance to demonstrate all you have learned. This project module is very different from other modules. Although you are supervised, the onus is on you to identify the research question and generate aims, objectives and hypotheses. The Undergraduate Major Project therefore allows you to engage in a substantial piece of individual research that will focus on a topic relevant to you, which follows on the research proposal and ethics application developed in the ‘Research Methods’. Your project may be in the form of primary research (e.g. laboratory, population studies, generating questionnaire-based data, clinical service evaluation, or other relevant acceptable research). Your chosen topic will require you to apply your subject knowledge and apply suitable methodologies. Importantly, you’ll apply and demonstrate your problem-solving skills through creative and innovative thinking.
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