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EMB1010A
Genetics/Biochemistry support tutorial
The aim of the support tutorial is to provide academic support and guidance to students on a year 1 Integrated programme with The College, Swansea University and the Department of Biochemistry.
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PM-130
Fundamental Research Skills
This module is designed to develop the skills required for students of biochemistry and genetics degree programmes. Students meet with their tutors and will be given a series of assignments designed to develop skills in key areas such as essay writing, presentations and general numeracy.
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PM-138
Skills for being a Medical Scientist
The aim of this module is to provide students with an initial experience of what it is to be a modern medical scientist, from the initial experimental planning, to performing experiments within the laboratory with data acquisition and analysis and finally to the communication of scientific findings to a wider audience.
Students will develop basic skill sets in the four most important research skill areas of practical laboratory skills, data analysis, collaboration and communication. The module will be both theoretical and applied, where the student will be instructed in methods essential for data acquisition and data analyses but will also actively participate in the laboratory, using broadly applicable experimental techniques. In addition, students will learn about health and safety within a laboratory environment and the current ethics regulations surrounding the use of humans, human tissue and animals within medical research.
Furthermore, students will develop their communication skill sets not only through essay writing but also will develop their oral presentation skill set and their collaboration skills through a group presentation and tutorial classes.
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PM-156
Immunology Insights
This module introduces students into the complex world of immunology and the human immune system. It will explore the intricate network of cells, tissues, and organs that guard the body against external threats. Starting with the innate and adaptive immune systems, students will gain insights into the body¿s frontline defenses (e.g., complement system, phagocytes, and physical barriers to infection), as well as more specialized responses (e.g., the use of T-cells and B-cells). This module also will highlight the clinical relevance of immunology, and provide understanding on auto-immune diseases, hypersensitivities, immunodeficiencies, and vaccine development.
Through a combination of lectures and laboratory sessions, students will gain insights into the molecular and cellular basis of the immune system, how it responds to disease, but also how aberrations can lead to disease itself. Students that complete this module will be equipped with foundational knowledge in the field of immunology.
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PM-160
Infection & Immunity
Infectious diseases and immune responses shape the health of individuals and populations, influencing medical advancements and public health strategies. This module provides a comprehensive introduction to infection science and immunology, laying the foundation for understanding the complex interactions between hosts, pathogens, and immune defences.
The module also introduces core concepts of infection biology, including host-pathogen interactions, pathogenicity, virulence factors, and transmission dynamics. Students will investigate major microbial pathogens (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) analysing their mechanisms of infection and immune evasion strategies. Special attention will be given to the role of the microbiome in health and disease, as well as emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
Students will also explore the molecular and cellular components of the immune system, covering key immune molecules, cells, and tissues. The module covers innate and adaptive immunity, examining barriers to infection, immune cell communication, and pathogen recognition. Fundamental immunological processes such as inflammation, antigen presentation, and immune memory will be covered, alongside the role of vaccines and immunotherapies in disease prevention and treatment.
Through a combination of lectures, laboratory practical sessions, and workshops, students will develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in microbiology and immunology. Hands-on activities will include analysing practical data and applying key techniques in microbiology & immunology. The module will equip students with a strong scientific foundation, preparing them for further study.
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PM-243
Clinical Biochemistry & Physiology
The module begins with a discussion of selected metabolic disorders of carbohydrate metabolism and their pathological consequences with particular emphasis on diabetes mellitus. The molecular mechanisms underlying polycystic ovarian syndrome are then considered. Next, there will be a discussion of the analytical tests used by the NHS to diagnose and monitor diseases such as diabetes (for instance the glycated haemoglobin or Hba1c test) how the test(s) can be affected by haemoglobinopathies and the length of time that has elapsed since someone has taken their medication. Finally the module reviews mechanisms of protein transport and their relevance to storage diseases.
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PM-341
Human Biology and the Environment
This module is intended to provide an understanding of how our environmental factors impact on key aspects of human biology. Various environmental factors such as diet, stress, and pollution will be considered with a focus on their effects on epigenetics, inflammation, gut microbiota, mitochondrial health, and oxidative stress in non-communicable diseases in particular (e.g. chronic respiratory disease, cancer and metabolic disorders). The effect of extreme environments (e.g. altitude, space) and ageing on multiple organ systems will be considered. Students will gain practical experience in communicating these issues to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
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PM-344
Capstone Project
The aim of this module is to provide a capstone experience to students¿ learning, through participating in their own enquiry-based research project, with guidance from an academic supervisor. The project may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, but it will always involve a research question that is drawn from the literature, and focused on a topic relevant to the life sciences. It will ask a research question and involve the critical analysis of research findings. Students will refine their oral and written communication skills to a graduate level through an oral presentation and dissertation on their research findings and conclusions.
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PM-347
Human Immunopathology
The module aims to provide students with a greater understanding of the human immune system and the causes of a range of diseases associated with immune dysfunction including autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders and neurological conditions.
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PM-366
Teaching Science
This module is for students with an interest in teaching, science communication, and medicine. Students will complete an enquiry-based research project, based within the field of pedagogy or science communication, with guidance from an academic supervisor. Projects may be completed in collaboration with local schools/colleges, community groups, science outreach programmes (e.g. Oriel Science), in clinical/patient settings, or within Higher Education. Students will engage with workshops and digital resources to introduce various themes surrounding pedagogy and science communication to prepare them for their research project. Students will be required to critically analyse their research findings and produce a teaching or outreach activity/resource. Students will refine their oral and written communication skills to graduate level through an oral presentation and dissertation.
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PMRM04
Capstone Research Project
This module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in teaching components in part one of their relevant programme. Students will work independently in order to critically explore and add to the evidence base for a topic of relevance to their area of study.
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PMRM04J
Capstone Research Project (Jan)
This module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in teaching components in part one of their relevant programme. Students will work independently in order to critically explore and add to the evidence base for a topic of relevance to their area of study.
