Claire obtained a BSc in Physiology from Cardiff University, and was awarded a PhD from Swansea University Medical School for investigating alkane and fatty acid metabolism by Candida CYP52s. She has a keen interest in cytochromes P450, antifungal resistance, and alkane and fatty acid metabolism.
This module equips students with an opportunity to critically explore the evolving role of biomedical sciences in the delivery and provision of health care, in a local and global context. Furthermore it equips you the knowledge on key professional standards to critically explore the importance of IBMS and HCPC practice standards, ethical principles and regulatory frameworks to inform patient care, to gain an understanding of the lived patient experience, insight into working as part of a multidisciplinary team and to critically explore professionalism within healthcare delivery that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop your personal and professional development skills to inform and support the application of your knowledge, your experiences, and your reflective practice skills to inform the formation of professionalism competencies and your emerging professional identity as aspiring biomedical, healthcare or life scientists. Through critical analysis and the application of reflective practice frameworks, you will develop critical self-awareness (personal and professional) to explore leadership, communication, teamwork and to critically evaluate the importance of quality management, risk assessment and the laboratory accreditation process to ensure analytical outcomes are accurate and precise. Furthermore, the module will explore the importance of digital technologies, informatics, and data science to consider how practice can be adaptive to emerging knowledge and new technologies that will inform the future trends in biomedical sciences.
This module has been designed to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and principle concepts of biomedical science from a scientific and practice basis. The module will cover the following key topics:¿¿ - Human Anatomy and Physiology ¿ across the life span¿ - Good laboratory practice and Sustainability¿ - Key principles of cellular pathology, clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology, clinical immunology, clinical genetics and haematology¿ - Quality Management: Internal Quality Control (IQC), External Quality Assessment (EQA) and risk management This module provides students with an opportunity to further develop and explore the fundamental concepts and context of biomedical sciences across the various discipline subject areas, with a primary focus on developing their technical skill competency, adherence with professional standards, embedding the principles of evidence-based practice and the integration of core biomedical science knowledge using a patient-centred clinical case study approach. The module will support students to actively engage with real-world case studies to apply the fundamental knowledge and technical skills to develop their diagnostic decision making, understanding of the various analytical techniques and develop a proactive approach to applying their problem-solving skills to complex problems. Throughout the module, the theme of professional development and patient experience is highlighted in a syllabus that is focused on quality assurance, laboratory safety and sustainability, data governance, data interpretation, the principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), adherence to professional practice standards, ethical practice and the multidisciplinary context of healthcare based on a patient-centred approach.
This module has been designed to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and principle concepts of biomedical science from a scientific and practice basis. The module will cover the following key topics across the life span: 1. Human Anatomy, physiology and pathology 2. Pharmacology and Toxicology 3. Key principles of cell pathology, clinical biochemistry, clinical microbiology, clinical immunology, clinical genetics and transfusion science 4. Quality Management Systems 5. Near-patient testing (NPT)/Point of Care Testing This module provides students with an opportunity to further develop and explore the fundamental practical and applied aspects of biomedical sciences across the various discipline subject areas, with a primary focus on developing their technical skill competency, adherence with professional standards, embedding the principles of evidence-based practice and the integration of core biomedical science knowledge using a patient-centred clinical case study approach. The module will support students to actively engage with real-world case studies to apply the fundamental knowledge and technical skills to develop their diagnostic decision making, understanding of the various analytical techniques and develop a proactive approach to applying their problem-solving skills to complex problems. Throughout the module, the theme of professional development and patient experience is highlighted in a syllabus that is focused on quality assurance, laboratory safety and sustainability, data governance, data interpretation, the principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), adherence to professional practice standards, ethical practice and the multidisciplinary context of healthcare based on a patient-centred approach.
This module offers an in-depth exploration of clinical biochemistry as it relates to nutrition, metabolic disorders, and diagnostic science. It covers essential topics including nutritional requirements, fluid and electrolyte balance, bone and mineral metabolism, lipid metabolism, gastrointestinal disorders, and specific protein analysis. The curriculum extends to the biochemical basis and laboratory diagnosis of diabetes, hypoglycaemia, inherited metabolic disorders, and acid-base disturbances. Emphasis is placed on laboratory roles in clinical diagnosis, sample interpretation, and monitoring treatment strategies. Practical laboratory sessions in lipid analysis and blood gas interpretation complement theoretical knowledge, while the module concludes with foundational toxicology and drug metabolism principles relevant to clinical practice.
This module explores the biochemical and diagnostic aspects of major organ systems and disease states, focusing on their laboratory investigation and clinical relevance. Topics include renal function and disorders such as AKI and CKD, liver disease pathology and biomarker interpretation, and the use of cardiac biomarkers in diagnosing cardiovascular conditions. Endocrine system investigations cover reproductive, thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal function, with emphasis on hormone regulation and associated disorders. Additional lectures address pregnancy biochemistry, cancer biomarkers, and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), providing students with a comprehensive understanding of laboratory roles in disease diagnosis, monitoring, and management across a wide range of clinical contexts.
Microorganisms profoundly influence health, disease, and the environment, shaping our understanding of biological systems and their applications. This module offers a broad introduction to microbiology, examining the diversity of microbes and their impact on individuals, communities, and industry. Students will explore the core principles of microbiology, including microbial classification, genetics, metabolism, and interactions with hosts. The module begins by exploring the importance of microorganisms in health and disease, covering reservoirs, transmission routes, and the basics of bacteriology and clinical microbiology. Students will examine microbial genetics and their practical uses in biotechnology and diagnostics. Core biochemical processes such as energy generation and growth will be studied alongside techniques for identifying and characterising microbes. Sessions on antimicrobial therapy address how antimicrobial agents work, the rise of resistance, and approaches to stewardship. The module also introduces key concepts in epidemiology, including incidence, prevalence, outbreak investigation, and disease control. Beyond pathogens, students will consider beneficial microbes and their industrial roles in food production and biotechnology, as well as gaining an introduction to parasitology, mycology, and virology. Through lectures, laboratory practicals, workshops, and presentations, students will develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in microbiology. Hands-on activities and assessments will build confidence in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication, laying a strong foundation for further study and careers in microbiology and related disciplines.
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.
Nod y modiwl hwn yw cynnig profiad cychwynnol i fyfyrwyr o waith gwyddonydd meddygol modern, o gamau cychwynnol cynllunio arbrofion, i gynnal arbrofion mewn labordy ynghyd â chasglu a dadansoddi data ac, yn olaf, gyfleu'r canfyddiadau gwyddonol i gynulleidfa ehangach. Bydd myfyrwyr yn datblygu set o sgiliau sylfaenol yn y pedwar maes sgiliau ymchwil pwysicaf sef sgiliau labordy ymarferol, dadansoddi data, cydweithio a chyfathrebu. Bydd y modiwl hwn yn un damcaniaethol a chymhwysol, lle bydd myfyrwyr yn cael eu hyfforddi mewn dulliau sy'n hanfodol ar gyfer casglu a dadansoddi data ond hefyd bydd disgwyl iddynt gymryd rhan yn y labordy, gan ddefnyddio dulliau arbrofol â chymhwysiad eang. Yn ogystal, bydd myfyrwyr yn dysgu am iechyd a diogelwch mewn amgylchedd labordy a'r rheoliadau moeseg presennol o ran y defnydd o bobl, meinwe dynol ac anifeiliaid mewn ymchwil feddygol. Ar ben hynny, bydd myfyrwyr yn datblygu eu set o sgiliau cyfathrebu nid yn unig drwy ysgrifennu traethodau ond byddant hefyd yn datblygu eu sgiliau cyflwyno llafar a'u sgiliau cydweithio drwy gyflwyniad gr¿p a dosbarthiadau tiwtorial.
Cells are the fundamental units of life, forming the basis of all biological systems. This module provides a comprehensive introduction to cell biology, covering both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, their origins, and their evolutionary significance. Students will explore the molecular building blocks of life, gaining insight into how atoms and molecules combine to form essential macromolecules, ultimately giving rise to cells. The module examines the organization and function of eukaryotic cells, focusing on key organelles such as the nucleus (genetic regulation), mitochondria (energy production), cytoskeleton (structural support and transport), endoplasmic reticulum (protein processing), and Golgi apparatus (lipid processing). Students will also explore cell-to-cell communication via ligands and receptors, as well as the mechanisms of controlled cell death (apoptosis). Additionally, the module covers specialized eukaryotic cells, including those of the nervous and immune systems, as well as the role of stem cells in development. Prokaryotic cell biology will be explored in depth, covering the structure, function, and diversity of bacteria and archaea. Topics include cell envelope composition, motility, defense mechanisms, communication strategies, and adaptation to extreme environments. The module will also highlight the significance of prokaryotes in health, disease, and biotechnology. Furthermore, students will examine non-living entities such as viruses and bacteriophages, comparing their unique properties with those of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, and workshops, this module will provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in cell biology, emphasizing its relevance to human health and scientific research.
Celloedd yw unedau sylfaenol bywyd, gan ffurfio sylfaen yr holl systemau biolegol. Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cynnig cyflwyniad cynhwysfawr i fioleg celloedd, gan gynnwys celloedd ewcaryotig a phrocaryotig, eu tarddleoedd, a'u harwyddocâd esblygol. Bydd myfyrwyr yn archwilio seiliau bywyd moleciwlaidd, gan ennill dealltwriaeth o sut mae atomau a moleciwlau yn cyfuno i ffurfio macrofoleciwlau hanfodol, sydd yn y pen draw yn achosi i gelloedd ddatblygu. Mae'r modiwl yn archwilio trefniadaeth a swyddogaeth celloedd ewcaryotig, gan ganolbwyntio ar organynnau allweddol megis y cnewyllyn (rheoleiddio genetig), mitocondria (cynhyrchu egni), cytosgerbwd (cymorth a chludiant strwythurol), reticwlwm endoplasmig (prosesu protein), a'r organigyn Golgi (prosesu lipidau). Bydd myfyrwyr hefyd yn archwilio cyfathrebu rhwng celloedd drwy gyfrwng ligandau a derbynyddion, yn ogystal â dulliau marwolaeth celloedd a reolir (apoptosis). Yn ogystal, mae'r modiwl yn cynnwys celloedd ewcaryotig arbenigol, gan gynnwys rhai y system nerfol a'r system imiwnedd, yn ogystal â rôl bôn-gelloedd sy'n datblygu. Archwilir bioleg celloedd procaryotig mewn manylder, gan drafod strwythur, swyddogaeth, ac amrywiaeth bacteria ac archaea. Mae pynciau'n cynnwys cyfansoddiad cell amlen, symudoldeb, mecanweithiau amddiffyn, strategaethau cyfathrebu, ac addasu i amgylcheddau eithafol. Bydd y modiwl hwn hefyd yn amlygu pwysigrwydd procaryotau mewn iechyd, afiechyd, a biotechnoleg. Ar ben hynny, bydd myfyrwyr yn archwilio endidau anfyw megis firysau a bacterioffagau, gan gymharu eu priodoleddau unigryw â phriodoleddau celloedd ewcaryotig a phrocaryotig. Drwy gyfuniad o ddarlithoedd, sesiynau mewn labordy, a gweithdai, bydd y modiwl hwn yn darparu gwybodaeth ddamcaniaethol a sgiliau ymarferol mewn bioleg celloedd i fyfyrwyr, gan bwysleisio ei berthnasedd i iechyd dynol ac ymchwil wyddonol.
The modern scientist graduate is expected to have gained extensive laboratory-based experience and this is certainly essential for any student intent on pursuing a research-based career. Skills for Researchers provides students with the opportunity to acquire the core skills to be able to conduct, analyse, interpret and present scientific experiments. A proportion of the module will be spent in the laboratory gaining hands-on experience. Skills acquired in this module will form the basis for future experimental work, including the final year project. Students will have the opportunity to provide feedback to peers and engage with a variety of online learning materials.
This module will bridge together fundamental microbiology concepts of bacteriology, mycology, virology, and parasitology with clinical implications by providing a deep dive into the world of pathogens and human diseases. It will explore various body systems identifying problematic primary and secondary pathogens which cause disease in these systems. It bridges the gap between basic science and clinical medicine, integrating molecular mechanisms of pathogens with the clinical diseases they cause. This module will then go on to explore the various therapeutic strategies available to treat human infectious diseases and detail the mechanisms by which they exert antimicrobial effects. This module will also highlight mechanisms by which microorganisms become tolerant and/or resistant to antimicrobial agents. Students will engage with lectures, and a series of practical sessions to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of microorganisms that cause human disease. Students that complete this module will know how to correctly identify key human pathogens and determine their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents through practical laboratory techniques and associated clinical case reports.
Bydd y modiwl hwn yn cysylltu cysyniadau sylfaenol microbioleg o facterioleg mycoleg, firoleg, a pharasitoleg â goblygiadau clinigol drwy ystyriaeth ddofn o faes pathogenau a chyflyrau dynol. Bydd yn archwilio amrywiaeth o systemau corfforol gan nodi pathogenau cynradd ac eilaidd sy'n achosi clefydau yn y systemau hyn. Mae'n pontio'r bwlch rhwng gwyddoniaeth sylfaenol a meddygaeth glinigol, gan integreiddio mecanweithiau moleciwlaidd y pathogenau gyda'r clefydau clinigol maent yn eu hachosi. Yna bydd y modiwl yn archwilio'r strategaethau therapiwtig amrywiol sydd ar gael i drin clefydau heintus dynol a manylu ar y mecanweithiau y maent yn eu defnyddio i weithredu effeithiau gwrthficrobaidd. Bydd y modiwl hefyd yn tynnu sylw at y mecanweithiau sy¿n achosi i ficro-organebauddod yn fwy goddefgar a/neu'n ymwrthol i gyfryngau gwrthficrobaidd. Bydd myfyrwyr yn mynychu darlithoedd a chyfres o sesiynau ymarferol i feistroli dealltwriaeth gynhwysfawr o'r micro-organebau sy'n achosi clefydau dynol. Bydd myfyrwyr sy'n cwblhau'r modiwl hwn yn gwybod sut i adnabod yn gywir y pathogenau dynol allweddol a deall eu sensitifrwydd i gyfryngau gwrthficrobaidd trwy dechnegau labordy ymarferol ac adroddiadau achosion clinigol cysylltiedig.
This module offers a comprehensive introduction to clinical trials and drug development, focusing on both research methodology and applications in the pharmaceutical industry. It covers the design, conduct, analysis, and critical appraisal of clinical trials using real, published studies. Students will explore early to late-phase trials, simple and complex designs, and how treatment effectiveness can vary across different populations. In parallel, the module delves into the role of separation science and mass spectrometry in drug development, introducing key regulatory practices. Additionally, students will learn to track a drugs path through the body and critically evaluate its design.
This module has been designed to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and principle concepts of biomedical science from a scientific and practice basis. The module will cover the following key topics across the life span: ¿ Human Anatomy and Physiology ¿ across the life span ¿ Good laboratory practice and Sustainability ¿ Key principles of cellular pathology, clinical biochemistry, clinical medicalmicrobiology, clinical immunology, clinical genetics and haematology ¿ Quality Management
This module will explore the key clinical biochemical principles that are relevant to the application of the principles of clinical biochemistry to evaluate the function of the various physiological systems, the biochemistry of the processes involved that support life; from the cellular to whole physiological systems and explore how clinical biochemistry can detect pathological dysfunction. It will critically develop your understanding of the various biochemical processes involved in the analytical detection of function and dysfunction within health and disease states across the life span.
This module will explore the key clinical biochemical principles that are relevant to the application of the principles of clinical biochemistry to evaluate the function of the various physiological systems, the biochemistry of the processes involved that support life; from the cellular to whole physiological systems and explore how clinical biochemistry can detect pathological dysfunction. It will critically develop your understanding of the various biochemical processes involved in the analytical detection of function and dysfunction within health and disease states across the life span.
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.
Claire is an active STEM ambassador, and is the founder and lead organiser of Merthyr Tydfil’s 1st ever Science Festival, Bitesize Science Fest.
