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BM-M02
Practice and Application of 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 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.
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PM-014
Molecular & Cellular Biology
This module aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of molecular and cellular biology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that govern cell function, reproduction, and genetic inheritance. Students will explore key concepts including biomolecules, the cell cycle, DNA replication, gene expression, and protein synthesis. The module also introduces the molecular basis of genetic variation, mutations, and their role in diseases such as cancer and genetic disorders. Through practical sessions, including DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis, students will develop essential laboratory skills to support their theoretical learning.
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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-138C
Sgiliau ar gyfer Gwyddorau Meddygol
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.
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PM-143
Academic support and professional development
This is a non-credit bearing module, which aims to provide key academic support to students during their first semester at Swansea University. It will help with the transition into university life and support students to make the most out of their time at university. The module will cover vital academic skills needed to succeed, as well as provide key information around student support, the academic community, maintaining academic integrity, and career planning. The information will complement what is delivered as part of the academic program to support professional and academic development.
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PM-147
Introduction to Toxicology: The Dose Makes the Poison
We are surrounded by substances that may do our bodies harm i.e. poisons. The harm these poisons causes depends on our exposure - the dose. The science of toxicology, a discipline that crosscuts biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and medicine, is based on the principle that the dose makes the poison. This module will provide you with an introduction to toxicology and how dose-response relationships relate to the physiological effects of toxic substances. You will explore how they produce cellular and chemical changes that cause tissues and organs to malfunction. You will learn how the structure and function of these tissues can be affected to varying degrees and begin to understand how tissue may repair itself and when the damage is reversible, permanent or fatal. You will also learn how we use toxic substances to our advantage in both the laboratory and within the clinic.
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PM-161
Cell Biology
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.
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PM-161C
Bioleg Celloedd
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.
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PM-163
Population Genomics and Clinical Applications
Population genomics is the study of genetic variation within populations and involves the examination of changes in the frequency of alleles and genotypes across space and time. Concepts such as natural selection, genetic drift, gene pool, genetic diversity, migration, and environmental diversity all contribute to creating genetic diversity within sub populations. Students will be taught these key concepts along with the real-life sub population examples where genotype variation has led to the diversity in genetics. Such as, the prevalence of disease in the specific populations, the evolution of genetically distinct populations and the genomics behind genetic diversity in sport. This module will take you across the world in multidisciplinary topics and show how genomics is weaved throughout, to create the strengths, weakness, and purely, what makes us who we are.
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PM-254
Doctors, patients & the goals of medicine
The educational intention of the module is to allow the student to consider the contemporary practice of Medicine within the United Kingdom. This will include understanding the professional regulation, financial constraints and societal and personal challenges, within which medicine and other healthcare activities are practiced.
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PM-280
Skills for Researchers
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.
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PM-300
Medical Genetics
The course is designed to provide an advanced study of the identification of human genes and the determination of the influence of human genes upon disease and health status. Gene identification provides targets for the development of new pharmaceuticals and the range of variation present in the population.
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PM-358
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
This module will provide students with a firm understanding of the principles of Regenerative Medicine that extend from cellular to tissue and organ repair and regeneration.
This module will focus on the practical aspects of revolutionary technologies, generated through research, that have the potential to significantly improve how we treat injury, illness and disease.
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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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PM-384
The biology of ageing in health and disease
The course is designed to provide an advanced study of the underlying principles of human ageing. It will begin with the impact of ageing on health care at a societal level, then will focus on ageing at individual levels, through to the molecular basis of ageing and ageing-related diseases, and end with the future potential of interventions that modify human ageing.
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PMGM16
Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Disease
This module examines the clinical features and presentations of both common and rare inherited diseases, emphasising the transformative role of genomics in their understanding and management. It considers perspectives from researchers, clinicians, patients, and families to provide a comprehensive view of the impact of genetic insights. The module also examines traditional and modern approaches to gene discovery, highlighting key techniques and strategies used in the genetic analysis of inherited conditions.
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PMGM17
Research Dissertation
This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake an independent, substantive research project in a topic relevant to genomics. Working under the guidance of an academic supervisor, students will design and conduct a laboratory-based, computational, clinical, or literature-based study. The project will enable students to critically evaluate scientific literature, formulate a research question, develop and apply appropriate methodologies, and analyse and interpret findings. Outcomes will be communicated through a literature review, a research paper prepared in the style of a scientific journal article, and an oral presentation. The dissertation serves as the capstone of the MSc Genomic Medicine, allowing students to demonstrate advanced research competence, critical thinking, and professional skills in preparation for future academic or professional practice.
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PMGM21
Pharmacogenomics & Stratified Healthcare
Pharmacogenomics and stratified health care ensure that healthcare professionals offer the right treatment, for the right person, at the right time is a fast-developing area.
`Personalised medicine¿ is the buzzword of the moment, with advances in pharmacogenomic testing enabling more effective, targeted therapies to patients in the field of asthma, analgesia, oncology and beyond. Continued understanding of the genomic basis of drug response will reduce drug-related adverse effects, save costs, and ensure a better therapeutic outcome.
This module will provide a comprehensive overview of the analytical strategies and techniques used in pharmacogenomics and explore some of the challenges and limitations in this field. The module will also provide an overview of the different type of pharmacogenomic biomarkers currently in use or emerging and the current feasibility of delivering `personalised medicine¿ in the clinic.
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PMGM22
Introduction to Human Genetics and Genomics
The Introduction to Human Genetics and Genomics module is a subject-specific module in the MSc Genomic Medicine programme. This unit will provide essential and contemporary knowledge relating to genetic science and genetic disease. The module will prepare participants to understand disease genetics, how genomic medicine can be utilised to elucidate disease mechanisms and biology in the context of genomic medicine. It will provide core knowledge underpinning later modules.¿
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PMNM01
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is a field focused on developing methods to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged or diseased tissues and organs using the body's natural healing capacity. It aims to treat the underlying cause of disease rather than just the symptoms by harnessing the body's ability to heal itself. This can involve techniques like tissue engineering, stem cell therapy, and the creation of artificial organs all of which can be significantly enhanced and accelerated through the incorporation of nanotechnology and nanoscience.
This module provides the foundation for understanding how tissues can be returned to normal function first by exploring how the body performs this function normally through wound healing and why it fails. We will learn about the core concepts of stem cell science encompassing adult, embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells with a particular focus on their clinical applications. The potential of tissue engineering to construct new tissues will be taught building upon concepts of the structure and organisation of tissues in development and stem cell biology. Biofabrication using technologies such as 3D bioprinting using nanotechnology to build structures that integrate and function seamlessly when transplanted into humans will also be explored. The profound influence of CRISPR gene modification and genetic engineering on reversing congenital defects and modifying the biology of organisms will be examined through strategies to cure sickle cell anaemia and xenotransplantation, the creation of organs in surrogate organisms. Practical classes in 3D image analysis, 3D printing, and cell culture will help student to apply their knowledge. Lectures from experts in skin, neural and cardiovascular healing will describe how regenerative medicine and nanotechnology has impacted the development of novel therapies.
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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.
