Applied Medical Sciences with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) in Applied Medical Sciences is a four-year program with a one-year Foundation Year that provides a comprehensive understanding of the science underpinning modern medicine. Students gain insights into human anatomy, physiology, cell biology, genetics, pharmacology, and neuroscience, alongside their clinical and applied relevance. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare management, and science communication.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BSc (Hons) in Applied Medical Sciences is a four-year program with a one-year Foundation Year designed for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of the science underpinning modern medicine. The program provides a thorough grounding in the fundamental principles of human anatomy, physiology, cell biology, genetics, pharmacology, and neuroscience, alongside their clinical and applied relevance. Students will gain insights into how the human body functions, what happens when it goes wrong, current treatment modalities for disorders, and the potential for novel therapeutics.

Outline:

Foundation Year (Level 3)

• Module Name: Biological Chemistry
• Module Description: Introduces the key concepts and principles of biochemistry, including the structure and function of biological molecules, metabolism, and energy production.
• Module Name: Metabolism and Homeostasis
• Module Description: Explores the principles of homeostasis and how the body regulates various physiological parameters such as body temperature, pH, and blood glucose levels.
• Module Name: The Human Cell
• Module Name: Fundamentals of Microbiology & Disease
• Module Description: Introduces the fundamental principles of microbiology and disease, including microbial structure, function, and pathogenesis.
• Module Name: Introduction to Health Data and its Application
• Module Description: Provides an overview of the principles of health data science, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Year 1 (Level 4)

• Module Name: Introduction to Genetics and Evolution
• Module Description: Introduces the fundamental principles of genetics and evolution, including Mendelian inheritance, population genetics, and molecular evolution.
• Module Name: Microbiology
• Module Description: Provides an in-depth understanding of the microbial world, including microbial diversity, ecology, and pathogenesis.
• Module Name: Introduction to Medical Psychology
• Module Description: Introduces the principles of medical psychology, including the psychological aspects of illness, health, and healthcare.
• Module Name: Anatomy
• Module Description: Provides a detailed understanding of human anatomy, including the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.
• Module Name: Human Physiology
• Module Description: Explores the physiological processes that maintain homeostasis in the human body, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine systems.

Year 2 (Level 5)

• Module Name: Human Immunology
• Module Description: Provides a detailed understanding of the human immune system, including its components, function, and role in health and disease.
• Module Name: Communicating Medical Sciences
• Module Description: Develops effective communication skills for presenting and interpreting medical information to various audiences.
• Module Name: The Cardiovascular System
• Module Description: Explores the structure and function of the cardiovascular system, including the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
• Module Name: Introduction to Neuroscience
• Module Description: Introduces the principles of neuroscience, including the structure and function of the nervous system.
• Module Name: Neuroanatomy and Neurology
• Module Description: Provides a detailed understanding of the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including their role in motor control, sensation, and cognition.

Year 3 (Level 6)

• Module Name: Being a Medical Scientist
• Module Description: Explores the ethical and professional responsibilities of medical scientists, including research conduct, data interpretation, and communication of scientific findings.
• Module Name: Capstone Project
• Module Description: Provides an opportunity for students to conduct an independent research project under the guidance of a supervisor, developing their research design, data analysis, and presentation skills.
Additional modules offered in Year 2 and 3 include:
• Human and Medical Genetics
• Intermediate Medical Psychology
• Bioethics
• Pharmacology: Dynamics and Kinetics
• Introduction to Health Data Science
• Infectious Diseases
• Antimicrobial Therapy and Resistance
• Advances in Pharmacology
• Nanotoxicology
• Reproductive Biology and Medicine
• The Sweet Sickness: Advances in Diabetes and Related Disorders
• Advanced Biostatistics
• Machine Learning in Healthcare
• Medical Genetics
• Human Biology and the Environment
• Introduction to Clinical Trials
• Cancer Pharmacology
• The Neuroscience of Learning, Memory and Cognition

Teaching:

The program utilizes various teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Provide a structured overview of key concepts and theories.
• Seminars: Encourage active student participation in discussions and critical thinking.
• Practical laboratory sessions: Allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.
• Independent learning: Students engage in self-directed study and research to complement lectures and seminars.
• Small group work: Facilitates collaboration, problem-solving, and peer learning.

Careers:

The BSc (Hons) in Applied Medical Sciences provides graduates with a solid foundation for careers in the following fields:

• Research and development in academia and industry
• Medical technology and diagnostics
• Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
• Healthcare management and policy
• Science communication and outreach
• Education and teaching

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

UK International September 2023 £ 9,000 £ 20,600 September 2024 £ 9,000 £ 21,650 £ 20,600 September 2024 £ 9,000 £ 21,650 Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government. Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.