5B013B - Biomedical Diagnostics and Clinical Science 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 5B013B | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Biomedical Diagnostics and Clinical Science | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biology and Chemistry | ||
| Module Leader: | Aled Bryant | ||
| Module Team: | Sioned Owen, Aaron Wall, Josephine Bradley | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 5 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 33 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100265 - biomedical sciences | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
The main aims of the module are:
Develop the ability to apply laboratory techniques and interpret diagnostic results across clinical biochemistry, immunology, and cellular pathology.
Build critical understanding of laboratory workflow, specimen management, and quality assurance within regulated clinical environments.
Enable students to evaluate and apply professional, regulatory, and accreditation frameworks to support safe and effective laboratory practice.
Content Summary
This module develops knowledge and practical skills in clinical diagnostics within modern laboratory medicine. Students will study key areas including clinical biochemistry, clinical immunology, and cellular pathology, alongside reproductive and diagnostic investigations. A strong emphasis is placed on the application of laboratory techniques and the interpretation of results in a clinical context to support diagnosis and patient care.
The module also focuses on professional laboratory practice, including workflow processes, specimen management, and quality assurance. Students will evaluate regulatory and accreditation frameworks, such as ISO 15189 and UKAS, and consider their role in ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centred diagnostic services.
By integrating scientific understanding with applied laboratory practice, this module supports the development of skills required for employment in diagnostic laboratories. It contributes to the overall course by preparing students to interpret complex data and apply professional standards within clinical and biomedical science settings.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 56 |
| Digital Guided Learning | 10.5 |
| Independent Study? | 113.5 |
| Formative Assessment | 50 |
| Summative Assessment | 60 |
| Total Hours Selected | 290 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Apply laboratory techniques and interpret laboratory results relating to clinical biochemistry, clinical immunology, haematology, cellular pathology, and transfusion science in diagnostics generated from diagnostic investigations |
| LO2 | Evaluate and apply relevant clinical laboratory practice to laboratory workflow, specimen management, and regulatory frameworks including ISO15189, demonstrating patient centred care by evidencing confidentiality, consent and safeguarding. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment | Clinical Viva (Onsite) | A structured viva lasting 15–20 minutes allows students to demonstrate deeper understanding of how and why specific methods are used across clinical biochemistry, immunology, and cellular pathology. During the viva, they are required to interpret laboratory data, justify diagnostic reasoning, explain the scientific principles and limitations of laboratory techniques, evaluate workflow and specimen management, apply regulatory frameworks (ISO 15189/UKAS), and reflect on patient impact and professional responsibility linking findings to clinical context. | 30 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
| Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment | OSCE | The OSPE comprises multiple timed stations simulating laboratory scenarios, requiring students to perform practical techniques, interpret data, identify errors, and apply regulatory standards under controlled conditions. The outcome focuses on workflow, specimen management, and regulatory frameworks, the structured observation ensures students are assessed on critical professional behaviours such as following Standard Operating Procedures, maintaining sample traceability, applying health and safety procedures, and working within governance requirements. These are essential aspects of pre-analytical and analytical laboratory work that cannot be fully captured through written assessment alone. | 180 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Clinical Viva (Onsite) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| OSCE | ✔ | ✔ | |