7B021B - Cellular and Molecular Basis of Disease 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 7B021B | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Cellular and Molecular Basis of Disease | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biology and Chemistry | ||
| Module Leader: | Sioned Owen | ||
| Module Team: | Martin Powell, Aled Bryant, Lewis Fall, Josephine Bradley | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 7 |
| 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:
To develop advanced understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying human disease and critically relate these processes to contemporary diagnostic technologies and clinical science practice.
To enhance students’ ability to critically evaluate biomedical literature and interpret complex biomedical data, with a focus on assessing scientific validity, clinical relevance, and methodological quality.
To foster evidence-based thinking by enabling students to appraise the clinical and scientific significance of biomedical investigations and their role in driving improvements in diagnostics, healthcare practice, and future biomedical innovation.
Content Summary
This module provides advanced study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin human disease, linking these concepts to modern diagnostic technologies and clinical laboratory practice. You will explore how changes in cellular signalling, gene expression and molecular pathways contribute to disease development and how this knowledge is applied within contemporary biomedical diagnostics.
You will critically evaluate biomedical investigations using current scientific literature and real-world datasets, developing your ability to assess research quality, interpret complex biomedical data and evaluate clinical relevance. The module places strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and the role of research in shaping diagnostic decision-making and future innovations in biomedical science.
As part of the MSc Biomedical Science programme, this module strengthens your analytical, research and problem-solving skills while bridging theoretical molecular biology with applied clinical diagnostics. You will develop confidence in scientific reasoning, critical thinking and the independent evaluation of emerging biomedical technologies.
The module is designed to prepare you for roles in clinical laboratories, research environments and translational healthcare, while also supporting progression to doctoral study or research-focused careers. Overall, it will help you develop the advanced scientific literacy, diagnostic insight and translational understanding needed for modern biomedical practice in rapidly evolving healthcare settings.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Workshops and Case studies | 56 |
| Guided study | 10.5 |
| Self-directed study | 173.5 |
| Summative assessments | 60 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease and its relevance to diagnostic technologies and clinical science |
| LO2 | Critically evaluate the clinical and scientific significance of biomedical investigations in scientific literature and biomedical data and its contribution to evidence-based practice and future innovations |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Literature/book/paper review | Individual Online AI Level 4: This assessment enables students to engage deeply with current biomedical research, critically analyse methodologies, interpret complex datasets and evaluate the translational significance of emerging evidence within disease diagnostics and clinical science. | 0 | 3000 | 50 | No | 50 |
| Synchronous Onsite Assessment | Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) | Individual: Complementary assessment because it assesses students’ breadth and depth of understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning disease processes and diagnostic technologies | 180 | N/A | 50 | No | 50 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Literature/book/paper review | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) | ✔ | ✘ | |