7B024B - Future horizons in Biomedical Science 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 7B024B
Module Title: Future horizons in Biomedical Science
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Science
Faculty Sub Group: Biology and Chemistry
Module Leader: Martin Powell
Module Team: Sioned Owen
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 critical evaluative skills in interpreting the clinical and scientific significance of biomedical investigations, with emphasis on improving diagnostic accuracy, laboratory effectiveness, and healthcare outcomes. 

  • To enable the integration of advanced knowledge of disease pathology, laboratory diagnostics, and patient care within multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts to support translational medicine and evidence-based practice. 

  • To foster leadership, innovation, and service development capabilities within biomedical science, preparing students to contribute to the advancement and continuous improvement of clinical laboratory services in healthcare and research environments. 

Content Summary

This module develops advanced knowledge and critical understanding of biomedical laboratory practice, clinical diagnostics and translational healthcare. You will explore how biomedical investigations contribute to patient care, service development and innovation within healthcare and research environments. 

You will integrate knowledge of disease pathology, laboratory diagnostics and clinical practice to support evidence-based decision-making and translational medicine. The module places strong emphasis on developing advanced analytical, evaluative and problem-solving skills, enabling you to critically assess biomedical data and consider how diagnostic approaches can improve patient outcomes. 

You will also examine the role of multidisciplinary collaboration, leadership and innovation within biomedical science, alongside the ethical and professional responsibilities associated with modern healthcare practice. The module encourages you to evaluate emerging technologies and methodologies and consider how they can be implemented to improve diagnostic pathways and laboratory services. 

Designed to support progression into advanced professional and research roles, the module prepares you for work within the NHS, clinical laboratories and research institutions. By integrating theory, practice and research, you will develop the confidence to interpret complex biomedical information, contribute to quality improvement and support innovation in patient-centred healthcare and translational biomedical science.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Workshops / Challenge based learning 56
Mentorship and CPD 15
Guided study (including 10.5 digital learning) 27
Self-directed study 122
Formative assessments 20
Summative assessments 60
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically evaluate the clinical and scientific significance of biomedical investigations, applying principles of leadership, laboratory management, supervision, and healthcare service improvement to support innovation and effective practice within biomedical laboratory and research environments.
LO2 Integrate knowledge of disease pathology, laboratory diagnostics, and patient findings with clinical and interdisciplinary evidence to support translational medicine, evidence-based and patient-centred healthcare practice, while demonstrating awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion in biomedical decision-making and healthcare delivery.

Module Requisites

Code Title Requisite Type
MOD014235 Applied Biomedical Science Investigations pre-requisite
MOD014234 Cellular and Molecular Basis of Disease pre-requisite
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Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Case study Individual Online: Case studies enable students to apply advanced theoretical and diagnostic knowledge to realistic clinical scenarios, mirroring the complex decision-making processes encountered in biomedical laboratory practice. Through critical interpretation of laboratory findings, evaluation of diagnostic methodologies and consideration of interdisciplinary healthcare perspectives, students demonstrate higher-order cognitive skills associated with Level 7 study, including analysis, synthesis and evaluation. 0 3000 50 No 50
Asynchronous Assessment Professional Development Planning (PDP) Individual Online: A PDP encourages students to critically reflect on their current competencies, identify areas for development and plan strategically for future professional growth within biomedical science. This assessment develops reflective practice, self-awareness and autonomous learning, which are essential characteristics of advanced professional practice and continuing professional development (CPD) 0 3000 50 No 50

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Case study ✔ ✔
Professional Development Planning (PDP) ✔ ✘

Reading List

Core Textbooks 

  • Burtis, C.A. and Bruns, D.E. (eds.) Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. 

  • McPherson, R.A. and Pincus, M.R. (eds.) Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier. 
    (This is commonly used for Clinical Laboratory Medicine references if the exact title was unspecified.) 

  • Bain, B.J., Bates, I. and Laffan, M.A. Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology. London: Elsevier. 

  • Buckingham, L. and Flaws, M.L. Molecular Diagnostics: Fundamentals, Methods and Clinical Applications. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis. 

  • Shapiro, H.M. Practical Flow Cytometry. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Liss. 

  • Taylor, C.J., Navarrete, C.V. and Chapman, J.F. Histocompatibility Testing: A Practical Approach. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 

Key Academic Journals 

 

  • Nature Reviews Drug Discovery (2002–present) London: Nature Publishing Group. 

  • The Lancet. London: Elsevier. 

  • Nature Biomedical Engineering. London: Nature Publishing Group. 

  • Trends in Biotechnology. Amsterdam: Elsevier.