More about this course

You can choose modules from a range of topics. The clinical areas you can study include:

Haematology – The study of blood and blood diseases, as well as the structure, function and production of blood cells, haemopoiesis, haemostasis, anaemias, haematological malignancies and blood-borne parasites. You’ll also study diagnostics, laboratory techniques and quality control.

Transfusion and Transplantation – The study of blood transfusion, preparation, storage and use of blood components. The module will also cover immunohaematology, genetics, inheritance, structure, function and the role of red cell antigens, transfusion reactions and transplant practice.

General Biochemistry – Chemical principles relevant to biological systems, structure and the function of key molecules including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and enzymes. You’ll also cover cellular metabolism and metabolic pathways.

Clinical Biochemistry – The study and analysis of bodily fluids for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. You’ll learn about a range of methods used for collection of clinical samples, as well as principles and applications of biochemical investigations used in screening, diagnosis, treatment and the monitoring of disease. The module will also cover substance abuse and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Cellular Pathology – The study and examination of normal and diseased tissues and cells. The module will also involve studying preparation of tissues and cells, microscopy and histochemistry and immunocytochemistry, as well as reproductive science, ageing and disease.

General Microbiology – The structure, physiology and biochemistry of microorganisms, as well as the study of identification, classification and control of microorganisms.

Medical Microbiology – The study of how microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites – cause disease in humans, ‘pathogenic mechanisms’. The module will also cover public health and infection control, as well as laboratory investigations of infectious disease and antiviral and antimicrobial therapy.

Immunology – The structure, function and mechanisms of the components of the innate and adaptive immune systems and inflammation.

Clinical Immunology – The function and measurement of effectors of the immune response, immunological laboratory techniques, aetiology and pathogenesis of abnormal immune function, neoplastic disease and transplant reactions, prophylaxis and immunotherapy.

Molecular Biology and Genetics – The structure and function of D, R and proteins, D replication, transcription and translation, the structure and function of genes, principles of inheritance, mutations and disease, gene technology, cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease.

Clinical Genetics – The clinical applications of genetics, risk assessment, diagnosis and genetic counselling, as well as the management of genetic disease, avoidance and prevention, ethical and social issues.

Anatomy and Physiology – The study of the structure and relationships between body parts and their individual functions in health and disease. You’ll also get an overview of component body parts and major systems, as well as anatomical terminology with a focus on current health issues, obesity, alcohol abuse and diabetes.

Cell Biology – The study of cells and cell theory, microscopy and centrifugation. You’ll also be taught about cell cycle, cell division, cell structures and energy pathways, cell communication and signalling and principles of molecular cell biology techniques.

Toxicology – Drug metabolism, the study of the adverse effects of chemicals on humans, analytical techniques, diagnosing and treating exposure to poisons.

Haemoglobinopathies – Molecular aetiology of red cell blood disorders, Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassaemias and other significant haemoglobinopathies. The module will also cover screening and diagnostic tests, UK screening policies and ethical considerations, as well as quality assurance.

Bioethics, Research and Grant Proposal – (A prerequisite to the Research Project module) and this provides you with an understanding of the skills needed for the planning, organisation and practice of research in science. You’ll also learn about the bioethical considerations to developing a research project and proposals for funding, such as approaching an organisation for a grant.

Research Project – Aims to provide you with the opportunity to apply and develop previously acquired knowledge and laboratory skills to a biomedical sciences research problem and undertake, critically evaluate, reflect and report on an individual experimental programme.

All of our modules are delivered via our virtual learning environment and all study is completed online. Study is self-directed, with little interference from us, so that you can progress with your studies 24/7. We operate a dedicated ‘one-stop-shop’ help service for when you may need assistance and we aim to respond to all online queries as quickly as possible.

All assessments are also completed online and there is no requirement for attendance at the University, with the exception of our research project module, which can be taken in our laboratories at an additional cost.

Previous pass rates for these courses are:

Year	2019/20	2020/21
Module	% pass rate	% pass rate
Introduction to General Biochemistry	-	50
Introduction to Haematology	94	88
Introduction to Immunology	95	74
Introduction to Transfusion and Transplantation Science	96	90
Introduction to Clinical Biochemistry	87	94
Introduction to Cellular Pathology	96	88
Introduction to General Microbiology	75	92
Introduction to Medical Microbiology	93	91
Introduction to Clinical Immunology	100	100
Introduction to Molecular Biology and Genetics	91	87
Introduction to Clinical Genetics	95	93
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology	86	85
Introduction to Cell Biology	67	67
Introduction to Toxicology	-	100
Introduction to Haemoglobinopathies	86	83
Bioethics Research and Grant Proposal	100	97
Research Project	100	81

Please note all % rates expressed above include instances where students have failed to complete modules on time.

Assessment

Each module will contain a level of assessment equivalent to the academic credits available. Assessment in modules can include online mini tests at the end of each topic, posters, online tests, essays, personal learning logs, information leaflets and end of module assignments. Submission points for completed assessments are in January and July.

Bioethics Research and Grant Proposal

and

Research Project

have assessment items that are specific to a research environment and that have specific submission dates.

Professional accreditation

We offer Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited modules in all of the key subject areas.

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Course structure

Modules currently available include:

Introduction to Haematology (10 credits)

Introduction to Immunology‌ (10 credits)

Introduction to Transfusion and Transplantation Science‌ (10 credits)

Introduction to Clinical Biochemistry‌ (10 credits)

Introduction to Cellular Pathology‌ (10 credits)

‌Introduction to General Microbiology (10 credits)

Introduction to General Biochemistry (10 credits)

Introduction to Medical Microbiology‌ (20 credits)

‌Introduction to Clinical Immunology (20 credits)

Introduction to Molecular Biology and Genetics (10 credits)

Introduction to Clinical Genetics‌ (20 credits)

‌Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Disease (20 credits)

Introduction to Cell Biology‌ (10 credits)

Introduction to Toxicology (10 credits)

Haemoglobinopathies ‌(10 credits) designed in conjunction with NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme, part of Public Health England

‌Bioethics Research Grant Proposal (20 credits)

Research Project £2,510 plus bench fee if conducted in our laboratories, IBMS Members £2,020 (requires Bioethics, Research and Grant Proposal to have been passed first)

Once you are registered on a module you are required to pay for the module in full, with no refunds, as you have access to all the learning materials of the short course. You can be actively working on a maximum of two modules at any one time.

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Where this course can take you

This short course is designed for healthcare professionals in a variety of disciplines, including trainee biomedical scientists or medical laboratory technicians who want to reinforce their degree-level learning prior to undertaking training to become registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Biomed Online (short course) drafted

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