BS306-6-AP-CO:
Issues in Biomedical Science
2023/24
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn & Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 22 March 2024
15
16 April 2024
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BSC B990 Biomedical Science,
BSC B991 Applied Biomedical Science (NHS placement),
BSC B995 Biomedical Science (Including Year Abroad),
BSC B999 Biomedical Science (Including Placement Year),
BSC BD00 Biomedical Science (Including Foundation Year),
MSCIB099 Biomedical Science,
MSCIBA99 Biomedical Science (Including Placement Year),
MSCIBB99 Biomedical Science (Including Year Abroad)
Knowledge has developed to such an extent in the 21st century that we are increasingly able to modify and manipulate life processes. Stem cell technology for example offers the possibility of combating disease and replacing defective tissues and organs.
Despite the exciting prospect of curing genetic illness, serious issues relating to the ethics of our intervention must be addressed. Furthermore, limited resources need to be balanced with increasing expectations by those charged with maintaining or improving the health of an informed population. Careful consideration should therefore be given as to how best we make use of scientific advances within an ethical framework.
In modern society individuals are also expected to take more responsibility for their health and wellbeing. It is important therefore to address how NHS professionals may help in presenting information to the public that enables them to make decisions about their behaviour. One example is clearly explaining the dangers of improper use of antibiotics and how we might address the increasing resistance to antibiotics being seen in pathogens.
The structure of this module is a departure from the traditional series of lectures to which you have been accustomed. Some sessions may depend upon your active participation and extensive background reading may be required. You will survey in detail two separate topics then write an essay based on one and give an oral presentation based on the other.
The theme of the module is the impact of modern biomedical and life sciences upon society.
Learning Outcomes:
To pass this module students will need to be able to:-
1. Explain the impact of key topics in biomedical sciences upon society.
2. Discuss the broader social, economic and ethical implications of selected issues in biomedical sciences.
3. Present lucid arguments relevant to an issue in favour of and against the associated viewpoints and then adopt a considered viewpoint.
4. Demonstrate skills in written and oral presentation.
The theme of the module is the impact of modern biomedical and life sciences upon society. The module will integrate, within a wider ethical framework, information covering topics that include:
human organ transplantation
dementia
sequencing of the human genome
antibiotic resistance
animal experimentation
ethics of stem cell research
ethics in healthcare
extra-laboratory diagnostic testing
Lectures: 18 hours, plus participation in a 3 hour oral presentation of selected topics chosen by students.
Student managed learning:129 hours. Overall Total: 150 hours
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Discussion Forum Article |
|
30% |
| Practical |
Oral Presentation |
|
70% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Aurelie Villedieu, email: a.villedieu@essex.ac.uk.
Prof Nelson Fernandez, Dr Ralf Zwacka, Dr Efstathios Giotis, Dr Aurelie Villedieu
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)
No
No
No
Prof Jacqueline McCormack
Institute Technology Sligo
Vice President
Available via Moodle
Of 47 hours, 17 (36.2%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
30 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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