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PM-000
Foundation Biological Chemistry
The module aims to provide the student with a broad overview of biological chemistry, explain the differences between different classes of compounds from both a chemical perspective and a biological function emphasis. Students will appreciate the different functions of these bio-molecules and gain an understanding of key examples of each in relation to human biology.
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PM-001
Metabolism and Homeostasis
The module will provide the student with a broad overview of dietary requirements, digestion processes and associated anatomy, nutrient uptake and energetic metabolism processes within the human body. The catabolism of biomolecules for energy production will be covered and the role of the kidney in removal of by-products. The role of neuronal and hormonal systems in homeostatic control of the body will also be elaborated.
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PM-004
Fundamentals of Microbiology & Disease
This module will provide the student with an overview of the fundamentals of microbiology, its causative role in
human disease and the intervention of antimicrobials and antibiotics. The role of immunity and its role in human
defence against disease will also be introduced in this module, and how this may be modulated in response to
pathogens. Lectures will be accompanied by a practical session in microbiological techniques and an essay with
academic support.
Mae'r modiwl yma yn rhoi trosolwg i fyfyrwyr o hanfodion mewn microbioleg, ei rôl achosol mewn
afiechydon dynol ac ymyrraeth gwrthficrobaidd a gwrthfiotig. Caiff rôl imiwnedd a'i rôl mewn amddiffyn dyn yn erbyn
afiechydon, a sut mae'n addasu mewn ymateb i bathogenau ei gyflwyno hefyd yn y modiwl yma. Caiff y darlithoedd
eu cyfeilio gan sesiynau ymarferol mewn technegau microbiolegol a traethawd efo cefnogaeth academaidd.
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PM-007
Foundation Skills Development 1
This module introduces students to various academic and practical skills required for study in Higher Education. This module will provide students with the skills to work safely within a laboratory environment, understanding key health and safety issues (from risk assessments to COSHH forms). Students will also be provided with a range of laboratory skills, such as accurate pipetting, standard curve construction, spectrophotometry, and the ability to perform technical/biological replicas for data accuracy. This module will develop foundational data analysis and mathematic skills associated with laboratory research. Finally, students will be provided with a range of academic skills on literature searching, referencing and plagiarism, communicating information, presenting, and writing.
Through a combination of workshops and practical sessions, students will gain insights into various skills that will be useful throughout their studies at Swansea University and beyond.
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PM-130
Fundamental Research Skills
This module is designed to develop the skills required for students of biochemistry and genetics degree programmes. Students meet with their tutors and will be given a series of assignments designed to develop skills in key areas such as essay writing, presentations and general numeracy.
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PM-132
Eukaryotic Cell Biology
This module will provide students with a broad introduction to fundamental concepts in Eukaryotic cell biology, such as investigating the origins of the cell, the structure or eukaryotic cells, the different types of specialised cells, and cells which help prevent disease. There will be a general focus on human cells throughout the module with some references to other organisms when needed. Students will gain practical experience in identification and differentiation of cells from different human and animal species.
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PM-132C
Bioleg Celloedd Ewcaryotig
Bydd y modiwl hwn yn darparu cyflwyniad bras i gysyniadau sylfaenol ym maes bioleg celloedd Ewcaryotig, gan ymchwilio i darddiad y gell, strwythur y gell a chelloedd arbenigol a chelloedd mewn clefyd. Bydd ffocws cyffredinol ar gelloedd dynol drwy gydol y modiwl, gan gyfeirio at organebau eraill yn ôl yr angen. Bydd myfyrwyr yn cael profiad ymarferol o nodi celloedd, gwahaniaethu rhwng gwahanol gelloedd dynol a rhywogaethau o anifeiliaid.
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PM-134
Microbiology
This module introduces students into the small intricate world of microbiology and its implications for human health and disease. It will explore the microbial universe from the living (bacteria and fungi) to the non-living (viruses and bacteriophage). Starting with fundamental concepts, students will learn about these organisms and how they differ from their eukaryotic counterparts in their cellular and genetic structures. The ability of microorganisms to cause human disease will be explored through key example organisms. This module will then go on to explore the beneficial sides of microbiology, and how we can manipulate microorganisms for the production of beneficial products.
Through a combination of lectures and laboratory sessions, students will gain insights into the fundamentals of microbiology through key example microorganisms with a focus on human disease. Students that complete this module will be equipped with a general overview of the field of microbiology.
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PM-138
Skills for being a Medical Scientist
The aim of this module is to provide students with an initial experience of what it is to be a modern medical scientist, from the initial experimental planning, to performing experiments within the laboratory with data acquisition and analysis and finally to the communication of scientific findings to a wider audience.
Students will develop basic skill sets in the four most important research skill areas of practical laboratory skills, data analysis, collaboration and communication. The module will be both theoretical and applied, where the student will be instructed in methods essential for data acquisition and data analyses but will also actively participate in the laboratory, using broadly applicable experimental techniques. In addition, students will learn about health and safety within a laboratory environment and the current ethics regulations surrounding the use of humans, human tissue and animals within medical research.
Furthermore, students will develop their communication skill sets not only through essay writing but also will develop their oral presentation skill set and their collaboration skills through a group presentation and tutorial classes.
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PM-153
Epigenetics, Gene Regulation and Disease
.Epigenetics and its role in gene expression.
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PM-154
Human Physiology
The human body is a complex, integrated system that relies on precise physiological mechanisms to maintain homeostasis and sustain life. This module provides an in-depth introduction to human physiology, covering the fundamental principles that govern the function of cells, tissues, and organ systems. Students will explore the physiological processes that underpin human health, gaining insight into how the body¿s systems work together to respond to internal and external challenges.
The module begins with an overview of key physiological concepts, including homeostasis, feedback mechanisms, and the integration of body systems. Students will examine the structure and function of key organ systems, including the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems. Topics will include neural signalling and communication, cardiovascular dynamics and circulation, gas exchange and respiratory control, digestion and nutrient absorption, renal function and fluid balance, endocrine regulation of metabolism, and the mechanics of movement.
Emphasis will be placed on understanding physiological responses to environmental changes, exercise, and disease. Students will also explore the cellular and molecular basis of physiological function, and the role of hormones in systemic regulation. Additionally, the module will introduce fundamental concepts in pathophysiology, highlighting how disruptions in physiological processes can lead to disease.
Through a combination of lectures, dry laboratory practical sessions, and interactive workshops, students will develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in human physiology. Hands-on sessions will provide experience with physiological measurements and experimental techniques, reinforcing the relevance of human physiology to medical science, biomedical research, and healthcare applications.
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PM-154C
Ffisioleg Ddynol
Ffisioleg Ddynol yw astudio sut mae ein cyrff yn gweithio mewn ffordd integredig. Egwyddor sydd wrth wraidd ffisioleg ddynol yw homeostasis, sef cynnal amgylchedd mewnol cymharol sefydlog. Os na chynhelir homeostasis, bydd yn amharu ar swyddogaeth arferol a allai arwain at glefyd (neu bathoffisioleg). Caiff myfyrwyr eu haddysgu am gysyniadau allweddol homeostasis yn systemau ffisiolegol y corff, gan alluogi'r myfyriwr i ddeall canlyniadau pathoffisioleg i iechyd pobl.Rhoddir pwyslais ar y ffordd y mae methiannau systemau ffisiolegol allweddol yn arwain at glefyd, gan ddefnyddio enghreifftiau penodol i alluogi myfyrwyr i werthfawrogi'r berthynas rhwng ffisioleg/anatomeg a meddygaeth.Caiff egwyddorion sylfaenol ffisioleg eu hesbonio ag enghreifftiau clinigol priodol ac yn ystod darlithoedd ac mewn aseiniadau ymarferol.Bydd myfyrwyr yn cael profiad ymarferol o asesu swyddogaeth ffisiolegol yn ystod pedwar ymarfer yn y labordy. Asesir effaith pathoffisioleg mewn systemau o'r fath drwy astudiaethau achos clinigol.
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PM-157
Disease Dynamics
This module introduces students into the small intricate world of microbiology and its implications for human health and disease. It will explore the microbial universe from the living (archaea, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa) to the non-living (viruses and bacteriophage), and how they evolved through evolutionary history. Starting with fundamental concepts, students will learn about these organisms, their differing cellular and genetic structures, varying life cycles, as well as their alternative metabolism and biomolecular pathways that facilitate their adaptation to varying environments. This module will then go on to explore the general mechanisms by which pathogenic microorganisms cause disease and damage host cells, tissues, and organs.
Through a combination of lectures and laboratory sessions, students will gain insights into the molecular and cellular aspects of different infectious agents, general mechanisms of human disease, and the broader implications of microbial infections on public health. Students that complete this module will be equipped with the foundational knowledge in the field of microbiology.
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PM-158
Rigorous Research
This module introduces students to crucial skills required for academic and professional research in today¿s data-driven environment. This module pivots around three core areas; study design, data handling, and the use of specialist software for data analysis in the field of microbiology and immunology. Starting with study design, students will gain an understanding of hypothesis formation, variable selection, experimental controls, and ethical considerations, enabling students to develop reliable, valid, and replicable studies. This module will also highlight various data collection and cleaning techniques, as well as preliminary data analysis. Computational skills will also be realised using specialised software, encompassing data visualization, basic scripting, and data analysis.
Through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and computer workshops, students will gain insights into the theory, knowledge, and practical application of handling and analyzing research data in the field of microbiology and immunology.
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PM-160
Infection & Immunity
Infectious diseases and immune responses shape the health of individuals and populations, influencing medical advancements and public health strategies. This module provides a comprehensive introduction to infection science and immunology, laying the foundation for understanding the complex interactions between hosts, pathogens, and immune defences.
The module also introduces core concepts of infection biology, including host-pathogen interactions, pathogenicity, virulence factors, and transmission dynamics. Students will investigate major microbial pathogens (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) analysing their mechanisms of infection and immune evasion strategies. Special attention will be given to the role of the microbiome in health and disease, as well as emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
Students will also explore the molecular and cellular components of the immune system, covering key immune molecules, cells, and tissues. The module covers innate and adaptive immunity, examining barriers to infection, immune cell communication, and pathogen recognition. Fundamental immunological processes such as inflammation, antigen presentation, and immune memory will be covered, alongside the role of vaccines and immunotherapies in disease prevention and treatment.
Through a combination of lectures, laboratory practical sessions, and workshops, students will develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in microbiology and immunology. Hands-on activities will include analysing practical data and applying key techniques in microbiology & immunology. The module will equip students with a strong scientific foundation, preparing them for further study.
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PM-161
Cell Biology
Cells are the fundamental units of life, forming the basis of all biological systems. This module provides a comprehensive introduction to cell biology, covering both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, their origins, and their evolutionary significance. Students will explore the molecular building blocks of life, gaining insight into how atoms and molecules combine to form essential macromolecules, ultimately giving rise to cells.
The module examines the organization and function of eukaryotic cells, focusing on key organelles such as the nucleus (genetic regulation), mitochondria (energy production), cytoskeleton (structural support and transport), endoplasmic reticulum (protein processing), and Golgi apparatus (lipid processing). Students will also explore cell-to-cell communication via ligands and receptors, as well as the mechanisms of controlled cell death (apoptosis). Additionally, the module covers specialized eukaryotic cells, including those of the nervous and immune systems, as well as the role of stem cells in development.
Prokaryotic cell biology will be explored in depth, covering the structure, function, and diversity of bacteria and archaea. Topics include cell envelope composition, motility, defense mechanisms, communication strategies, and adaptation to extreme environments. The module will also highlight the significance of prokaryotes in health, disease, and biotechnology. Furthermore, students will examine non-living entities such as viruses and bacteriophages, comparing their unique properties with those of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
Through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, and workshops, this module will provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in cell biology, emphasizing its relevance to human health and scientific research.
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PM-161C
Bioleg Celloedd
Celloedd yw unedau sylfaenol bywyd, gan ffurfio sylfaen yr holl systemau biolegol. Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cynnig cyflwyniad cynhwysfawr i fioleg celloedd, gan gynnwys celloedd ewcaryotig a phrocaryotig, eu tarddleoedd, a'u harwyddocâd esblygol. Bydd myfyrwyr yn archwilio seiliau bywyd moleciwlaidd, gan ennill dealltwriaeth o sut mae atomau a moleciwlau yn cyfuno i ffurfio macrofoleciwlau hanfodol, sydd yn y pen draw yn achosi i gelloedd ddatblygu.
Mae'r modiwl yn archwilio trefniadaeth a swyddogaeth celloedd ewcaryotig, gan ganolbwyntio ar organynnau allweddol megis y cnewyllyn (rheoleiddio genetig), mitocondria (cynhyrchu egni), cytosgerbwd (cymorth a chludiant strwythurol), reticwlwm endoplasmig (prosesu protein), a'r organigyn Golgi (prosesu lipidau). Bydd myfyrwyr hefyd yn archwilio cyfathrebu rhwng celloedd drwy gyfrwng ligandau a derbynyddion, yn ogystal â dulliau marwolaeth celloedd a reolir (apoptosis). Yn ogystal, mae'r modiwl yn cynnwys celloedd ewcaryotig arbenigol, gan gynnwys rhai y system nerfol a'r system imiwnedd, yn ogystal â rôl bôn-gelloedd sy'n datblygu.
Archwilir bioleg celloedd procaryotig mewn manylder, gan drafod strwythur, swyddogaeth, ac amrywiaeth bacteria ac archaea. Mae pynciau'n cynnwys cyfansoddiad cell amlen, symudoldeb, mecanweithiau amddiffyn, strategaethau cyfathrebu, ac addasu i amgylcheddau eithafol. Bydd y modiwl hwn hefyd yn amlygu pwysigrwydd procaryotau mewn iechyd, afiechyd, a biotechnoleg. Ar ben hynny, bydd myfyrwyr yn archwilio endidau anfyw megis firysau a bacterioffagau, gan gymharu eu priodoleddau unigryw â phriodoleddau celloedd ewcaryotig a phrocaryotig.
Drwy gyfuniad o ddarlithoedd, sesiynau mewn labordy, a gweithdai, bydd y modiwl hwn yn darparu gwybodaeth ddamcaniaethol a sgiliau ymarferol mewn bioleg celloedd i fyfyrwyr, gan bwysleisio ei berthnasedd i iechyd dynol ac ymchwil wyddonol.
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PM-250
Infectious Diseases
The course will build on the fundamentals of microbiology and introduce new topics in bacteriology, mycology, virology and parasitology. Level 5 Immunology (PM-249) is a co-requisite. The course covers the fundamentals of infectious diseases, including clinical aspects, treatment / prevention, and experimental approaches to the study of infectious and parasitic organisms.
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PM-250C
Clefydau heintus
Bydd y cwrs yn adeiladu ar sylfeini microbioleg ac yn cyflwyno pynciau newydd ym meysydd bacterioleg, mycoleg, firoleg a pharasitoleg. Mae Imiwnoleg Lefel 5 (PM-249) yn rhagofyniad. Mae'r cwrs yn ymdrin ag egwyddorion sylfaenol clefydau heintus, gan gynnwys agweddau clinigol, triniaeth/atal, ac ymagweddau arbrofol at astudio organebau heintus a pharasitig.
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PM-254
Doctors, patients & the goals of medicine
The educational intention of the module is to allow the student to consider the contemporary practice of Medicine within the United Kingdom. This will include understanding the professional regulation, financial constraints and societal and personal challenges, within which medicine and other healthcare activities are practiced.
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PM-256
Communicating Medical Sciences
¿Nothing in science has any value if it is not communicated¿ (Anne Roe, 1904-1991). An important aspect of the role of scientists concerns the communication of complex scientific ideas and research to both scientist and non-scientist audiences. This module will build upon and explore methods of science communication, including journal papers, abstracts, podcasts (digital audio files), and posters. Students will also be introduced to science communication methods for non-scientist audiences, including public events and health campaigns. Students will be required to write and deliver a journal club podcast, and design an evidence-based public health awareness campaign.
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PM-256C
Cyfathrebu ym Maes y Gwyddorau Meddygol
¿Nothing in science has any value if it is not communicated¿ (Anne Roe, 1904-1991). Mae agwedd bwysig ar rôl gwyddonwyr yn ymwneud â chyfleu ymchwil a syniadau gwyddonol cymhleth i gynulleidfaoedd sy'n cynnwys gwyddonwyr a rhai nad ydynt yn wyddonwyr. Bydd y modiwl hwn yn adeiladu ar ddulliau cyfathrebu gwyddonol, gan gynnwys papurau cyfnodolion, crynodebau, podlediadau (ffeiliau sain digidol) a phosteri, ac yn archwilio'r rheini. Bydd myfyrwyr hefyd yn cael eu cyflwyno i ddulliau cyfathrebu gwyddoniaeth ar gyfer cynulleidfaoedd nad ydynt yn wyddonwyr, gan gynnwys digwyddiadau cyhoeddus ac ymgyrchoedd iechyd. Bydd gofyn i fyfyrwyr ysgrifennu a chyflwyno podlediad clwb cyfnodolion, a dylunio ymgyrch ymwybyddiaeth iechyd y cyhoedd ar sail tystiolaeth.
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PM-344
Capstone Project
The aim of this module is to provide a capstone experience to students¿ learning, through participating in their own enquiry-based research project, with guidance from an academic supervisor. The project may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, but it will always involve a research question that is drawn from the literature, and focused on a topic relevant to the life sciences. It will ask a research question and involve the critical analysis of research findings. Students will refine their oral and written communication skills to a graduate level through an oral presentation and dissertation on their research findings and conclusions.
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PMGM11
Introduction to Human Genetics and Genomics
The Introduction to Human Genetics and Genomics module is a subject-specific module in the MSc Genomic Medicine programme. This unit will provide essential and contemporary knowledge relating to genetic science and genetic disease. The module will prepare participants to understand disease genetics, how genomic medicine can be utilised to elucidate disease mechanisms and biology in the context of genomic medicine. It will provide core knowledge underpinning later modules.
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PMGM15
Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease
In this module the student will learn about the genomic structure of infectious agents, implication of acquisition or loss of nucleotides, genes and plasmids on pathogenicity, sensitivity of a pathogen to drug treatment and outbreak control.
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PMGM22
Introduction to Human Genetics and Genomics
The Introduction to Human Genetics and Genomics module is a subject-specific module in the MSc Genomic Medicine programme. This unit will provide essential and contemporary knowledge relating to genetic science and genetic disease. The module will prepare participants to understand disease genetics, how genomic medicine can be utilised to elucidate disease mechanisms and biology in the context of genomic medicine. It will provide core knowledge underpinning later modules.
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PMGM24
Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease
In this module the student will learn about the genomic structure of infectious agents, implication of acquisition or loss of nucleotides, genes and plasmids on pathogenicity, sensitivity of a pathogen to drug treatment and outbreak control. Students will learn about infection as a cause of national and global morbidity and mortality, transmission of human infections: person to person, food and water-borne, sexually transmitted, vector-borne, prokaryotes, their¿genome, replication and population¿genetics, genomic characterisation of viruses:¿DNA¿and¿RNA¿genomes, single-stranded, double stranded, segmented, genomic comparisons of microbial strains in the context of outbreaks and transmissions in hospitals and the community, laboratory diagnosis, including genomic techniques and technologies, and appropriate sample type, analysis and interpretation of genomic data, and the role of bioinformatics, anti-infective drug action, mutation¿rate and drug resistance, genomic evidence of individual susceptibility to specific infection and the role of genomics in: infectious disease diagnosis, drug selection, resistance, monitoring and epidemic control. The students will also learn how to perform aspects of in-silico analyses on microbial gene sequences, in a workshop setting.
