This module introduces you to the scope of health psychology as an academic and applied branch of psychology. We explore patterns and causes of health and ill-health and examine a selection of major theoretical models. Key questions that we examine include: What is health psychology and why is it important? What is health and how can we measure it? How do psychological factors such as behaviour, personality, and social support influence health?
Within this module you will be encouraged to reflect on your role as an audiology healthcare professional and the experiences of hearing impaired people beyond simply considering the changes to the functions and structures of the auditory system. Central to this module is the international definitions and classifications for functioning, disability and health (ICF). Within that context, we will consider questions such as how health conditions can affect us and what it means to live with a health condition. In particular, you will learn about (1) how an individual’s health condition can lead to changes in body structure/function, to activity limitations and to participation restrictions; and (2) how those are affected by contextual factors including personal factors. We will explore other health conditions/states that can be associated with hearing loss, the role of personal values/choices and the physical, social, cultural, attitudinal and health policy environment in which people live and conduct their lives, with a particular focus on Deaf culture. These issues will be considered both within the current state of audiological healthcare as well as looking forward to future developments in audiological science, considering how these will impact our current understanding of living with health disability and functioning in the context of the ICF. In order to achieve that, we will explore a broad range of issues related to biology (including relevant anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the human body, from the cellular level to the level of whole body systems), health psychology, sociology, public health, health ethics and beyond! This module together with Introduction to Hearing Science & Technology also includes a series of sessions on academic skills across the year in order to support you make the transition to undergraduate study in a scientific discipline.
The aim of this module is to provide third year students with an introduction to commercialization of biosciences. The current focus is on the process of drug discovery, the subsequent management of clinical trials and marketing of commercial drug products. The main topics will include the scientific rationale and justification of novel targets and the associated assay development and experimental design to show efficacy of such a target. In addition, the module will provide further guidance and information on pharmacokinetics, regulatory affairs, clinical trial design, intellectual property and business planning to make a chosen target commercially viable. At the end of the module student will be able to address the following questions: What makes a good drug and how to produce, protect and get a drug to the market?
The students will be expected to carry out an in-depth literature review into a biological concept or topic in semester 1, and to then design an innovative educational activity to convey their research to groups of people in semester 2.
A biosensor is a device that translates a biomolecular binding event into an electrical or optical signal that can be quantified and recorded. Biosensors come in many different formats, from complicated nanofabricated mechanical transducers to simple but effective paper diagnostics. This module introduces the core principles of biosensor design, including biomolecule immobilisation, transduction mechanisms, and the quantitative approaches used to select biomarkers and optimise sensor performance. You will also learn how quantitative and computational methods are used to design biosensor systems (for example bioinformatics for identifying protein biomarkers) and to measure diagnostic performance and support clinical decision-making. Through lectures, weekly tutorials, and a laboratory practical, you will connect theoretical concepts to real-world bio-sensing applications.
A biosensor is a device that translates a biomolecular binding event into an electrical or optical signal that can be quantified and recorded. Biosensors come in many different formats, from complicated nanofabricated mechanical transducers to simple but effective paper diagnostics such as a pregnancy test. They rely on the unique recognition properties of biomolecules, which can selectively bind their target molecule even at a high background concentration of similar molecules. Biosensors are widely used in modern medicine and essential in diagnosing disease. The module also describes the development and application of diagnostic tools for analysing blood chemistry and counting and analysing cells e.g. haematology. The module explains how biomolecules can be attached to a sensor surface. Subsequently, the working mechanism of common sensor technologies are explained. The module describes recent developments in diagnostic tools including “zero-cost” paper microfluidics, DNA sequencing, genetic analysis and single cell analytics. The commercial criteria for a successful diagnostic tool, for example for point-of-care diagnostic applications will be discussed. You will undertake a laboratory to understand how the kinetics of flow and surface reactions influence sensor performance. Throughout the module, weekly tutorials will be dedicated to analysis of articles from the scientific literature that describe the latest advances in biosensors and diagnostic systems. We will discuss the medical need for the sensor systems, principle of operation and testing strategy from a variety of articles ranging from proof of concept devices to clinical trials of commercial products.
The Second World War ended more than seventy years ago, but the echoes and memories of the war still permeate modern British society, culture and politics. This course will explore the history of the Second World War in Britain, from appeasement to the election of the 1945 Attlee government, to think about how and why the war holds such an important place in Britain’s national psyche.
This course will explore the architecture of Blockchain technology that is rapidly changing the landscape of the financial industry and beyond. Countless applications are being explored in payments, insurance, lending, fund raising, settlement of securities transactions and contract execution. Cryptocurrencies, one of the most popular uses of blockchain, are explored in detail. The module will present technical concepts at a high level suitable for students whose main interest is finance and the financial applications of blockchain. There will be dedicated discussions of a design of optimal investment strategy in cryptocurrency market. Investment under uncertainty has a got a new dimension with the advent of cryptocurrency. Unravelling the investment strategy of cryptocurrency is like a gospel, as the world economy is preparing steadily for the establishment of a new crypto-market and legalising the same within the monetary system. However, there are veritable challenges in investment in cryptocurrencies – a majority of these challenges are just like a black box, with no easy solution to be found at present.
This course focuses on the other technologies beyond AI that are influencing business, creating new opportunities and threats. These include various blockchain solutions, the Internet of Things technology and the services it can enable, quantum computing and robotics. Taking a holistic approach to these disruptive technologies, a clearer picture of the future emerges. Special attention is given to blockchain. Blockchain is revolutionizing business by enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency. It streamlines transactions, reduces fraud, and enables smart contracts, automating processes without intermediaries. Industries like finance, supply chain, and healthcare benefit from decentralized ledgers, fostering trust and innovation in operations.
a 16 week study in depth of scientific research, clinical research, service evaluation, or audit leading to the completion of a dissertation and presentation at an internal Faculty conference. Further details will be provided on Blackboard.
This module examines the variation within the mammalian skeleton from an evolutionary and functional perspective. Additionally, it gives an overview of the main methodological and theoretical issues in the retrieval, treatment and interpretation of bone finds from archaeological sites and the relationship between humans and other animals. The module looks at patterns in bodily treatment and disposal, and the use and management of animal populations. It integrates practical study of human and animal bones with discussions of disease, diet, burial context, age and sex. It uses both practical sessions and lectures to develop your knowledge of mammal skeletons, and then project work to extend analyses into interpreting archaeological assemblages of bodies and bones.
This module focuses on representations of sex and gender in popular music. It portrays gender on a sliding scale, and in a non-binary manner, and engages with cultural and feminist theory, sexuality and other theories of difference (such as othering, race, class, etc.). We will consider other subsidiary issues, too, such as agency, authenticity and identity. Students are introduced to a range of theories and analytical tools to support their essay writing.
Many writers begin with the short story. Through writing short stories they are able to experiment, learn the fundamentals of narrative composition, and have the satisfaction of completing something to a high standard in a relatively short period of time. The short story form can be the most flexible and satisfying to work with. Shena Mackay likened the short story to a magic box, Hermione Lee described it as being like a polished pebble, and Helen Simpson said that it is like a gin and tonic. What did these writers mean? On this module you will gain an understanding of the appeal of short stories to readers and writers, and the limits and possibilities inherent in the form. The module is designed to introduce you to the work of a range of short story writers, whilst helping you to develop your skills in crafting short fiction. You will be asked to study particular stories each week, but you will also be expected to pursue your own interests in reading. You will be encouraged to “read like a writer” and to reflect on that reading in critical commentaries to accompany your finished work. The skills required for writing short stories are also key to working in other forms, so this module will help you to develop as a writer whatever your plans and ambitions may be.
This module challenges you to critically apply sustainable improvement within a dynamic fashion industry. Emphasizing both traditional and digital processes, the module encourages experimentation to reimagine garment design sustainably, promoting fashion technology and innovation, treasured heritage practices, reduced environmental impact and ethical production. Skills-based workshops and sessions supporting creative design, research and industry insight will prepare you to embrace sustainability to shape the future of the fashion industry.
The Synoptic Examination is intended to allow students to display a broad understanding of the first and second year courses they have already studied and to encourage synthesis between these courses, as well as broad ranging problem solving skills. Students’ studies will be supported by revision lectures - each week one of the lecturers of the core first and second year courses will lead the session. Problem solving sessions will also be included. The course work involves setting your own Synoptic exam questions which will hopefully give new insights into the material taught and the examination process.
The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of consumer behaviour and how knowledge of consumers contribute to organisational strategy.
This module will provide an overview of how to build a digital health intervention for behaviour change.
