Intercalated BSc in Experimental Pathology

Pathology can be described as the study of disease. To understand the disease state, it is essential to understand the normal processes of the body. This course offers areas of learning in specific fields of pathology covering some of the major afflictions of the modern world. This includes cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. There is also a focus on diagnosis and treatment through modules on stem cells and personalised medicine.

The course emphasises the importance of research and experimentation for the advancement of our understanding of pathological disorders. Insights are given into how the latest developments in technology can be utilised for the benefit of the patient. Students will gain an in-depth grounding in the science behind pathology and gain practical skills in experimentation and presentation on completion of the course.

A research project allows students to construct and develop novel ideas. They also promote training in how to plan and organise a programme of work over a six-month time period. The final dissertation will require appraisal and evaluation of experimental procedure and data, the construction of new hypotheses and their subsequent defence and justification.

During the course, students will undertake 4 taught modules. These are assessed by written examinations and in number of the modules, course work as well. In semester one you will take the following compulsory modules:

• Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (BMD363)
• Cancer Biology (BMD381)

You will also start a research project, which will be original research and will normally involve experimental work in the laboratory or measurements on volunteers undergoing clinical investigation. You will be asked to choose from a broad selection of clinical and scientific areas of research. However, if you have a specific interest outside these general areas, it is possible, subject to consultation with a potential supervisor and the course organiser, to devise a project related to this. In semester two, you will continue with your project and the remaining compulsory modules:

• Molecular Basis of Personalised Medicine (BMD383)
• Perspectives on Brain Disorders (BMD369)

Additionally, there are lectures to support the experimental work in the Autumn term (Core Laboratory methods, Statistics), and for scientific writing (Thinking Writing).

Summary from 2025/26 with unit values and approximate dates

Four taught units as follows:

• Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (15 credits - Autumn term)
• Cancer Biology (15 credits - Autumn term)
•  Molecular Basis of Personalised Medicine (15 credits - Spring term)
• Perspectives on Brain Disorders (15 credits - Spring term)

Plus

• Project - 1 from the ones offered (60 credits - Autumn and spring term)

Summary of Course Units

Cancer Biology (BMD381)

Module Organiser: Dr Stuart McDonald and Dr Katiuscia Bianchi

This is a taught module delivered by lectures. The module starts with the definition of neoplasia and will describe the macro and micro appearance of a range of specific tumours and current ideas on the molecular and genetic basis of their pathogenesis. The transformation from normal to malignant tissue will be covered together with the manner in which tumours grow and spread. The course will end with an overview of tumour diagnosis and treatment, the latter including pharmacological, surgical and radiotherapeutic regimens.

Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (BMD363)

Module Organisers: Dr Jürgen Groet/Dr Adrian Biddle

This is a taught module which provides a comprehensive overview and foundation in stem cell biology, including applications in regenerative medicine. The module will cover topics including: developmental origin of stem cells, comparing/contrasting different types of stem cells, biological regulation of stem cells and tissue-specific functions. The module also will cover fundamental principles of tissue engineering, cellular reprogramming (induced pluripotent stem cells) and genome engineering (CRISPR-Cas9).

Molecular Basis of Personalised Medicine (BMD383)

Module Organisers: Dr Angus Cameron / Dr Paulo Baptista-Ribeiro

This module will build on the basic information on the pathological processes and cancer biology to provide and in-depth analysis of the tools available to analyse heterogeneity in disease (gene expression arrays, SNP analysis, next generation sequencing), and how these can be used to stratify disease and then exploited to develop individualised treatment. It will examine strategies being developed to refine treatment programmes and also investigate how such analysis can be used to predict risk and so develop preventive strategies.

Perspectives on Brain Disorders (BMD369)

Module Organiser: Dr Ping Yip

The module will focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying complex brain disorders and injury. Topic covered will include an integrated view of the major neurotransmitter systems and in-depth analysis of the mechanisms underlying the effects of drugs used in central nervous system. Neuronal pathways using excitatory and inhibitory amino acids and neuropeptides will be reviewed, with emphasis on their involvement in neuropathological processes underlying disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dementia, schizophrenia, mood disorders, pain, head injury, stroke, epilepsy and drug abuse.

Experimental Project (ICM6024)

Module Organiser: Dr Jürgen Groet

The project will normally be some original research which is expected to occupy at least half of the time of the course. It will normally involve experimental work or measurements on volunteers undergoing clinical investigation and is presented as a written report (not exceeding 8000 words). The report is assessed by internal examiners and forms the basis of student vivas by our internal and external examiners. A diverse range of projects, covering many aspects of pathology, are available.

Testimonial (written Aug 2023)

I was drawn to the Experimental Pathology course as it provided an in-depth, well-rounded understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive a broad range of major diseases.

The research project was a particular highlight. It gave me a hands-on opportunity to work on a lab-based project, with the perfect balance of autonomy and supervision. Developing my research and critical thinking skills have been invaluable for my career going forward.

Dr Katherine Leung, Intercalated BSc Experimental Pathology (2015/16)

Further information

For more information contact the course director, Dr Jürgen Groet (j.groet@qmul.ac.uk)