In this online module, you’ll study six topics. Within these topics, you’ll conduct onscreen investigations using interactive tools and online databases. You’ll also explore published articles and consider how health information is curated and shared.
Topic 1 – Humans as a model for investigation
This first topic introduces you to working with participants in health-based research, which is core to improving our understanding of the normal and diseased human body. From the ethics and governance of human studies to clinical trials, reporting, and data analysis, this topic introduces you to underlying principles and skills that thread throughout the module. You’ll conduct a research study at home and experience collecting data and managing informed consent from your participants as they perform a simple cognitive test.
Topic 2 – Cancers: from molecular dysfunction to therapy
In this topic, you’ll explore human cancer's biological and molecular basis, from its global epidemiology and genetics to the micro-evolutionary aspects of how cells progress to form aggressive cancers. You’ll experience how tumours are graded in the pathology laboratory and see how gene expression can be used as a prognostic marker to inform cancer diagnosis, management and therapy.
Topic 3 – Rare disease: investigating cellular function
This topic will take you deep into the cell's inner workings, allowing you to study disease at the cellular level and see how our understanding of normal cellular organelles and their function is informed using cells from individuals with rare diseases. You’ll explore internal cellular structures using fluorescence microscopy and see how cells are used to research potential treatments – from stem cells to molecular therapies.
Topic 4 – Autoimmunity
This topic explores how immune cells and plasma are important in self- and non-self-discrimination and their role in the pathology of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, which arise from inflammation and tissue damage. You’ll use clinical testing techniques to detect and quantitate auto-antibodies, and explore how specificity and sensitivity are achieved in a laboratory-based diagnostic assay. You’ll also use library and internet resources to research an autoimmune disease and contribute your findings to a tutor group presentation.
Topic 5 – Genetic variation: towards personalised health
This topic will develop your understanding of inheritance patterns of human traits, how our present-day genome arose, how it functions and how the DNA sequence variation that contributes to health arises and is detected. You’ll investigate how genetic variation affects drug metabolism, learn how genetic testing is performed and explore the potential for gene-based therapies.
Topic 6 – Introducing the microbial world
This topic will develop an understanding of the core principles of microbial diversity, growth, and bacterial community – all aspects relevant to human niches such as the skin, gut, and oral cavities – and how local interactions and communications with host cells impact health and disease. You’ll study the gut microbiome and use a series of diagnostic tests to detect microbial pathogens responsible for clinical infections.
Throughout the module, you’ll access and use large health-related datasets and learn how the module’s themes can be contextualised into the broader health sciences sector, where you will hear from representatives from publishing, genetic counselling, SMEs, pharma, charity, NHS diagnostics and clinical trials.
A key aim of the module is to continue your development as a health scientist. It provides you with opportunities to study human disease using common investigative tools and approaches, ranging from molecular testing to working with human participants. The module also aims to increase your understanding of the wider health sciences sector, the professional skills required as a health scientist, and a selection of roles and occupations it encompasses.
Key skill development will include:
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
The School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences offers optional laboratory schools in Milton Keynes at an additional cost. Laboratory schools are not part of this module but may be of interest if you wish to gain relevant hands-on laboratory experience.
Further information and instructions for booking are on the SS022 website.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
We also provide physical:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
S290 is a compulsory module in our:
S290 is an option module in our:
Investigating human health and disease (S290) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2030.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
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Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
