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University of Bedfordshire
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
UK, LU1 3JU
Our multi-disciplinary approach allows you to investigate normal life processes and study the pathological changes that occur in human disease. The course also provides a sound theoretical and practical foundation in a range of laboratory sciences that are used to aid the diagnosis or investigation, of human diseases.
Final year units give experience in learning techniques, such as problem-based learning (PBL) for disease diagnosis, that are commonly used in medical schools. Guest lectures are provided by biomedical science experts from different institutes/hospital laboratories.
Key features
Areas of study include:
The assessment strategies of this course conform to the assessment strategies of the Benchmarking statement for Biomedical Sciences. The Fields commitment to scientific report writing will be emphasised in all levels of the Biomedical Science Award where practical reports will form a significant proportion of the assessment as opposed to essay writing. The importance of oral communication skills is also acknowledged in the award and will require all students to undertake oral presentations as a part of their unit assessment at all levels.
Examinations in the Biomedical Science Award remain a major part of the assessment vehicle in Level 3 as they do in the Field as a whole. It is recognised that students require training in examination techniques and to this end examinations in Level 1 are relatively few in number with a preference for short tests, which provide a rapid means of feedback to students and academic staff. The emphasis is then shifted from a short test based assessment to a more traditional examination scenario. In order to ensure that all students are familiar with this form of assessment, timed essays are present in Level 2 and Level 3 units of the award. Timed essays provide students with an early feedback mechanism regarding their strengths and weaknesses in examinations, which enables remedial action to be taken where appropriate.
These assessment strategies are consistent with those of the field as a whole. The Biomedical Science Award supports the fields stated philosophy of key skill development and assessment. The generic skills based units are included at Level 2 and 3 of the awards. Units in Level 1 will conform to the overall strategy of the field with oral presentations being absent from the modules, though modules are available in Levels 2 and 3 to support oral presentation skills.
The remaining modules in the awards at Levels 2 and 3 will support the core skills units in that an array of transferable skills are present which students may study to support their skill development and rectify any perceived weaknesses.
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a thorough grounding in the theory and practice relating to human anatomy and physiology, molecular genetics, clinical immunology, medical microbiology, cellular pathology, clinical biochemistry, haematology and transfusion science.
2. Critically review biological information and data supporting conclusions, including reliability of the data, validity and significance.
3. Apply a breadth of knowledge in the subjects related to biomedical science, the biology of diseases and their social and ethical related issues.
4. Evaluate, select and apply different laboratory techniques to analytical problems and select the laboratory investigations needed in the study of representative diseases.
5. Access and evaluate biomedical science information from a variety of sources and to communicate the principles both orally and in writing (e.g. essays, laboratory reports and oral presentations) in a way that is well organised, topical and recognises the limits of current hypotheses.
6. Undertake a research project, with minimum guidance, transforming abstract data and concepts into a clear hypothesis that can be tested experimentally and can be reported in the form of a dissertation.
7. Understand of the role of the IBMS and the career progression structure within biomedical science, including the registration portfolio and acquire skills associated with biomedical laboratory practice including safe handling of specimens and asceptic techniques.
The Biomedical Science Award is accredited by IBMS and covers a range of biological and molecular science areas that underpin modern medicine. The course is delivered in collaboration with local hospital laboratories. Students will visit these laboratories during the Induction week and throughout all levels of their course, and will also receive lectures from laboratory staff at the University.
The Divisions extensive modern facilities foster an environment in which cross-fertilisation of ideas and multi-disciplinary research collaborations in this area can thrive, and where integrated student training can be achieved.
The multidisciplinary approach allows investigation of normal life processes and the study of pathological changes that occur in human disease. The course also provides a sound theoretical and practical foundation in a range of laboratory sciences that are used to investigate and aid the diagnosis of human disease.
The Biomedical Science Award has been designed to offer a focus for students wishing to pursue a career specifically in the biomedical sciences area in the hospital pathology service, in various biomedical industries and in biomedical research.
All students will have an induction programme at the beginning of their course. For new students there is an induction programme that is a week long and all students on this programme will be invited to this induction session. Covered in this are: Welcome to the Division, tours of the laboratories and facilities; introductory session to introduce students to: staff; academic advising, tutors & other support systems; student reps and their roles in the Department; what to do if you have a problem or complaint and the induction process, courses and enrolment explained. Other talks and sessions include; Learning Resources, including tours; Student Services; Study skills & plagiarism; Careers for Graduates in Biology & the Biosciences; Student Evaluations (Diagnostic Techniques): Introduction to the Laboratories and registration portfolio, technical practices and several training session on basic laboratory skills and hospital related practicals, The Student Union; and Use of the internet in teaching in the Department and talks from the Universitys Careers Services. There is also day visit to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital and other hospitals to familiarise all students with the work of the hospital.
Thereafter, student support is available at the level of the Unit, Programme, Field and Division.
All units will have specialised tutorial sessions when students can further explore subjects or issues related to assessment or other content of the unit. The Division is also willing to put on extra tutorials when groups of students request them and has done so in the past. In addition, all Unit co-ordinators have at least two sessions a week when individual students can book a time through a sheet pinned on the notice board outside the staff offices, to see them over a unit-related issue. All students also have a Personal Tutor allocated to them when they arrive at the University for their first half of their programme. The Personal Tutor for students in the second half of their programme is then their research project supervisor, who is chosen by the students. If students have a general academic or administrative issue then they can see one of the two Academic Advisors in one of the sessions that can be booked in the Faculty Office. This programme also has have its own student representatives for each level that can take up any specific or general student issues that are not resolved through any of the above support mechanisms. Lastly, if a student has not managed to find the support necessary through any of the above Divisional or University processes (as detailed in the Course Handbook) then they can arrange to see the Head of Division by booking an appointment through the Faculty Office.
Students who require English Language Support:
It is recognised that some students entering the course, despite having the requisite English language entry qualification will require extra support in their use of the English language. Through diagnostic testing in Induction week and by monitoring students performance in early stage assignments student requiring extra support will be directed to the Professional and academic development (PAD) team based in the Learning Resource Centre. Furthermore, the PAD team will be involved in delivering help session at key points through a students study on the course for example in the level 1 Foundations and Skills unit. Students requiring extra support will be referred to PAD at the earliest opportunity and the process monitored through the appropriate STAR board.
Working as a member of a team whether liaising with your colleagues, technical staff or others from outside the university is vitally important and throughout the course you are expected to work collaboratively in group work (e.g. working as small groups in practical sessions or producing group reports and presentations). These group activities are designed to develop your team working skills as a preparation for professional life and will often have an impact on assessment grades.
These collaborations are part of many units and the skills needed to work with others are specifically addressed as part of preparing for a professional life with in the health service or other biomedical areas.
Career advice and career management skills are a very important part of the course and staff from the Centre for Personal and Career Development regularly give talks to students from Induction week through all three levels of the course. Students are also actively encouraged to visit staff at the Centre for Personal and Career Development and discuss career options with them.
As part of the support lectures in the Research Project unit you will have the opportunity be introduced to different career opportunities available in the biomedical sciences, learn about specific careers and forms of employment and more about opportunities in terms of further study or jobs in the general area of the medical sciences. You will be given guidance on writing a CV, interview techniques etc and you will keep an up to date CV in your progress file.
Visiting lecturers who are experts in their fields of biomedical science will also be of benefit to you as they provide an opportunity to discuss careers and employment ideas whilst on the course and give help with the IBMS registration portfolio.
Graduates make contributions to medical knowledge, and to the development of future diagnostic techniques. Careers include NHS hospital laboratories, research laboratories and industries, or progression to a postgraduate degree or postgraduate entry into medical subjects. IBMS accreditation benefits careers in hospital pathology, microbiology, histology and biochemistry laboratories
Further study:
240 UCAS points including 200 from 2 A Levels or equivalent
Applicants must have an A Level Science subject or equivalent
A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.
Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.
Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.
We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
The general requirement is one of the following:
Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.
(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)
We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.
Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.
Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section
APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.
Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `
The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.
We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.
Return your completed application to:
University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk
In line with the Benchmarking statement for biomedical sciences, motivation and challenge of the student is achieved through a skilled and balanced selection of teaching and learning techniques, with student learning encouraged and developed through a combination of: lectures / seminars; tutorials; laboratory sessions; self directed study; computer aided learning; case studies and problem based learning; demonstrations, and project work. For example, formal lectures are often supplemented by video presentations or through the use of computer software. Delivery is also in line with the Divisions Blended Learning strategy.
The majority of lectures and seminars / tutorials will take place at the Universitys Park Square site (Division of Science) and practical sessions will be delivered at both Park Square and the Universitys Butterfield site (LIRANS). Students will make visits to the local hospitals and will also receive lectures and careers advice from a number of visiting lecturers from hospitals and other associated areas.
The course welcomes students with disabilities. During the application process disabled students discuss their needs with individual members of the academic staff, as well as staff from the Disability Advice Team. It has normally been the case that disability has not provided an obstacle to students participating fully in the practical aspects of coursework.
Any students that have any form of disability or medical condition that might affect their studies should make themselves known to the Field Chair or Programme Manager BEFORE beginning their studies. This is particularly important where an existing condition may generate health and safety concerns either working in the laboratory or working alone in the field.
The Disability Advice Team is available to discuss any issues students may have and can provide services such as sign language interpreters, note takers, dyslexia screening / tuition and support with mobility on campus. They offer confidential advice and information about academic and personal issues, adjustments in examinations, applying for the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) and buying suitable equipment.
A minor potential barrier to study is wheel chair access during practicals, although limited in some laboratories, is possible by special arrangements, necessitated by health and safety concerns. Students with asthma or related conditions should inform academic staff prior to commencing the practical work on a unit to ensure that their health and safety is safeguarded.
Communication
To help with the development of this you will:
Information Literacy
To help with the development of this you will:
Research and Evaluation
To help with the development of this you will:
Creativity and Critical Thinking
To help with the development of this you will:
As a Biomedical scientist you will be expected to develop a range of professional skills throughout your course. These will develop as you progress throughout the course and will form a thread as you progress through the different levels. As you engage with different styles of learning, work through practicals, make visits to local hospitals you will develop an adaptable, flexible and effective approach to study and work and the capacity for self-reflection.
Guidance from representatives of the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and Professional and Academic Development (PAD) to help improve information literacy, referencing and report writing skills is given early on in the course and introduces students to further support that can be given by these departments and seminars provided by experts.
In particular, the Honours Project provides you with an opportunity to participate in scientific research at the forefront of your subject. It also gives you chance to develop a strategy for using skills in problem solving over an extended period of time and to manage study time effectively with a degree of self-discipline and self confidence.
All students are assigned a personal tutor who will give guidance and help you with your progression throughout your course.
Personal growth is an important part of university life and is actively supported by individual units and assisted by your personal tutor.
A student progress file is a paper based document charting your individual development as a student. It contains three main elements: your transcript, personal record and personal development planning. It can be thought of as a portfolio of your achievements at University.
The Progress File is not currently assessed but will be monitored by the personal tutor system. You will be given guidance and information about the Division of Science policy on progress files during the Foundations and Skills in Biological Science unit.
Biomedical students will also be given guidance in the compilation of their IBMS registration portfolio at all levels throughout the course.
Both staff and students are expected to maintain high professional standards by:
The professional standards will be introduced to students during student the induction week. The standards required of them and those they can expect from staff are clearly laid out. You will be introduced to safe laboratory working in Induction Week and this is emphasized through out Levels 1 and 2 both by the use of pre-practical talks and in the Laboratories themselves.
You are expected to be proactive in maintaining these professional standards. The professional standards will be monitored and issues addressed throughout the programme. Failure to address professional Health and Safety standards in particular will not be tolerated.
Ethical issues related to Medical science and wider bioscience issues will be addressed within individual units as they arise and will form a basis for assessment in some instances.
In formulating the project proposal and in its implementation you will have the opportunity to show how well embedded the professional standards are by your reliability in collaborating with fellow students, meeting deadlines and keeping appointments, showing an awareness of the ethical issues surrounding your area of research and by successful completion of health and safety risk assessments for your practical work.
