GUIDE TO IBMS ACCREDITED
DEGREE PROGRAMME
CONTENT
Institute of Biomedical Science, 12 Coldbath Square, London, EC1R 5HL
Tel: 020 7713 0214 Fax: 020 7837 9658 E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ibms.org
IBMS degree accreditation requirements
November 2015
Specific Requirements of Programme Content
The programme must include relevant basic scientific core subjects, together with a study of the
biomedical science specialist subjects, integrated through a study of the biology of disease. The
subject headings are not intended to imply module titles and the subject matter is not intended to
constrain module content. An Honours project at final year level is an essential component.
Core subject areas
Biology
Primarily anatomy and physiology i.e. the study of the structure, function and control of the
human body, its component parts and major systems. It includes cell biology, genetics, molecular
biology and immunology.
Biochemistry
Essentially the study of chemical processes which support life. It includes the structure, function
and metabolism, including its control, of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins.
Numeracy, Statistics and Computing
Including IT skills to promote independent learning.
Instrumentation/Analytical Technique
There should be a broad treatment of the principles of instrumentation, separation techniques,
identification and quantitation procedures of a wide range of analytes.
Key subject areas
The programme should cover adequately the main traditional pathology specialisms: cellular
pathology/cytology, clinical chemistry, haematology, immunohaematology and transfusion
science, medical microbiology/virology and immunology. Key subjects are not necessarily taught
to the same level and programme specifications will indicate this.
Cellular Pathology
The microscopic examination of cells (cytology) and tissues (histology) and knowledge of the role
of cellular pathology in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Clinical Biochemistry
The qualitative and quantitative evaluation of analytes to aid the diagnosis, screening and
monitoring of health and disease, including hereditary malignant disease and therapeutic drug
monitoring.
Clinical Immunology
The study of immunological disease or disorders, and including organ transplantation, prophylaxis
and immunotherapy.
IBMS degree accreditation requirements
November 2015
Haematology
The study and investigation of the different elements that constitute blood in normal and diseased
states, including nature and diagnosis of anaemias, haemoglobinopathies and thalassaemias,
haematological malignancy, haemostasis and thrombosis.
Immunohaematology and Transfusion Science
The identification of blood group antigens and antibodies (immunohaematology) and the safe
supply of blood and blood components (blood transfusion).
Medical Microbiology
The study of pathogenic micro-organisms and including the role of ‘normal flora’, epidemiology
and laboratory investigation of infectious diseases, environmental microbiology, vaccination and
immunisation.
Biology of Disease
A fundamental requirement of biomedical science degrees is an integration of the core science
and specialist subject areas through a study of a pathophysiology or biology of disease
component, which should consider the following human disorders and disease processes together
with their investigation: cancer, haematological disorders, infection, autoimmunity, neurological
disease, and endocrine disorders.
It is essential that this material is included throughout the programme. Discrete modules would be
preferred but an integrated approach is acceptable, providing its existence is adequately
demonstrated.
IBMS degree accreditation requirements
November 2015