University of Bradford
Division of Biomedical Sciences
Awarding and teaching institution:
Final award:
Programme title:
Programme accredited by:
Duration:
UCAS code:
Subject benchmark statement:
Date produced:
University of Bradford
BSc (Honours) [English
Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications level H]
Biomedical Science
The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
4 years part-time
Biomedical Science
April 2010
Biomedical Science is a key healthcare science involving a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human disease.
It encompasses studies of the causes of disease and the effects of disease on the normal structure and functions of
the human body and it provides an understanding of the scientific basis for the laboratory investigation, diagnosis,
monitoring and treatment of disease. Graduates will also be familiar with biomedical science research to develop new
diagnostic procedures as well as new therapeutic intervention strategies .
As a graduate from an accredited degree course you will have a broad-based scientific education coupled with
technical skills necessary for laboratory work. This broad-based education provides the foundation for a wide-range of
scientific careers, including as a Biomedical Scientist in a hospital environment, as a laboratory-based or nonlaboratory based scientist in the Pharmaceutical Industry and other related industries, academic research and
teaching. However, whilst the degree provides a qualification necessary to start your professional career you will need
to continue to develop skills throughout your working life. This course couples a scientific education with the
development of the skills necessary for lifelong learning.
The aims and outcome statements have been referenced to the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy
(http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/TLS.html), the QAA Subject Benchmark statement
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/benchmark/phase2/biomedsci.pdf), Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/ewni2001/contents.htm) and the Health Professions Council (HPC) Standards of
Proficiency (http://www.hpc-uk.org/publications/standards_of_proficiency_ml.htm).
Programme Aims
To deliver a flexible programme of part-time study in Biomedical Science for students from diverse cultural and
educational backgrounds;
To enhance learning by providing a choice of study options to suit your interests and/or career aspirations;
To develop subject knowledge and understanding in the core and optional areas of the Biomedical Science as defined
in the curriculum to reflect the Subject Benchmark Statement; including an awareness of the implications of ethnicity,
gender as well as social and cultural diversity in health and disease;
To develop core discipline specific skills as outlined in the curriculum to reflect the Subject Benchmark Statement;
To develop research skills to reflect the Subject Benchmark Statement;
To develop personal transferable skills that enable you to move successfully into employment or further education;
To provide an accredited degree which meets the requirements of the IBMS and enables you, after completing the
IBMS certificate of competence portfolio, to apply to register with the HPC as a Biomedical Scientist;
To provide a supportive and structured environment in which you are encouraged to develop the independent study
skills required for lifelong learning.
Learning Outcomes
These indicate what a graduate should know and understand and be able to do on successful completion of the
programme. On completing this course you will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
A1 Evaluate and discuss and apply core aspects of Biomedical Science including Cell Biology, Genetics,
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Immunology, Microbiology);
A2 Evaluate and discuss the laboratory specialities of cellular pathology, clinical biochemistry, clinical immunology,
clinical genetics, haematology and transfusion science, and medical microbiology.
Discipline Specific Skills:
B1 Select, evaluate and appraise experimental and clinical laboratory techniques and be able to apply them to
experimental and laboratory investigations;
B2 Prepare, process, analyse (including the statistical analysis) and interpret experimental/clinical laboratory data and
present data in an appropriate format;
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B3 Collect, interpret and critically review scientific literature;
B4 Write scientific reports;
B5 Employ skills associated with professional and ethical biomedical laboratory practice including the ability to
undertake risk and control of substances hazardous to health assessments, evaluate and apply health and safety
policies, good laboratory practice and solve problems as well as appreciate the importance of The Human Tissue
Act 2004, governance, audit and quality control and assurance;
B6 Have the opportunity to develop further these skills through extensive work experience.
Personal Transferable Skills:
C1 Apply skills in critical and analytical thinking, use and apply numerical and statistical techniques and use problem
solving skills;
C2 Use the range of personal transferable skills including communication, information technology (including the use of
the internet and other electronic devices as sources of information and means of communication), negotiating and
decision making skills that are required in a working environment and prepare you for lifelong learning;
C3 Undertake autonomous learning;
C4 Have the opportunity to develop further these skills through extensive work experience.
The Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to provide a flexible study route permitting the maximum student choice consistent with
the requirements of accreditation The course is a four year course with you completeing 90 credits in all years In both
years 1 and 2, 60 credits will be university-based learning and 30 credits will be work based learning designed to
enable you to gain the practical competency , 60 credits remain university based learning and 30 credits work based
learning. In year 4, 50 credits remain university based learning which are chosen from a range of optional modules as
outlined in the curriculum table, and a 40 credit project that will be undertaken in the workplace.
The university based components of the degree will be delivered over a single day and the curriculum is designed to
enable you to demonstrate the knowledge base as outlined by the IBMS.. Optional routes will, however, ensure that
there is a coherence to the programme of study that you choose. The curriculum is designed to enable you to develop
the necessary level of knowledge of Biomedical Science suitable for a career as a Biomedical Scientist or as a
scientist in one of the many other professions that our graduates choose to follow. At Stage 1 and 2, all modules are
core to ensure that you have the foundation in Biomedical Science required for further study. At stage 1, you will study
normal human biology and some microbiology at the level of the molecule, gene, cell, organ and organism.
Laboratory sessions run in conjunction with the theoretical components will give you the opportunity to enhance your
understanding of particular study topics. You will be introduced to basic laboratory skills and in skills in data handling
and interpretation. You will also develop your key skills during Stage 1 and you will start to develop a progress file.
You will be encouraged to develop a reflective attitude to your learning and develop numerical, written and oral
communication, IT and group working skills. At Stage 2, the curriculum continues to concentrate on core areas of
Biomedical Science in particular, the laboratory disciplines. You will start to examine the processes that disrupt
normal human biological function and so cause disease. You will also explore the methods used to diagnose and treat
disease. Again, laboratory sessions will give you the opportunity to enhance understanding of some topics and you
will develop further, your laboratory skills as well as skills in data handling and interpretation. You will also be
encouraged to develop further, personal transferable skills and reflect on how these will prepare you for the working
environment. You will be encouraged to self evaluate your skills and identify and address areas for improvement. At
Stage 3, the curriculum continues to allow you to develop your knowledge and understanding of human disease and
you will choose to study in depth from a range of current research topics in Biomedical Science. You will continue to
reflect upon ways to improve your own learning and performance and to develop autonomous learning skills.
There are five potential pathways in Biomedical Science of which you will choose one. These routes involve
specialisation in the final year and permit study of Medical Cell Biology (O1), Medical Biochemistry (O2) Cancer
Biology (O3), Medical Microbiology (O4) and Pharmacology (O5). Your final year project will be associated with your
final year option choice. All of these pathways lead to an accredited degree. The curriculum may change, subject to
the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures, as improvements are made each year. More
detail, including learning outcomes, is available for each unit in the individual module descriptors.
Assessment Regulations: a summary (the full and most recent progression regulations are maintained on the Web:
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Undergrad_Regs_.html)
To pass and proceed from each stage to the next, and also to be eligible for a classified Honours award, you must
achieve at least 40% in 100 credits and 35% in the other 20 credits.
The class and division of the Honours degree that you are awarded is based on the overall weighted marks that you
receive for Stages 2 and 3. Stage 2 contributes 30% and Stage 3 70%. The classes and divisions of the Honours
degree are awarded on the basis of the following minimum final overall weighted average marks:
70.0% or above:
60.0% or above:
50.0% or above:
Otherwise
First Class Honours
Second Class Honours – First Division
Second Class Honours – Second Division
Third Class Honours
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If you complete Stage 1 successfully, you are eligible for a Certificate of Higher Education; if you complete Stage 2
successfully, you are eligible for a Diploma of Higher Education. The learning outcomes for these awards and the final
award are consistent with those of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies
The teaching, learning and assessment strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes for the course,
progression through stages of study, the nature of topic studied and the need for you to demonstrate greater
autonomy in your learning as you progress through the course. Stage 1 provides a foundation in the general
principles of Biomedical Science. You will study normal human biology and some microbiology and develop your
laboratory skills as well as skills in data handling and interpretation. You will begin to develop the skills that you
require for autonomous learning. At Stage 2 you will develop further your depth of knowledge, understanding of
Biomedical Science in particular, the laboratory disciplines you will develop further your laboratory and data handling
skills. You will start to develop autonomy in your learning and develop increasing responsibility for achieving learning
outcomes. At Stage 3 you will study, in increasing depth, the disease process, its diagnosis and treatment as well as
specialised research areas of Biomedical Science of your choice and you will develop, particularly through the
research project, your critical and analytical skills. You will become a confident autonomous learner.
Teaching methods consist of (i) formal lectures to develop knowledge and understanding (A1, A2) and discipline
specific skills (B1, B2 ,B3, B5) (ii) laboratory classes and project work to develop knowledge and understanding (A1,
A2), discipline specific skills (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5) and personal transferable skills (C1, C2, C3) (iii) tutorials,
workshops and case studies to develop knowledge and understanding (A1, A2), discipline specific skills (B1, B2, B3,
B5) and personal transferable skills (C1, C2, C3). Work-based learning and other directed study, involving directed
reading of appropriate texts and the preparation of assessed work, is used to develop the majority of learning
outcomes (A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5).
The assessment strategy is designed to allow you to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes of an
individual module which are appropriate to your level of study and the learning outcomes of the course. These
learning outcomes are consistent with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. At Stage 1, you will be
examined, primarily, on the breadth of knowledge via MCQ and short answer examinations (A1 A2). Coursework
assignments will give you the opportunity to gain experience in report writing and data handling and interpretation (B2,
B4, B5). As you progress through Stages 2 and 3 you will have the opportunity to demonstrate increasing skills of
analysis, synthesis and criticism through a wide variety of assessment strategies, including written and oral
examinations (A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C1), report writing (A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, C2, C3), group work (A1, A2,
B1, B2, B3, B5, C1 ,C2, C3), essays (A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, B5, C1, C2, C3), oral presentations (A1, A2, B1, B2, B3,
C1, C2, C3), case studies (A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3) and the project report (A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, C1,
C2, C3). The project report provides a major opportunity to demonstrate autonomy in data handling and critical
interpretation in a research context. You will do the project in the subject area that you choose for your final year
option. Your work-based learning in all stages of the course will be assessed through the submission of a portfolio of
evidence, written work and a reflective statement appropriate to your level of study.
Admission Requirements
Applicants will be normally working in NHS laboratories, private laboratories or in Industry laboratories. Offers are
made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is
our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular
course. Entrance requirements will vary but are set after consideration of each applicant’s academic background and
achievements and all other relevant experience. A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme
would be 280 points, which should include two science subjects, preferably biology and chemistry. Two AS levels are
accepted in place of a third A-level subject. GCSE passes should include at least a grade C in Chemistry and Biology
(or double science), Maths and English. International students should have IELTS 6, Or TOEFL (550 paper-based,
220 computer-based, or 83 internet-based score) and have equivalent qualifications to GCSE in Science and
Maths. Applications are welcome from candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking academic
qualifications, have significant relevant experience. Prior learning can be accredited to enable exemption from
aspects of the course and it is possible to gain direct entry stages 2 and 3 of the course. Each case will be considered
on its merits and applicants show contact the Admissions Tutor to discuss their case.
Approximately 10 students are admitted to the award each year.
Student Support and Guidance
The University and the Division have well-deserved reputations for good practice in this area. Your Course Tutor will see
you at least weekly throughout the first year. Your Tutor will continue to support you with regular timetabled meetings in
years 2, 3 and 4. Your Tutor will also be responsible for your pastoral care during your time at University and will be your
first point of contact for areas of concern or guidance. In addition you will have a Training Officer/Clinical Tutor in the
workplace who will advise you on your work-based learning activities and the preparation of the work-based learning
portfolios. Further guidance at all stages is available from Year Tutors, Examination Officers and, particularly in the Final
3
Year, Option Convenors. You will have an individual supervisor for your final year research project. You will also be
supported in all aspects of your course by University and Divisional Course, Year and Module handbooks. Regular
feedback on your individual performance will be provided. The support provided by the Division is enhanced by a strong
university infrastructure, including particularly the Disabilities Office and the Careers Service, and the Library and
Computing facilities. The Division is very responsive to student feedback though a Staff-Student Liaison Committee
which includes the Subject Librarian and a representative of the Computing Centre.
Further Information
If you would like more information about the University of Bradford, please check the undergraduate prospectus. More
details about the course can be obtained from the Admissions Tutor of the Biomedical Sciences Division.
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Credit Unit Code
Level (Occurrence)
Credit
Value
Sem
Year
Unit Title
Core/Optional
Stage 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
BM-1113M (X)
BM-1111M (X)
BM-1110M (X)
BM-2108D (X)
BM-2109M (X)
BM1008R
10
10
10
20
10
30
1
1
1
2
2
1+2
1
1
1
1
1
1
Introduction to Biological Molecules
Cell Biology
Cells and Tissues
Introductory Microbiology
Biochemistry
Work-based learning 1
C
C
C
C
C
C
1
1
2
BM1010M (X)
BM-2107M (X)
BM-3102M (X)
10
10
10
1
1
1
2
2
2
C
C
C
1
2
2
2
BM1011M (X)
BM-3104D (X)
BM-4201M (X)
BM2001R
10
10
10
30
2
2
2
1+2
2
2
2
2
Human Physiology 1
Human Genetics
Clinical Biochemistry
Stage 2
Human Physiology 2
Cellular Pathology
Analytical Biochemistry
Work-based learning 2
2
2
2
2
2
BM-3101D (X)
BM-3103M (X)
BM-2002M (X)
BM-2004M (X)
BM-2110M
20
10
10
10
10
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
C
C
C
C
C
3
BM3011L
30
1+2
3
Medical Microbiology
Immunology
Molecular Genetics
Haematology and Transfusion Science
Dissertation
Stage 3
Work-based learning 3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
BM-3008K (H)
BM-3117D
BM-3122D
BM-3121D
BM-3120D
40
20
20
20
20
10
20
1+2
1
1
1
1
1
2
3+4
4
4
4
4
4
4
BM-3125M
BM-3124D
Research Project
Research Topics in Medical Cell Biology I
Research Topics in Medical Biochemistry I
Research Topics in Cancer Biology I
Research Topics in Medical Microbiology I
Clinical Genetics
Biology of Disease
C
C
C
C
C
C
O1
O2
O3
O4
C
C
The information contained in this table may be subject to change to comply with either internal or external quality
assurance mechanisms.
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