BSc Biomedical Sciences (with integrated Foundation) (3-year degree)

The BSc Biomedical Sciences with integrated foundation (3 years) is taught on the Crewe campus awarding graduates of this course a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences degree.

Biomedical science focuses on how cells, organs and metabolic systems function in the human body. Through this understanding of health and disease processes, new treatments and therapies can be created or developed, contributing to necessary advances toward solving significant health problems facing today’s society

Our Certificate in Medical Foundation Studies is a level 3 qualification designed for those students who wish to study on our BSc (Hons) Biomedical sciences programme but do not currently meet the entry requirements and require additional preparation prior to undergraduate level study. The programme is intended to provide a foundation in both knowledge and academic skills for a seamless transition into the BSc.

Key benefits

• Our programme introduces its students through clinical, laboratory and theoretical training to be adaptable and prepared for an ever changing healthcare, industrial or commercial environment.
• Our teaching strategy promotes student centred learning with a focus on small tutorials and workshops rather than large lecture based programmes.
• If you choose to study a foundation programme with integrated BSc you will be eligible to apply for funding for your 3 years of study.
• It allows students to complete a foundation course and BSc (Hons) degree in just 3 years.
• If wishing to study medicine students who are predicted, or achieve, a 2.1 will be eligible to make an application to the University of Buckingham MB ChB Selection Process (need a link here to medical school entry requirements and selection).
• When in employment, employees do not get a long summer break and neither do our students. This informs prospective employers that our graduates are already accustomed to the demands of the workplace which enables our graduates stand out from the crowd.

Subject requirements

Required subjects: None

Preferred subjects: Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics or a combination of Science and non-Sciences

GCSEs

Required grades: Grade B or 6 equivalent in Maths, English and Science

A Levels

Required grades: DDD

Total equivalent Tariff Points of 72

International baccalaureate

Required points: 32

Equivalent qualifications

• Are a UK student who has not taken the usual entry qualifications for a medical or dental degree programme (i.e. you do not have A-levels in Biology and Chemistry or have not achieved the required grades at the first attempt).
• Are a student with at least 12 years of schooling from their home country?
• Are a suitably experienced mature student (i.e. an individual who has been working in a non-science environment and would like a change of career, or would like to refresh your scientific background).
• Alternative level 3 qualifications that demonstrate academic ability in the natural sciences but are not equivalent to BBB at A-level.

Each applicant is considered on a case-by-case basis and an interview may be required.

English language requirements

If English is not a student’s native language, they are normally expected to have passed a recognised test in English to the level of IELS 6.5 r equivalent (with not less than 6.0 in each section).

Programme progression

Please note that the first nine months of this programme constitute the Foundation stage. Students are expected to pass in all the Foundation modules with an overall average of 60% in order to progress to a BSc course.

Teaching, learning and assessment

The programme is taught using a range of teaching methodologies such as lectures, small group tutorial sessions, problem-based learning, one-to-one personal tutoring, seminars, practical’s and personal assessments.

Level 3 (September – June)

• Genes, Cells & Development
• Atoms, Molecules & Reactions
• Measurement in the Life Sciences 1
• Investigation in Biomedicine
• Tissues, Systems & Regulation
• Chemistry II: Periodic & Organic Chemistry
• Measurement in the Life Sciences II
• Medicine, Disease & Society

Level 4 (October-June, or January-September)

• Skills in Science
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Brain, Muscle and Coordination
• Gut, Hormones and Metabolism
• Circulation and Fluid Balance
• Matter and Energy in Medicine

Level 5 (July-December, or October-March)

• Haematology and Transfusion Science
• Clinical Immunology and Microbiology
• Clinical Pathology and Pharmacology 1
• Integrated research Skills

Level 6 (January-July, or May-October)

• Clinical Genetics
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Clinical Pathology and Pharmacology 2
• Independent Research Project

A prediction of a 2.1 will make you eligible to submit an application for an interview at our Medical School (Link to MBCHB) as well as being considered by many other medical and dental schools in the UK.

Past graduates have also gone on and completed an MSc and PhD.

Typical employers

Common employers of biomedical sciences graduates include:

• Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
• Medical Research Council (MRC)
• NHS, including NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT)
• Public Health England

You may also look for opportunities with academic departments at universities, forensic, charity or government-funded laboratories, veterinary services or private pathology laboratories.

The food and drink, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries employ graduates in areas such as research and development, quality assurance and sales. Publishing companies and the specialist press may also employ biomedical sciences graduates as writers or editors.

With such a wide range of careers open to you as a biomedical graduate, it is important to make sure you explore and research your options thoroughly so that you can make informed decisions about your future.

The following websites provide helpful information for career research:

• Prospects – What can I do with Biomedical degree
• Health Careers
• NHS Scientist Training Programme
• Institute of Biomedical Science
• The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry
• British Medical Association
• The Dental Schools Council
• Directory of International Biomedical Associations

Biomedical Scientists are regulated professionals and you will need to gain registration from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise in the NHS. This is achieved by completing the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) portfolio while working in an approved laboratory. With our accelerated 2 year degree The University of Buckingham like some other UK programmes does not currently provide this opportunity. It is possible to complete the IBMS portfolio after graduation, while working as a Trainee Biomedical Scientist or perhaps as a laboratory assistant in the NHS. Such opportunities can be fiercely competitive.

Transferable Skills for your CV

You will gain experience in laboratory work during your degree and this will equip you with the skills you need to plan, conduct and evaluate experiments. It will also enable you to comply with health and safety regulations and research and interpret scientific literature.

Transferable skills gained on your course include:

• analytical and problem-solving skills
• computing and the use of statistics
• data analysis, evaluation and interpretation
• project management
• numeracy
• organisation and time management
• oral and written communication
• team working – from laboratory work or activities such as sport, societies or voluntary work

We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form or through UCAS.

If you’re interested in transferring to Buckingham from another university then please get in touch to talk through your options.