Name of Programme
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
Final Award
BSc (Hons)
Location
Crewe
Awarding Institution/Body
University Of Buckingham
Teaching Institution
University Of Buckingham
School of Study
School of Allied Health
Programme Code(s)
UBSF2SBS / Full Time / 2 Years
Professional Body Accreditation
N/A
Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement (SBS)
Biosciences -Biomedical Science March 2023
Admission Criteria
Three A level passes (including Biology and Chemistry) at BBC or above.
English language level equivalent to at least 6.5 IELTS or GCSE English Language grade A-C.
Mature and APEL students will be considered on an individual basis.
English language level equivalent to at least 6.5 IELTS or GCSE English Language grade A-C.
Mature and APEL students will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicable Cohort(s)
From September 2020 level 4 entry
FHEQ Level
6
UCAS Code
B901
Summary of Programme
This is a BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Sciences, studied in 2 years (six semesters). It is intended as a preparatory programme for students intending to apply for medicine and dentistry degrees. A CertHE in Biomedical Sciences is awarded to students who wish to leave (usually to Medical or Dental School) after two semesters.
Subject coverage includes the following topics (note that these are not, in every case, the actual names of the modules).
1) Skills in Science. 2) Molecular Cell Biology. 3) Chemistry and Physics for the Life Sciences. 4) Neurobiology and Musculoskeletal control. 5) Gastrointestinal function and nutritional biochemistry. 6) Circulation and Fluid Balance. Modules 1-6 comprise the level 4 CertHE in Biomedical Sciences.
7) Haematology and Transfusion Science. 8) Clinical Pharmacology and Pathology 9) Clinical Immunology and Microbiology 10) Integrated Research Skills. 11) Clinical Genetics. 12) Clinical Biochemistry. 13) Clinical Pharmacology and Pathology 2. 14) Independent research project. Modules 7-14 conclude the students’ studies at levels 5 and 6.
Subject coverage includes the following topics (note that these are not, in every case, the actual names of the modules).
1) Skills in Science. 2) Molecular Cell Biology. 3) Chemistry and Physics for the Life Sciences. 4) Neurobiology and Musculoskeletal control. 5) Gastrointestinal function and nutritional biochemistry. 6) Circulation and Fluid Balance. Modules 1-6 comprise the level 4 CertHE in Biomedical Sciences.
7) Haematology and Transfusion Science. 8) Clinical Pharmacology and Pathology 9) Clinical Immunology and Microbiology 10) Integrated Research Skills. 11) Clinical Genetics. 12) Clinical Biochemistry. 13) Clinical Pharmacology and Pathology 2. 14) Independent research project. Modules 7-14 conclude the students’ studies at levels 5 and 6.
Educational Aims of the Programme
This BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Science provides a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human disease. It encompasses the causes of disease and the effects of disease on the normal structure and functions of the human body. It also provides an understanding of the scientific basis for the laboratory investigation, diagnosis,
monitoring and treatment of disease. Graduates gain an understanding of biomedical science research to develop new diagnostic procedures as well as new therapeutic intervention strategies. The programme aims to provide a stimulating and well-informed programme of study in Biomedical Science for students from diverse cultural and
educational backgrounds, with embedded small group activities and vocational skills; Develop subject knowledge and understanding in the core areas of Biomedical Science as defined in the curriculum to reflect the Subject Benchmark Statement; including an ethical awareness of the implications of ethnicity, gender as well as social and
cultural diversity in health and disease; Develop research skills to reflect the Subject Benchmark Statement and prepare students for postgraduate study; Develop personal transferable skills which enhance employability and / or aptitude for further education; Provide a supportive and structured environment in which students are encouraged
to develop the independent study skills required for lifelong learning.
The BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Science aims to support applicants to medical or dental school with a rigorous scientific education and professional mentoring. Students are also encouraged to consider alternatives to medicine and dentistry, including other health professions, high calibre graduate employment and MSc/PhD study.
The aims of the programme are accomplished by introducing students to the molecular and physiological sciences,the physical and data sciences underpinning biology/health, and the medical humanities; and to develop students’ cognitive, academic and professional attributes. Students will examine the processes that disrupt normal human
biological function and so cause disease and explore the methods used to diagnose and treat disease. Students will also develop personal transferable skills and reflect on how these will prepare for the working environment. Students will be encouraged to self-evaluate their skills and identify and address areas for improvement and to
develop autonomous learning skills. Students will increase their depth of knowledge and data handling skills and will develop autonomy in learning by producing individual and group work and take increasing responsibility for achieving the learning outcomes in each module. Case studies and workshop material provides an opportunity for
discussion, debate and assimilation of ideas. Students will be allowed to develop knowledge and understanding of human disease and study in depth a range of current research informed topics in Biomedical Science. Students will gain an appreciation of the pathogenic mechanisms (endogenous and exogenous) associated with the development, progression, manifestation and complications of disease in human beings; a range of diseases which affect particular organs/tissues and the accompanying changes in biochemistry, morphology and physiology, both locally and systemically; the laboratory diagnosis and management of a range of human diseases.
monitoring and treatment of disease. Graduates gain an understanding of biomedical science research to develop new diagnostic procedures as well as new therapeutic intervention strategies. The programme aims to provide a stimulating and well-informed programme of study in Biomedical Science for students from diverse cultural and
educational backgrounds, with embedded small group activities and vocational skills; Develop subject knowledge and understanding in the core areas of Biomedical Science as defined in the curriculum to reflect the Subject Benchmark Statement; including an ethical awareness of the implications of ethnicity, gender as well as social and
cultural diversity in health and disease; Develop research skills to reflect the Subject Benchmark Statement and prepare students for postgraduate study; Develop personal transferable skills which enhance employability and / or aptitude for further education; Provide a supportive and structured environment in which students are encouraged
to develop the independent study skills required for lifelong learning.
The BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Science aims to support applicants to medical or dental school with a rigorous scientific education and professional mentoring. Students are also encouraged to consider alternatives to medicine and dentistry, including other health professions, high calibre graduate employment and MSc/PhD study.
The aims of the programme are accomplished by introducing students to the molecular and physiological sciences,the physical and data sciences underpinning biology/health, and the medical humanities; and to develop students’ cognitive, academic and professional attributes. Students will examine the processes that disrupt normal human
biological function and so cause disease and explore the methods used to diagnose and treat disease. Students will also develop personal transferable skills and reflect on how these will prepare for the working environment. Students will be encouraged to self-evaluate their skills and identify and address areas for improvement and to
develop autonomous learning skills. Students will increase their depth of knowledge and data handling skills and will develop autonomy in learning by producing individual and group work and take increasing responsibility for achieving the learning outcomes in each module. Case studies and workshop material provides an opportunity for
discussion, debate and assimilation of ideas. Students will be allowed to develop knowledge and understanding of human disease and study in depth a range of current research informed topics in Biomedical Science. Students will gain an appreciation of the pathogenic mechanisms (endogenous and exogenous) associated with the development, progression, manifestation and complications of disease in human beings; a range of diseases which affect particular organs/tissues and the accompanying changes in biochemistry, morphology and physiology, both locally and systemically; the laboratory diagnosis and management of a range of human diseases.
Programme Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of the BSc programme, students will have met the followinglearning outcomes:
1. Describe the underlying concepts and principles of core aspects of Biomedical Science including Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Pathology.
2. Present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study.
3. Write scientific reports and communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of Biomedical Science, and of the way in which those principles have developed.
5. Evaluate and discuss cellular pathology, clinical biochemistry, clinical immunology and microbiology, plus haematology and transfusion science.
6. Select, evaluate and appraise experimental and clinical laboratory techniques and be able to apply them to experimental and laboratory investigations.
7. Critically evaluate the key aspects of Biomedical Science, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, informed by current research-led aspects of a discipline.
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Teaching/Learning Strategy
In the course of this programme, students will encounter these learning activities:1. Lectures
2. Workshops which could include the following activities:
· Class tutorials with preparation
· Small group tutorials/task forces
· Problem based learning/Team based learning Journal clubs
· Student-led seminars
· In silico labs
· Wet labs
· Directed study
· Project supervision
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Assessment Strategy
Students will meet these forms of assessment:1. Essays
2. Case reports
3. Exams and in-class tests
4. Timed open-source tasks
5. Structured problems
6. Portfolio entries
7. Wet and dry lab outputs and reports, including team modelling projects
8. PBL reports, TBL assessment
9. Presentations, posters, student lectures
10. Mini-reviews and literature surveys
11. Dissertation
12. Project presentation Some of these assessment strategies will contribute to the portfolios at all levels
Programme Outcomes
Cognitive Skills
The programme is designed to promote the development of these graduate attributes, which map onto scientific and medical habits of thought:1. Interpretation of data
2. Critical Thinking
3. Synthesis of data from different sources
4. Justification/decision making
5. Innovative thinking, hypothesis formation, generation of experimental proposal
6. Analysis of claims
7. Synthesis of sources
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Teaching/Learning Strategy
1. Lectures2. Workshops which could include the following activities:
- Class tutorials with preparation
- Small group tutorials/task forces
- Problem based learning/Team Based
Learning
- Journal clubs
- Student-led seminars
- In silico labs
- Wet/dry labs
- Directed study
- Project supervision
→
Assessment Strategy
Students will meet these forms of assessment:1. Essays
2. Case reports
3. Exams and in-class tests
4. Timed open-source tasks
5. Structured problems
6. Portfolio entries
7. Wet and dry lab outputs and reports, including team modelling projects
8. PBL reports, TBL assessment
9. Presentations, posters, student lectures
10. Mini-reviews and literature surveys
11. Dissertation
12. Project presentation
Some of these assessment strategies will contribute to the portfolios at all levels
Programme Outcomes
Practical/Transferable Skills
Practical skills (subject specific):1. Communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and interpret and critically review scientific literature
2. Prepare, process, analyse (including numerical and statistical analysis) and interpret experimental/clinical laboratory data and present data in an appropriate format; Applying skills in critical and analytical thinking and problem solving skills
3. Generate and analyse complex data. Synthesise complex ideas and develop
advanced techniques at the forefront of Biomedical Science, using current
research in the discipline, as demonstrated by the research project.
Transferable skills (generic):
1. 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), team working, negotiating and decision-
making skills that are required in a working environment and prepare students for lifelong learning;
2. Develop transferable skills necessary for employment, including personal responsibility; awareness of ethics; health and safety assessments; good laboratory practice and problem solving, quality control and assurance.
3. Manage own learning, including organisation and planning of academic and laboratory work; ethical considerations; make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources and undertake autonomous learning.
4. Constructive thinking,
5. Self-awareness and reflection
6. IT skills
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Teaching/Learning Strategy
Practical Skills1. Lab exercise:
2. Specimen observation and drawing (including microscopic)
3. Bioinformatics lab
4. Modelling lab
5. Metaanalysis
6. Lectures/demonstrations
7. PBL/TBL sessions
8. Feedback
9. Independent projects/ Dissertation
Transferable Skills
The programme embeds these professional and employability skills in class tutorials, assessments, and the PBL process.
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Assessment Strategy
Practical Skills1. In silico biology assignments
2. Statistics, meta-analysis assignments
3. Presentations, seminars, debates.
4. In class tests
5. Reflective journals
6. Minireviews
7. (For projects) Dissertation and presentation
Some of these assessment strategies will contribute to the portfolios at all levels
Transferable Skills
1. Timed open-source tasks
2. Feed forward exercises and self-assessment
3. Tutorial and journal club participation
4. Portfolio entries
5. Wet and dry lab outputs and reports
6. PBL reports
7. Presentations, posters, student lectures
8. Dissertation
Some of these assessment strategies will contribute to the portfolios at all levels.
External Reference Points
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of Buckingham and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Date of Production
November 2020
Date approved by School Learning and Teaching Committee
March 2021
Date approved by School Board of Study
March 2021
Date approved by University Learning and Teaching Committee
March 2021
Date of Annual Review
In Line with the University’s annual monitoring review process