Biomedical Science - GradCert

Program Overview

This distance learning program in Biomedical Sciences provides graduates with the education and training needed to become HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists. The program is taught online and includes a practical laboratory component. It is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and is designed to be completed in one year.

Program Outline

Outline:

The program has a practical laboratory component which may be carried out within the student's workplace or by attending campus. Students participate in an induction aimed at the effective online learning, focused on the Blackboard Learn virtual learning environment (BBL). Subject-specific tutors support students to engage in a range of teaching and learning methods. Students participate in BBL-posted online lectures, many of which are inclusive of problem-based interactive tasks. Through the University’s online libraries, students gain access to their directed reading, in the form of e-books and journal articles. Students participate in tutor-supported online activities and discussions, and in online self-assessment quizzes. Those studying the Cellular Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry, Medical Microbiology and Haematology & Transfusion Science and Clinical Immunology modules are required to carry out a number of laboratory practical sessions. The course enables students to 'top-up' their current degree to a standard equivalent to a BSc in Biomedical Sciences and acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) for the purpose of Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration as a Biomedical Scientist.

Assessment:

Students undertake traditional written examinations, either at Coleraine or in their locality through the “Guarantor system” for Ulster University delivered modules. Coursework includes essays, tests, critical reviews, plans, reflective statements, practical reports, journal based learning, case study reports, problem solving/data interpretation, and research papers.

Teaching:

Subject-specific tutors support students to engage in a range of teaching and learning methods, including online lectures, interactive tasks, online reading materials, online discussions, and self-assessment quizzes. The program also includes a practical laboratory component which may be carried out within the student's workplace or by attending campus. The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff, 59% of whom have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition. Courses are taught by staff who are Professors, Readers, Senior Lecturers, or Lecturers. The University requires most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education, and 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher.

Careers:

However, it also provides a wide range of scientific modules in the biomedical science area and is, therefore, suitable for anyone interested in supplementing their existing knowledge in this varied and interesting field.

Other:

• The program is designed to be completed in one year.
• The program is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
• The program is intended for students who have gained an Honours or non-Honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education Training and Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which is recognized as being of an equivalent standard or an equivalent standard in an approved alternative qualification.
• The program is also open to applicants who provide evidence of their ability to undertake the program through the accreditation of prior experiential learning.