Biomedical Science BSc Honours

Program Overview

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This Biomedical Science degree develops expertise in the medical and healthcare sector, providing hands-on experience in laboratory work and research. Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, it offers a competitive edge in the field. With a placement year and HCPC registration, graduates can become professional Biomedical Scientists. The program combines practical sessions, lectures, and workshops, preparing students for careers in laboratories, research centers, and the NHS.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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About your course:

• This Biomedical Science degree develops expertise and attributes in biomedical science.
• Laboratory-based experiments and problem-based learning.
• The opportunity to refine your skills and extend your experience in a commercial, research, or NHS pathology laboratory.
• Professional skills in research, laboratory work, or postgraduate study.
• Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (under review June 2024), giving you a competitive edge in your career.
• Completion of a placement year in a hospital laboratory and additional HCPC registration allows you to work as a professional Biomedical Scientist.

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What you will gain:

• Skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience in the medical and healthcare sector and related industries.
• Professional skills in research, laboratory work, or postgraduate study.
• Competitive edge in your career with accreditation from the Institute of Biomedical Science.
• Opportunity to become a professional Biomedical Scientist with HCPC registration.

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Outline

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Year 1:

• Compulsory modules:
• Professional Practice for Biomedical Science (15 credits):
Develops basic laboratory skills, safe laboratory practices, administrative, communication, and practical skills needed for academic and professional progress.
• Introduction to Biomedical Science (30 credits): Explores different areas in biomedical science used to investigate human diseases.
Includes laboratory training in medical microbiology, haematology, blood transfusion, genetics, and cellular science.
• Cell Sciences (30 credits): Introduces the classification, structure, and function of cells and microbes, and examples of disease resulting from abnormal structure and function.
Develops laboratory skills to study cells and microbes.
• Human Sciences (30 credits): Provides knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology.
Uses the concept of homeostasis to show how a healthy structure and function are maintained and how failures can result in disease.
• Biomolecular Science (15 credits): Provides skills and underpinning knowledge for further studies in biological and biomedical sciences.
Focuses on the basic principles of biochemistry and genetics.

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Year 2:

• Compulsory modules:
• Research Methods and Professional Development (30 credits):
Develops skills to plan, implement, analyze, and report project-based work. Prepares you for the final year project. Focuses on research skills relevant to your course requirements.
• Clinical Sciences (30 credits): Provides knowledge and understanding of disease processes and most common diseases.
Examines the multidisciplinary nature of disease investigation, management, and prevention.
• Infection Sciences (15 credits): Introduces methods used to investigate infections.
Develops laboratory skills in culturing, isolation, enumeration, and observation of infectious agents. Provides understanding of principles and practice of microbiological test procedures used to diagnose infectious diseases and control their spread.
• Blood Sciences (15 credits): Provides knowledge of principles and practice of blood sciences and experience in applying commonly used techniques.
• Cellular Sciences (15 credits): Provides knowledge of principles and practice of cellular pathology and experience in applying commonly used techniques and delivering cellular pathology services.
• Molecular and Genetics Science (15 credits): Provides understanding and experience in principles, practice, quality assurance, and applications of commonly employed methods of molecular biology and genetics used in disease investigation.

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Year 3:

• Compulsory modules:
• Transplantation Transfusion and Specialist Biochemistry (30 credits):
Expands upon year 1 and 2 modules. Provides understanding and experience in core and specialized methods and techniques from blood sciences with applications to immunology and specialist biochemistry.
• Dissertation (30 credits): Builds upon skills acquired in Research Methods and Professional Development and knowledge gained throughout the course.
Further develops analysis, critical thinking, and scientific writing skills. You will pursue an area of individual interest in the subject area, gaining theoretical and practical knowledge in a chosen specialist field.
• Medical Microbiology (30 credits): Provides critical understanding of pathogenicity and emergence of bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections.
Familiarizes you with principles and practice of laboratory and point-of-care test procedures used to diagnose infectious diseases and monitor treatments. Provides insights into methods used to control infections in healthcare settings and the community.
• Cellular and Molecular Pathology (30 credits): Develops knowledge and appreciation of principles of cellular and molecular pathology.
Emphasis on pathologies affecting organ systems, diagnostic strategies, and skills used to identify them.

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Year 4 - Applied Biomedical only:

• Compulsory module:
• Clinical Laboratory Practice (120 credits):
Develops and consolidates knowledge and understanding of day-to-day management and routines of hospital pathology laboratories. Gain knowledge and skills required for HCPC registration as biomedical scientists and prepare for the IBMS assessment of their Registration Portfolio.

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Assessment

• Coursework: Typically 70% in year 1, 62.5% in year 2, and 62.5% in year 3.
• Written exams: Typically 30% in year 1, 37.5% in year 2, and 25% in year 3.
• Practical exams: Typically 12.5% in year 3.
• Informal tests throughout the modules for feedback without impacting final marks.

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Teaching

• Experienced teaching team with expertise and professional experience.
• Includes academics, medical doctors, professional practitioners, and technical staff.
• Graduate teaching assistants or trained PhD students and Students Learning Assistants support teaching sessions.
• Combines practical sessions with lectures, seminars, and workshops.
• Seminars and workshops for discussing learning with peers and tutors.
• Problem-solving exercises, patient case studies, class discussions, presentations, and portfolio development.
• Group work to strengthen collaboration and leadership skills.
• Dissertation project completed in your final year.
• Personal study in your free time.
• Interactive teaching platforms and virtual labs.
• Access to online learning tools for self-paced learning.

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Careers

• Excellent prospects for biomedical scientists.
• Work in laboratories (universities, hospitals, research centers), NHS, public health, veterinary, agricultural, pharmaceutical, or forensic fields.
• Potential careers in education, clinical trials management, medical start-up companies, biosciences sales, or biomedical consultancy.
• Graduates work for organizations like Anthony Nolan Trust, The Institute of Cancer Research, GSK, CEGX, Frontiers, and Medical News Today.
• Further academic research opportunities on PhD and MSc programmes.
• HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist with an additional placement year in a hospital laboratory.

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Other

• North London campus 23 minutes from London Kings Cross by underground train.
• Over 1,000 study spaces including rooms for group study and over 500 computers.
• One of the biggest and best university campuses in London.
• Free 24-hour laptop loans, free printing, Wi-Fi on or off campus, and even over the weekend.
• MDXworks helps you find work that fits around your studies.
• Up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad, with MDX Student Starter Kit.
• Discounted student prices on everyday things.
• Study with students from 122 countries.
• Global network of alumni after graduation.
• Placement opportunities in prestigious London hospitals.
• Placement training may make you eligible for IBMS membership and HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
• Recognition of Previous Learning (RPL) scheme for transfer of prior learning or experience.
• DBS and occupational health clearances required for Applied Biomedical Science.

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UK students1 Full-time: £9,250 Part-time: £77 per taught credit International students2 Full-time students: £16,600 Part-time students: £138 per taught credit