BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Foundation Year

Program Overview

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Professionally accredited, it offers advanced laboratory skills and covers areas like microbiology, immunology, and genetics. Students can gain practical experience through placements and graduate with career opportunities in the NHS, pharmaceutical industry, and other related fields.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This program is designed for students interested in Biomedical Science but who lack the necessary qualifications for direct entry into a degree program. It is professionally accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and offers exciting placement opportunities with industry partners. The program focuses on developing advanced laboratory skills and covers broad areas of human bioscience and diagnostic science.

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Objectives:

• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human bioscience and diagnostic science.
• To develop advanced laboratory skills essential for a career in biomedical science.
• To prepare students for a range of career opportunities in the NHS, pharmaceutical industry, and other related fields.
• To provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience through placements with industry partners.

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Outline:

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Foundation Year:

• Designed for students who meet the ability to study for a degree but lack the qualifications for direct entry into the Biomedical Sciences honors degree program.
• Upon successful completion, students progress directly onto the first year of the honors degree.

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BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science:

• Covers broad areas of human bioscience and diagnostic science, including:
• Medical microbiology
• Immunology
• Histology
• Haematology
• Medical genetics
• Cancer
• Basic sciences like biochemistry, physiology, molecular and cell biology
• Emphasizes laboratory work, providing students with high-level skills and understanding required of a biomedical scientist.
• Offers an optional "Applied Biomedical Science" route, requiring competitive application and involving approximately 1,000 hours of work in a local NHS laboratory.
• Encourages students to undertake a year's work placement or shorter placements between their second and third years to gain experience.
• Provides access to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, including membership, magazine subscriptions, and awards for outstanding graduates.

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Course Schedule:

• Level 3:
• Level 4:
• Core modules: Principles of Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Fundamentals of Biomedical Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Genetics and molecular biology
• Level 5:
• Core modules: Biomedical Research Methods, Clinical Biochemistry, Cellular pathology, Immunology and medical microbiology, Haematology and Transfusion Science, Advanced cell and molecular biology
• Optional modules: Sandwich Year - Biomedical Science, Study Year Abroad - Biomedical Science
• Level 6:
• Core modules: Cancer, Medical and clinical genetics, Clinical immunology and medical microbiology, Integrated Biomedical Science, Biomedical Science Honours Project

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Module Descriptions:

Detailed descriptions of each module are provided in the context, covering learning objectives, content, and assessment methods.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the module but typically include a combination of exams and coursework.
• Exams are usually held at the end of the year and may include multiple choice, short answer, interpretative, problem-based learning, or essay-based questions.
• Coursework assessments may include phase tests, practical reports, data handling, oral presentations, poster presentations, group discussions, essays, portfolios, or evaluation of practical skills.
• Feedback is generally provided within three weeks of coursework submission via Canvas, face-to-face, or in writing.

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Teaching:

• The program utilizes an active blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning.
• Students have access to support from their personal tutor through on-campus meetings or video calls.
• The number of formal teaching hours varies per module, averaging 12-15 hours per week for lectures, seminars, workshops, lab sessions, and tutorials.
• Level 6 students dedicate approximately half their time to an independent research project.
• The Applied Biomedical Science route involves supervised laboratory work with an employer, supported by one-to-one tutorials and small group meetings with a clinical placement facilitator.
• The program provides dedicated personal tutors, study skills support, and a learning environment that promotes equality, diversity, and inclusivity.

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Careers:

• Graduates have a wide range of career opportunities, including:
• NHS and public health laboratory services (diagnostic, prognostic, monitoring, and patient support)
• Pharmaceutical industry (research, drug development, and laboratory-based roles)
• Clinical trials fieldwork
• Sales and marketing for diagnostic and therapeutic products
• Health and Safety Executive
• Medical records
• Further qualifications (postgraduate medicine, teaching, specialized MSc programs, or research qualifications)

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Other:

• The program emphasizes work-related learning, offering opportunities for placements, internships, and skill development.
• LJMU's Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service provides comprehensive support for students, including:
• Future Focus e-learning resource and workshops
• Careers Zone 24/7 online resources and jobs board
• Unitemps recruitment service
• Discovery Internships
• One-to-one careers and employability advice
• Employer events and recruitment fairs
• Start-Up Hub for entrepreneurship development
• LJMU offers various international opportunities, including study abroad programs, work placements, internships, and summer schools.
• The Go Citizen Scheme provides financial assistance for volunteering, individual projects, or unpaid placements worldwide.

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Tuition fees

Home full-time per year £9,250 International full-time per year £18,250 Placement year £1,850 Placement year international £3,830