UDBMDSNC - BSc Biomedical Science leading to MD

The Biomedical Science leading to MD course is designed to promote an understanding of the multi-disciplinary areas of Biomedical Science and dovetails with the programme for MD provided by UHSA. Students will develop knowledge and skills which will empower them to be autonomous professional practitioners. The course will foster high level reasoning skills and promote lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD).

Teaching and learning activities are integrated with assessment processes in line with the Faculty learning and teaching strategy. A Blended approach with an emphasis is placed on self-directed and problem based learning within a lecture/tutorial/ practical framework and materials delivered via the VLE allowing students to be actively involved in the learning process, and encouraged to recognise and develop their own learning style. Students will explore case studies to promote critical reasoning within a professional context. They will compare laboratory diagnostic methods, consider new methodologies and examine research literature. Tutorial exercises and progress tests will be used to provide students with feedback on their progress. Students are expected to complement formal teaching with self-directed reading. The summative assessment of students’ knowledge base and their understanding will be incorporated into formal in-course tests/exercises and the individual presentation completed at the end of each unit. Coursework and online tests are also used to provide formative feedback. Formative diagnostic assessment of knowledge and understanding is carried out, particularly during the initial stages of the course.

Practical skills are an essential part of the BSc course and students have access to the unparalleled facilities in the Science Centre Laboratory. Practical classes are designed to reinforce the knowledge from the lectures and tutorials. Practical skills exercises at each level are used to monitor proficiency at experimental work. Assessment of Data handling skills are embedded in practical reports, problem solving exercises, information abstracting and reviewing exercises, poster presentations and seminar presentations. The level 6 Independent Research Project provides the ultimate measure of experimental and other practical skills. The excellent science centre also provides an unrivalled facility in which to carry out the practical skills. BSc project assessment will culminate in the presentation of a dissertation and a viva exam, designed to allow the student to demonstrate their depth of knowledge and understanding.

The course aims to promote a good knowledge-skills balance enhancing the professional practice of the students. These aims are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for Biomedical Science (2007) and the requirements of the Institute of Biomedical Science for acccreditation. The course aims to provide a sound scientific base in all those subjects necessary for the understanding of Biomedical Science. Biomedical science is health care /research based science and its practical application. Graduates with extensive knowledge and understanding of pathological and non-pathological life processes together with competence in associated technical and transferable skills. Successful graduates will be equipped for employment in the public and private health service laboratories, in the pharmaceutical industry, in the medical and allied research institutes and in information science. The analytical, numerical and communication skills developed by Biomedical Science graduates are also in demand in non-science-based careers such as those in the financial services sector, marketing and company administration.

The aims of the single honours Biomedical Science course are to; consider the scope of Biomedical Science, its ethical constraints and its diverse opportunities, producing graduates informed by the impact of research and cognizant with life processes from the molecular to the body/systems level in health and disease. Graduates will have been provided with theoretical appreciation and practical laboratory experience of how disease is identified, assessed and treatment monitored. The course also aims to develop enhanced comprehension, evaluative and problem solving skills and the ability to receive and communicate ideas and information appropriately.

On the course, in line with the Biomedical Science QAA framework for higher education students will, on completion of the award, have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in the designated field of study which is typically on graduating with a bachelor's degree with honours in biomedical science, students should be able to have developed:

By the end of the course the student is expected to have developed:

1. an appreciation of the depth and breadth of Biomedical Science, the remit of the HPC and IBMS, the attributes and roles of the practitioner and requirements for laboratory safety, qa, qc, and accreditation bodies.
2. knowledge and understanding of the molecules, structures, systems and processes which underpin normal cell, tissue and body functioning
3. knowledge and understanding of aetiology and pathogenesis and their relationship to laboratory diagnostics
4. critically evaluate and integrate information, and scientific research and develop ideas on issues, methodologies and processes within a Biomedical Science context
5. devise working hypotheses and means of testing these within specified constraints
6. construct logical and reasoned arguments to support their position on the social and ethical impact of advances in Biomedical Science
7. undertake self-reflection and demonstrate the skills of self-management, self-presentation and decision making
8. communicate concepts, principles and information effectively by oral, written and visual means with clarity and confidence
9. recognise personal responsibility, whether working individually or as a member of a team and respect the ethical standards and professional codes of conduct established within the scientific community and the role of an MD
10. identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development, and implement strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing professional knowledge and skills in preparation for MD studies

- Appreciation of the depth and breadth of Biomedical Science, the remit of the HPC and IBMS, the attributes and roles of the practitioner and requirements for laboratory safety, qa, qc, and accreditation bodies:

BS5001 Blood Science, BS5002 Infection Science, BS5003 Tissue
Science, BS5051 Fundamentals for Bioanalytical Science, BS6P01
Research Project (for Biomedical Science), BS6002 Advanced
Blood Science, BS6003 Advanced Tissue and Infection Science

- Knowledge andunderstanding of the molecules, structures,systems and processes which underpin normal cell, tissue and body functioning:

BS4003 Cell and Molecular Biology (for Biomedical Science),
BS4004 Laboratory Science (for Biomedical Science) , BS5001
Blood Science, BS5002 Infection Science, BS5003 Tissue Science,
BS6002 Advanced Blood Science, BS6003 Advanced Tissue and
Infection Science, BS6051 Systems Pathology

- Knowledge and understanding of aetiology and pathogenesis and their relationship to laboratory diagnostics:

BS5001 Blood Science, BS5002 Infection Science, BS5003 Tissue
Science, BS6P01 Research Project (for Biomedical Science),
BS6002 Advanced Blood Science, BS6003 Advanced Tissue and
Infection Science, BS6051 Systems Pathology

- Critically evaluate and integrate information, and scientific research and
develop ideas on issues, methodologies and processes within a Biomedical Science context:

BS4001 Laboratory Science (for Biomedical Science), BS5001
Blood Science, BS5002 Infection Science, BS5003 Tissue Science,
BS5051 Fundamentals for Bioanalytical Science, BS6P01
Research Project (for Biomedical Science), BS6002 Advanced
Blood Science, BS6003 Advanced Tissue and Infection Science,
BS6051 Systems Pathology

- Devise working hypotheses and means of testing these within specified constraints:

BS4001 Laboratory Science (for Biomedical Science), BS5051
Fundamentals for Bioanalytical Science, BS6P01 Research Project
(for Biomedical Science), BS6002 Advanced Blood Science,

- Construct logical and reasoned arguments to support their position on the social and ethical impact of advances in Biomedical Science:

BS5001 Blood Science, BS5002 Infection Science, BS5003 Tissue
Science, BS6P01 Research Project (for Biomedical Science),
BS6002 Advanced Blood Science, BS6003 Advanced Tissue and
Infection Science, BS6051 Systems Pathology, BS5K55 Ethics for
Science

- Undertake self-reflection and demonstrate the skills of self-management, selfpresentation and decision making:

BS4001 Laboratory Science (for Biomedical Science), BS4003 Cell
and Molecular Biology (for Biomedical Science), BS4004 Anatomy
and Physiology (for Biomedical Science), BS5001 Blood Science,
BS6P01 Research Project (for Biomedical Science)

- Communicate concepts, principles and information effectively by oral, written and visual means with clarity and confidence:

BS4001 Laboratory Science (for Biomedical Science), BS5001
Blood Science, BS6P01 Research Project (for Biomedical Science,
BS5K55 Ethics for Science

- Recognise personal responsibility, whether working individually or as a
member of a team and respect the ethical standards and professional codes of conduct
established within the scientific community and the role of an MD:

BS4001 Laboratory Science (for Biomedical Science), BS4002
Chemistry and Biochemistry (for Biomedical Science), BS4003 Cell
and Molecular Biology (for Biomedical Science), BS4004 Anatomy
and Physiology (for Biomedical Science), BS5001 Blood Science,
BS5002 Infection Science, BS5003 Tissue Science, BS6P01
Research Project (for Biomedical Science), BS6002 Advanced
Blood Science, BS6003 Advanced Tissue and Infection Science,
BS6051 Systems Pathology, BS5K55 Ethics for Science

- Identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development, and implement strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing professional knowledge and skills in preparation for MD studies:

BS4001 Laboratory Science (for Biomedical Science), BS4004
Anatomy and Physiology (for Biomedical Science), BS5001 Blood
Science, BS6P01 Research Project (for Biomedical Science),
BS6002 Advanced Blood Science,

Biomedical Science

Students are assessed through a variety of methods including problem solving exercises, in-class test, data analysis, practical reports, case studies, oral presentations, extended essays, examinations, research project interim report, oral examination and dissertation. The choice of assessment instrument chosen to test the specified learning outcomes and to support students’ different learning styles. These methods are aligned with the faculty assessment strategy and the assessment is the responsibility of the academic staff delivering the module. Assessment is part of the learning process and confirms the outcomes of the learning process. It also provides formative feedback on curriculum design and delivery and, via the on-going iterative process of module monitoring, makes a significant contribution to the continued development and improvement of the courses that links in with the Faculty learning and teaching strategy. In light of this a variety of assessment methods will be used (see syllabi) including unseen written examinations, individual and group assignments.

Practical skills are summatively assessed through coursework assignments, including those in the project module. Data handling skills are summatively assessed by practical reports, problem solving exercises, oral presentations and examinations.

Formative assessments include group activities in tutorial classes, mini-tests and project workshops.Laboratory and computer based investigations, poster and oral presentations and a level 6 project giving students the opportunity to show the knowledge understanding and skills they have developed.

The course includes study with UHSA (University of Health Sciences Antigua) during the summer breaks where students undertake basic modules for their MD programme. During the summer school sessions with UHSA all students complete the community doctor module which requires students to visit community clinics for 4 hours each week under supervision of qualified medical doctors from the local hospital.

The course conforms to both the University’s Undergraduate Scheme and the University Academic Regulations, IBMS criterion for accreditation.

On successful completion of this degree at London Met and successful progress on the summer schools at UHSA, you can move into the final year of the Basic Sciences part of the MD programme – and on completion of this, you take two years of clinical rotation. On successful completion of the full 6 year programme, you will obtain an MD award from UHSA. This joint course meets the eligibility criteria for a primary medical qualification taken outside of the UK by the General Medical Council and allows you to take the General Medical Council licensing exams, the PLAB, to enable you to practise as a medical doctor in the UK.

Graduates may also choose to use their skills and knowledge in Biomedical Science and find careers in hospital laboratories to support the work of clinicians and general practitioners, management, medical research, education and specialised laboratory work. The skills learnt are also applicable to public health (water, foodstuffs, disease surveillance), veterinary laboratories, blood banks, forensics, and pharmaceuticals development. Graduates' analytical, numerical and communication skills are also in demand in other careers such as accountancy, journalism, and marketing. The programme is also an excellent preparation for further research or study.

What our Students day

“This course has given me the opportunity to become a doctor which I have always dreamed of. I am just finishing my final year at London Metropolitan Uni and I am excited about heading to Antigua for my final year of basic sciences at USHA and then clinical rotations in the UK.”

“London Met helped me build a new future. Deciding to return to full time education later in life was a big challenge but it has become a very exciting and valuable experience with increasing knowledge and understanding of my chosen subject biomedical science. I now feel academically proficient to pursue a career

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above (or equivalent i.e Key Skills Level 3 etc).
• At least 320 points from three A levels, which must include a minimum B grade in Biology and Chemistry; or at least 320 points from A levels to include an Applied Science A level Double Award grade BB; or a BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with DDM.
• Entry from appropriate Foundation or Access courses will also be considered.
• For those who have English as their second language, the English Language Testing System (IELTS) standard required is 7.0 overall and 7.0 in each component or equivalent.

All applicants who are initially successful are also interviewed.