Course specification and structure
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UDBMDSCI - BSc Biomedical Science

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Human Sciences
Subject Area Biosciences
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 3 YEARS  
Part-time 4 YEARS  
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The BSc course is designed to promote an understanding of the multi-disciplinary areas of Biomedical Science. 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 highly sought after by future employers so there is a focus on developing practical skills as 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.

Course aims

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.

Course learning outcomes

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 HCPC 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 with particular emphasis on those applicable to a Registrant Biomedical Scientist
  10. identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development, and implement strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing knowledge and skills that can contribute to the IBMS competency portfolio to enable progression to HCPC registration on completion of the degree and the portfolio.

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

- 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:

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 and understanding 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 in Science.

- Undertake self-reflection and demonstrate the skills of self-management, self-presentation 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), 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 in Science

- Identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development, and implement strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing knowledge and skills that can contribute to the IBMS competency portfolio to enable progression to HPC registration on completion of the degree and the portfolio:

BS4001 Laboratory Science (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, BS6W04 Sandwich Placement, BS6W54 Work placement

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Biomedical Science

Assessment strategy

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.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

The course includes the option to include either a 5-week Work Placement module to experience laboratory work at level 5 or a year-long (46 week) Sandwich Placement between levels 5 and 6.
[The course is also being developed in Co-terminus degree mode as “BSc Applied Biomedical Science” (subject to professional body approval), where students will be eligible for registration as a Biomedical Scientist at the point of graduation. F/T or P/T mode students will undergo placement training (estimated at a minimum of 1000 hours) at a recognised training laboratory].

Course specific regulations

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

If attendance falls below 75% on a module, reassessment opportunities will not be available and instead the module will have to be retaken the following year with attendance and payment of fees. Mitigating circumstances cannot be claimed for missed classes; however Module Leaders will take account of absences that are a consequence of recorded disability or otherwise recorded as 'Authorised Absence' when applying the 75% threshold.

Modules required for interim awards

The following modules are core-compulsory to gain a BSc Biomedical Science and meet the criterion of an IBMS accredited degree.

Anatomy and Physiology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laboratory Science, Blood Science, Infection Science, Tissue Science, Bioanalytical Techniques, Advanced Blood Science, Advanced Tissue and Infection Science, Systems Pathology and Research Project.

BS4004

Anatomy and Physiology

CertHE Biosciences

AS4003

Cell and Molecular Biology

CH4002

Chemistry and Biochemistry

BS4001

Laboratory Science

BS5001

Blood Science

DipHE Biomedical Science

BS5002

Infection Science

BS5003

Tissue Science

BS5051

Fundamentals of Bioanalytical Science

BS6P01

Research Project

BSc Hons Biomedical Science

BS6002

Advanced Blood Science

BS6003

Advance Infection and Tissue Science

BS6051

Systems Pathology

Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditations & exemptions

While studying this course, you can become an eStudent of the Institute of Biomedical Science. On graduation, you'll be eligible to apply for Licentiate Membership.

Career opportunities

Many graduates go on to careers in hospital and private medical laboratories as healthcare assistants, phlebotomists and biomedical scientists. Previous students have found work with companies such as NHS pathology laboratories and The Doctors Laboratory.

Other possible career paths include management, medical research, education and specialised laboratory work. The skills you'll learn are also applicable to public health (water, foodstuffs, disease surveillance etc), veterinary laboratories, blood banks, forensics and pharmaceuticals development.

You can also use this course as an entry point into the competitive world of graduate medical studies and go on to MSc and PhD studies here at London Met or at other educational institutions. Together with further studies, this course serves as a great entry point to the newly emerging role of physician associate.

Entry requirements

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

  • 260 or more UCAS points from three A levels, including Biology and Chemistry at grade C or above (or equivalent, eg Applied Science A level Double Award at grade BC or BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with DMM)
  • English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent)

Entry from appropriate foundation and access courses will also be considered.

If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the Biomedical Sciences BSc Extended Degree.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2013/14 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 01 Sep 2013 Last validation date 01 Sep 2013  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes C910 (Applied Biological Sciences): 100%
Route code BMDSCI

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BS4001 Laboratory Science (for Biomedical Science) Core 30        
BS4002 Chemistry and Biochemistry (for Biomedical Scie... Core 30        
BS4003 Cell and Molecular Biology (for Biomedical Scie... Core 30        
BS4004 Anatomy and Physiology (for Biomedical Science) Core 30        

Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BS5001 Blood Science Core 30        
BS5002 Infection Science Core 30        
BS5003 Tissue Science Core 30        
BS5051 Fundamentals of Bioanalytical Science Core 15        
AS5053 Fundamentals of Biotechnology Option 15        
BS5052 Parasitology Option 15        
BS5K55 Ethics for Science Option 15        
BS6W04 Sandwich Placement (for Biomedical Science) Option 30        
BS6W54 Work Placement (for Biomedical Science) Option 15        

Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BC6002 Advanced Blood Science Core 30        
BC6003 Advanced Infection & Tissue Science Core 30        
BC6051 Systems Pathology Core 15 NORTH AUT MON PM
BC6P01 Project Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
BC6052 Virology Option 15 NORTH SPR MON PM
BC6053 Applied Immunology Option 15        
BC6055 Medical Genetics Option 15 NORTH SPR MON PM
BC6059 Genomics Option 15 NORTH SPR TUE AM
BC6W04 Sandwich Placement Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR NA