UDMEDBFY - BSc (Hons) Medical Bioscience (including foundation year)

The BSc course is designed to be fully inclusive, engaging with the sociocultural diversity of our students and ensuring that all aspects of teaching, learning and assessment allows for the promotion of different learning styles and an understanding of the multi-disciplinary areas of Medical Bioscience. Students will develop knowledge and skills which will empower them to be autonomous professional practitioners and be inclusive in their own careers and practice. The course will foster high level reasoning skills and promote lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD). Our graduates will go out into the world as confident, values driven and successful individuals, who as critical thinkers and problem solvers and are able to make a positive contribution to society.
Teaching and learning activities are integrated with assessment processes in line with the School learning and teaching strategy and the Education for Social Justice Framework (ESJF). Our inclusive assessment is cognisant of the student voice and reflective of different student learning styles. A Blended approach is utilised, with the methods used accommodating different learning styles and enable students to shine. Active learning techniques are used. There is 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. The Course learning materials are responsive to student diversity, accessibility and designed to support different learning styles. 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.
This four-year course includes a Foundation Year (level three) which introduces students to the fundamentals of science to enable them to study Biochemistry at level four. It makes no assumptions about prior scientific study. Students will gain a solid grounding in biology, chemistry, biochemistry and mathematics relevant to these subject areas. Practical sessions in the Science Centre help students gain proficiency at experimental work, and are delivered within PR3001 (Scientific Studies).
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 Six Independent Research Project provides the ultimate measure of scientific 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 case-studies and a dissertation 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 and enable students to feel a sense of belonging at London Met and to encourage student engagement with learning and the opportunities offered by the University. It will also give students opportunities to share experiences, encourages reflection on individual values and understand their response to the World.
The BSc (Hons) Medical Bioscience (with foundation) degree has been designed to produce graduates with extensive knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of health and disease together with skills and competence in the associated technical and transferable skills with the capacity for independent, evidence-based critical thinking. Graduates will be equipped for employment in the medical and allied research institutes, health agency laboratories*, in bioanalytical medical genetics and forensic units, in the pharmaceutical industry, and in information services, health and safety and science education. The analytical, numerical and communication skills developed by Medical Bioscience graduates are also in demand in non-science-based careers such as those in the financial services sector, marketing and company administration.
*Students whose specific intention is to pursue a career as a Registered Biomedical Scientist in the NHS pathology services should transfer to the narrower IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Sciences) accredited BSc Biomedical Sciences, if their entry qualifications allow.
The aims of the single honours Medical Bioscience course are designed to consider the broad scope of Medical Bioscience, its facts, theories, technologies and applications. We will provide students with the requisite subject knowledge, understanding, skills and competencies fit for pursuit of a medical bioscience career at the molecular level through to the higher levels of organisation and integration in health and disease. The course will develop understanding of the research interface, its impact and potential. We will enhance employability awareness, professional performance and transferable evaluative skills, problem solving skills and communication skills.

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 Biosciences (2019).

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

1. appreciate and understand the fundamental concepts and principles of Medical bioscience
2. understanding the range and complexity of living systems with an emphasis on systems with a role in human health and disease .
3. practice skills of self-evaluation and reflection, and an awareness of the ethical dimension within which contemporary biological issues are explored
4. critically evaluate and integrate information and develop ideas on issues, methodologies and processes within the context of Medical Bioscience
5. devise working hypotheses and test these within specified constraints
6. undertake self-reflection and demonstrate the skills of self-management, self-presentation and decision making
7. communicate concepts, principles and information effectively by oral and written means with clarity and confidence
8. 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
9. identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development, and implement strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing knowledge and skills
10. appreciate and gain the skills necessary to secure and retain employment, including communication, consideration for others, creativity, dedication and self-discipline
11. Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible professionals in their discipline.
12. An appreciation of fundamental concepts in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, numeracy, and laboratory skills.

Biosciences 2019

Assessment and feedback are key means through which to engage students in processes that support their development, success and employability, while connecting with their own identities, experiences and cultural capital. The assessment strategy is aligned with that of the School and the ESJF and is cognisant of the student voice and reflective of different student learning styles.
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 is reflective of students’ different learning styles and experiences. 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 School learning and teaching strategy. In light of this a variety of assessment methods will be used (see syllabi) including seen and 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 the option to take a 15 credit Work Placement module at level 6

Part time structure

For level 3
September entry (all core):
Year 1: PR3002, PR3003
Year 2: PR3001, PR3051, PR3P51

February entry (all core):
Year 1: PR3002, PR3003
Year 2: PR3001, PR3051, PR3P51

For level 4-6
Students take 2 or 3 modules from list each year. BC6P01 is always taken last

CertHE Biosciences

BC4058
Anatomy and Physiology 1
BC4053
Cell Biology
CY4051
General Chemistry
BC4052
Biochemistry
BC4056
Professional Studies
BC4059
Anatomy and Physiology 2
BC4055
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology
BC4057
General Microbiology

DipHE Medical Bioscience
BE5058
Metabolism
BE5059
Microbiology
BE5060
Molecular Biology
BE5061
Human Immunity
BC5063
Tissue Science 1
BC5064
Tissue Science 2
BC5061
Infection Science 1
BC5070
Infection Science 1

BSc Medical Bioscience
BE6058
Biochemical Pathology
BE6057
Toxicology
BE6065
Advanced Tissue Science
BE6066
Advanced infection Science
BC6P01
Project

During the induction phase of the programme students will be introduced to structured reflection on their development of Undergraduate Skills which constitute much as the substance of personal development planning. Students will undertake to produce their personal development plan (PDP) during their undergraduate career or in the workplace. PDP can include other activities outside of the academic aspect of university life.
By way of modules: Foundation Year Project (Biosciences), Professional Studies (Level 4); Microbiology (Level 5); and, Research Project (Level 6) students will progressively develop their PDP which will culminate in a CV and graduation statement. Students will take part in tutorials at all levels designed to facilitate discussion on what has been learnt in order that reflective learning will contribute to identifying objectives, success criteria, and action plans that can be included in PDPs.
PDP is designed to allow students to articulate the skills developed during their undergraduate career and encourages them to critically reflect on their learning experience, to set new personal and academic goals and evaluate progress made in achieving those goals.
Progress with Undergraduate Skills will be articulated to students as the programme progresses through feedback from tutors and peers enabling them to reflect on their progress based on the evidence available. This process assists students in developing as independent learners, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. This will be of benefit throughout their future career.

Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to apply for associate membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC).

In line with the University Careers Education Framework (CEF), Careers, employability and enterprise information and guidance is given to students in a timely manner, to facilitate students taking maximum advantage of extra-curricular opportunities and help to develop, student self-awareness, self-belief and confidence to achieve realistic career goals.
Model CVs, covering letters, graduation statements, job adverts, job descriptions and person specifications for use by Academic Tutors and students are provided within course and module VLE pages. A number of employer and alumni-led career events will be organised by the School and each Subject Group. Also process of personal development planning takes place throughout the course to help students to crystallise their aims, reflect on their progress and plan ahead in the context of employability and career goals. In addition there are formal arrangements for Practitioners and the Careers Service to contribute to the embedded Employability skills throughout the degree programme. Further careers input will also be provided for those electing for the Work Placement module. Graduates will be equipped for employment in the medical and allied research institutes, health agency laboratories, in bioanalytical medical genetics and forensic units, in the pharmaceutical industry, and in information services, health and safety and science education. The analytical, numerical and communication skills developed by Medical Bioscience graduates are also in demand in non-science-based careers such as those in the financial services sector, marketing and company administration.

This degree will give you many career options to choose from within the medical bioscience field. The combination of practical work experience and your understanding of science theory will ensure you have everything you need to create a successful career.

Biosciences graduates have gone on to exciting careers as researchers, science technicians and medical laboratory assistants at companies such as Health Services Laboratory, Imperial College Healthcare and the Scientists Laboratory.

The transferable skills you develop on this degree are highly valued by employers in many industries not within science such as financial services and marketing.

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

• at least one A level (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
• English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C (grade 4) or above (or equivalent)

Applicants who meet the UCAS points criteria but who obtained a grade D/grade 3 in English and/or maths at GCSE may be offered a University test in these areas.

Other applicants may have Level 3 qualifications such as A level, BTEC Extended Diploma or Access to Higher Education qualifications with high UCAS points and grades, but not in the relevant subject areas (biology and chemistry), which are required to study BSc programmes in the School of Human Sciences.

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 our Medical Bioscience (including foundation year) BSc (Hons).