UDBMDSFY - BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (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 allow for the promotion of different learning styles and an understanding of the multi-disciplinary areas of Biomedical Science. Students will develop knowledge and skills that will empower them to be autonomous professional practitioners and 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 are critical thinkers and problem solvers who can positively contribute 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's voice and reflective of different student learning styles. A Blended approach is utilised, with the methods used accommodating different learning styles and enabling students to shine. Active learning techniques are used. There is an emphasis 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 recognize and develop their own learning style. The Course learning materials are responsive to student diversity and 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 provide students with feedback on their progress. Students are expected to complement formal teaching with self-directed reading. The summative assessment of student’s knowledge base and understanding will be incorporated into formal in-course tests/exercises, and the individual presentation will be 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.
Future employers highly value practical skills, so the BSc course emphasizes developing practical skills as an essential part of the curriculum. Students have access to unparalleled facilities in the Science Centre Laboratory, and practical classes are designed to reinforce the knowledge from the lectures and tutorials.
This four-year course includes a Foundation Year (level three), which introduces students to the fundamentals of science and enables 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 in experimental work and are delivered within PR3001 (Scientific Studies).
Practical skills exercises at each level monitor proficiency in experimental work. Data handling skills are assessed 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 scientific skills. The excellent science centre also provides an unrivalled facility to carry out 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 enabling 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, encourage reflection on individual values and understand their response to the World.
These aims align with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for Biomedical Science (2023) and the Institute of Biomedical Science requirements for accreditation. The course aims to provide a sound scientific base in all subjects necessary for understanding Biomedical Science. Biomedical science is health care /research-based science with a practical application. Graduates with extensive knowledge and understanding of pathological and non-pathological life processes and competence in associated technical and transferable skills. Successful graduates will be equipped for employment in 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 and understanding 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 and written means with clarity and confidence
9. recognize and gain 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 upon completion of the degree and the portfolio.
11. Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible professionals in their discipline 12
12. An appreciation of fundamental concepts in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, numeracy, and laboratory skills

Biomedical Sciences (2023)

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 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 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.

Digital literacy is developed through the use of digital media are used to learn and to present the outcomes of learning – presentations, coursework, laboratory data management, statistical calculations. Finding, analysing and using digital data – research based modules, self-directed learning, literature reviews, projects . Taking part in authentic digital research or professional practice – use of specialised software for data collection in several modules

The course includes the option to include a 5-week Work Placement module to experience laboratory work at level 5 or 6.

For level 3
Year 1: PR3002, PR3003
Year 2: PR3001, PR3051, PR3P51

For levels 4-6
Students take 2 or 3 modules from the list each semester (max 75 per year)
BC6P01 is always taken last.

To gain the IBMS accredited “BSc Biomedical Science” degree title students must pass all core modules listed in section 24 If any others of these are failed (F1) then the award will be “BSc Medical Bioscience”
Students must pass all components with a minimum of 40% for all modules covering the clinical aspects of the course (Section 22 notes). If they do not, then the final award will be “BSc Medical Bioscience”

The final Degree title will be the Accredited Title = BSc Biomedical Science (if all above conditions met)

Please refer to Course Structure in Handbook

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. 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. Other activities outside of the academic aspect of university life will also contribute to aspects of Undergraduate Skills. Students will undertake the process of compiling their Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) during their undergraduate career or in the workplace. PDP is designed to articulate the skills which the student has developed during their undergraduate level studies or work experience and helps them to critically review their learning experiences, set future personal and academic goals and evaluate their progress towards these goals.
PDP will be embedded within each module and across the course with students given time to reflect on their learning. 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 assist students develop as independent learners, identify their strengths and weaknesses not only whilst studying at BSc level, but will be of benefit throughout their future career.
For part-time students in appropriate employment they can complete the module over an extended period during their degree rather than take a year out.
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. Other activities outside of the academic aspect of university life will also contribute to aspects of undergraduate Skills
By way of modules: Foundation Year Project (Biosciences), Professional Studies (Level 4); Fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry (Level 5); and, BC6P01 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. In addition at level 6 in the research project module the supervisor will initially assist with the clarifying the terms of the research project, establishing a timetable for the research and subsequent meetings, directed background reading as well as report format and writing and statistical analysis and students will also develop their graduate statement.

Institute of Biomedical Science

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. Biomedical science is health care /research-based science and its practical application. The course is designed to incorporate the study of life processes in relation to health and identifying disease and its causes, investigate and monitor pathological processes and treatment strategies. Subjects covered are broadly similar to the pre-clinical components of a medical degree, provide a focused experience of the structure, functioning and analysis of biological fluids, cells, tissues and the relationship of body systems in health, disease, and the environment. With the growing demand for biomedical expertise, our graduates will be embark on a career paths such as trainee Health Care Scientists/Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Scientist, Researcher and within other scientific laboratories. This degree is accredited by the IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science).

The BSc Biomedical Science course is Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
https://www.ibms.org/home/
Students are encouraged to join the IBMS and are eligible for eStudent Membership.
Kick-start your biomedical science career and show your commitment to the profession
Being an IBMS eStudent member looks great on your CV and shows future employers that you are committed to the profession.
What's included in your membership?
For just £13 a year you will have access to our benefits:
https://www.ibms.org/join/join-ibms/estudent/
The IBMS offers the Presidents Prize each year for the student with the Highest GPA of the cohort at LondonMet & this includes a cash prize. (Students must be a member to be eligible).
After graduating students can become a fully registered Biomedical Scientist after the complete the Competency Portfolio in an accredited lab in the NHS or private Sector
https://www.ibms.org/registration/become-a-biomedical-scientist/
To work as a biomedical scientist in the UK you are legally required to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
To register as a biomedical scientist with the HCPC, you must meet their Standards of Education and Training. This requires you to complete an IBMS Accredited biomedical science degree (or HCPC approved Healthcare Science/Life Sciences degree) and successfully complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio in an IBMS approved training laboratory

The full degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and upon graduation you'll be eligible for Associate Membership of the Institute.

Our graduates have found roles in hospital and private medical laboratories, medical research, education and specialised laboratory work.

There will also be opportunities to continue your studies at postgraduate level on our Biomedical Science MSc.

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/4 or above (or equivalent eg Functional Skills at Level 2). If you meet the UCAS points criteria but have obtained a D (grade 3) in English and/or Maths at GCSE you may be offered a University test in these areas.