Course specification and structure
Undergraduate Course Structures Postgraduate Course Structures

UDMEDSCI - Bsc Medical Sciences (two-year accelerated degree)

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 2 YEARS 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 Medical Sciences. 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 School 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 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.

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 Biosciences (2015). The course aims to provide a sound scientific base in all those subjects necessary for the understanding of Medical sciences. Medical sciences 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 to apply for Graduate Entry to Medicine courses or 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 Medical sciences 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 medical Sciences course are to; consider the scope of the Medical Sciences, 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 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 Medical 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 the Medical Sciences requirements for laboratory safety QA and QC
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 Medical Sciences 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 the Medical Sciences
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. 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
10. identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development, and implement strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing knowledge and skills

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

Module Title Module Code
Fast Forward to Medical School BE4005
Anatomy and Physiology BC4004
Cell and Molecular Biology BC4003
Chemistry (for Biosciences) BC4051
Biochemistry BC4052
Infection Science BC5002
Tissue Science BC5003
Blood Science BC5056
Fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry BC5062
Infection control BC6060
Project (for Medical Sciences) BE6P02
Advanced Blood Science BC6002
Advanced Infection & Tissue Science BC6003
Systems pathology BC6051
virology BC6052
Applied immunology BC6053
Medical Genetics BC6055

Learning Outcomes LO1 - LO10

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Biosciences (2016)

Assessment strategy

Students are assessed through a variety of methods including problem solving exercises, in-class test, data analysis, practical reports, case studies, leaflets, oral presentations, group-work, extended essays, examinations, online tests and quizzes, 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 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, online quizzes and tutorials, mini-tests and project workshops, seminar presentation, laboratory and computer based investigations, posters, leaflets, group-work and oral presentations and a level six project giving students the opportunity to show the knowledge understanding and skills they have developed.

Course specific regulations

The course conforms to both the University’s Undergraduate Scheme and the University Academic Regulations,

All level Four modules must be passed in order for students to progress to Year 2. Students who fail a level Four module cannot continue and will be transferred to the 3 year Biomedical BSc degree.

At the end of Year 1, both level 5 module can be taken as a resit in the July but must be passed at resit to progress to Year 2. Students who do not pass both these modules at resit will be transferred to the 3 year Biomedical BSc degree.

Modules required for interim awards

CertHE Biosciences
BC4004 Anatomy and Physiology
BC4003 Cell and Molecular Biology
BC4051 Chemistry (for Biosciences)
BC4052 Biochemistry
Plus 30 level 4 or 5 credits

DipHE Medical Sciences
BC5056 Blood Science
BC5062 Fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry
BC5003 Infection Science
BC5003 Tissue Science
Plus 60 level 4,5, or 6 credits

BSc Hons Medical Sciences
BE6P02 Project (medical Sciences)
BC6002 Advanced Blood Science
BC6003 Advance Infection and Tissue Science
BC6051 Systems Pathology

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

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.
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: BE4005 (Level 4); BC5062 Fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry (Level 5); and, BE6P02 Project (Level 6) students will progressively develop their PDP which will culminate in a CV and graduation statement and letter of application. 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 students will also develop their graduate statement. Students will also carry out laboratory-based competency activities to develop work-related learning skills.
In order to enhance the delivery of our modules and the ability of our students to harvest the most value from their taught sessions, we have carefully ensured that digital learning in integral to our provision at level 4 (BC4051, BC5052, BC4003 and BC4004). The topics that we are able to best address in a scientific curriculum are: E-portfolio; research, Critical Thinking and Note Making; Academic and Reflective learning and assessment and Feedback.

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Medical Sciences 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.
Graduates will be equipped for Entry to Medical School, (as well as Dentistry, Veterinary Science), and other such courses in the UK, Eire and Australia, as well as 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 science graduates are also in demand in non-science-based careers such as those in the financial services sector, marketing and company administration.

Career opportunities

On graduating, you'll be equipped for entry to medical school, as well as employment in the medical and allied research institutes, health agency laboratories, bioanalytical medical genetics and forensic units, in the pharmaceutical industry, information services, health and safety and science education.

The analytical skills you'll develop as a medical science graduate are in demand in non-science-based careers too, such as those in the financial services sector, marketing and company administration.

Entry requirements

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

  • a minimum of grades BBB in A levels with B in Biology and B in Chemistry (or 120 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification)
  • GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the Biomedical Sciences Extended Degree.

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 2018/19 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 08 Aug 2018 Last validation date 08 Aug 2018  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes
Route code MEDSCI

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BC4003 Cell & Molecular Biology Core 30        
BC4004 Anatomy & Physiology Core 30        
BC4051 Chemistry (for Biosciences) Core 15        
BC4052 Biochemistry Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
BC5002 Infection Science Core 30        
BC5062 Fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry Core 15 NORTH AUT MON PM
BE4005 Fast Forward to Medical School Core 30        
BC5056 Blood Science Option 15 NORTH SPR FRI AM

Stage 2 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BC5003 Tissue Science Core 30        
BC6002 Advanced Blood Science Core 30        
BC6003 Advanced Infection & Tissue Science Core 30        
BC6051 Systems Pathology Core 15 NORTH AUT MON PM
BE6P02 Project (for medical Sciences) Core 60        
BC6052 Virology Option 15 NORTH SPR MON PM
BC6053 Applied Immunology Option 15        
BC6055 Medical Genetics Option 15 NORTH SPR MON PM
BC6060 Infection Control Option 15 NORTH SPR WED PM