University of Bradford
Division of Biomedical Sciences
Awarding and teaching institution: / University of BradfordFinal award: / BSc (Honours) [English National Qualifications Framework level H]
Programme title: / Biomedical Sciences (Medical Biochemistry)
Duration: / 3 years full time (2 year direct entry); 3.5 years part-time (2.5 years direct entry)
Subject benchmark statement: / Biomedical Science
Date produced: / Original January 2009
Biomedical Science is a key healthcare science involving a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human disease. It encompasses studies of the causes of disease and the effects of disease on the normal structure and functions of the human body and it provides an understanding of the scientific basis for the laboratory investigation, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. Graduates will also be familiar with biomedical science research to develop new diagnostic procedures as well as new therapeutic intervention strategies.
This course has been developed from a programme at the University of Bradford which is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS and approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC). At present this programme is not accredited/approved by these bodies.
As a graduate from this degree course you will have a broad-based scientific education coupled with technical skills necessary for laboratory work. This broad-based education provides the foundation for a wide-range of scientific careers, including as a Biomedical Scientist in a hospital environment, as a laboratory-based or non-laboratory based scientist in the Pharmaceutical Industry and other related industries, academic research and teaching. However, whilst the degree provides a qualification necessary to start your professional career you will need to continue to develop skills throughout your working life. This course couples a scientific education with the development of the skills necessary for lifelong learning.
The aims and outcome statements have been referenced to the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy (http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/TLS.html), the QAA Subject Benchmark statement (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/benchmark/phase2/biomedsci.pdf), Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/ewni2001/contents.htm) and the Health Professions Council (HPC) Standards of Proficiency (http://www.hpc-uk.org/publications/standards_of_proficiency_ml.htm).
Programme Aims
This programme is intended to:
· Develop a systematic understanding of the scientific basis of human disease including diagnostic procedures and therapies with areas of in depth specialisation relating to molecular and biochemical mechanisms important in the development of selected common diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer which is available to students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds;
· Develop understanding of implications of ethnicity, gender, and social and cultural diversity in health and disease;
· Develop critical thinking skills;
· Develop a range of practical skills necessary for laboratory investigations;
· Develop insight into research and scientific method;
· Develop personal transferable skills that enable you to move successfully into employment or further education.
Learning Outcomes
These indicate what a graduate should know and understand and be able to do on successful completion of the programme. On completing this course you will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
A1 evaluate, discuss and apply core aspects of the Biomedical Sciences including Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Cellular Pathology, Immunology, Haematology, Microbiology and specialised areas of Medical Biochemistry relating to molecular mechanisms and biochemical abnormalities of selected widespread diseases e.g. vascular diseases
Discipline Specific Skills:
B1 select, evaluate and appraise experimental and clinical laboratory techniques and be able to apply them to experimental and laboratory investigations;
B2 prepare, process, analyse (including the statistical analysis) and interpret experimental/clinical laboratory data and present data in an appropriate format;
B3 collect, interpret and critically review scientific literature;
B4 write scientific reports;
B5 employ skills associated with professional and ethical biomedical laboratory practice including the ability to undertake risk and control of substances hazardous to health assessments, evaluate and apply health and safety policies, good laboratory practice and solve problems as well as appreciate the importance of The Human Tissue Act 2004, governance, audit and quality control and assurance.
Personal Transferable Skills:
C1 apply skills in critical and analytical thinking, use and apply numerical and statistical techniques and use problem solving skills;
C2 use the range of personal transferable skills including communication, information technology (including the use of the internet and other electronic devices as sources of information and means of communication), negotiating and decision making skills that are required in a working environment and prepare you for lifelong learning;
C3 undertake autonomous learning.
The Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to provide a coherent programme of study and enable you to develop the necessary level of knowledge of the Biomedical Sciences suitable for a career as a Biomedical Scientist either as a scientist in one of the many other professions that our graduates choose to follow. At Stages 1 and 2, all modules are core to ensure that you have the foundation in Biomedical Science required for further study. At Stage 1, you will study normal human biology and some microbiology at the level of the molecule, gene, cell, organ and organism. Laboratory sessions run in conjunction with the theoretical components will give you the opportunity to enhance your understanding of particular study topics. You will be introduced to basic laboratory skills and skills in data handling and interpretation. You will also develop your key skills during Stage 1 and you will start to develop a progress file. You will be encouraged to develop a reflective attitude to your learning and develop numerical, written and oral communication, IT and group working skills.
At Stage 2, the curriculum continues to concentrate on core areas of Biomedical Science in particular, the laboratory disciplines. You will start to examine the processes that disrupt normal human biological function and so cause disease. You will also explore the methods used to diagnose and treat disease. Again, laboratory sessions will give you the opportunity to enhance understanding of some topics and you will develop further, your laboratory skills as well as skills in data handling and interpretation. You will also be encouraged to develop further, personal transferable skills and reflect on how these will prepare you for the working environment. You will be encouraged to self evaluate your skills and identify and address areas for improvement
At Stage 3, the curricula in Medical Biochemistry and the core areas of Biomedical Sciences as well as the dissertation allow you to develop further your knowledge and understanding of the molecular and biochemical basis of important diseases. At this level you will concentrate further on the processes involved in the pathogenesis and treatment of disease. You will continue to reflect upon the ways that you can improve your own learning and performance to develop autonomous learning skills. Laboratory sessions along with the Research Development Skills module will allow you to enhance further your data handling and critical interpretation skills while the Dissertation module will augment your critical writing skills and increase the autonomy with which you can do this. Throughout the curriculum you will have the opportunity to develop the skills associated with Biomedical laboratory practice including the ability to develop appropriate risk assessments and procedures to ensure compliance, and the importance of quality control and quality assurance. In addition, you will be encouraged to develop further your numerical, written and oral communication, IT and group working skills. You will be expected to take increasing responsibility for your own learning as well as group and individual outcomes.
The spirit of optionality within the programme occurs in the choice of dissertation topic, which will be devoted to a current problem in the Medical Biochemistry area. The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures, as improvements and scientific advances are made each year. More detail, including learning outcomes, is available for each unit in the individual module descriptors.
Assessment Regulations: a summary (the full and most recent progression regulations are maintained on the Web: http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Undergrad_Regs_.html)
To pass and proceed from each stage to the next, and also to be eligible for a classified Honours award, you must achieve at least 40% in 100 credits and 35% in the other 20 credits.
The class and division of the Honours degree that you are awarded is based on the overall weighted marks that you receive for Stages 2 and 3. Stage 2 contributes 30% and Stage 3 70%. The classes and divisions of the Honours degree are awarded on the basis of the following minimum final overall weighted average marks:
70.0% or above: / First Class Honours60.0% or above: / Second Class Honours – First Division
50.0% or above: / Second Class Honours – Second Division
Otherwise / Third Class Honours
If you complete Stage 1 successfully, and choose to exit the programme, you are eligible for a Certificate of Higher Education; if you complete Stage 2 successfully, and then choose to exit the programme, you are eligible for a Diploma of Higher Education. The learning outcomes for these awards and the final award are consistent with those of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies
The teaching, learning and assessment strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes for the course, progression through stages of study, the nature of topic studied and the need for you to demonstrate greater autonomy in your learning as you progress through the course. Stage 1 provides a foundation in the general principles of Biomedical Science. You will study normal human biology and some microbiology and develop your laboratory skills as well as skills in data handling and interpretation. You will begin to develop the skills that you require for autonomous learning. At Stage 2 you will develop further your depth of knowledge, understanding of Biomedical Science in particular, the laboratory disciplines you will develop further your laboratory and data handling skills. You will start to develop autonomy in your learning and develop increasing responsibility for achieving learning outcomes. At Stage 3 you will study, in increasing depth, the disease process, its diagnosis and treatment as well as specialised research areas of Biomedical Science and develop, particularly through the Research Development and Dissertation modules, your critical and analytical skills.
Teaching methods consist of (i) formal lectures to develop knowledge and understanding (A1) and discipline specific skills (B1, B2 ,B3, B5) (ii) laboratory classes and project work to develop knowledge and understanding (A1), discipline specific skills (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5) and personal transferable skills (C1, C2, C3) (iii) tutorials, workshops and case studies to develop knowledge and understanding (A1, A2), discipline specific skills (B1, B2, B3, B5) and personal transferable skills (C1, C2, C3). Directed study, involving directed reading of appropriate texts and the preparation of assessed work, is used to develop the majority of learning outcomes (A1, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, C2, C3).
The assessment strategy is designed to allow you to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes of an individual module which are appropriate to your level of study and the learning outcomes of the course. These learning outcomes are consistent with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. At stage 1, you will be examined, primarily, on the breadth of knowledge via MCQ and short answer examinations (A1). Coursework assignments will give you the opportunity to gain experience in report writing and data handling and interpretation (B2, B4, B5). As you progress through stages 2 and 3 you will have the opportunity to demonstrate increasing skills of analysis, synthesis and criticism through a wide variety of assessment strategies, including written and oral examinations (A1, B1, B2, B3, C1), report writing (A1, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, C2, C3), group work (A1, B1, B2, B3, B5, C1 ,C2, C3), essays (A1, B1, B2, B3, B5, C1, C2, C3), oral presentations (A1, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3) and case studies (A1, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3). The dissertation provides a major opportunity to demonstrate autonomy in critical interpretation in a research context with a topic set in Medical Biochemistry.
Admission Requirements
Offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular course. Entrance requirements will vary but are set after consideration of each applicant’s academic background and achievements and all other relevant experience. Entrance requirements will normally be via: 1) the Foundation Certificate in Biomedical Sciences (FCBS); 2) A level points totalling 260 points, which should include two science subjects, preferably biology and chemistry; applications are welcome from candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking academic qualifications, have significant relevant experience. Prior learning can be accredited to enable exemption from aspects of the course and both full and part-time students will be admitted directly into stage 2 of the course with entrance requirements normally being via 3 years full time study for 1) Diploma in Biotechnology from Singapore Polytechnic (SP) 2) Diploma in Medical Technology from SP, 3) Diploma in Life Sciences (Biotechnology/Biomedical Technology) from Temasek Polytechnic TP), 4) diploma in Biotechnology from Nanyang Polytechnic (NP). Alternatively transfer following successful completion of stage 1 of the Pharmaceutical Management course will be possible provided students take tutorial sessions in Biochemistry and Genetics as required dependent on qualifications and ability. Each case will be considered on its merits and applicants should contact the Admissions Officer to discuss their case. There will be 2 intakes each year in November and April for stage 1 in the first instance and subsequently for stage 2 entry. It is anticipated students will register through these entry points twice yearly. In the first intake 25 students will be admitted, and this will rise to 60 students per annum in subsequent years encompassing the two intakes.
Student Support and Guidance
The University and the Division have well-deserved reputations in this area. At MDIS you will have access to staff in the Student Services Unit who will be able to refer pastoral and academic issues to the staff. Visiting staff from the University of Bradford will meet you 6 times per year to review progress and will both induct and peer observe teaching staff to assess the quality of delivery of the course. You will have access to the library resources at the MDIS UniCampus as well as appropriate access to computer facilities. Students will be allocated a University of Bradford email address and will be registered on Blackboard to enable distance learning to take place as it is embraced by the School of Life Sciences. The course co-ordinator from the University of Bradford will meet with representatives of the student body at least 4 times per year and you will be supported in all aspects of your course by University and Divisional student handbooks and by module study guides.
Further Information
If you would like more information contact Dr Steve Picksley, Course Co-ordinator, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Bradford BD7 1DP, UK () or Dr Lissy Vadakel, Assistant Director, School of Life Sciences, MDIS UniCampus, 501 Stirling Road, Singapore 148951 ().
The following table lists all of the modules taught as part of the degree in Biomedical Sciences (Medical Biochemistry) at MDIS. This represents a total of 120 credits at each stage obtained either from single (10 credit), double (20 credit) or linked (20 credits spread over 2 terms) modules. All modules are compulsory (as denoted by “C” ) but choice occurs in the Dissertation module at stage 3.