Biomedical Science (with Foundation Year)

Why choose this course?
Our course has been designed to provide a rich and dynamic student experience, achieved through a partnership between Wrexham University and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. The programme is ideally suited to those seeking to study & practice within the biomedical sciences and healthcare sector.

This course:

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further years of study by building on your fundamental science knowledge and academic study skills.

• Has been carefully aligned with the requirements of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), the Professional Body that accredits the course.

• Offers a flexible programme with named routes to cater for the learning and personal/professional development needs of students wishing to work within a biomedical, clinical and healthcare perspective.

• Is taught by a highly experienced team of Biomedical Scientists, clinicians, clinical scientists, academics, and other healthcare professionals with a range of subject and research expertise.

• Allows students to develop their research skills, explore specialist areas, and complete an independent research project.

Students will:

• Develop knowledge, while analytical skills will be improved by undertaking laboratory-based investigations employing biomedical methodology.

• Undertake a five-week block of laboratory-based work at BCUHB, engaging with researchers and Biomedical Scientists. Additionally, some research projects in both the second and final year of the course may be conducted at the BCUHB.

• After graduating from this course, be thoroughly grounded in ethical and reflective practice, and have a sound subject-specific and research knowledge base.

Key Course Features:

• Includes an optional foundation year to prepare you for further years of study by building on your fundamental science knowledge and academic study skills

• Delivered in conjunction with BCUHB to ensure an authentic and contemporary education within real biomedical settings, embedded throughout the programme.

• Access highly specialised facilities and equipment based both within the university and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

• Inclusive and supportive teaching with tutorial support available through the medium of Welsh

• Accredited with the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

What you will study

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)
The foundation year will introduce you to a range of scientific concepts and methods which underpin biological sciences. You’ll gain thorough training in laboratory skills and will develop your analytical and mathematical skills. Students will be encouraged to develop their own abilities in science, with a basic bank of knowledge across the main scientific areas.

MODULES

• Plant and Animal Biology
• Laboratory and Field Skills
• Maths and Experimental Design
• Introduction to Science
• The Skills You Need
• Contextual Studies

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)
Year one of the programme establishes a platform of core knowledge across key subject areas including biology, physiology, mathematics and statistics, whilst also introducing students to immunology and microbiology. Specific modules ensure the acquisition of the necessary laboratory skills and a well-grounded understanding of professional issues relevant to the Biomedical Scientist.

MODULES

• Professional Practice for the Biomedical & Life Sciences
• Cell Biology, Biochemistry & Genetics
• Maths and statistics for science
• Essential skills for the Life Sciences
• Health, Wellbeing and the Body
• Introduction to Immunology & Microbiology

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)
Year two of the programme largely comprises specialist modules to give students the necessary knowledge in key areas of biomedical science. Students are also primed in research methodology and will design and carry out a mini project to prepare them for the final year project. Practical skills are reinforced in a 5-week intensive block spent at the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

MODULES

• Cell & Molecular Biology
• Blood Sciences
• Research Methods, Theory and Practice
• Cellular & Histopathology
• Medical Microbiology
• Advanced Laboratory Skills for the Biomedical & Life Sciences

YEAR FOUR (LEVEL 6)
The final year of study focuses upon topics at the forefront of current research in biomedical science and will further develop students critical and analytical skills. A significant part of the final year is a 40 credit research project in which students carry out an independent piece of research in an area of special interest to them.

MODULES

• Research Project
• Biology of Disease
• Clinical Genetics & Cancer Biology
• Infectious Disease, Immunity & Inflammation
• Advances in Medicine: Diagnostics & Therapeutics

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Teaching & Assessment

A broad range of assessment methods are used; these include learning journals, group projects, portfolios, coursework, literature reviews, oral and poster presentations, case studies and laboratory reports, and written exams/ in-class tests. Each module is assessed by a variety of methods (e.g. case studies, essays, laboratory reports, presentations, etc.), enabling students to display their full potential. A project dissertation will form one of the final parts of your assessment.

Teaching & Learning
Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.