Biomedical Science (with Foundation Year)

Why choose this course?
Our BSc Biomedical Science degree is designed in collaboration with Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board (BCUHB) – NHS Wales. Hence, the course will be delivered by university academics and hospital-based biomedical scientists.

You will:
Study a course accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and be able to register for student membership with IBMS upon registration of the course
Have access to new, highly specialised facilities based both within the university and local research centres and clinical laboratories
Have an authentic and contemporary education within real biomedical settings embedded throughout the course
Utilise local research laboratories, housing state-of-the-art equipment, such as flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and molecular analysers
Be taught by a highly experienced team of biomedical scientists, clinicians, clinical scientists, academics, and other health professionals with a range of subject and research expertise, many of whom are engaged in national networks, external peer review and consultancy within the general fields of biomedical sciences, medicine and healthcare

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.
The curriculum and assessment are reviewed regularly through liaison meetings with local employers and NHS laboratories to ensure you are equipped with the latest thinking in the Biomedical Science field.
Improve knowledge and analytical skills by undertaking laboratory-based investigations employing basic and advanced biomedical methodology.
The course provides preparation for undertaking the Institute of Biomedical Science Certificate of Competence (a compulsory requirement for being a registered Biomedical Scientist affiliated with the Health & Care Professions Council).
The skills developed during the course will ensure employment opportunities inside and outside of immediate biomedical science areas such as management and finance roles.
The course is distinctive in that it provides a balance of generality and specificity of content to cater for a wide range of student educational needs.
You will undertake a final year project wherein you will carry out an independent piece of research in an area of special interest to you.
Inclusive and supportive teaching with tutorial support available through the medium of Welsh.

What you will study
YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)
The Foundation Year is an integrated year where you will study core modules with a broad range of students from across the Faculty of Social and Life Sciences, giving you access to different perspectives and networking opportunities.

The modules will equip you with key skills needed for Higher Education and beyond. They will give you the chance to explore your subject area and available careers, allowing you to adapt your reading and assessments to be relevant to your degree pathway.

Alongside teaching from the broader faculty staff, you will be able to meet with staff and other students from your main degree pathway and get involved with events and opportunities that they are running.

Study Skills for Success (Core)
Resilience in Higher Education and Beyond (Core)
A Day in the Life (Core)
Life and Work in the Welsh Context (Core)
Maths and Experimental Design (Core)
Welsh for First Time Learners (Optional)
Numeracy (option)
Professional Communication in the Workplace (Optional)

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)
In year two, we will provide you with a solid foundation and introduction to the broad disciplines that underpin the subject of biomedical science, resulting in a strong understanding of the subject.

MODULES
Professional Practice for the Biomedical and Life Sciences
Maths and Statistics for Science
Health, Wellbeing and the Body
Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Genetics
Essential skills for the Life Sciences
Introduction to Immunology and Microbiology

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)
Year three of the course largely comprises specialist modules to give you the necessary knowledge in key areas of biomedical science. You will also be introduced to research methodology and will have the opportunity to design and carry out a mini project, preparing you for the final year project.

MODULES
Advanced Laboratory Skills for the Biomedical and Life Sciences
Cell and Molecular Biology
Blood Sciences
Cellular and Histopathology
Applied and Medical Microbiology
Research Methods

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)
The final year of study focusses upon topics at the forefront of current research in biomedical science and will further develop your critical and analytical skills. A significant part of the final year is a 40-credit research project in which you will carry out an independent piece of research in an area of special interest to you.

MODULES
Research Project
Biology of Disease
Clinical Genetics and Cancer Biology
Advances in Medicine - Diagnostics and 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
There will be a variety of learning and teaching techniques which include lectures, seminars, workshops, practical sessions and lab-based study, discussions, debates, group tutorials, case studies, problem-based learning, and visiting speakers.

The course is constructed on a modular basis such that you will study three modules within each semester. Each module equates to 200 hours of study of which there is 24 -36 hours of contact time, with the rest of the time being dedicated to directed study. Contact time decreases from 36 hours per module at level 4 to 24 hours at level 6, in line with the expectation that you will progress steadily towards becoming an independent learner as you progress through the course.

Assessment methods may include learning journals, group projects, portfolios, coursework, literature reviews, oral and poster presentations, case studies and laboratory reports, and exams/in-class tests. Each module is assessed by a variety of methods, enabling students to display their full potential. A research project will form one of the final parts of your assessment. Most assignments will involve electronic submission.

Teaching & Learning
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.