Degrees Offered

• BSc Honours Biomedical Science (UCAS Code: B940)

Contact Information

For entrance requirements
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838

For course information
School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences
T: +44 (0)28 9097 2043/2122
E: biomedsci@qub.ac.uk
W: www.qub.ac.uk/schools/mdbs/bms 

Entrance Requirements

BSc Honours
Biomedical Science 3 yrs (B940)

Entrance Requirements
A-level: AB (in any order in Biology/Human Biology and Chemistry) B + GCSE Mathematics
OR
A (Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry) AB including a second science subject + GCSE Biology and Chemistry or GCSE Double Award Science + GCSE Mathematics.

Irish Leaving Certificate: AB2 (in any order in Biology and Chemistry) B2B2B2 + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics.

For students whose first language is not English
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you are an international student and you do not meet the entrance requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study on these degree courses. INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses. For a full list click here

The Subject

Biomedical Science comprises the sciences related to medicine and in particular the specialist disciplines of diagnostic Biomedical Science as practised in Health Service Laboratories:

• Clinical Bacteriology and Immunology
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Haematology and Transfusion Science
• Histopathology and Cytology

Course Content

Level 1
The Biomedical Science degree at Queen's is based on a foundation knowledge of:

• Genetics
• Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Mammalian Biochemistry
• Micro-organisms
• Molecular Biology

Level 2
This theme is continued at Level 2, with:

• An integrated presentation of human disease mechanisms (Pathobiology)
• Specialist knowledge of all the individual disciplines within diagnostic Biomedical Science (Biomedical Science in Practice)
• The core Biomedical Science subjects of Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics
• A standalone module in Immunobiology, which underpins much of our teaching in human disease as well as modern assay techniques

Level 3
The clinical disciplines of Clinical Biochemistry, Bacteriology, Haematology and Histopathology are further developed at Level 3 in conjunction with a double module of individual research by every student in a final year laboratory project.

This degree has been developed to provide our graduates with the key skills to function effectively in diagnostic and research laboratories within the NHS, pharmaceutical industry or academia. Our students demonstrate practical laboratory skills in addition to a deep understanding and ability to communicate their underlying scientific principles.

In addition to the specific degree content, there is an emphasis in our study modules on teamwork and communication skills, problem-solving and IT - skills which should assist graduates in careers beyond those immediately related to medicine.

'Attending a well-established and highly-accredited university was very important to me, and Queen's facilities are exceptional. The McClay Library is a stunning, first-class facility and a motivational place in which to study.'

Shannon Harkins, USA

Learning and Teaching

The Biomedical Science course at Queen's is designed to equip our students with the knowledge and skills base required for life-long learning in one of the most rapidly expanding areas of modern science.  To do this we provide a range of learning experiences:

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• Lectures:are given in large groups and introduce students to new topics to provide direction and inspiration for private study. 

• Practicals: are generally given to smaller group sizes and are designed to allow students to see how some of the principles introduced in lectures can be observed in living organisms.  This type of class also provides the opportunity to develop technical skills and since they are assessed, receive formative feedback on academic progress. 

• Tutorialshelp to engage students with the learning process, since they involve the formation of small groups to problem solve and disseminate information to the rest of the class. 

• E-Learning: Much of the resources to support lectures and tutorials are provided through a Virtual Learning Environment called Queens Online, which uses a range of e-learning experiences including interactive group workshops and podcasts. 

• Work-related Learning: Between second and final year students are given the opportunity to take a year out to work in a research laboratory in the USA, a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity.

• Supervised Projects:  In final year, a supervised research project on a topic of your choice, makes a significant contribution to the final degree classification and provides valuable skills and insight into the world of academic research.

• Self-Directed Study:  Students are expected to undertake private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research or preparation work.

• Personal Tutors.  Students are assigned an Advisor of Studies who can advise on person and academic matters.  Students will also be assigned to a tutor in one of the School’s Research Centres where they will gain experience with research teams in a working laboratory setting

Many of our lecturers are world-class researchers who enrich their teaching with methods and models from the cutting edge of biomedical research and whose international collaborations provide our students with research opportunities abroad. Professional Biomedical Scientists from NHS laboratories also make a major contribution to the programme.

 

Assessment and Feedback

Assessment:  The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module.  Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments.  Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.  Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.Students are assigned an Advisor Studies who can advise on person and academic matters.  Students will also be assigned to a tutor in one of the School’s Research Centres where they will gain experience with research teams in a working laboratory setting

Feedback (general):  As you progress through your course you will receive general and specific feedback about your work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers.  As a university student, you will be expected to take a greater role in reflecting on this and taking the initiative in continuously improving the quality of your work.  Feedback may be provided to you in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted. 
• Face to face comment.  This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid.  In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time. 
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work. 

Careers

The new degree programme in Biomedical Science at Queens is aimed at students wishing to pursue a career in:

• diagnostic laboratory science as Biomedical Scientists within the National Health Service,
• research or management careers in the Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology Industries
• Academic Research.

Although the majority of graduates in Biomedical Science are interested in pursuing a career in the field, the degree also affords opportunities for careers in the broad field of medicine and medically-related subjects such as medical sales and science writing. In addition, the degree provides access to graduate jobs open to any discipline.  Many students go into further study after their degree, completing masters and PhDs and a significant proportion of graduates gain entry to a Medical degree both at QUB and abroad.

Placement Links:  We have established links with two Universities in the United States, The University of Nevada in Reno and the University of Vermont.  Students are given the opportunity to work in Research Laboratories in these institutions for a year between second and final year.

You should also take a look at www.prospects.ac.uk for further information concerning the types of jobs that attract Biomedical Science Graduates.

Further study is also an option open to our graduates. Students can choose from a wide range of Masters programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics.

Other Career-related information:  Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers.  As a Queen’s student, you will be advised and guided about career choice and through the Degree Plus initiative, you will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer. 

Our full employability statement can be viewed at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/filestore/Filetoupload,284878,en.pdf

Degree Plus and other related initiatives:  Recognising student diversity, promoting employability enhancements and other interests is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s.  Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe and learning development supports as well as involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies,  and sports. 

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students).  Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts.  As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies.  These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers. Further information is available at www.qub.ac.uk/degreeplus

Special Features

Accreditation: this degree, which is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, is aimed at students wishing to pursue a career in diagnostic laboratory science as biomedical scientists within the NHS, research or management careers in the pharmaceutical industries or academic research.

Facilities: the School has excellent research facilities as well as strong links with clinical departments.

Research-led Teaching: our teaching staff comprises enthusiastic teachers with world-class research in the biomedical sciences. Professional biomedical scientists from NHS laboratories also make a major contribution to the degree.

Placement: the School has established links with two universities in the USA - the University of Nevada in Reno and the University of Vermont, where several students are given the opportunity to work in their research laboratories for a year between second and final year.

Last updated 12.09.13