Undergraduate Programme Specification
BSc Medical Biosciences with UK Placement
Academic Year 2024/25
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
| Programme Title | BSc Medical Biosciences with UK Placement | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Bachelor of Science | |||||||||||
| Programme Code | MBS-BSC-P | UCAS Code | B940 | HECoS Code |
100265 - Biomedical sciences - 100 |
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| ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
| Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
| Type of Programme | Single Honours | Length of Programme |
Full Time - 4 Academic Years |
Total Credits for Programme | 480 | |||||||||
| Exit Awards available | No | |||||||||||||
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences |
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Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 6 |
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Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Biomedical science (2023) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
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Institute of Biomedical Science |
Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 23-03-23 |
Regulation Information
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Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations N/A |
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Programme Specific Regulations Programme Specific Regulations |
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Students with protected characteristics |
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Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
1. To provide students with the fundamental knowledge and understanding of the key scientific disciplines and skills relevant to the practice of Biomedical Science.
2. To provide students with the knowledge-base and skills to extend the knowledge and understanding of Biomedical Science through application of scientific method.
3. To develop the student’s ability to apply and communicate knowledge of Biomedical Science to meet the needs of society, fellow Biomedical Scientists and other health professionals.
4. To provide the knowledge and opportunity for students to develop the necessary critical skills to devise, manage and critically evaluate hypothetical proposals related to the practice of Biomedical Science.
5. To enable the students to critically evaluate approaches to clinical laboratory investigation in light of new scientific developments.
6. To provide the knowledge, guidance and opportunity for students to attain competence in subject specific and key skills, problem solving and a professional approach to work, study and life-long learning.
7. To enable students to gain understanding and competence in the generic laboratory skills required in the practice of Biomedical Science.
8. To provide students with a working knowledge of the scientific, practical and ethical aspects of handling specimens of human tissue, cells, blood and body fluids for diagnostic laboratory analysis.
9. To enable students to attain subject-specific knowledge and skills related to the practice of the subspecialties with Biomedical Science as defined by the Institute of Biomedical Science: Cellular Pathology, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Immunology, Haematology, Immunohaematology & Transfusion Science and Medical Microbiology.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Creatively apply scientific principles to new problems and in new situations |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Module practical classes; undertaking of project work; small group discussion; analysis and discussion of data through the use of examples within class or through project work; formative assessment with class discussion and presentation of journal papers, posters or students talks; one to one discussions with tutor and/or project supervisor Methods of Assessment Project report, lab reports; lab/log book assessment; oral/poster presentations |
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Analyse and critically evaluate scientific literature |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Undertaking of project work; analysis and discussion of data through the use of examples within class or through project work; formative assessment with class discussion and presentation of journal papers, posters or students talks; one to one discussions with tutor and/or project supervisor Methods of Assessment Project report, lab reports; lab/log book assessment; oral/poster presentations; written assignments on interpretation and analysis of scientific papers |
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Apply ethical and judgemental criteria in relevant fields of study |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Instruction in ethical approval forms for project reports Methods of Assessment Project report and supervisor’s assessment, First Year Portfolio |
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Efficiently summarise large quantities of information and synthesise core concepts from diverse sources |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Module practical classes; undertaking of project work; small group discussion; analysis and discussion of data through the use of examples within class or through project work; formative assessment with class discussion and presentation of journal papers, posters or students talks; one to one discussions with tutor and/or project supervisor Methods of Assessment Project report, lab reports; lab/log book assessment; oral/poster presentations |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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To describe and discuss the central principles of the pathogenesis of the major classes of human disease and the appropriate diagnostic assays applied to each |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures; Module practical classes; coursework; teaching by subject specialists and professionals Methods of Assessment Written and practical examinations, coursework |
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To apply the scientific method in the construction and experimental evaluation of hypotheses in Biomedical Science with appropriate data collection, controls and statistical analysis and to compare and contrast the underlying investigative strategies and principles in the laboratory diagnosis of disease |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Module practical classes; undertaking of project work; analysis and discussion of data through the use of examples within class or through project work; formative assessment with class discussion and presentation of journal papers, posters or seminars; one to one discussions with tutor and/or project supervisor; hospital laboratory visits; teaching by hospital-employed Biomedical Scientists Methods of Assessment Practical lab reports; written and practical examinations; oral and poster presentations; project reports |
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To describe, explain and discuss the fundamental Biochemistry, Physiology, Morphology and Molecular Biology underlying human biology and disease |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Teaching and learning include didactic and active discovery methods with particular emphasis on small group discussions, student/staff-led seminars, oral and written presentations of literature reviews Methods of Assessment Written and practical examinations, coursework |
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To demonstrate understanding in the scientific, practical and ethical aspects of handling specimens of human tissue, cells, blood and body fluids for diagnostic laboratory analysis |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Module practical classes; undertaking of project work; analysis and discussion of data through the use of examples within class or through project work; hospital laboratory visits; teaching by hospital-employed Biomedical Scientists Methods of Assessment Practical lab reports; written and practical examinations; oral and poster presentations; project reports. |
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To discuss the inherent sources of error in the major classes of assay system, employed in Biomedical Science and suggest the appropriate controls to detect such events |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures; Module practical classes; coursework; teaching by subject specialists and professionals Methods of Assessment Written and practical examinations, coursework |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate competence in a limited range of specialized laboratory equipment |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Project work Methods of Assessment Project report |
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Demonstrate competence in the use of general laboratory equipment |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Module practical classes; undertaking of project work Methods of Assessment Practical lab reports; formal assessed demonstrations of use of lab equipment |
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Work safely in biomedical laboratories |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Instruction in safety procedures including relevant paperwork, such as COSHH and ethical approval forms for project reports Methods of Assessment Project report and supervisor’s assessment |
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Employ bibliographic software in the completion of essays/dissertations and the documents listed in the Learning Outcome below. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Formal didactic teaching and practice in the use of bibliographic software as part of coursework in various modules Methods of Assessment Coursework such as essays; project reports. |
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Write and prepare the specialized documentation required in medical research: Research reports, papers for submission to peer-review journals and applications to grant-awarding bodies |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lab report and written coursework feedback; Project supervisor feedback Methods of Assessment Lab reports; Written coursework; Project Report |
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Demonstrate competence in the use of statistical software |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Laboratory practical classes and project work; formal lectures and practical classes in statistics and interpretation Methods of Assessment Project dissertation, lab reports; lab/log book assessment; oral/poster presentations; written exams and assignments in statistical practice |
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Interrogate remote online databases |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures and practical applications particularly in the Scientific Methods course; project work. Methods of Assessment Project reports |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Team working skills |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Teaching through group projects and other learning strategies especially in the second year of studies provides the main vehicle for practical experience of group work. Students on placement learn to collaborate effectively within a team. Methods of Assessment The utilisation of both peer and staff assessment of group product quality and individual contribution |
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Time management |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Schedule the undertaking and completion of a range of coursework and study opportunities within a time-limited framework Methods of Assessment Completion of coursework within agreed deadlines; successful completion of study schedules in time for summative assessments |
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Numerical and data handling skills |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Laboratory practical classes and project work; formal lectures and practical classes in statistics and interpretation Methods of Assessment Project reports, lab reports; lab/log book assessment; oral/poster presentations; written exams and assignments in statistical practice |
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IT skills |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Computer skills are developed consistently throughout all stages of study from the initial orientation to the final year project report and presentation. Methods of Assessment Lab reports; essays; oral and poster presentations; project report. |
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Written and oral communication |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Completion of written reports, essays, dissertations; oral presentations; Essay writing and peer teaching represent significant components of modules at Level 2 and 3 of the programme and provide excellent opportunity for the development of written and oral communication. Methods of Assessment Formal oral, poster and written presentations |
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Independent study skills |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies This is promoted through a range of coursework across all stages of the programme. During the placement students Methods of Assessment Completion of coursework within agreed deadlines; successful completion of study schedules in time for summative assessments; successful contributions to placement projects |
Module Information
Stages and Modules
| Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
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| S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
| Fundamentals of Microbiology | BIO1314 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 80% | 20% | 0% |
| Human Structure and Function | BMS1104 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 0% | 50% |
| Molecular Basis of Life | BIO1103 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 65% | 35% | 0% |
| Professional Skills for Scientists 1 | BMS1105 | 1 | 0 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| World of Microorganisms | BIO1301 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 15% | 25% | 60% |
| Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox | BIO1304 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 15% | 25% | 60% |
| Principles of Cell Biology | BMS2110 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Clinical Genetics | BMS2111 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 50% | 0% | 50% |
| Professional Skills for Scientists 2 | BMS2102 | 2 | 0 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| The Sciences of Disease | BMS2106 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 50% | 0% | 50% |
| Professional Practice in Biomedical Science | BMS2107 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 60% | 0% | 40% |
| Preparing for Placement | BMS2112 | 2 | 0 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Additional Year – Placement (UG) UK | BMS3113 | 3 | 120 | YES | YES | 40 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| Clinical Biochemistry | BMS3101 | 4 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
| Biology of Human Infection | BMS3108 | 4 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 60% | 0% | 40% |
| Research Project | BMS3112 | 4 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 80% | 20% | 0% |
| Molecular Markers of Disease | BMS3104 | 4 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Notes
Stage 1: Students must take the Level 1 core modules listed.
The requirements of individual continuous assessments may vary from year to year, but details of this will be made available at the start of each year Resit Profile: Students must redo the assessment element they failed i.e. where they have achieved a mark <40% for either the written exam paper or continuous assessment, or both. If the written exam is failed they will take a resit exam at the first opportunity; an additional piece of work will be required from a student who fails the continuous assessment element overall.
Stage 2: Students must take the Level 2 core modules listed.
The requirements of individual continuous assessments may vary from year to year, but details of this will be made available at the start of each year Resit Profile: Students must redo the assessment element they failed i.e. where they have achieved a mark <40% for either the written exam paper or continuous assessment, or both. If the written exam is failed they will take a resit exam at the first opportunity; an additional piece of work will be required from a student who fails the continuous assessment element overall.
Students choosing to go on a CBMSE approved placement (additional year) must have successfully completed all Stage 2 modules including BMS2112 Preparation for Placement.
Owing to UK government visa requirements, the “Additional Year” option is not available to International students. For further information, students can contact the University’s Immigration Support Service.
On successful completion of the degree, including module BMS3113 Additional Year – Placement, the degree will be awarded with “with Placement”.
Additional Year: Students choosing to go on a CBMSE approved placement (additional year) must have successfully completed all Stage 2 modules including BMS2112 Preparation for Placement.
On successful completion of the degree, including module BMS3113 Additional Year – Placement, the degree will be awarded with “with Placement”
Owing to UK government visa requirements, the “Additional Year” option is not available to International students. For further information, students can contact the University’s Immigration Support Service.
Stage 3: Students must take the Level 3 core modules listed.
The requirements of individual continuous assessments may vary from year to year, but details of this will be made available at the start of each year Resit Profile: Students must redo the assessment element they failed i.e. where they have achieved a mark <40% for either the written exam paper or continuous assessment, or both. If the written exam is failed they will take a resit exam at the first opportunity; an additional piece of work will be required from a student who fails the continuous assessment element overall.
Owing to UK government visa requirements, the “Additional Year” option is not available to International students. For further information, students can contact the University’s Immigration Support Service.
On successful completion of the degree, including module BMS3113 Additional Year – Placement, the degree will be awarded with “with Placement”