Programme Specification
FD Biomedical Sciences
Academic Year 2025/26
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 | FD Biomedical Sciences | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Foundation Degree | |||||||||||
| Programme Code | BMS-FD-S | UCAS Code | HECoS Code |
100265 - Biomedical sciences - 100 |
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| ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
| Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
| Type of Programme | Foundation Degree | Length of Programme |
Full Time - 2 Academic Years |
Total Credits for Programme | 240 | |||||||||
| Exit Awards available | No | |||||||||||||
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Belfast Metropolitan College |
School/Department |
Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences |
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Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 5 |
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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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No accreditations (PSRB) found. | |
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 Progression (Year 1 to Year 2) |
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Students with protected characteristics This programme does not contain barriers to access or progression among those with protected characteristics |
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Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
This programme aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of scientific methods of enquiry and theoretical principles of biomedical sciences, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context.
On completion of the programme the student will have demonstrated:
1.A critical understanding of the principles of biomedical sciences and its relevance to the current economic environment.
2.Knowledge of the major subdivisions of the subject (Molecular/cellular biology, human biological systems, bioinformatics) and apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied.
3.Competence and dexterity in practical techniques in biomedical sciences and the ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the contest in which they were first studied.
4.Knowledge and understanding of subject specific key skills, problem solving, and a professional approach to work, study and lifelong learning.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in Biomedical sciences. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate different approaches to problem solving. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Construct reasoned arguments to support students’ position on the ethical and social impact of advances in Biomedical sciences |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Plan, execute and present investigations where time management, problem solving, and independence are evident |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Apply numerical skills and techniques to interpret data |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Information technology skills, including word processing, spreadsheet use, database use and internet use. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Evaluation of qualitative and quantitative data including acquisition, interpretation and critical evaluation of data |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Interpersonal skills; the ability to interact professionally with |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Time management and organization; ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Study skills for lifelong learning, including independent study |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Skills required in the development of career action plans and in the management of the students own responsibilities |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Creative skills developed through work such as projects, academic posters and work placement presentations. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of structure, function, neurological and hormonal control of the human body |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of biochemistry and relevant experimental techniques |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Explain critically how the properties of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells relate to their biological function and how they could be investigated experimentally. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the molecular aspects of Biology including biochemistry and experimental techniques |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the molecular basis of genetics, genomics, and human variation |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of microbiology, microbiological techniques |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate an understanding of general scientific principles in chemistry, and physics sufficient to support understanding of biochemical and biophysical processes and instrumentation. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Explain critically the role of the human immune system in combating common disease. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate competence in a broad range of appropriate practical techniques and skills relevant to Biomedical Sciences |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate an understanding of biomedical science methods and practices associated with human health and disease. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Evaluate laboratory methods available for the study, investigation and diagnosis of human health and disease. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate well developed strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing their knowledge of Biomedical Science. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific ideas in a range of formats, including formal scientific reporting. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate understanding of the contribution of biomedical sciences within healthcare settings. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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 % | ||||||
| Introduction to Work Based Learning | FBM1013 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Fundamentals of Science (Biomedical) | FBM1011 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 0% | 50% |
| Human Biology and Homeostatic Regulation | FBM1016 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 0% | 50% |
| Fundamentals of Chemistry | FBM1014 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 0% | 50% |
| Mathematics & Study Skills for Biomedical Science | FBM1012 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 70% | 0% | 30% |
| Biochemistry and Metabolic Disorders | FBM1015 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 0% | 50% |
| Work Based Learning | FBM2011 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Immunology and Medical Microbiology | FBM2016 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
| Genetics & Molecular Biology | FBM2014 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
| Microbiology | FBM2015 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
| Anatomy, Physiology and Disease 2 | FBM2013 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
| Anatomy Physiology and Disease 1 | FBM2012 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Notes
No notes found.