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BSc Biomedical Science

Academic Year 2017/18

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 and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.

Programme Title

BSc Biomedical Science

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Bachelor of Science

Programme Code

BMS-BSC-S

UCAS Code

B940

JACS Code

B100 (DESCR) 100

Criteria for Admissions

http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Course-Finder/UG/

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

ATAS Clearance Required

Health Check Required

Portfolio Required

Interview Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Single Honours

Length of Programme

3 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

360

Exit Awards available

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Awarding Institution/Body

Queen's University Belfast

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 6

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Biomedical science (2007)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Institute of Biomedical Science

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 01-09-17

REGULATION INFORMATION

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

N/A

Programme Specific Regulations

Programme Specific Regulations
The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the University’s General Regulations

Examinations

1. Students will normally be allowed only 2 attempts at examinations. A student must normally take a supplementary examination at the first opportunity offered by the University.
2. In the case of incomplete continuous assessment or coursework the student’s mark will be referred until the compulsory element is satisfactorily completed and in the case of elements which cannot be repeated within the timescale set, such as attendance at lectures or practicals etc, then the Board of Examiners may set an alternative piece of work to be completed by a stated deadline.
3. At the end of Stage 1, students may be permitted to transfer to the Human Biology programme, subject to approval by their Adviser of Studies and the Academic Selector.

4. For the award of the Honours degree, students must pass the Project component of final year.

Stage 1

1. In Stage 1 of the Biomedical Science degree students must undertake the 3 specified modules.

2. In order to proceed to Stage 2 students must have passed all level 1 modules.

Stage 2

1. At Stage 2 students must undertake the specified level 2 modules.

2. In order to proceed to Stage 3 students must have passed all level 1 and level 2 modules.

Stage 3

At Stage 3 students must take the specified level 3 modules.

Students with protected characteristics

This programme includes practical and laboratory elements where safety must be the primary consideration. Applications will be considered on an individual basis and in conjunction with Occupational Health and Disability Services.

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

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 Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

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

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

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

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

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

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

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

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.

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 Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate competence in a limited range of specialized laboratory equipment

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Project work

Methods of Assessment

Project report

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

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

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.

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

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

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 Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

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.

Methods of Assessment

The utilisation of both peer and staff assessment of group product quality and individual contribution

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

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

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.

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

Independent study skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

This is promoted through a range of coursework across all stages of the programme.

Methods of Assessment

Completion of coursework within agreed deadlines; successful completion of study schedules in time for summative assessments

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Efficiently summarise large quantities of information and synthesise core concepts from diverse sources

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Methods of Assessment

Project report, lab reports; lab/log book assessment; oral/poster presentations

MODULE INFORMATION

Programme Requirements

Module Title	Module Code	Level/ stage	Credits	Availability		Duration	Pre-requisite			Assessment
				S1	S2			Core	Option	Coursework %	Practical %	Examination %
Human Structure and Function	BMS1104	1	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES		50%	0%	50%
The World of Microorganisms	BIO1301	1	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES		28%	30%	42%
Molecular Basis of Life	BIO1304	1	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES		33%	25%	42%
The Sciences of Disease	BMS2106	2	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y	YES		50%	0%	50%
Cell Biology & Clinical Genetics	BMS2103	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%
Research Project	BMS3112	3	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y	YES		100%	0%	0%
Molecular Markers of Disease	BMS3104	3	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y	YES		40%	0%	60%
Advanced Infections & Clinical Biochemistry	BMS3109	3	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y	YES		40%	0%	60%

Notes

Stage 1: Students must take the 3 Level 1 core modules listed.

Stage 2: Students must take the 3 Level 2 core modules listed.

Stage 3: Students must take the 3 Level 3 core modules listed.