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Undergraduate Programme Specification

BSc Medical Science

Academic Year 2021/22

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 Science Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Bachelor of Science
Programme Code BMS-MED-IC UCAS Code N/A HECoS Code 100270 - Medical sciences - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Intercalated Length of Programme Full Time - 1 Academic Year(s) Total Credits for Programme 120
Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 6

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Biosciences (2019)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Regulation Information

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

Classification determined on the year of study only.

Programme Specific Regulations

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

1. Students will normally be allowed only 2 attempts at examinations.
2. In the case of incomplete continuous assessments 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. Students must take the Research Project module (BMS3112) plus any 2 others from those listed in the Programme Requirements.
4. Classification will be based on this one year of study only and will be determined by the weighted average of the modules. The predominance rule will apply.

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)

Yes
Yes, subject to the requirements of the medical/dental programmes

Educational Aims Of Programme

1) To equip students with the knowledge and skills to undertake research in medical science.

2) To provide students with the opportunity to contribute to original research.

3) To enable students to read and critically assess current research literature.

4) To develop students skills in scientific writing.

5) To expand students capacity for self-directed and life-long learning.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

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

Generate hypotheses and deduce outcomes of such hypotheses that may be investigated by experiment.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars, tutorial-based discussion, directed and self-directed study, problem based assignments and experiential learning; Lab-based classes; Research Project

Methods of Assessment

Research Project dissertation

Prioritise the different elements in a complex system.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars, tutorial-based discussion, directed and self-directed study, problem based assignments and experiential learning; Lab-based classes; Research Project

Methods of Assessment

Lab reports; written coursework; project dissertation

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

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars, tutorial-based discussion, directed and self-directed study, problem based assignments and experiential learning; Lab-based classes; Research Project

Methods of Assessment

Lab reports; written coursework; oral presentations; project dissertation

Creatively apply scientific principles to new problems and in new situations.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars, tutorial-based discussion, directed and self-directed study, problem based assignments and experiential learning; Lab-based classes; Research Project

Methods of Assessment

Lab reports; written coursework; oral presentations; project dissertation

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

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

Discuss several specific areas of current research within medical/biomedical science.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Didactic teaching and guided discovery methods with an emphasis on small group discussions, student/staff led seminars, oral and written presentations of literature reviews; discussions with project supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Written exams; research project dissertation

Undertake basic and clinical research under appropriate supervision

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Research project

Methods of Assessment

Project dissertation and Oral Presentation

Critically evaluate current scientific literature in the field of medical/biomedical science.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Undertaking Research Project; analysis and discussion of data through the use of examples within class or through the research project; 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 dissertation, lab reports; lab/log book assessment; oral/poster presentations; written assignments on interpretation and analysis of scientific papers

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

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

Design and plan experiments and experimental schedules in clinical and biomedical science that satisfy recognised standards of safety and accountability.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Research Project; Instruction in safety procedures including relevant paperwork, such as COSHH and ethical approval forms for project reports

Methods of Assessment

Project Dissertation and supervisor’s report

Evaluate experimental data using appropriate analytical and statistical methods

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

Employ bibliographic software in the completion of essays and dissertations

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Formal didactic teaching and practice in the use of bibliographic software

Methods of Assessment

Coursework such as essays; research project dissertation

Work safely in biomedical research laboratories (where appropriate)

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 Dissertation and supervisor’s report

Demonstrate competence in the use of general laboratory equipment (where appropriate).

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Module practical classes; undertaking of Level 3 Research Projects;

Methods of Assessment

Practical lab reports; formal assessed demonstrations of use of lab equipment

Demonstrate competence in the use of an appropriate range of specialised laboratory equipment.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Level 3 Research Project

Methods of Assessment

Project Dissertation; Project Supervisor Reports

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

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

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

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

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 dissertation

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 (statistics completed previously in medicine/dentistry)

Methods of Assessment

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

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

Team working

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching through group projects and other learning strategies

Methods of Assessment

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

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

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

Apply the scientific method and statistical principles in the design of studies and experiments.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Undertaking Research Project; analysis and discussion of data through the use of examples within class or through the research project; 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 dissertation, lab reports; lab/log book assessment; oral/poster presentations; written assignments on interpretation and analysis of scientific papers

Write a summary and critique of the published literature in their chosen area of research and submit the findings of their own research in an appropriately structured and referenced fashion in the form of a thesis.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Undertaking Research Project; analysis and discussion of data through the use of examples within class or through the research project; 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 dissertation, lab reports; lab/log book assessment; oral/poster presentations; written assignments on interpretation and analysis of scientific papers

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Research Project BMS3112 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 80% 20% 0%
Embryology & Developmental Biology BMS3105 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 60% 0% 40%
Exercise, Sports Science and Medicine BMS3103 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 80% 0%
Advanced Neurosciences BMS3102 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 15% 10% 75%
Cardiovascular Pathobiology & Treatment BMS3107 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 30% 50%
Principles of Pharmacology & Therapeutics BMS3106 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 30% 50%

Notes

Students must take the Research Project module and any 2 others. Choices may be restricted because of timetabling constraints.