Biomedical Sciences BSc (Hons)
COURSE INFORMATION (2013 ENTRY)
3 years full-time or 4 years sandwich
Health and Life SciencesEllison Building, Newcastle City Campus
Please note: this course is now closed to late applicants. The next intake will be September 2014. Applications are still being considered from International (non EU) Applicants.
The degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and provides the education required to become a Registered Biomedical Scientist working in the National Health Service (NHS). Alternatively, it could lead to a career in bioscience research, teaching or industry. The course provides a broad-based education in all aspects of biomedical science, including biochemistry, genetics, haematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, pathology, physiology, toxicology and transfusion science. There is a strong emphasis on laboratory work, transferable skills, independent learning, group work and communication skills.
Teaching staff in the subject area comprise those who have previous experience as Biomedical Scientists in the NHS, post doctoral researchers and a number of part-time lecturers who are current practitioners working in local hospitals. Many staff continue to engage in biomedical research and thus, current knowledge and skills are constantly updated and enhance our teaching and course material.
The course will provide you with a foundation in the core scientific subjects underpinning biomedical sciences alongside an introduction to the disciplines of the biomedical laboratory. It looks at the current aspects of biomedical sciences, with an emphasis on the investigation of disease at the molecular level and the role of biomedical research in furthering knowledge of the nature and treatment of disease.
The third year offers an optional work placement, whereby you may wish to apply for a work placement in an external laboratory and gain valuable work experience.
The final year includes the research project, whereby you will carry out an extended period of research activity and independent learning in an area of biomedical sciences of your choice.
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The programme is delivered through a range of lectures, practicals and seminars that provide a foundation for guided independent study. There is a high emphasis on practical laboratory work which provides students with a strong laboratory foundation in a wide range of methodologies and practical skills using state of the art instrumentation.
Scheduled activity increases in the final year due to all students undertaking a laboratory based project. The project is scheduled for one day per week when all laboratories and tutors are available for project students.
You will be encouraged and supported in planning, managing and reviewing your own learning.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
A variety of assessment types are used including essays, laboratory reports, literature reviews, a research project, group work (both laboratory and theoretical), portfolios, individual and group seminars, written and practical examinations.
ACCREDITATION
This programme is approved by the Institute of Biomedical Science as a suitable qualification to enable training as a Biomedical Scientist.
TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES
We also offer the Applied Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) which is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC). It provides the education and training required to become a Registered Biomedical Scientist working in the National Health Service, although successful graduates can equally pursue a career in bioscience research, teaching or industry.
The difference between the Applied Biomedical Science degree and the Biomedical Sciences degree is that a placement in an approved NHS laboratory is incorporated into the former. The placement will require you to work two days per week in the hospital during term time.
Entry to this course is via the Biomedical Sciences degree. Successful students are allowed to transfer to the Applied Biomedical Science degree at the end of Semester 1 in the first year. Places on this course are subject to NHS placements being available. This course can be taken full-time or part-time, as agreed with the NHS provider.
CAREERS
Graduates are in a strong position to enter a variety of professions and have gained employment in the National Health Service as biomedical scientists, engaged with postgraduate medicine and dentistry, the pharmaceutical industry. Others are working in administration, management, teaching, lecturing and research, scientific literature, the Civil Service, retailing and the business world. Recent graduates have gained employment with Procter and Gamble, DiaMed and various NHS trusts.
OTHER INFO
Taught Hours
At present, the Biomedical Sciences degree is generally taught over two days (9.00am - 8.30pm) in the first and second years. In the final year, this increases to three days (two days 9.00am-5.00pm and one day 9.00am-8.30pm).
Course Facilities
Course facilities include well-equipped and refurbished laboratories and teaching rooms as well as School-specific IT facilities. You will also have access to general university facilities.
Course Staff
Staff expertise covers all aspects of the programme; practising biomedical scientists from hospital laboratories teach many topics in pathological sciences.
Research
There is significant biomedical science research activity in the School.
Conferences
As a student on the course, you would be invited to any relevant conferences, including the placement students' conference and the biannual postgraduate biomedical sciences conference on genetics and immunology.
Further Study
Upon successful completion of your degree, you may wish to consider further study. Examples of postgraduate courses include: MSc in Biomedical Sciences, PhD in Bioscience and Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
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Northumbria University has taken reasonable care to ensure that the information published is accurate at the time of publication. However, the University gives no warranty or representation as to the quality, accuracy or completeness of the information.
