BSc (Honours)/MSci Biomedical Science

UCAS code

B940

Attendance

Full-time

Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time, plus one year to MSci (optional)

At a glance

You gain a fundamental knowledge of how the body works and what goes wrong in various diseases. Case studies are used to link theory and practice.а You also develop skills in the techniques that are used in the diagnosis and research into diseases on our extensive laboratory programme. There is an opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge on placement in a professional environment such as a hospital laboratory or in industry.

Key points
Х Gain the IBMS-accredited degreeаwhich is a requirement to work as an NHS biomedical scientist.
Х Develop extensiveа laboratory skills on anа unique laboratory programme and during a final year project.
Х Gain work experience by applying for a placement year in hospitals or in industry to build your CV.
ХаDevelop attributes valued by employersаsuch asаthe ability to communicate and problem solve.

What is biomedical science?
Biomedical science is the application of biological science to medicine. Many biomedical scientists work within the NHS pathology service providing laboratory diagnosis of disease working in partnership with doctors and other healthcare professionals in order to determine the cause of and how to treat a patientТs condition. They specialise into one of several disciplines for example, medical microbiology where the diagnosis of, and research into infectious disease is carried out.а Other biomedical scientists work in medical research where they may investigate not only the mechanisms of disease but also possible ways to prevent and treat disease.

For more information go to theаInstitute of Biomedical Science website.

About this course

Gain the skills, knowledge and preliminary qualifications required to become an NHS biomedical scientist. You learn how to apply the latest biological science to fields such as medical diagnosis of disease and illness and research into causes of disease.а

The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science as a preliminary qualification for Health and Care Professions Council registration, required in order to practice as a biomedical scientist in the NHS.

Most of our teaching staff are active researchers. For example Dr Neil Cross works on the mechanisms which control cancer cell growth and Dr Christine Le Maitre's research involves the investigation of back pain. Both have excellent links with clinicians at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, and this expertise allows us to feed the latest scientific developments directly into your course.

You start your studies by covering the science underlying the core disciplines of biomedical science including human anatomy and physiology, cell biology and analytical methods. In the second year you advance this knowledge by focusing more specifically on the core disciplines of biomedical science such as immunology and microbiology in addition to general pathology. You are taught using a case-based approach so you can understand how theory relates to practice.

In each of these years you get extensive lab training on our practical laboratory programme in facilities equipped with industry-standard instrumentation to carry out procedures such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and tissue culture. At the end of each year you work on a mini project, investigating a set diagnostic problem using the skills gained through the year.

Once youТve developed professional skills you are encouraged to apply for a placement to put what youТve learnt into practice. Thanks to excellent links with a range of NHS hospitals you can apply for placements with a variety of hospitals such asаХ Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Х Doncaster Royal Infirmary Х Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge Х Royal United Hospitals, Bath.аThere are also placement opportunities for those interested in a career in industry or research, for example at Abbot Diagnostics or Quotient Bioresearch.

You build on this experience in your final year covering major biomedical science subjects such as cellular pathology, microbiology and the blood sciences. You also undertake a research project. Previous project titles include СThe Pro-apoptotic Effect of Rhubarb Juice Extracts on Leukaemia Cell LinesТ and СIdentification and detection of MecA Antibiotic-resistant Determinants in Isolates from Different Hospital EnvironmentsТ.

You are assessed using a variety of methods designed to test the skills you will need in the workplace such as Х presentation and communication skills Х team working Х information gathering.

The optional transfer to the MSci qualification is suitable for students who achieve goodаresults during years one and two.

Key areas of study
The course covers all key disciplines within biomedical science as it fulfils the requirements specified by the IBMS for accreditation.

Institute of Biomedical Sciences accreditation statement
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences who recently commended us on
Х the excellent scientific content of our courses
Х the supportive nature of the staff which provides a positive student experience
Х the laboratory and teaching facilities, which provides an excellent learning environment

Research
The course is supported by research groups working in areas such as applications of tandem mass spectrometry, multiple sclerosis, medical microbiology, lower back pain and cancer. It is carried out in collaboration with local hospital trusts and in some cases with researchers in other countries.

Associated careers

аAs a graduate from this course, you can move into employment within NHS pathology laboratories. Our graduates go into industries associated with medicine such as diagnostic or medical research or clinical trials organisations. Many students also continue their research at PhD level or further study at Masters level is also possible. Students may also enter postgraduate teaching courses or apply for graduate medicine.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and approved as a preliminary qualification for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You must register with the HCPC before you can work as a biomedical scientist in a hospital laboratory.

Completing an appropriate hospital pathology placement during this course can lead to the IBMS Certificate of Competence, which enables you to register with the HCPC after you graduate.

Course content

Year one modules

Х introduction to biomedical sciences Х human physiology and anatomy Х cells, molecules and microbiology Х bioanalytical methods Х practical and professional skills for biomedical science

Year two modules

Х biology of disease Х biomedical investigative techniques Х biochemistry and molecular biology Х immunology and microbiology Х practical and professional skills

Year three

Х optional work placement

Final year core modules

Х cellular pathology Х blood sciences Х professional studies Х research project

Final year options

Х bioethics Х bioinformatics Х human genetics Х applied biochemistry Х pharmacology

MSci year (optional)

Х research methods and statistics Х research projects

Assessment

Х examinations Х coursework Х written assignments Х tests Х group work Х laboratory work

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language, mathematics (or level 2 equivalent such as Level 2 Adult Literacy/Numeracy or Key Skills Level 2 Communication/Application of Number) and science, plus one of the following

Ха300 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels including at least 80 points in biology or BTEC National qualifications where the subject content includes chemistry and biology modules. The study of chemistry is useful but not essential. We do not accept general studies A level.

Х Access Ц an Access to HE Diploma from a relevant QAA-recognised Access to HE course which has mainly biology and chemistry related modules, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 15 level 3 credits should be graded at distinction level.

Х successfully completing our Extended Degree in Biosciences or equivalent

You also need to demonstrate an ability to
Х study academic subjects at degree level
Х debate topics and issues
Х draw on conclusions from written material
Х study independently as well as a member of a group
Х use computers and technology associated with contemporary teaching, learning and assessment methods
Х successfully complete a range of assignments including researched essays and practical examinations

These are normally achieved through completing academic study at level three or above in the last four years.

If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions or disabilities you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the course requirements and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom) and explore any issues you may have.

2013 entry requirements

Fees

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically г11,880 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically г11,880 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk