BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences
Attendance
Part-time
Part-time – typically four years if in relevant employment, otherwise up to six years
At a glance
Designed primarily for employees already working in hospital pathology and other bioscience labs, this course allows you to integrate academic knowledge with your existing practical experience. You benefit from teaching based on the latest biomedical research, and gain the accredited qualifications and skills needed to develop as a scientist in the NHS and other related sectors.
Key points
• Primarily designed for employees working in hospital pathology and biosciences labs.
• Benefit from the expertise of staff active in our Biomedical Research Centre (BMRC).
• Develop your scientific research skills with a major final research project.
• Study on a course accredited and commended by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences.
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 patient’s condition. They specialise into one of several disciplines for example, medical microbiology where the diagnosis of, and research into infectious disease is carried out. 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 the Institute of Biomedical Science website.
About this course
This course is mainly for employees in hospital pathology laboratories and other biomedical and biological laboratories.
It allows people in relevant employment to develop their professional skills and integrate their work experience with academic studies. However, opportunities exist for others not working in these environments to take the course.
A strong theme of professional development is also central to your learning to enhance your growth as a scientist and improve your employability.
Level one covers the underlying principles of biomedical science such as cell biology, physiology and analytical science.
In levels two and three, you develop a more detailed knowledge in specialist areas including • immunology • molecular biology • clinical biochemistry • medical microbiology • cellular pathology • pharmacology.
You can then combine all the skills and knowledge you have gained by completing a major research project.
You take all taught modules in common with students studying full-time and we agree your individual pattern of attendance.
Most of our teaching staff are active in our Biomedical Research Centre (BMRC). This allows us to feed scientific developments directly into our courses. We constantly review course content, including the comprehensive practical laboratory programme, to keep abreast of scientific developments.
Key areas of study
Key areas include • human physiology and anatomy • microbiology and genetics • biology of disease • professional development • principles of pharmacology • clinical biochemistry and haematology.
Institute of Biomedical Sciences accreditation statement
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences who recently commended us on
• the excellent scientific content of our courses
• the supportive nature of the staff which provides a positive student experience
• the laboratory and teaching facilities, which provides an excellent learning environment
Associated careers
The course is an accredited qualification for hospital biomedical scientists and is equally suitable for careers in many areas of biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry and biological research.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBS) and approved as a preliminary qualification for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Registration with the HCPC is required for employment as a biomedical scientist in hospital laboratories.
If you are employed in an approved NHS training laboratory and complete appropriate training, the IBS can assess you for a Certificate of Competence. This with your honours degree, means you can register with the HCPC after you graduate.
Course content
Level one
• introduction to biomedical science • human physiology and anatomy • cellullar biology, biochemistry and microbiology bioanalytical methods • professional and scientific practice 1
Level two
• biology of disease • professional and scientific practice 2 • molecular biology and biochemistry • biomedical investigative techniques • immunology and microbiology
Level three
• professional and scientific practice 3 • cellular pathology and infection • blood sciences • research project
Level three options
• bioethics • bioinformatics • human genetics • applied biochemistry • pharmacology
Assessment
Written examinations combined with continuous assessment for most of the taught modules. We assess some modules, including workplace-based modules, by continuous assessment only.
Entry requirements
Normally 260 UCAS tariff points, which includes the study of biology. We accept suitable modules from access or foundation courses in science. If you already have a relevant HNC or HND qualification you may enter the course with up to two years exemption.
For applicants 21 or over, with relevant employment and experience, we offer a flexible admissions policy. Please contact us to discuss the possibilities available.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £4,500 a year based on 60 credits
How to apply
Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form
Contact details
Contact Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Sheffield S1 1WB. Phone +44 (0)114 225 5555. Fax +44 (0)114 225 2167 e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk