Program Overview

Medical and Life Science Program

The Medical and Life Science program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to begin studying at level 4 in courses related to Medical and Life Sciences.

Key Information

• Duration: Two Trimesters
• Intakes:
  • January
  • May
  • September
• Location:
  • Cambridge
  • Chelmsford

Medical and Life Science Overview

Students will be introduced to the core skills necessary to succeed in higher education, including thinking critically, researching and referencing appropriately, demonstrating appropriate numeracy and ICT skills, and communicating effectively verbally and in writing. In addition to these fundamental study skills, students will be given an introduction to the various scientific disciplines underpinning the life sciences. Fundamental mathematical skills will be covered to support students' other subjects and give them confidence in manipulating data.

Students will be introduced to molecular and cellular biology, and how these fields are applied to real-world investigations. They will also study the biology of micro and macro organisms, with reference to both human and animal structures. The core concepts of chemistry, with a particular focus on organic chemistry, will be introduced, along with the core principles of physics applied to living organisms.

Pathway Progression

Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of the following degrees from Anglia Ruskin University:

• BSc (Hons) Biology – Cambridge
• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science – Cambridge
• BSc (Hons) Crime & Investigative Studies – Cambridge
• BSc (Hons) Forensic Science – Cambridge
• BSc (Hons) Medical Science – Chelmsford
• BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science – Chelmsford
• BSc (Hons) Zoology – Cambridge

Course Structure

The course includes several modules designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for higher education in Medical and Life Sciences.

Learning to Learn

This module is designed to build on students' academic learning, together with life and employability skills, ensuring they reach their full potential through a clear understanding of Higher Education expectations. It comprises 16 Student Standards that will evidence preparation for undergraduate study, focusing on learning to learn, resubmissions, and improvements to support a portfolio and demonstrate a cheerful outlook and resilience to learning.

Critical Thinking

This module aims to enable students to participate in and practice independent learning tasks for deeper thought and investigation as needed for Higher Academic pursuits. It includes a Socratic Discussion and research based on an issue related to the degree programme, to review the main points of examining an argument in depth.

Module Information

Other modules include:

• Maths for Scientists: Ensures students have the necessary basic mathematical skills required for entry to level 4 on various science-related degree programmes.
• Cellular Biology: Provides an introduction to key processes operating within living organisms, including energy provision, transport, control, and co-ordination alongside key ecological concepts.
• Biology- Physiology: Studies the science of body function and its relation to the structure, or anatomy, of the organism (physiology).
• Chemistry: Offers an elementary introduction to chemical science, covering materials undergoing chemical changes, the periodic table, chemical equations, and organic chemistry.
• Physics for Life Scientists: Introduces the principles and laws of physics which underpin all life sciences, focusing on aspects specific to the requirements of studies at Level 4 and beyond.

These modules are designed to provide a comprehensive foundation for students to succeed in their chosen degree programs within the Medical and Life Sciences field.