Program Overview

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Introduction to Applied Biomedical Science

The BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degree from Robert Gordon University is designed to teach students about the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease. This unique laboratory training program provides hands-on experience in all major hospital laboratory disciplines, preparing students for a successful career in this key profession within healthcare.

Course Overview

• The course is available on campus with a full-time mode of attendance.
• The start date is September, and the course length is 4 years.
• Students will study up to four modules each term, with each module containing around three hours of class teaching per week.
• Laboratory-based modules include around four hours per week of laboratory practical work.
• Tutorial support is usually an extra hour per module per week.

Year 1 - Completed via BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Students will build on their existing knowledge in Biology and Chemistry as it applies to Biomedical Science. They will also be introduced to Analytical Laboratory Science and Microbiology, gaining an understanding of the Biomedical Science profession.

Year 2

Students will be introduced to more advanced areas of Biomedical Science and, through the multi-disciplinary placement, gain an appreciation of the activities of the biomedical scientist in NHS laboratories in Microbiology, Haematology, Clinical Biochemistry, Transfusion Science, Histopathology, and Cytopathology.

Year 3

Students will study more advanced diagnostic subjects as they apply to Biomedical Science and spend the whole of Term 2 on placement in two NHS laboratory disciplines. During this time, they will meet the requirements of their IBMS registration training portfolio.

Year 4

The course culminates in the application of specialist knowledge to the diagnosis of disease and shows how treatments for disease can be monitored for effectiveness. Students' laboratory skills are tested to the full during the Research Project.

Student Stories

Hear from students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

• Graduate Story - Torrie
• Graduate Story - Lena Forsyth
• Graduate Story - Holly Grant

Sustainability Commitment

As a school of applied science, it is fundamental that all curricula provide the knowledge, skills, attributes, values, and agency that empower students to make positive and responsible contributions to society and innovative solutions that benefit the planet's future.

Events

The university hosts on-campus and virtual events to help students find out more about study, student experience, and future career paths.

Course and Module Information

Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses, and course content and structure may change over time.

Activity Summary

Students will study up to four modules each term, with each module containing around three hours of class teaching per week. For laboratory-based modules, there will be around four hours per week of laboratory practical work.

Assessment

Typically, students are assessed through a combination of written exams, written assignments, reports, portfolios, practical skills assessments, and presentations.

Feedback

The university aims to provide students with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework, and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia, and other specific learning differences.

Online Learning and Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students benefit from using the collaborative virtual learning environment, Moodle, which enhances their learning experience and keeps them up-to-date with coursework and assignments on-the-go.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in academic writing, study skills, maths and statistics, and information technology support.

Library Support

The Library offers support for courses, including books, eBooks, and journals, as well as online reading lists, workshops, and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing.

Placements

This course has been designed in partnership with Biomedical Scientists within NHS Grampian, NHS Highland, and the Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Blood Transfusion Service. Placements are fully integrated into the course and are compulsory and unpaid.

Job Prospects

The majority of BSc Applied Biomedical Science graduates secure employment within the NHS Laboratory Service. The course will also equip students with the relevant skills needed to work within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

RGUflex

Collect academic credit flexibly and claim an award from the University. RGUflex delivers on-demand flexible learning where students can upskill, reskill, or pursue a passion.

Entry Requirements

Year 1 Entry

• SQA Higher: BBBB to include Biology/Human Biology plus one from Chemistry, Maths, or Physics. Chemistry, English, and Maths are required at National 5 grade B or above if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: BCC to include Biology plus one from Chemistry, Maths, or Physics. Chemistry, English, and Maths are required at GCSE grade 6/B or above if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H2H3H3 to include Biology plus one from Chemistry, Maths, or Physics. Chemistry, English, and Maths are required at grade O2 or above if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma: 28 to include Higher Level Biology plus one from Chemistry, Maths, or Physics at grade 5. Standard Level English and Maths are required at grade 4 if not held at Higher Level.

Alternative Qualifications

The university welcomes applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships, and overseas qualifications.

International Students

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through the International College at Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

For applicants entering the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences route and whose first language is not English, an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent is required. For applicants who transfer via the selection process to the BSc Applied Biomedical Science and whose first language is not English, an IELTS of 7.0 overall, with no component lower than 6.5, or an equivalent is required.

Fees and Funding

Academic Year

• Scottish Students: ｣1,820 per year for 4 years.
• Rest of UK Students: ｣9,535 per year for 4 years (for Academic Year, and ｣7,220 per year for 4 years for the next Academic Year).
• International Students: ｣18,550 per year for 4 years (for Academic Year, and ｣17,920 per year for 4 years for the next Academic Year).

Additional Costs

Some other costs are not included in the course fees, such as the cost of books, costs associated with any placement or study abroad, accommodation, and living costs.

Student Funding

If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding. Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website for their country.

Scholarships and Financial Awards

You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award. The university offers various scholarships and financial awards to help support students.

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. Health and Care Professions are regulated by the Health & Care Professions Council. If you plan to train in the UK, you must undertake an approved programme to be eligible to apply to the Register. This programme is approved by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Facilities

The university has various facilities to support student learning, including the Analytical Science Laboratory and the Cell Culture Laboratory.