BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Sandwich placement

Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Sandwich placement

Overview

This extremely popular course opens up opportunities for entry into a variety of careers associated with the field of biomedical science. Throughout the programme specialist knowledge is steadily introduced in the areas of human physiology, disease biology, microbiology, biochemistry and cell biology. Building upon these core topics the course then focuses upon each of the main pathology disciplines, expanding your appreciation of the role of biomedical science in the understanding of disease presentation, diagnosis, prognosis and choice of patient treatment. An appreciation of good professional practice and the development of essential employability skills required for today’s competitive job market are also embedded in the course.

What's unique about this course?

• IBMS accredited for 30 years
• Extensive local hospital links
• Cutting-edge lectures from hospital consultants and senior biomedical scientists
• Innovative teaching methods
• New, state-of-the-art laboratories

What happens on the course?

Your first year will provide you with a sound grounding in all basic science subjects and includes topics such as the form and function of the human body, disease biology, cell biology and genetics plus microbiology and immunology.

You will then progress to focus upon each of the main specialist pathology disciplines, microbiology, cellular pathology, immunology, haematology and genetics, expanding your appreciation of the role of biomedical science in the understanding of disease presentation, diagnosis, prognosis and choice of patient treatment, and also undertaking practical sessions.

During your second year the University will support you to apply for a suitable placement for your degree. Both the Departmental placement team and The Careers, Enterprise and the Workplace will direct you to relevant placement opportunities and offer advice on CV building, job seeking and interview techniques.

If successful at gaining work experience, you will be able to start building your network, and trial and refine your employability skills. You will be able to learn from the experiences of professionals, work in teams, acquire technical competence and develop generic and time management skills. Many companies that employ graduates use placement programmes as a method of recruitment, so you could be fast tracked into employment or onto one of their graduate schemes.

On completion of your placement you will return to university for your final year of study and will be able to gain research experience first-hand by managing your own research project with dedicated research active staff. Our first-rate facilities include specialised equipment for microscopy, cell culture, protein synthesis and analysis, immunology, molecular oncology, diabetes, microbiology and molecular pharmacology research.

Course Modules

• Year 1:
  • Biochemistry for Life Science
  • Biomedical Basis of Disease
  • Biomedical Science Skills
  • Cell Biology
  • Human Form & Function
  • Introduction to Microbiology
• Year 2:
  • Principles of Disease Investigation in Cellular Pathology
  • Principles of disease investigation in clinical biochemistry
  • Principles of Disease Investigation in Genetics and Genomics
  • Principles of Disease Investigation in Haematology
  • Principles of Disease Investigation in Immunology
  • Principles of disease investigation in medical microbiology
• Year 3:
  • Biomedical Science Sandwich Placement
• Year 4:
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Clinical Cellular Pathology
  • Clinical Genetics
  • Clinical Haematology
  • CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Developmental & Cellular Physiology
  • Practical & Professional Skills Portfolio
  • Research Project

Potential Career Paths

• Biomedical Scientist
• Laboratory Technician
• Trainee Teacher
• Physician Associate
• Research Scientist (Life Sciences and Medical)
• Scientific Laboratory Technician
• Genetic Counsellor

Additional Information

• Why Wolverhampton?
  • Study in the state of the art Rosalind Franklin Science facility
  • Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), so all our graduates meet the academic requirements for entry into the biomedical science profession
  • Dedicated staff, many of whom are Fellows of the IBMS. In addition, the course leader is an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist with many years’ experience in practice
  • Practical classes supported by biomedical scientists from local NHS trusts: application of techniques to practice.
  • Teaching is underpinned by research: In the last REF, the University of Wolverhampton was ranked at its highest ever level.
  • Current advances in technology supported learning and teaching approaches embedded throughout the course, ensuring that all students meet their full potential during their studies.
• What skills will you gain?
  • Understand the factors and processes which contribute to human health and disease
  • Demonstrate your knowledge of human form and function, physiology, biochemistry, molecular pathology and the biology and investigation of disease
  • Apply your knowledge to critical analyse, interpret and critically evaluate biomedical data
  • Demonstrate laboratory skills and knowledge of planning and designing experiments and execute independent research based on data generation in challenging learning opportunities
  • To take responsibility for your own learning, foster a spirit of enquiry, and develop attitudes and skills to underpin independent, life-long learning
  • Use effectively transferable skills in communication, IT, numeracy and data analysis, team working, critical thinking, setting tasks, problem solving and self-management and achieve to the maximum of your ability
  • Exercise professionalism, personal responsibility and decision-making as needed for employment or further studies and in other situations
  • Demonstrate graduate attributes of Digital Literacy, Knowledgeable and Enterprising, and Global Citizenship.
• Course Fees and Finance
  • Location | Mode | Fee | Year
    • Home | Sandwich | £9250 per year |
    • Home | Sandwich | £9535 per year |
    • International | Sandwich | £15450 per year |
    • International | Sandwich | £17000 per year |
• Entry Requirements
  • GCSE English Language at grade C/4 or above. Equivalents accepted for English GCSE requirements only
  • If you do not hold a GCSE grade C/4+ in Mathematics you will be strongly advised to complete your Mathematics GCSE alongside your studies at the University.
  • Students wishing to take a hospital laboratory placement as part of the Applied Biomedical Science route must have GCSE Maths at C/4 or above or, Level 2 Essential / Key Skill in Application of Number or an equivalent mathematics qualification.
  • PLUS EITHER
    • 96 UCAS points
    • A Levels - grades CCC / BCD to include at least one Science subject, preferably Biology
    • BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades MMM in Applied Science
    • Access to HE Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits at Merit, 36 of these must be in Science
• Who accredits this course?
  • Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
• Funding
  • Tuition Fees Loan(Home Fee Status):
    • Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.
  • Changes for EU students:
    • The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:
  • Self-funding:
    • If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.
  • Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:
    • If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.
  • Financial Hardship:
    • Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund. for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.
  • Bursaries and Scholarships:
    • In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages
  • You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Title:

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Sandwich placement

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Location:

University of Wolverhampton

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School:

School of Life Sciences

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Mode:

Sandwich

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Duration:

4 years

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Start Date:

September 2024

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UCAS Code:

B991

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Overview:

This undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science provides a comprehensive introduction to the field, preparing students for careers in scientific research, pathology, or additional studies in medicine or health sciences.

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Objectives:

• Provide students with a thorough understanding of human anatomy, physiology, disease biology, microbiology, and cell biology.
• Equip students with the practical skills necessary for biomedical research through hands-on laboratory experience.
• Develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Open doors to a range of exciting career opportunities in healthcare, research, and industry.

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Additional Information:

• The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
• Students have the opportunity to spend a year working in a real-world laboratory setting through the sandwich placement program.
• The program boasts strong links with local and regional NHS Trusts, ensuring curriculum relevance and industry preparedness.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Focuses on core scientific subjects: human anatomy, physiology, disease biology, cell biology, microbiology, and immunology.
• Introduces essential laboratory skills through practical workshops and sessions.

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Year 2:

• Delves deeper into specific pathology disciplines: microbiology, cellular pathology, immunology, haematology, and genetics.
• Emphasizes practical applications of learned concepts with more advanced laboratory work.

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Year 3 (Sandwich Placement):

• Students spend a year working in a relevant laboratory setting, gaining valuable professional experience.
• Placement opportunities are available within the UK and abroad.
• The university provides support and guidance in securing suitable placements.

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Year 4:

• Students return to university to complete their final year studies.
• Focus on independent research through a research project in an area of interest.
• Completion of a professional portfolio showcasing acquired skills and knowledge.

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Course Modules:

• Biochemistry for Life Science: Introduces the fundamentals of chemistry and biochemistry with a focus on major biomolecules and metabolic pathways.
• Biomedical Basis of Disease: Explores the pathology, epidemiology, public health medicine, pharmacology, and psychosocial dimensions of health.
• Biomedical Science Skills: Develops essential scientific and practical skills necessary for successful study in biomedical science.
• Cell Biology: Studies cell structure, organelles, enzyme action, metabolism, and gene structure, function, and expression.
• Human Form & Function: Examines human anatomy and physiology, applying knowledge to explain disease mechanisms.
• Introduction to Microbiology: Introduces basic theoretical and practical concepts in medical and environmental microbiology.
• Principles of Disease Investigation in Cellular Pathology: Covers the theoretical knowledge and practical skills for histopathological and cytological diagnosis of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases.
• Principles of disease investigation in clinical biochemistry: Focuses on sample analysis for disease diagnosis in clinical biochemistry laboratories.
• Principles of Disease Investigation in Genetics and Genomics: Provides a theoretical basis for genetic and genomic principles and demonstrates molecular biology techniques.
• Principles of Disease Investigation in Haematology: Covers the physiology of haematological systems, pathophysiology of related disorders, theoretical foundation of laboratory tests, and interpretation of data.
• Principles of Disease Investigation in Immunology: Develops an understanding of major immunology concepts and explores practical applications in disease diagnosis.
• Principles of disease investigation in medical microbiology: Focuses on sample analysis for disease diagnosis in clinical microbiology laboratories.
• Biomedical Science Sandwich Placement: Develops technical and personal skills within a work environment, enhancing employability and providing evidence for potential employers.
• Clinical Biochemistry: Applies acquired skills in disease diagnosis and treatment of metabolic and endocrine diseases.
• Clinical Cellular Pathology: Expands understanding of principles and practice of cellular pathology, focusing on various pathologies affecting different organ systems and diagnostic strategies.
• Clinical Genetics: Introduce the application of clinical genetics to disease identification, prevention, and treatment.
• Clinical Haematology: Applies acquired skills in disease diagnosis and treatment of haematological disorders.
• Clinical Immunology: Provides an understanding of disease mechanisms in immunological diseases and enables appreciation of laboratory investigations in clinical immunology.
• Clinical Microbiology: Studies clinically important microorganisms to investigate aetiology, pathogenicity, and treatment of infections.
• Developmental & Cellular Physiology: Examines human development, reproduction, and life cycles, including stem cells and regenerative medicine.
• Practical & Professional Skills Portfolio: Evaluates and showcases practical and professional skills, presenting evidence of laboratory experience and graduate attributes.
• Research Project: Undertakes an independent research project in an area of interest, from conception to completion, honing research, analysis, and presentation skills.

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Assessment:

• Continuous assessment through coursework, assignments, and practical exams.
• End-of-year exams in certain modules.
• Research project culminating in written dissertation and presentation.
• Practical portfolio showcasing professional skills and achievements.

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Teaching:

• Delivered by expert faculty with research experience in relevant areas.
• Combines lectures, practical laboratory sessions, and workshops.
• Small group tutorials to provide personalized feedback and support.
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities and technology.
• Strong emphasis on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

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Careers: Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in:

• Clinical Laboratories
• National Health Service (NHS)
• Research Institutions
• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries
• Medical Sales
• Scientific Communication
• Postgraduate Studies in Medicine, Healthcare, or Science

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Other:

• The program places a strong emphasis on employability skills development.
• Career advice and support services are available throughout the program.
• Opportunities for international study and placements are available.
• Graduates are eligible to apply for the IBMS Registered Scientist (RSci) designation.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• Home: £9250 per year
• International: £13950 per year