FD (Science) Healthcare Science (Biomedical Science)

Program Overview

The FD (Science) Healthcare Science (Biomedical Science) program at the University of Wolverhampton equips Assistant Practitioners with the academic skills for a career in pathology and laboratory medicine. This 3-year part-time program combines theoretical learning with work-based study, covering a wide range of subjects in Healthcare Life Sciences disciplines. Graduates are eligible to work as Associate Practitioners in NHS laboratories and have opportunities for further study in Healthcare Science.

Program Outline

FD (Science) Healthcare Science (Biomedical Science) - University of Wolverhampton

Degree Overview:

• Objective: Equip Assistant Practitioners with the necessary academic skills for a career in pathology and laboratory medicine.
• Course type: Foundation Degree
• Duration: 3 years part-time
• Study mode: Blended learning with a mixture of university taught modules and work-based learning.
• Location: University of Wolverhampton - City Campus
• School: School of Life Sciences
• Start date: 16 September 2024

Outline:

• Combines theoretical learning with essential work-based study.
• Covers a wide range of subjects in the Healthcare Life Sciences disciplines.
• Involves the development of practical techniques relevant to pathology and laboratory medicine.
• Helps students develop effective study skills for higher education.

Modules:

• Year 1:
• Biochemistry for Life Science:
Explores the structure and function of biomolecules and metabolic pathways.
• Biomedical Science Skills (Work Based): Develops scientific and practical skills through online lectures, workshops, and practical tasks.
• Cell Biology: Investigates cell structure, organelles, enzyme action, metabolism, and gene structure and function.
• Introduction to Microbiology (Distance learning): Introduces basic theoretical and practical concepts in environmental and medical microbiology.
• Year 2:
• Biology of Disease (Distance learning):
Provides the underpinning knowledge of pathology, epidemiology, public health medicine, pharmacology, and the psychosocial dimensions of health.
• Human Form & Function: Examines human anatomy and physiology, explaining how dysfunction of body systems can lead to disease.
• Principles of Disease Investigation in Cellular Pathology (work-based): Covers the theoretical knowledge base of cellular pathology.
• Principles of Disease Investigation in Medical Microbiology (work-based): Considers theoretical and practical aspects of sample analysis for disease diagnosis in microbiology.
• Year 3:
• Principles of Disease Investigation in Clinical Biochemistry (work-based):
Considers theoretical and practical aspects of sample analysis in clinical biochemistry.
• Principles of Disease Investigation in Haematology (work-based): Covers physiology of haematological systems, haematopoiesis, blood cell diversity and function, haemostasis, and disorders affecting these systems.
• Work Based Portfolio (Biomedical Science): Develops knowledge in support skills for biomedical science, including understanding health and safety procedures, quality control, specimen handling, and monitoring procedures.
• Principles of Disease Investigation in Genetics and Genomics (work-based): Explores genetic and genomic principles, data analysis, and safety in the workplace.
(Optional)
• Principles of Disease Investigation in Immunology (work-based):
Develops an understanding of immunology and its practical application in disease diagnosis. (Optional)

Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary across modules and may include coursework, exams, presentations, portfolios, and practical assessments.

Teaching:

• Delivered by enthusiastic team of tutors with expertise in healthcare science.
• Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory practicals, and online learning resources.

Careers:

• Successful completion enables work as an Associate Practitioner in an NHS laboratory.
• Provides opportunity for further study towards careers as a practitioner in Healthcare Science.

Other:

• Offers a flexible blended learning delivery model.
• Provides continuous professional development opportunities.
• Focuses on both theoretical and practical skills development.

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: EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here. 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. For more information please contact the Gateway. 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. We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees. 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.