Program Overview

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Course Overview

Our degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), ensuring it provides you with the necessary background, knowledge, and skills to pursue your career as a biomedical scientist upon graduation. IBMS accreditation also means that your programme covers all elements that satisfy the QAA benchmark statements for Biomedical Science degrees.

The course provides flexibility to explore areas of biology such as cell and molecular biology, clinical biochemistry, haematology, immunology, genetics, and medical microbiology. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the complex science behind the cause, consequence, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses.

You’ll also delve deep into blood sciences and clinical biochemistry, giving you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of diagnostic approaches, researching clinical markers, screening techniques and the role biomedical scientists can play in saving lives and improving health.

In our brand-new laboratories, you’ll put theory into practice, building a sound knowledge of cellular pathology, genetics, the human immune system, and biochemical pathways.

Thanks to our close partnerships with local hospitals, you’ll also have access to valuable opportunities, including work experience, clinical expert talks, visits and early career support.

A biomedical science degree offers diverse career paths in research laboratories, pharmaceutical industries, healthcare settings, government agencies, or academia. You could also proceed to apply to Study Medicine at the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine.

On this course you will...

• Develop an enthusiasm for biomedical sciences and be involved in stimulating and hands-on learning opportunities.
• Be assigned a personal tutor who will not just be your academic point of contact on the course but will, along with our careers service, help you to consider the wide range of jobs and further study options a degree in biomed can give you.
• Have the opportunity to be involved with other science students on other courses to get a wider appreciation of the biosciences in an industrial, academic, economic, and social context.
• Get time in labs to conduct experiments and procedures planned for you. But also learn to plan and carry out your own experiments independently with support and guidance.
• Be introduced to a network of employers to gain a real-world insight, find work experience opportunities and learn more about the plethora of doors that this course can unlock.
• Gain a knowledge and skills base from which will help you move towards a career in biomedical sciences or postgraduate study.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Carlisle - Fusehill Street
• Institute: Institute of Science and Environment
• UCAS Code: C912
• Delivery Style: Blended
• Course Duration: Full-time: 3 Years
• Study Options: Integrated Foundation Year
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: BSc (Hons)

Minimum entry requirements

• 112-120 UCAS Tariff points
• GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science at grade 4/C or above
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths and Adult Literacy and Numeracy are also accepted

Tuition fees

• £9,535 - UK
• £14,900 - International

Course Structure

What you will learn

You will get an in-depth understanding of the complex science behind the cause, consequence, diagnosis and treatment of disease. You’ll learn how science can be applied to clinical practice and research, ultimately to make a difference to human lives through diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Our brand new laboratories will support you in getting a sound knowledge of cellular pathology, molecular genetics, the human immune system and biochemical pathways.

We’ll delve deep into blood sciences and the immune system, giving you the opportunity to also expand your knowledge in the fields such as clinical biochemistry researching clinical markers, screening techniques and diagnostic approaches.

Year one

• Introductory Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Introductory Immunology and Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Practical Laboratory Science

Year two

• Exploring Research
• Human Genetics
• Infection and Immunity
• Medical Microbiology
• Pharmacology and Physiology
• Cellular and Molecular Pathology

Year three

• Integrated Biomedical Science
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Haematology and Transfusion Science
• Dissertation module
• Parasitology (Optional)
• Toxicology (Optional)
• Advanced Genetics (Optional)

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

The programme of teaching and learning is designed to enable you to demonstrate the attainment of the stated learning outcomes of the programme and assessment strategies are as such matched to these outcomes.

You will be supported in a progressive acquisition of subject knowledge and skills, gradually advancing towards more independent learning whilst developing a reflective approach to personal progress.

How you will be assessed

Within a balanced scheme, assessment methods will include:

• Word exams
• Time-constrained coursework
• Short note class tests
• Laboratory reports
• Problem solving exercises (both of a practical and written format)
• Critical analysis of case studies
• Oral, audio-visual and poster presentations
• Dissertations
• Peer and self-assessment
• Group work
• Practical skills tests

Entry Requirements

• 104-120 UCAS Tariff Points
• GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science at grade 4/C or above
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths and Adult Literacy and Numeracy are also accepted

Qualifications

• A-levels: BBD - BBB to include Biology at C or above
• T-levels: P (C+) – M. T Levels Healthcare Science; Health and Science are accepted for entry to this course
• Access to HE: 30 credits at Distinction, 6 at Merit and 9 at Pass - Science based
• CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: B - Science based
• OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: MMM - DDM - to include Biology
• Scottish Highers: BBBC – AABB to include Biology
• Irish LC Highers: B1, B2x3 – A2, B1x3 to include Biology
• Other experience: IELTS 7.0 with no less than 7.0 in each element for applicants where English Language is not their first language

Funding

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.

Books and Journals

Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.