Program Overview

Biomedical Science Practice BSc (Hons)

Overview

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Practice delivers the learning outcomes and content specified by the Level 6 apprenticeship standard and the QAA benchmark for Biomedical Science. The apprenticeship is delivered predominantly online, with learners only attending campus at the end of each semester for up to a week of laboratory workshops and examinations.

Why us?

• This is an apprenticeship for Biomedical Science apprentice learners, who will gain knowledge, understanding, and intellectual skills as well as valuable on-the-job experience as a biomedical scientist in a healthcare setting
• The apprenticeship is taught by experienced NHS biomedical scientists and researchers
• The University of Sunderland's apprenticeship provision has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted (July 2024)

Flexible delivery with learners being able to access the learning materials/lectures online at a time that benefits the learner and employer, fitting with service delivery needs

The University of Sunderland is 1st in the North East for how well our courses develop the knowledge and skills needed for the future. (National Student Survey, 2024)

Course structure

The apprenticeship degree integrates traditional lectures, interactive laboratory and simulation practical's, computing sessions and seminars and workshops, including verbal presentations and posters, group work, case-based learning, directed learning, research project supervision.

The apprentice will be assessed using a combination of formative and summative assignments throughout the degree and the apprenticeship. The learner is required to complete the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) registration portfolio to enable them to be eligible to apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration to practice as a Biomedical Scientist, whilst also preparing learners for undertaking mandatory continuous professional development (CPD) by collating a professional (CPD) portfolio through all stages of learning.

Course modules

Life Sciences

Year 1:

• Fundamental Skills in Biomedicine (20 credits)
• Human Physiology (20 credits)
• Molecular and Cellular Biology (20 credits)
• Microbes and Host Defences (20 credits)
• Chemistry for the Biosciences (20 credits)
• Clinical & Professional Practice for Healthcare Science (20 credits)

Year 2:

• Research and Analytical Skills for Bioscience (20 credits)
• Biomedical Science Apprenticeship Workbased Training (20 credits)
• Pathophysiology & Therapeutics
• Blood Science
• Molecular & Cellular Analysis
• Infection & Immunity

Year 3:

• Biomedical Science Apprenticeship Advanced Workbased Training (30 credits)
• Healthcare Science Research Project (30 credits)
• End Point Assessment for Apprenticeship

A combination of core and optional modules depending on discipline:

• Clinical Biochemistry (20 credits)
• Clinical Immunology (20 credits)
• Haematology & Transfusion Science (20 credits)
• Medical Microbiology (20 credits)
• Cellular Pathology (20 credits)
• Human Genetics & Genomics (20 credits)

Facilities

This course is based in The John Dawson Sciences Complex at our City Campus, which boasts excellent facilities and cutting-edge equipment thanks to multi-million-pound investments.

Our Clinical Skills Suite is equipped with a range of clinical equipment for training health professionals. The cutting-edge equipment is backed up with excellent IT facilities and helpful IT support staff.

Entry requirements

• Admission is subject to the learner being employed by an organisation and remaining in employment with an organisation throughout the duration of the programme. The employer must confirm participants comply with apprentice eligibility criteria.
• We would require successful completion of an Access to Higher Education course that is accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency. We would also require a minimum of grade C in GCSE in Mathematics and English Language or the equivalent as part of your course.
• If English is your second language, we require a minimum of IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 6.0 in each element.

Fees and finance

• Larger organisations can use their apprenticeship levy and government top-up to pay tuition and professional fees of higher apprenticeships. For smaller employers, the government pays 95%, with the remainder co-invested by the business.

Career ready

Completion of the degree apprenticeship will enable learners to be eligible for professional registration and suitability for employment as a Biomedical Scientist (BMS). Learners will complete the IBMS registration portfolio as part of the EPA to enable eligibility to apply to be on the HCPC register.

End-point Assessment (EPA)

Since this programme is approved by a statutory regulator, the EPA for this programme has been integrated with the assessment requirements as outlined by the IBMS and HCPC, which include completion and passing of the academic programme and completion and passing the verification of the IBMS training registration portfolio.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the following bodies:

• The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)