Applied Biosciences

Program Overview

Applied Biosciences BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

The course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in the health and bioscience sectors. It explores life at all levels from chemicals, molecules and cells to organ systems. You will also explore human health and illness and how they are managed in the context of contemporary research, as well as how populations, communities and the environment influence health and illness.

Why You Should Study This Course

The course aims to develop autonomous scientists of the future – so you will know where and what to look for as you face scientific challenges and workplace challenges throughout the course.

Bioscientists work all over the world in a wide variety of jobs and careers that require knowledge and application of science, from research to business and from regulation to teaching (The Science Council 2019). Settings include research and development laboratories (for example microbiology, marine science and immunology), biotechnology companies, classrooms, sales representatives and the food and drink industry.

What You'll Study

Year One

• Chemistry for Biosciences - 30 credits
  • This module aims to teach the fundamentals of chemistry, how it is used in society and how it connects with other areas in science, with emphasis on the application to biochemistry and the human body.
• Introduction to Microbiology - 30 credits
  • Here, we explore various microorganisms and parasites, including pathogens, with an aim to develop your understanding of personal and public health, from the simplest of microbes to the most complex.
• Applied Cell Biology - 30 credits
  • This module introduces knowledge of the cell to build an understanding of human health and disease. You’ll explore the cell, carbohydrates, lipids, water and proteins and these will all be discussed within the context of cellular function.
• Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology - 30 credits
  • This module focuses on the structure and function of systems in the human body. Topics include how the various types of cells and tissues make up the major organs within the body.

Year Two

• Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology - 30 credits
  • You’ll explore, in more depth, the molecular regulation of the cell life cycle and division, the human genome, and the molecular process of gene expression.
• Principles of Biochemistry - 30 credits
  • This module aims to develop your academic and practical skills. The module focuses on the biochemistry of individual molecules, cells and organisms and the ways that they interact at a chemical level.
• Advanced Microbiology - 30 credits
  • Here, you will explore microorganisms and parasites and their involvement in health and illness, as well as developing a greater understanding of how pathogens spread infectious diseases and affect personal and public health issues.
• Principles of Pathophysiology - 30 credits
  • This module aims to provide you with an understanding of human organ systems and the biological mechanisms of disease.

Placement Year

• UK Work Placement - 0 credits
  • This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme.
• International Study/Work Placement - 0 credits
  • This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme.

Final Year

• Applications of Biochemistry - 30 credits
  • This module explores the application of complex principles of biochemistry through a combination of current scientific theory and lesser-known cutting-edge scientific research.
• Analysis and Applications of Cell and Molecular Biology - 30 credits
  • Here, we will expand upon the previous topics of applied cell biology and molecular biology.
• Applications of Pathophysiology - 30 credits
  • At this stage, you will take an in-depth look at the pathophysiological mechanisms of human disease.
• Applied Biosciences Project - 30 credits
  • In the final module you will undertake an independent research project.

How You'll Learn

This course is available as a full-time three year or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering several teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach which includes online aspects, workshops and group work.

Entry Requirements

• HNC: 64 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
• HND: 80 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
• Degree: 104 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

Fees and Funding

• UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man: £7,950 per year
• EU: £7,950 per year with EU Support Bursary, £18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary
• International: £18,300 per year

Facilities

You’ll be based in the spacious building at Dagenham campus, which provides an outstanding learning environment including a science laboratory and a library that includes loan laptops, print copies of essential and recommended reading, over 115,000 eBooks and a quiet study area.

Careers and Opportunities

On successful completion, you will be able to:

• understand the fundamentals of biological and chemical sciences, including cell biology, chemistry and physiology.
• develop appropriate research and analysis techniques, alongside the ability to undertake reliable scientific research activities.
• operate, lead and collaborate in a team to solve problems of a practical (experimental) nature and to provide appropriate solutions.
• apply appropriate presentation and evaluation tools to establish the significance of research data produced

With a degree, your chances of employment are improved and the level at which you enter the job market could mean a higher salary.

On graduation, you will have a portfolio of employability skills across a range of science disciplines, which could give you an advantage over other candidates. You could go on to work in different disciplines including studying towards postgraduate qualifications, working within laboratory-based industries, technical posts within education or industry, research technician or even teaching in science. The degree also provides you with a strong set of transferable skills valued by employers.