Program Overview

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Biomedical Science (Life Sciences) - BSc (Hons)

Overview

The Biomedical Science (Life Sciences) BSc (Hons) is a part-time distance-learning degree in collaboration with Sligo Institute of Technology, which is IBMS accredited. This course provides an academically challenging and vocationally relevant science education for those wishing to follow careers in biomedical sciences.

Summary

At some point in our lives, we all benefit from the services of Biomedical Scientists. This course aims to provide an understanding of biomedical sciences, human health, and disease, as well as develop core skills necessary to evaluate and undertake research in biomedical and healthcare sciences.

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About this course

About

This course is a collaboration between leading HE distance learning providers in Ireland and the UK to provide an Institute of Biomedical Science accredited degree. The course is fully online, offering flexible learning and study pace. Essential practical skills are developed through intensive, annual lab work sessions at Sligo in Years 1 (2 days), 2 (2 days), and 3 (1 day), where attendance is mandatory.

Attendance

Normally 4 years, over 9 semesters. This programme is fully online. However, students must attend laboratory practicals at Sligo in Years 1 (2 days), 2 (2 days), and 3 (1 day), and in Year 3 (2 days) and Year 4 (2 days and 2 days) either at Coleraine or in the work place for those students with work-based access to appropriate laboratory facilities.

Start dates

• September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Students will participate in an induction on how to be an effective online learner and how to use the Moodle and Blackboard Learn virtual learning environment. This will include an optional induction day at IT Sligo, prior to commencement of the course, and continue with online support over the first two weeks of teaching.

Attendance and Independent Study

As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable.

Modules

Year one

• Biology (BIOL06013)
• Information Systems (COMP06018)
• Applied Mathematics (MATH06078)
• Good Manufacturing Practice 1 (GMP06001)
• Fundamentals of Chemistry (CHEM06043)
• Science Laboratory Skills 1 (SCI06015)

Year two

• Exploitation of Biology
• Physiology and Anatomy of the Human Body
• Biochemistry (BIOC06007)
• Introduction to Biomedical Science
• Biomedical Science Laboratory Skills 1 (SCI06016)
• Scientific Communication (BIO06031)
• Work Based Learning in Biomedical Sciences

Year three

• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Enterprise in Biomedical Sciences
• Biomedical Science Laboratory Skills 2 (SCI07016)
• Pharmaceutical Quality Systems (BIO07030)
• Bioanalytics (BIO07014)
• Research Skills in Biomedical Sciences
• Professional Practice in Healthcare Science

Year four

• Molecular Pathology
• Haematology and Transfusion Science
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Medical Microbiology
• Clinical Immunology
• Cellular Pathology
• Project: Biomedical Sciences

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course, you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

Grades BCC including 2 science subjects – 2 from Group A OR 1 from Group A and 1 from Group B

Applied General Qualifications

• QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (Science Related Subject)
• OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (Science Related Subject) (2012 Suite)
• RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (Science Related Subject) / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (Science Related Subject) (2016 Suite)

Irish Leaving Certificate

Grades H3,H3,H3,H4,H4 to include 2 science subjects (2 from Group A OR 1 from Group A and 1 from Group B).

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Access courses: Certificate in Foundation Studies / Access Course (appropriate science disciplines only acceptable) with an overall average of 60%

GCSE

Passes at grade C or above in Mathematics, English Language AND Chemistry or Double Award Science.

English Language Requirements

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement

Additional Entry Requirements

Students must normally be employed in a relevant bioscience/biological chemistry/biopharmaceutical laboratory environment in a scientific or quality assurance based role.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• National Health Service
• Health Service Executive
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Biotechnology Industry
• Biomedical Research Labs
• Lab Suppliers

Job roles

With this degree, you could become:

• specialist in blood transfusion
• specialist in cellular pathology
• specialist in bacteriology
• specialist in clinical chemistry
• pharmaceutical research
• drug testing
• infection control

Career options

Biomedical Science graduates take up a wide range of employment opportunities. For example, in the NHS and health agency laboratories as Biomedical Scientists, pharmaceutical research and development, as well as more broadly in the area of analytical science, the scientific civil service, medical research, medical sales and marketing, veterinary and forensic medicine, teaching and university lecturing.

Professional Recognition

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Fees and funding

Important notice - Tuition fees for this course may vary

Visit Tuition Fees pages for more details on the price of this course.

Additional mandatory costs

Additional travel and subsistence costs associated with mandatory practical sessions at IT Sligo in Years 1, 2, and 3. Additional travel and subsistence costs associated with practical sessions at Coleraine in Years 3 and 4, if a student does not have access to the appropriate laboratory facilities at his or her work place.