School of Biomedical Sciences
Programme Specification
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (3628)
BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science (6511)
Preparing for Professional Accreditation (9223)
2021/22
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Students will have an opportunity to transfer to the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degree upon successful selection by NHS employers in Year 2. This ...
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School of Biomedical Sciences
Programme Specification
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (3628)
BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science (6511)
Preparing for Professional Accreditation (9223)
1. BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science
Final award title:
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science
Level 4 Intermediate award title:
Certificate of Higher Education (Biomedical Science)
Level 5 Intermediate award title:
Diploma of Higher Education (Biomedical Science)
UCAS code: B
HECOS code:^100260
Awarding Institution: University of Plymouth
Teaching institution: University of Plymouth
Accrediting body(ies):
Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) - All routes (Applied Biomedical Science subject to
IBMS approval)
Health and Care professions Council (HCPC) - BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science
(subject to HCPC approval)
Summary of specific conditions/regulations: The programme has been designed to
meet the IBMS’s standards of accreditation and re-accreditation.
Successful completion of the IBMS portfolio between YR2 and final year will enable
students to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration as a
‘Biomedical Scientist’ within the NHS upon graduation.
Date of re-accreditation : 2023 (IBMS)
Responsibility for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science: Dr Tracey Madgett, Programme
Lead.
Responsibility for BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science: Dr Lynn McCallum,
Programme Lead.
6.2 BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (BMS) and BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical
Science (ABMS)
As detailed in figure 1 all students enrol on BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (BMS) for the
first two years of their programme to ensure they experience and are assessed on all
disciplines.
Students wishing to be considered for transfer to BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science
(ABMS) apply for NHS placements during their second year and if successful transfer to
the Applied route at the end of year two. ABMS students complete a compulsory yearlong
placement in an accredited NHS lab in year 3 to enable them to complete the IBMS portfolio
and then return to university to complete their final year, graduating with the award of BSc
(Hons) Applied Biomedical Science.
Students remaining on BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science after the second year have the
option to enter the final year directly or complete a yearlong industrial placement before
completing the final year and graduating with the award of BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.
Figure 1. Organisation and student progression on BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and
BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science
Transfer to BSc Applied
Biomedical Science and
core placement in
accredited lab
BHCS
Core Year 2 all
students.
Opportunity to
transfer to BSc
Applied
Biomedical
Science
BSc Biomedical Science.
Direct progression to
final year or optional
Industrial Placement
year BHCS
Core Year 1
all students
Core Final Year
all students
Document Register: BHS060.
6.3 Stage One
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science - Stage One
BHCS
Biomedical Investigation and Experimentation (20cr)
BHCS
Study skills and
personal
development
(0cr)
BHCS
Human Anatomy and Physiology: Cells
to Systems (20cr)
BHCS1003 Human
Metabolism (20cr)
Inter-semester break
BHCS1004PP
Introduction to Human Pathology (20cr)
BHCS1005 BHCS
Human Disease (20cr) Infection and Immunity (20cr)
All students enrol on a suite of compulsory stage one modules that provide the founding
knowledge and practical skills associated with biomedical science. You will be introduced
to the organisation, professional and statutory bodies regulating biomedical practice, and
you will develop skills in literature searching, IT, scientific communication, experimental
design, statistical analysis and safe laboratory practice. You will also benefit from personal
tutorials that enable high-quality, individual feedback on formative and summative
assessments.
Assessments will encourage you to develop further skills as well as display the knowledge
you have gained and include presentations, lab reports, workbooks, problem solving
exercises, exams, online tests, lab books, data analysis and reports.
Document Register: BHS060.
Applied Biomedical Science compulsory placement year or BSc Biomedical
Science optional placement year
BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
BHCS
Professional Practice Placement
BHCS
Biomedical Science Placement
(optional)
While on placement you will be supported by the School’s placement co-ordinators and
academic staff nominated as placement tutors along with the university’s placement office.
Tutors will perform on-site visits to ensure your welfare and progress. Students on
placement enrol on BHCS3030 or BHCS3036 which provide a framework to complete the
IBMS portfolio of competence (BHCS3036) or on BHCS3030 undertake a research project,
conceptualise the skills learned and reflect on the relevance of their learning experience to
the programme aims and their future careers. Successful completion of a placement leads
to the University’s Certificate of Industrial Experience or IBMS Certificate of
Competence for the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degree.
6.6 Stage Four
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science– Stage Four
BHCS3001 BHCS3002 BHCS3003 BHCS3004 BHCS3005 BHCS
Personal
Research
Project
(40cr)
Molecular and
Cellular
Pathology
(20cr) (optional)
Clinical
Microbiology
(20cr)
(optional)
Specialist
Biochemistry and
Screening (20cr)
(optional)
Transfusion and
Transplantation
Science (20cr)
(optional)
Personal
development
and
employability
(0cr)
Inter-semester Break
BHCS
Cellular Basis of
Immunity (20cr)
(optional)
BHCS
Current issues
in
Neurobiology
(20cr)
(optional)
BHCS
Current
Developments in
Biomedical
Science (20cr)
(optional)
BHCS
Medical Genetics
(20cr) (optional)
All students enrol on the same suite of modules. The availability of optional research led
modules enables you to focus on areas of particular interest. These benefit from areas of
staff research expertise, examine current developments in the primary literature and
promote a critical understanding of cutting-edge techniques relevant to the field.
Assessments are varied and include conferences, case-studies, presentations, critical
review essays, seen and un-seen examination.
The Personal Research Project module enables you to employ the laboratory, analytical
and communication skills developed in previous years to answer a scientific hypothesis in
conjunction with an academic advisor. Professional aspects of this module promote your
employability; enabling you to reflect on your current skills and relate them to your future
career goals.
6.7 BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science
Successful completion of 360 credits of the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Sciences
degree (IBMS accredited) alongside completion of the IBMS portfolio within placement year
gains students an IBMS Certificate of Competence. Graduates are then able to apply for
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration and the protected title of
‘Biomedical Scientist’ for employment in Band 5 positions within the NHS.
6.8 Graduate Entry to BMBS and BDS
Students who have achieved a 1st^ in one of the five School of Biomedical Sciences
degree programmes can apply to join the BMBS or BDS programmes through UCAS.
The degree needs to have been awarded no more than two years preceding application.
Students selecting this entry route do not need to sit the Graduate Medical Schools
Admissions Test (GAMSAT), but are still subject to interview performance and all offers
will be conditional. For non-academic conditions please refer to the course entry
requirements page of the relevant degree programme.
7. Programme Aims
The aims of the programme are as follows:
1) Encourage students to acquire a thorough knowledge, understanding and practical
experience in biomedical sciences and a theoretical understanding of how to utilise
this knowledge in professional settings.
2) Provide a rich and varied learning environment that immerses students in a wide
range of biomedical disciplines.
3) Provide a relevant, contemporary and appropriately designed curriculum that is
supported and informed by the research and scholarly activity of teaching staff.
4) Provide plentiful opportunity for practical work, associated analytical skills and
experiential learning.
5) Provide graduates with the intellectual, specialist and transferable skills in order to
give you an advantage in your employment prospects in a range of graduate
environments.
6) Provide a learning experience and appropriate support that will enable graduates to
become rational, independent, effective and adaptable learners.
7) Encourage development of professional and inter-personal skills necessary for
employment in a range of laboratory settings.
4) Search for, retrieve, sift, select and order biomedical information from a variety of
sources.
5) Collate, analyse and interpret data in quantitative and qualitative forms.
6) Use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of
information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis.
7) Participate effectively and supportively in groups, meeting obligations to others.
8) Transfer skills and apply them in new contexts.
9) Reflect on his/her own learning and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses.
8.4. Employment related skills
On successful completion graduates should have developed:
1) Qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment in a range of
biomedical employment settings: (i) the exercise of initiative and personal
responsibility; (ii) decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts (iii) the
ability to identify and undertake appropriate further training of a professional or
equivalent nature.
2) The ability to identify relevant areas for employment.
8.5. Practical skills
On successful completion graduates should have developed:
1) The skills to enable them to record clinical and laboratory observations in a
professional manner.
2) The skills to enable them to operate key instrumentation related to the practice of
biomedical sciences.
3) The skills to enable them to plan, manage, execute, analyse and report laboratory
work in a responsible and safe manner.
4) The skills to enable them to perform qualitative and quantitative laboratory
analyses.
5) The skills to enable them to apply appropriate statistical tests to datasets.
6) The experience and practice laboratory skills in cellular, physiological, molecular,
immunological, microbiological, haematological, genetic and biochemical aspects
of biomedicine.
7) An awareness of good laboratory practice, quality control and assurance, health
and safety policies, COSHH and risk assessment.
Document Register: BHS060.
9. Admissions Criteria, including APCL, APEL and Disability arrangements
All applications are considered on individual merit in relation to the aims and outcomes of
the programme. The table below sets out normal minimum qualifications required. Offers
made to mature applicants (over 21) may take account of work and life experience.
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English at Grade C/4 minimum.
Entry Requirements for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
A-level/AS-level
Normal minimum entry requirements are 112 - 128 points from
three A Levels, Biology/Human Biology grade B and one other
relevant science subject at grade B, for example: chemistry,
physics, mathematics, applied science or environmental
science/studies. General studies not accepted.
BTEC National
Certificate/Diploma
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DDM
with at least six specialist units in Biology and/or Science.
Access to Higher
Education
Pass an Access to HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at
distinction, including 15 Level 3 credits in Biology and 15 Level 3
credits in a second relevant science. The remaining 15 Level 3
credits must be at merit or above. Must have GCSE English and
Mathematics at grade C / 4 or above.
International
Baccalaureate
26–30 points overall to include Grade 5 in Higher Level Biology
and Grade 5 in a second relevant science. English and
Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent at higher level
= 4, standard level = 5
Progression from
BSc (Hons)
Biomedical
Science with
Integrated
Foundation Year
Students need to achieve an overall mark of at least 60%.
Key Skills
We encourage the attainment of Key Skills at a high level to enhance performance on a
higher education programme. Although key skills tariff points do not count towards the
admissions tariff score, they may enhance your performance on the Biomedical Science
degree programme.
Other qualifications, such as practical music or speech and drama exams like LAMDA and
ESB, also have a tariff value which can also be considered.
Document Register: BHS060.
BSc Biomedical Science: 320 credits, including 80 credits at level 6, 120 further credits at
level 5 or above and 120 credits at level four.
BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science: 360 credits, including 120 credits at level 6, 120
further credits at level 5 or above and 120 credits at level four and successful completion
of the IBMS portfolio in placement year.
11. Exceptions to Regulations
The following non-standard regulations are applied to this award:
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science
students require a minimum of 30% at an element level and 40% at a module level
to pass all relevant modules required to meet professional (IBMS) and regulatory
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Education and
Training.
- BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science - specific exceptions to the regulations
i. In the case of the pass/fail work placement year, one repeat may be
permitted at the discretion of the Award Assessment Board only in cases
where students have exceptional circumstances and subject to placement
availability.
ii. To qualify for the award of BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science a
student must have successfully completed 360 credits of which at least 120
must be at level six and a further 120 at level five or above. In addition, they
must have successfully completed a placement year including completion of
the IBMS v4 portfolio.
iii. An aegrotat award is not permitted for the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical
Science (other aegrotat award titles may be considered).
12. Transitional Arrangements
The proposed changes do not alter the module structure or learning outcomes for current
students and they will be able to complete their programmes.
13. Appendices:
Appendix 1: Mapping to QAA Subject Benchmarks for Biomedical Sciences
Appendix 2: Mapping to IBMS Specific Requirements
Appendix 3: Intended Programme Learning Outcomes Map Appendix
4: Assessment vs Module mapping
Appendix 1:
QAA Benchmark Standards (October 2019) for all Biomedical Sciences
Please refer to the subject benchmark statement for descriptors https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/subject-benchmark-statements/subject-benchmark-statement- biomedicalsciences.pdf?sfvrsn=2bf2c881_
BHCS 1001
BHCS 1002
BHCS 1003
BHCS 1004 PP
BHCS 1005
BHCS 1006
BHCS 2001
BHCS 2002
BHCS 2003
BHCS 2004
BHCS 2005
BHCS 2006
BHCS 3001
BHCS 3002
BHCS 3003
BHCS 3004
BHCS 3005
BHCS 3006
BHCS 3007
BHCS 3008
BHC S 3009
4. Graduate and Key Transferable Skills 4.2 Intellectual Skills i x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
ii x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x iii x x x x
iv (^) x x x
v (^) x x x x
4.3 Practical and professional skills i (^) x x x x x x x x x x x x
ii x x x
iii x x x
iv x x x
v x x x x x x x x x x x
vi (^) x x x
4.4 Analytical, data interpretation and problem-solving skills i x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x ii x x x x x x x x x
iii (^) x x x x
iv x x x x x
v x x
vi x x x x x x x x x
Optional Modules: Students select two modules from BHCS3002, BHCS3003, BHCS3004 & BHCS3005 and two modules from BHCS3006, BHCS3007, BHCS3008 &
BHCS3009.
Core Modules
Optional Modules
QAA Benchmark Standards (October 2019) for all Biomedical Sciences
BHCS 1001
BHCS 1002
BHCS 1003
BHCS 1004 PP
BHCS 1005
BHCS 1006
BHCS 2001
BHCS 2002
BHCS 2003
BHCS 2004
BHCS 2005
BHCS 2006
BHCS 3001
BHCS 3002
BHCS 3003
BHCS 3004
BHCS 3005
BHCS 3006
BHCS 3007
BHCS 3008
BHCS 3009
5. Core Biomedical sciences knowledge, understanding and skills 5.1 Approaches to study i x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
ii (^) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
iii x x x x x
iv (^) x x x x x x x x x x x
v x x x
vi (^) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
vii x x x x x x x x x x x
viii x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
ix x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
xi x x
xii x x x
5.2 recognition of continually developing nature of field
i x x x x x x x x x
5.3 Attributes
i x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
ii (^) x x x x x x x x x
iii x x x x x x x x x x x x x
iv (^) x x x x x x x x x x x
v x x x x x x x x x
vi x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Core Modules
Optional Modules
QAA Benchmark Standards (October 2019) for all Biomedical Sciences
Core Modules
Optional Modules BHCS 1001
BHCS 1002
BHCS 1003
BHCS 1004 PP
BHCS 1005
BHCS 1006
BHCS 2001
BHCS 2002
BHCS 2003
BHCS 2004
BHCS 2005
BHCS 2006
BHCS 3001
BHCS 3002
BHCS 3003
BHCS 3004
BHCS 3005
BHCS 3006
BHCS 3007
BHCS 3008
BHCS 3009
5.4 understanding of cells, organ and system function causes of disease and treatments i x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
5.5 Fields
i (^) x x x
ii x x x x x x
iii x x x x
iv x x x x x
v x x x x
vi x x x x x x x x x x x x
vii x x x x x
viii (^) x x x x
ix x x x x
x (^) x x x x
xi x x x x x
xii (^) x x
v
Transfusion science is the identification of blood group antigens and antibodies which ensures a safe supply of blood and blood components. A biomedical science graduate will have knowledge of:
- the genetics, inheritance, structure and role of red cell antigens
- immune mediated destruction of blood cells
- the preparation, storage and use of blood components
- the selection of appropriate blood components for transfusion and possible adverse effects.
vi
Clinical genetics is the identification of genetic mutations and polymorphisms and their influence on disease processes. A biomedical science graduate will have knowledge of:
- genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic methods used to analyse and study human chromosomes and DNA
- the application of molecular biology and Bioinformatics in medicine
- pharmacogenetics and personalised medicine
- principles and practice of techniques used for genetic testing for screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease, and associated ethical issues.
vii
Medical microbiology is the study and investigation of pathogenic microorganisms. A biomedical science graduate will have knowledge of: • the pathogenic mechanisms of a range of microorganisms
- public health microbiology
- principles and practice of techniques used for screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of a range of infectious diseases, including isolation and identification of microorganisms • prevention and control of infection, including anti-microbial and anti-viral therapy (including drug resistance).
QAA Benchmark statements (October 2019) Subject-specific knowledge, understanding and skills
Core Modules
Optional Modules
Optional Modules:
Students select two modules from BHCS3002, BHCS3003, BHCS3004 & BHCS3005 and two modules from BHCS3006, BHCS3007, BHCS3008 & BHCS
BHCS 1001
BHCS 1002
BHCS 1003
BHCS 1004 PP
BHCS 1005
BHCS 1006
BHCS 2001
BHCS 2002
BHCS 2003
BHCS 2004
BHCS 2005
BHCS 2006
BHCS 3001
BHCS 3002
BHCS 3003
BHCS 3004
BHCS 3005
BHCS 3006
BHCS 3007
BHCS 3008
BHCS 3009
6.3 Subject specific threshold standard– Biomedical Science
i x x x
ii (^) x x x x x x x x x x X
iii x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
iv x x x x x x x x x x x x x
6.4 Subject-specific knowledge, understanding and skills
i x x x x x x
ii x x x x x
iii x x x x
iv (^) x x x x x
v x x x x x
vi x x x x
vii (^) x x x x