Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

About the course

Biomedical Science (BMS) degree has been taught at De Montfort University (DMU) for over 25 years and the programmes of study have equipped graduates with an appropriate educational background for a wide variety of careers.

Biomedical Science graduates are eligible to register as a Biomedical Scientist with Health and Care Professions Council| (HCPC) after a period of clinical laboratory training.

If you are currently working in a clinical pathology laboratory you may study on a part-time basis (one day a week) while undertaking work-based assessments.

You will gain a fundamental understanding of the following:

• Cell and organ function
• Cellular biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Basic analytical skills of modern biomedical science

Reasons why you should choose to study Biomedical Science degree at DMU

• Graduates are eligibile to register as a Biomedical Scientist with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) after a period of clinical laboratory training
• If you are currently working in a clinical pathology laboratory you may study on a part-time basis (one day a week) while undertaking work-based assessments
• Professionally accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science
• Extensive links with local NHS hospital pathology centres
• 93 per cent of our students rated overall satisfaction with the quality of their course (National Student Survey 2012)

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Key facts

UCAS course code: B940

Duration:Three years full-time, three years part-time (you must be employed in a clinical laboratory), four years sandwich placement (optional).

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

2013/2014 UCAS Points Minimum of 260 points GCSEs

• Five GSCEs at grade C or above including Maths and English Plus one of the following:

Alevels

• Normally 260 UCAS points from a minimum of 2 A levels including Human Biology, Biology or Chemistry at grade C or above

BTEC

• BTEC National Diploma - Science BTEC with Distinction/Merit/Merit (280) points
• BTEC National Certificate only in combination with other accepted qualifications. Must meet Science requirement
• BTEC National Award only in combination with other accepted qualifications. Must meet Science requirement
• BTEC Extended Diploma (3 A2s) - Science BTEC with Distinction/Merit/Merit
• BTEC Diploma (2 A2s) Science - BTEC Distinction* Distinction
• BTEC 90 credit Diploma - Only in combination with other accepted qualifications. Must meet Science requirement
• BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (1 A2) - Only in combination with other accepted qualifications. Must meet Science requirement
• BTEC certificate (1 A1) Only in combination with other accepted qualifications. Must meet Science requirement

Access course Pass in Access to Science. English and Maths GCSE equivalency required, 12 level 2 credits in each subject.

Interview: No

Work Experience: No

International Baccalaureate:
28+ with 6 higher level points in Chemistry and another Science at Higher Level (preferably Biology)

International students:
If English is not your first language, we require an English language level of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Personal Statement selection criteria

• Clear communication skills, including good grammar and spelling
• Information relevant to the course applied for
• Interest in the course demonstrated with explanation and evidence
• If relevant for the course - work and life experience

Teaching and assessment

You will benefit from teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars and computer-based learning, as well as extensive laboratory-based work. Our Virtual Analytical Laboratory (VAL) skills package also enables you to develop practical laboratory skills in a virtual environment.

Assessment is based on coursework, group assessment, presentations and exams. You will normally attend around 20 hours of timetabled taught sessions including lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions each week, and be expected to undertake at least 15 hours of independent study.

Course modules

First year

• Basic Microbiology
• Structure and Function of Cells and Tissues
• Biochemistry and Cell Biology
• Molecular Sciences
• Professional and Quantitative Skills

Second year

• Molecular Genetics and Genomics
• Biochemical Disease Processes
• Organ Systems Physiology
• Inflammation and Immunobiology
• Professional Skills 2
• Bioanalytical Instrumentation and Techniques
• Optional sandwich work placement year

Third year

• Clinical Biochemistry
• Histopathology and Cytopathology
• Immunopathology
• Medical Microbiology
• Transfusion Science
• Haematology
• Research Project

Work experience and placements

This course offers an optional sandwich year; usually as an employee of an approved NHS pathology centre or a research or industrial laboratory.

Students undertaking the sandwich year often benefit from their placements being funded. Previous opportunities have included placements with:

• Health Protection Agency
• Wickham Laboratories
• Rutland Biodynamics
• Local NHS Trusts

Graduate careers

Our graduates are highly sought after by NHS Pathology centres and work in diagnostic laboratories in both the public and private sectors, research institutions and the biotechnology industry.

Recent graduates have progressed into roles such as biomedical scientists, laboratory assistants, associate practitioners and pharmacology technicians in NHS pathology centres.

Our postgraduate courses offer opportunities to progress onto further study, including; the Advanced Biomedical Science MSc|.

Fees and funding

UK/EU Full-time £9000 Part Time 2013/14 4 Year Course £5925 6 Year Course £3950 Per Module (15 Credits) £988 Biomedical Sciences Integrated Vocational Pathway £988 International
Full-time Band 1 £10,750 Band 2 £11,250

Scholarships

Learn more about our Undergraduate scholarships| and awards information.

Facilities

Investment of £8 million in our first-class facilities helps develop your practical laboratory experience.

Our modernised Microbiology and Virtual Analytical laboratory resources provides current clinical laboratory teaching, with some final year teaching sessions being delivered by external experts.