Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) - 2023/4

Awarding body

University of Surrey

Teaching institute

University of Surrey

Framework

FHEQ Level 6

Final award and programme/pathway title

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Subsidiary award(s)

Award Title
Ord Biosciences
DipHE Biosciences
CertHE Biosciences

Professional recognition

Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Modes of study

Route code Credits and ECTS Credits
Full-time UCD10001 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits
Full-time with PTY UCD10001 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits

QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)

Biomedical science

Other internal and / or external reference points

IBMS

Faculty and Department / School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - School of Biosciences

Programme Leader

COTTELL Alison (Biosciences)

Date of production/revision of spec

03/05/2024

Educational aims of the programme

  • To provide a high quality education in the various aspects of biomedical science for students with diverse interests and career aspirations (including medicine, clinical laboratory scientist, Biomedical Scientist, researcher, scientific writer/editor).
  • To further the student's knowledge of the fundamental principles of biomedical science and to develop a deeper knowledge in specific areas of biomedical science.
  • To provide the appropriate environment to encourage the development of the students interest in biomedical science and to help them acquire appropriate intellectual, scientific, technical and key transferable skills to promote self-directed and life-long learning.

Programme learning outcomes

Attributes Developed Awards Ref.
Understands basic biological knowledge at molecular, cellular, and organism level. K CertHE, BSc (Hons)
Ability to follow basic laboratory protocols as instructed, including being able to work in a safe and ethical manner. CP CertHE, BSc (Hons)
Report biological processes, procedures, and data and draw some basic conclusions from these. CT CertHE, BSc (Hons)
Understands broad biological knowledge within biomedical science disciplines at molecular, cellular, and organism level. K DipHE, Ord
Apply information gathered from suitable sources to address specific scientific questions. KP DipHE, Ord
Ability to follow in-depth laboratory protocols as instructed, including being able to work in a safe and ethical manner. CP DipHE, Ord
Apply statistical and numerical skills to draw conclusions from experimental data. CT DipHE, Ord
Understand laboratory-based investigation with respect to human health and disease. KCP DipHE Ord. QAA benchmark statements 3.3, 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
Understand the principles of biomedical sciences and apply these to a range of scientific and academic problems. CP DipHE Ord. QAA benchmark statements 3.3, 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
To develop a breadth of knowledge in the field of biomedical science in general, and a depth of knowledge in the specialist fields defined by the bench marking statements. KP DipHE Ord. QAA benchmark statements 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11
Develop advanced practical laboratory skills relevant to specialisms in the biomedical sciences. PT DipHE Ord. QAA benchmark statements 3.3, 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
Demonstrate safe working and good laboratory practice when undertaking practical work. PT CertHE Ord. QAA benchmark statements 3.3, 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
Interpret qualitative data, and apply statistical and numerical skills to quantitative biomedical data to draw conclusions. KCPT CertHE Ord. QAA benchmark statements 3.3, 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively though a representative range of oral, written and visual means. CT CertHE Ord. QAA benchmark statements 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
Appreciate how bioscience discipline and developments may impact on society, for example, globally and culturally, and in terms of a sustainable future ethical issues. K CertHE Ord. QAA benchmark statement 3.14
Understand laboratory-based investigation with respect to human health and disease KCP BSc (Hons) QAA benchmark statements 3.3, 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
Understand the principles of biomedical sciences and apply these to a range of scientific and academic problems. CP BSc (Hons) QAA benchmark statements 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
To develop a breadth of knowledge in the field of biomedical science in general, and a depth of knowledge in the specialist fields defined by the bench marking statements. KP Ord QAA benchmark statements 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11
To understand the role of the Biomedical Scientist together with regulations that define professional standards of practice as governed by e.g. the Institute of Biomedical Science, the Health and Care Professions Council, and QAA benchmark statements. KPT Ord QAA benchmark statements 3.12, 3.14
To be able to evaluate research findings from appropriate scientific literature sources, and demonstrate the ability to critically assess this. KCT Ord QAA benchmark statements 3.12, 3.14
Demonstration and understanding of research design and planning, and the limits of scientific findings. CT Ord QAA benchmark statements 3.3, 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
Develop advanced practical laboratory skills relevant to specialisms in the biomedical sciences. PT Ord QAA benchmark statements 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
Demonstrate safe working and good laboratory practice when undertaking practical work, together with good knowledge and understanding of aspects of managing health and safety, such as risk assessments and COSHH. PT DipHE QAA benchmark statements 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
Interpret qualitative data, and apply statistical and numerical skills to quantitative biomedical data to draw conclusions. KCPT DipHE QAA benchmark statements 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
Take responsibility for planning and organisation of a given project or task both independently, and towards a common goal/outcome in a team. PT DipHE QAA benchmark statements 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively though a representative range of oral, written and visual means. CT DipHE QAA benchmark statements 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
Use appropriate software, online resources and databases, for researching topics with biosciences. KCP DipHE QAA benchmark statements 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16
Appreciate how bioscience discipline and developments may impact on society, for example, globally and culturally, and in terms of a sustainable future ethical issues. CT CertHE QAA benchmark statement 3.14
Develop resourcefulness and resilience, for example by undertaking self-directed learning; through tutorials and discussion sessions, and through managing progress during the Research Project. PT CertHE QAA benchmark statements 3.12, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Programme structure

Full-time

This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over three academic years, consisting of 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Full-time with PTY

This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and the optional professional training year). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Programme Adjustments (if applicable)

N/A

Modules

Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
BMS1025 CELL BIOLOGY Core 15 1
BMS1026 MICROBIOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MICROBIAL WORLD Compulsory 15 1
BMS1029 CURRENT TOPICS IN BIOSCIENCES Compulsory 15 1
BMS1032 INTRODUCTION TO PRINCIPLES OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PRACTICAL SKILLS Core 15 2
BMS1035 PRACTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL BACTERIOLOGY Core 15 2
BMS1041 BIOCHEMISTRY - A CONCEPTUAL OVERVIEW Compulsory 15 2
BMS1047 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS - GENES AND THEIR FUNCTION Compulsory 15 2
BMS1049 BIOCHEMISTRY: THE MOLECULES OF LIFE Compulsory 15 1

Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
BMS2035 BIOCHEMISTRY - ENZYMES AND METABOLISM Compulsory 15 1
BMS2036 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS: FROM GENES TO BIOLOGICAL FUNCTION Compulsory 15 1
BMS2037 CELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY AND VIROLOGY Core 15 1
BMS2038 INTEGRATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS Compulsory 15 1
BMS2043 ANALYTICAL AND CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY Core 15 2
BMS2044 MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES AND INTERACTIONS Optional 15 2
BMS2045 INTRODUCTION TO IMMUNOLOGY Compulsory 15 2
BMS2046 PATHOLOGY AND MEDICINE Core 15 2
BMS2047 PHARMACOLOGY: INTRODUCTION TO DRUG ACTION Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Choose 1 from 2 listed optional modules.

Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
BMS3048 RESEARCH PROJECT Core 30 Year-long
BMS3052 BIOCHEMISTRY - RECEPTORS AND ENERGY METABOLISM Optional 15 1
BMS3054 CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOHAEMATOLOGY Core 15 1
BMS3055 ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY - SELECTED TOPICS IN DRUG ACTION Optional 15 1
BMS3060 BIOMEDICAL MICROBIAL PRODUCTS Optional 15 1
BMS3063 CANCER - PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPEUTICS Core 15 2
BMS3064 NEUROSCIENCE: FROM MOLECULES TO MIND Optional 15 2
BMS3066 BIOLOGICAL RHYTHMS Optional 15 2
BMS3072 SYSTEMS BIOLOGY Optional 15 2
BMS3073 EPIDEMIOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES Compulsory 15 2
BMS3079 HUMAN MICROBIAL DISEASES Compulsory 15 1
BMS3090 INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY Optional 15 1
BMS3092 ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GENE EXPRESSION Optional 15 1
BMS3093 HUMAN GENETICS IN THE 21ST CENTURY Optional 15 2
BMS3099 MECHANISTIC TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOKINETICS Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Choose 2 from 10 listed optional modules.

Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
BMS1025 CELL BIOLOGY Core 15 1
BMS1026 MICROBIOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MICROBIAL WORLD Compulsory 15 1
BMS1029 CURRENT TOPICS IN BIOSCIENCES Compulsory 15 1
BMS1032 INTRODUCTION TO PRINCIPLES OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PRACTICAL SKILLS Core 15 2
BMS1035 PRACTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL BACTERIOLOGY Core 15 2
BMS1041 BIOCHEMISTRY - A CONCEPTUAL OVERVIEW Compulsory 15 2
BMS1047 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS - GENES AND THEIR FUNCTION Compulsory 15 2
BMS1049 BIOCHEMISTRY: THE MOLECULES OF LIFE Compulsory 15 1

Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
BMS2035 BIOCHEMISTRY - ENZYMES AND METABOLISM Compulsory 15 1
BMS2036 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS: FROM GENES TO BIOLOGICAL FUNCTION Compulsory 15 1
BMS2037 CELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY AND VIROLOGY Core 15 1
BMS2038 INTEGRATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS Compulsory 15 1
BMS2043 ANALYTICAL AND CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY Core 15 2
BMS2044 MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES AND INTERACTIONS Optional 15 2
BMS2045 INTRODUCTION TO IMMUNOLOGY Compulsory 15 2
BMS2046 PATHOLOGY AND MEDICINE Core 15 2
BMS2047 PHARMACOLOGY: INTRODUCTION TO DRUG ACTION Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5

Choose 1 from 2 listed optional modules.

Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
BMS3048 RESEARCH PROJECT Core 30 Year-long
BMS3052 BIOCHEMISTRY - RECEPTORS AND ENERGY METABOLISM Optional 15 1
BMS3054 CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOHAEMATOLOGY Core 15 1
BMS3055 ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY - SELECTED TOPICS IN DRUG ACTION Optional 15 1
BMS3060 BIOMEDICAL MICROBIAL PRODUCTS Optional 15 1
BMS3063 CANCER - PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPEUTICS Core 15 2
BMS3064 NEUROSCIENCE: FROM MOLECULES TO MIND Optional 15 2
BMS3066 BIOLOGICAL RHYTHMS Optional 15 2
BMS3072 SYSTEMS BIOLOGY Optional 15 2
BMS3073 EPIDEMIOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES Compulsory 15 2
BMS3079 HUMAN MICROBIAL DISEASES Compulsory 15 1
BMS3090 INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY Optional 15 1
BMS3092 ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GENE EXPRESSION Optional 15 1
BMS3093 HUMAN GENETICS IN THE 21ST CENTURY Optional 15 2
BMS3099 MECHANISTIC TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOKINETICS Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Choose 2 from 10 listed optional modules.

Professional Training Year (PTY) - Professional Training Year

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
BMSP007 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) Core 120 Year-long

Module Selection for Professional Training Year (PTY) - Professional Training Year

N/A

Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity

Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics Y
Professional Training Year (PTY) Y
Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) N
Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) N
Study exchange (Level 5) N
Dual degree N

Other information

In the first and second years (Levels 4 and 5) students cover compulsory modules that address the core requirements for biomedical sciences as addressed in the Biomedical Science benchmark paper and in the conditions for accreditation by the Institute of Biomedical Science and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The third year can be spent away from the University in an industrial or professional work placement. Where appropriate and possible, this placement will be IBMS accredited for those students wishing to obtain this professional qualification.

In the first and second years (Levels 4 and 5) students cover compulsory modules that address the core requirements for biomedical sciences as addressed in the Biomedical Science benchmark paper and in the conditions for accreditation by the Institute of Biomedical Science and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The third year can be spent away from the University in an industrial or professional work placement. Where appropriate and possible, this placement will be IBMS accredited for those students wishing to obtain this professional qualification.

The University of Surrey's curriculum framework is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This programme will embed the enhancement of these attributes in the following ways:

Employability:
Knowledge of subject area, problem solving and critical analysis skills which are key to employment and success in the professional workplace. Students will acquire real-world skills that are valuable for any professional in science such as teamwork, project management, independent learning and clear and concise writing and science communication.

Digital Capabilities:
Use of various digital platforms for online interaction and review of content. Use of programmes for results and data analysis. Preparation of PowerPoint presentations.

Global and Cultural Capabilities:
Consideration of disease pathology and incidence, case studies and research problems that are from a range of countries and cultures are highlighted during the programme.

Sustainability:
In line with a OneHealth approach, the programme works towards relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG3 (good health and well-being).

Resourcefulness and Resilience:
Students will build self-confidence throughout the programme by undertaking a variety of self-directed learning approaches supported by active learning tutorials and discussion sessions. The undertaking of the research project develops resourcefulness and resilience and aims to promote development of students into independent researchers. Students will work independently and in groups and become critical of their ability and understanding of experimental work and design through undertaking practical sessions.

Quality assurance

The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/quality-enhancement-standards

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.