Biomedical Science MSci (Hons) - 2022/3

Awarding body

University of Surrey

Teaching institute

University of Surrey

Framework

FHEQ Level 7

Final award and programme/pathway title

MSci (Hons) Biomedical Science

Subsidiary award(s)

Award Title
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Ord Biosciences
DipHE Biosciences
CertHE Biosciences

Modes of study

Route code Credits and ECTS Credits
Full-time UCD31001 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits
Full-time with PTY UCD31001 600 credits and 300 ECTS credits

QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)

Other internal and / or external reference points

N/A

Faculty and Department / School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - School of Biosciences

Programme Leader

ARCHER Simon (Biosciences)

Date of production/revision of spec

13/09/2023

Educational aims of the programme

  • 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 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 provide the appropriate environment to encourage the development of 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
  • To provide an in-depth research experience through the use of authentic assessments that reflect biomedical research by professional scientists
  • To facilitate development of critical thinking skills, in evaluating scope and limitations of diagnostic tools in decision-making processes in clinical / Biomedical Science

Programme learning outcomes

Attributes Developed Awards Ref.
An understanding of laboratory-based investigation with respect to human health and disease. K CertHE
A good understanding of the basic principles of biomedical sciences and apply these to the understanding and solution of a range of scientific and academic problems. K BSc (Hons)
A good breadth of knowledge in the field of biomedical science in general and a good depth of knowledge in the specialist fields defined by the bench marking statement. K BSc (Hons)
An understanding of the key principles of good laboratory, clinical and field-based investigation and their application to a variety of aspects of Biosciences K Ord (QAA Benchmark statements 3.2 + 3.3)
A good breadth knowledge at the molecular, cellular and organism levels with some degree of specialist knowledge apparent K Ord (QAA Benchmark statements 3.2 + 3.3)
Appropriate use of key terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in specific fields within the Biosciences K Ord (QAA Benchmark statements 3.2 + 3.3)
Engagement with many of the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with a chosen discipline within the Bioscience K Ord (QAA Benchmark statements 3.2 + 3.3)
Ability to recognise and outline the key principles of laboratory, clinical and/or field-based investigation within the Biosciences. K DipHE (QAA Benchmark statements 3.2 + 3.3)
Broad basic knowledge at the molecular, cellular and organism levels with some degree of specialist knowledge developing. K DipHE (QAA Benchmark statements 3.2 + 3.3)
Recollection of much of the key terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in specific fields within the Biosciences. K DipHE (QAA Benchmark statements 3.2 + 3.3)
Recollection of many of the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with a chosen discipline within the Biosciences. K DipHE (QAA Benchmark statements 3.2 + 3.3)
Ability to recognise the purpose of laboratory, clinical and/or field-based investigations within the Biosciences. K CertHE (QAA Benchmark statements 3.2 + 3.3)
Basic factual biological knowledge at the molecular, cellular and organism levels. K CertHE (QAA Benchmark statements 3.2 + 3.3)
Recognition of some of the key terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in Biosciences. K CertHE (QAA Benchmark statements 3.2 + 3.3)
Recognition of some of the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with a chosen discipline within the Bioscience. K CertHE (QAA Benchmark statements 3.2 + 3.3)
Evaluate research findings and scientific literature and demonstrate the ability to find and evaluate appropriate sources of material and to critically assess it. C BSc (Hons)
Demonstrate an understanding of research design and planning and the limits of scientific findings. C BSc (Hons)
Synthesise information gathered different sources to address specific scientific questions C Ord (3.3)
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of research design and planning C Ord (3.5)
Recognise the on-going nature of scientific research in defining our modern understanding of bioscience systems. C Ord
Identify and solve problems using previously developed strategies C Ord (3.3, 3.5)
Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues and the impact of advances in the biosciences encompassing an appreciation of the responsibilities of Bioscientists to wider society C Ord (3.5)
Apply information gathered from suitable sources to address specific scientific questions C DipHE (3.3)
Recognise the importance of following research procedures accurately and the consequences of failing to do so C DipHE (3.5)
Recognise the place of research in defining new paradigms. C DipHE
Employ previously developed strategies to guide problem solving C DipHE (3.3, 3.5)
Demonstrate an appreciation of the wider ethical issues of research and the impact of advances in the Biosciences on wider society and the environment C DipHE (3.5)
Identify suitable sources of scientific information C CertHE (3.3)
Recognise the importance of following research procedures accurately and the consequences of failing to do so C CertHE (3.5)
Utilise previously defined scientific procedures to illustrate bioscience principles C CertHE
Follow well defined schemes to solve problems C CertHE (3.3, 3.5)
Demonstrate a basic appreciation of some of the ethical issues surrounding the Biosciences including the need to carry out biological procedures in a safe and ethical manner C CertHE (3.5)
Learn basic laboratory skills relevant to biomedical science P BSc (Hons)
Develop advanced practical skills relevant to a particular specialism in the biomedical sciences P BSc (Hons)
Interpret qualitative and qualitative data P BSc (Hons)
Learn independently P BSc (Hons)
Take responsibility for planning and organisation of work both their own and in a team P BSc (Hons)
With minimal instruction demonstrate competence in basic laboratory, clinical and/or field skills relevant to Biosciences P Ord (3.4, 3.6)
With minimal instruction demonstrate competence in some of the key practical skills relevant to a particular specialism within Biosciences P Ord (3.4, 3.6)
Accurately report and analyse bioscience data to draw conclusions P Ord (3.5, 3.7)
Follow detailed investigative protocols as instructed, and plan the work set out individually or within a team as appropriate P Ord (3.10)
Undertake laboratory, clinical and/or fieldwork as instructed, in a safe and ethical manner P Ord
With appropriate instruction, demonstrate competence in basic laboratory, clinical and/or field skills relevant to Biosciences P DipHE (3.4, 3.6)
With appropriate instruction, demonstrate an ability to perform some key practical skills relevant to a particular specialism within Biosciences P DipHE (3.4, 3.6)
Accurately report and analyse bioscience data to draw basic conclusions P DipHE (3.5, 3.7)
Follow investigative protocols as instructed and perform the work set out efficiently either individually or within a team P DipHE (3.10)
Undertake laboratory, clinical and/or fieldwork as instructed, in a safe and ethical manner P DipHE
With detailed instruction, demonstrate some ability to perform basic laboratory, clinical and/or field skills in Biosciences P CertHE (3.4, 3.6)
Clearly and concisely report biological procedures and data and draw some basic conclusions P CertHE (3.5, 3.7)
Follow basic laboratory protocols as instructed P CertHE (3.10)
Undertake laboratory, clinical and/or fieldwork as instructed, in a safe and ethical manner P CertHE
Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and visual means T BSc (Hons)
Work effectively and independently on a given project or task T BSc (Hons)
Work effectively in small groups and teams towards a common goal/outcome T BSc (Hons)
Apply basic statistical and numerical skills to biomedical data T BSc (Hons)
Use Information Technology e.g. WWW, virtual Learning Resources, word processors and statistics packages T BSc (Hons)
Employ learning and time-management strategies to organise learning effectively T Ord (3.10)
Communicate bioscience concepts in a range of formats using appropriate scientific language T Ord (3.8)
With minimal guidance work effectively on a given project or task T Ord (3.10)
With minimal guidance work effectively in small groups and teams towards a common goal T Ord (3.9)
Select and apply the numerical and statistical approaches required to analyse particular bioscience data T Ord (3.7)
Use academic literature, the internet and other electronic sources critically as a source of information T Ord (3.8)
Identify own strategies for effective learning and develop time-management skills T DipHE (3.10)
Communicate basic bioscience principles using appropriate scientific language T DipHE (3.8)
With some guidance work effectively on an individual task T DipHE (3.10)
With some guidance work effectively in small groups to achieve a common goal T DipHE (3.9)
Apply basic statistical and numerical skills, with some guidance, to analyse simple bioscience data T DipHE (3.7)
Use the internet and other electronic resources to identify appropriate sources of scientific information T DipHE (3.8)
With support, take responsibility for own time-management and academic efforts T CertHE (3.10)
Communicate basic scientific information T CertHE (3.8)
With guidance work on specific tasks T CertHE (3.10)
With guidance work in small groups on a specific task T CertHE (3.9)
Apply basic statistical and numerical skills, under direction, to analyse simple bioscience data T CertHE (3.7)
Use the internet and other electronic resources to identify appropriate sources of scientific information T CertHE (3.8)
A basic appreciation of some ethical issues and the impact on society of advances in the Biosciences T BSc (Hons) (QAA Benchmark statements 3.2 + 3.3
Develop high-level competencies in professional biomedical research critical evaluation and communication KCPT MSci (Hons)
Develop an in-depth understanding of the scope and limitations associated with laboratory diagnosis in clinical decision-making. KCP MSci (Hons)

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Programme structure

Full-time

This Integrated Master'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 7). 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 (Honours) (360 credits)
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Full-time with PTY

This Integrated Master's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over five academic years, consisting of 600 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6, 7 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 (Honours) (360 credits)
- 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
BMS1029 CURRENT TOPICS IN BIOSCIENCES Compulsory 15 1
BMS1026 MICROBIOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MICROBIAL WORLD Compulsory 15 1
BMS1025 CELL BIOLOGY Compulsory 15 1
BMS1049 BIOCHEMISTRY: THE MOLECULES OF LIFE Compulsory 15 1
BMS1035 PRACTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL BACTERIOLOGY Compulsory 15 2
BMS1047 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS - GENES AND THEIR FUNCTION Compulsory 15 2
BMS1032 INTRODUCTION TO PRINCIPLES OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PRACTICAL SKILLS Compulsory 15 2
BMS1041 BIOCHEMISTRY - A CONCEPTUAL OVERVIEW Compulsory 15 2

Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4

N/A

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 Compulsory 15 1
BMS2038 INTEGRATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS Compulsory 15 1
BMS2043 ANALYTICAL AND CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY Compulsory 15 2
BMS2046 PATHOLOGY AND MEDICINE Compulsory 15 2
BMS2045 INTRODUCTION TO IMMUNOLOGY Compulsory 15 2
BMS2047 PHARMACOLOGY: INTRODUCTION TO DRUG ACTION Optional 15 2
BMS2044 MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES AND INTERACTIONS Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Students must choose one optional module in semester two.

Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

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

Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Students must choose two optional modules in semester one and two optional modules in semester two.

Year 4 - FHEQ Level 7

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
MMIM016 MANAGEMENT OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Optional 15 1
BMSM020 MOLECULAR MEDICINE Optional 15 1
MMIM031 ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY Optional 15 2
BMSM027 ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECT Core 60 Year-long
BMSM028 CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY Compulsory 15 1
BMSM029 CRITICAL REVIEW OF BIOSCIENCE LITERATURE Compulsory 15 2
BMSM031 BIOINFORMATICS AND DATA SCIENCE Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 4 - FHEQ Level 7

Students must choose one optional module in each semester.

Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

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

Module Selection for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

N/A

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 Compulsory 15 1
BMS2038 INTEGRATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS Compulsory 15 1
BMS2043 ANALYTICAL AND CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY Compulsory 15 2
BMS2046 PATHOLOGY AND MEDICINE Compulsory 15 2
BMS2045 INTRODUCTION TO IMMUNOLOGY Compulsory 15 2
BMS2047 PHARMACOLOGY: INTRODUCTION TO DRUG ACTION Optional 15 2
BMS2044 MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES AND INTERACTIONS Optional 15 2

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

Students must choose one optional module in semester two.

Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

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

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

Students must choose two optional modules in semester one and two optional modules in semester two.

Professional Training Year (PTY) -

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
2

Module Selection for Professional Training Year (PTY) -

N/A

Year 4 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 7

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
MMIM016 MANAGEMENT OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Optional 15 1
BMSM020 MOLECULAR MEDICINE Optional 15 1
MMIM031 ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY Optional 15 2
BMSM027 ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECT Core 60 Year-long
BMSM028 CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY Compulsory 15 1
BMSM029 CRITICAL REVIEW OF BIOSCIENCE LITERATURE Compulsory 15 2
BMSM031 BIOINFORMATICS AND DATA SCIENCE Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 4 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 7

Students must choose one optional module in each semester.

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

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 2022/3 academic year.