Biomedical Science (2007)

University of Bradford: Undergraduate Programme specification UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD Faculty of Life Sciences School of Medical Sciences Programme title: Biomedical Science Awarding and teaching University of Bradford institution: Final and interim awards: BSc (Honours) [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications FHEQ Level 6] BSc [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications FHEQ Level 6] Diploma of Higher Education [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications FHEQ Level 5] Certificate of Higher Education [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications FHEQ Level 4] Programme title: Programme approved / accredited by: Duration: UCAS code: Subject benchmark statement: Biomedical Science Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) 3yrs full-time C900 Biomedical Science (2007) FHEQ Levels: 4, 5 and 6 Approved: August 2014 Introduction Biomedical Science is a key healthcare science involving a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human disease. It encompasses studies of the causes of disease and the effects of disease on the normal structure and functions of the human body and it provides an understanding of the scientific basis for the laboratory investigation, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. Graduates will also be familiar with biomedical science Page 1 of 13

research to develop new diagnostic procedures as well as new therapeutic intervention strategies. As a graduate from a degree programme accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) you will have a broad-based scientific education coupled with technical skills necessary for laboratory work. This broad-based education provides the foundation for a wide-range of scientific careers, including as a Biomedical Scientist in a hospital environment (after successful completion of the IBMS portfolio of competence in an accredited laboratory placement and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council after graduation), as a laboratory-based or non-laboratory based scientist in the Pharmaceutical Industry and other related industries, academic research and teaching. However, whilst the degree provides a qualification necessary to start your professional career you will need to continue to develop skills throughout your working life. This programme couples a scientific education with the development of the skills necessary for lifelong learning. The aims and outcome statements have been referenced to the University s Learning and Teaching Strategy, the QAA Subject Benchmark statement, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the Health Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency. Programme Aims The programme is intended to: deliver a flexible programme of study in Biomedical Science for students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds; enhance learning by providing a choice of study options to suit your interests and/or career aspirations; develop subject knowledge and understanding in the core and optional areas of the Biomedical Science as defined in the curriculum to reflect the Subject Benchmark Statement; including an awareness of the implications of ethnicity, gender as well as social and cultural diversity in health and disease; develop core discipline specific skills as outlined in the curriculum to reflect the Subject Benchmark Statement; develop research skills to reflect the Subject Benchmark Statement and prepare you for postgraduate study; develop personal transferable skills that enable you to move successfully into employment or further education; provide an accredited degree which meets the requirements of the IBMS that can enable you to apply to register with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist (after completing the IBMS certificate of competence portfolio) Page 2 of 13

To provide a supportive and structured environment in which you are encouraged to develop the independent study skills required for lifelong learning. Programme Learning Outcomes When you have completed the programme you will have met the following learning outcomes (LO): LO1 Knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles of core aspects of Biomedical Science including Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Pathology, Immunology, Microbiology; LO2 Develop the ability to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study LO3 Write scientific reports and communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments LO4 Use the range of personal transferable skills including communication, information technology (including the use of the internet and other electronic devices as sources of information and means of communication), team working, negotiating and decision making skills that are required in a working environment and prepare you for lifelong learning; LO5 Undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment and develop transferable skills necessary for employment, including personal responsibility and undertake risk and control of substances hazardous to health assessments, evaluate and apply health and safety policies, good laboratory practice and solve problems as well as appreciate the importance of The Human Tissue Act 2004, governance, audit and quality control and assurance; LO6 Knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of Biomedical Science, and of the way in which those principles have developed LO7 Evaluate and discuss the laboratory specialities of cellular pathology, clinical biochemistry, clinical immunology, clinical genetics, haematology and transfusion science, and medical microbiology. LO8 Select, evaluate and appraise experimental and clinical laboratory techniques and be able to apply them to experimental and laboratory investigations; Page 3 of 13

LO9 Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and interpret and critically review scientific literature LO10 Prepare, process, analyse (including numerical and statistical analysis) and interpret experimental/clinical laboratory data and present data in an appropriate format; Applying skills in critical and analytical thinking and problem solving skills LO11 A systematic understanding of key aspects of Biomedical Science, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, informed by current research-led aspects of a discipline LO12 Devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques at the forefront of Biomedical Science to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in the discipline LO13 Ability to manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources and undertake autonomous learning. Curriculum The curriculum is designed to provide a flexible study route permitting the maximum student choice consistent with the requirements of accreditation. The curriculum is designed to enable you to develop the necessary level of knowledge of Biomedical Science suitable for a career as a Biomedical Scientist or as a scientist in one of the many other professions that our graduates choose to follow. In the first and second year of your degree (level 4 and 5), all modules are core to ensure that you have the foundation in Biomedical Science required for further study. At level 4, you will study normal human biology and some microbiology at the level of the molecule, gene, cell, organ and organism. Laboratory sessions run in conjunction with the theoretical components will give you the opportunity to enhance your understanding of particular study topics. You will be introduced to basic laboratory skills and in skills in data handling and interpretation. You will also develop your key skills during Level 4 and you will start to develop a progress file. You will be encouraged to develop a reflective attitude to your learning and develop numerical, written and oral communication, IT and group working skills. Level 4 Biomedical Science Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period BM-1105L Developing Professional Skills 1 C 20 4 1+2 BM-1121L Human physiology 1 and 2 C 20 4 1+2 BM-1119D Introductory Biochemistry C 20 4 1 BM-1120D Cell and Tissue Biology C 20 4 1 BM-1122D Human Genetics and Developmental Biology C 20 4 2 Page 4 of 13

BM-2108D Introductory microbiology C 20 4 2 If you complete level 4 successfully, you are eligible for a Certificate of Higher Education; The Certificate of Higher Education indicates that you have successfully met learning outcomes 1 to 5 consistent with those of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications At level 5, the curriculum continues to concentrate on core areas of Biomedical Science in particular, the laboratory disciplines. You will start to examine the processes that disrupt normal human biological function and so cause disease. You will also explore the methods used to diagnose and treat disease. Again, laboratory sessions will give you the opportunity to enhance understanding of some topics and you will develop further, your laboratory skills as well as skills in data handling and interpretation. You will also be encouraged to develop further, personal transferable skills and reflect on how these will prepare you for the working environment. You will be encouraged to self-evaluate your skills and identify and address areas for improvement. At level 5 you will develop your depth of knowledge and laboratory and data handling skills and are encouraged to start to develop autonomy in your learning by producing individual and group work and developing increasing responsibility for achieving the learning outcomes of your modules and level of study. Students engage with case studies and workshop material well in level 5, as there is an opportunity for interaction with each other, discussion, debate and assimilate ideas. Level 5 Module Module Title Type Credits Level Study Code period BM-2003L Developing Professional Skills 2 C 20 5 1+2 BM-5120L Immunology, Haematology and Transfusion Science C 20 5 1+2 BM-3101D Medical microbiology C 20 5 1 BM-5121D Clinical and Analytical Biochemistry C 20 5 1 BM-5122D Molecular Genetics C 20 5 2 BM-5123D Pathology C 20 5 2 If you complete levels 4 and 5 successfully, you are eligible for a Diploma of Higher Education. The Diploma of Higher Education indicates that you have successfully met learning outcomes 1 to 10 consistent with those of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. At level 6 (your final year of study) the curriculum continues to allow you to develop your knowledge and understanding of human disease and you will choose to study in depth from a range of current research topics in Biomedical Science. You will continue to reflect upon ways to improve your own learning and performance and to develop autonomous learning skills. Laboratory sessions along with the research project will allow you to enhance further, your data handling and critical interpretation skills and increase the autonomy with which you can apply them. In addition, you will be encouraged to develop further your numerical, written and oral communication, IT and group working skills. You will be expected to take Page 5 of 13

increasing responsibility for your own learning as well as group and individual outcomes. Throughout the curriculum you will have the opportunity to develop the skills associated with biomedical laboratory practice including the ability to develop COSHH and risk assessments and procedures to ensure compliance, and the importance of quality control and quality assurance. There are five potential pathways in Biomedical Science of which you will choose one. These routes involve specialisation in the final year and permit study of Medical Cell Biology (O1), Medical Biochemistry (O2) Cancer Biology (O3), Medical Microbiology (O4), and Haematology (O5). Your final year project will be associated with your final year option choice. You will also be able to take an elective 20 credit module at level 6 during semester 2. All of these pathways lead to an IBMS accredited degree. The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures, as improvements are made each year. More detail, including learning outcomes, is available for each unit in the individual module descriptors. Level 6 Module Module Title Typ Credits Level Study Code e period BM-3008K Research Project O 40 6 1+2 BM-3123D Medical Genetics C 20 6 1 BM-3117D Research Topics in Medical Cell Biology I O1 20 6 1 BM-3121D Research Topics in Medical Biochemistry I O2 20 6 1 BM-3118D Research Topics in Cancer Biology I O3 20 6 1 BM-3119D Research Topics in Medical Microbiology I O4 20 6 1 BM 3126D Research Topics in Haematology I O5 20 6 1 BM-3124D Biology of Disease C 20 6 2 BM-3122D Research Topics II O 20 6 2 XXXX Elective module E 20 6 2 If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Levels 4 to 6 and have achieved learning outcomes 1-13 you are eligible for the award of BSc (Hons) If you have not met the credit requirements for an Honours degree but have achieved the regulatory credit requirements for the award of an Ordinary degree and have met learning outcomes 1-11 and 13 you are eligible for the award of an Ordinary degree. More detail, including learning outcomes, is available for each unit in the individual module descriptors. The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. Page 6 of 13

Teaching and Assessment Strategies The teaching and assessment strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes for the programme, progression through stages of study, the nature of topic studied and the need for you to demonstrate greater autonomy in your learning as you progress through the programme. Formal lectures will facilitate your acquisition of knowledge and understanding (LO 1) and discipline specific skills (LO 6, 7 and 11). Laboratory sessions run in conjunction with the theoretical components will give you the opportunity to enhance your understanding of particular topics (LO 2-5). These will also help to develop discipline specific skills (LO 6 and 7) and personal transferable skills (LO 4, 5 and 8). Tutorials, workshops and case studies will develop knowledge and understanding, discipline specific skills and personal transferable skills (LO 9-10). The discipline specific skills will be further enhanced in the specialist optional modules in your final year (LO 11 and 12). Directed study, involving directed reading of appropriate texts and the preparation of assessed work, is used to develop the majority of learning outcomes (LO 13). The assessment strategy is designed to allow you to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes of an individual module appropriate to your level of study and the learning outcomes of the programme. These learning outcomes are consistent with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. At level 4, you will be examined, primarily, on the breadth of knowledge via MCQ and short answer examinations. Coursework assignments will give you the opportunity to gain experience in report writing and data handling and interpretation. As you progress through levels 5 and 6 you will have the opportunity to demonstrate increasing skills of analysis, synthesis and criticism through a wide variety of assessment strategies, including written and oral examinations, report writing, case studies, group work, essays, including a dissertation, oral presentations and the project report. The project report provides a major opportunity to demonstrate autonomy in data handling and critical interpretation in a research context. Assessment Regulations This Programme conforms, with three exceptions, to the standard University Regulations which are available at the following link: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/ The exceptions are: 1. There is no compensation. This means that all modules must be passed at 40% or higher in order to progress between stages and be eligible for a final award of BSc (Hons). 2. There is no referral. This means that all modules must be passed at each stage of study prior to starting the next stage of study. Page 7 of 13

3. The Developing Professional Skills 2 module laboratory based competency test must be passed in order to progress to stage 3 of the programme. Admission Requirements The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application and a successful interview. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience. If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications. The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme leader before you apply. A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 260 points, which should include two science subjects, preferably biology and chemistry. Two AS levels are accepted in place of a third A-level subject. GCSE passes should include at least a grade C in Chemistry and Biology (or double science), Maths and English. International students should have IELTS 6 (a requirement of the accrediting body Institute of Biomedical Science), or TOEFL (550 paper-based, 220 computer-based, or 83 internet-based score) and have equivalent qualifications to GCSE in Science and Maths. Applications are also welcome from mature students (those over 21 years of age on entry) and candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking academic qualifications, have significant relevant experience. On completion of a UCAS form you will be invited to the School for an Open Day when you will have the opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss the Bradford experience with current students. Page 8 of 13

Learning Resources The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the Faculty of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each Faculty provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly. Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way. Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available. Student Support and Guidance Programme Team Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The Faculty will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries. The University and the Faculty have well-deserved reputations for good practice in this area. You will be allocated a Personal Tutor in the Faculty of Medical Sciences whom you will see at least fortnightly throughout the first year. Your Tutor will continue to support you with regular timetabled meetings in year 2 and year 3. In your first 2 years of study, your Tutor will play a significant role in the development of your academic abilities and personal transferable skills; in some tutorials, the work you undertake with feedback from your Tutor is linked to the Developing Professional Skills modules. Your Tutor will also be responsible for your pastoral care during your time at University and will be your first point of contact for areas of concern or guidance. Further guidance at all stages is available from Year Tutors, Programme Leader and Examination Officers. You will have an individual supervisor for your final year research project. You will also be supported in all aspects of your programme by Programme, Year and Module handbooks. Regular feedback on your individual performance will be provided. The support provided by the Faculty is enhanced by a strong university infrastructure, including particularly the Disabilities Office and the Careers Service, and the Library and Computing facilities. The programme team are very responsive to student feedback though a Staff-Student Liaison Page 9 of 13

Committee which includes the Subject Librarian and a representative of the Computing Centre. Students Union We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students Union, through a system of programme representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly. The Students Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (based in the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student s Union. Employability and Career Development The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile and capabilities through learning opportunities embedded within the curriculum. Furthermore, the University is committed to supporting students to develop their commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan. Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, graduate internship programmes and graduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students as part of their programme of study may have the opportunity to complete a Career & Personal Development accredited module delivered by the Career Development Service. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site http://www.bradford.ac.uk/careers/ Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all graduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services website http://www.bradford.ac.uk/careers/ The University and the Faculty of Life Sciences also has a policy on embedding employability, enterprise and entrepreneurship into the programmes offered. The learning outcomes from implementing this policy, comprise of transferable skills and attitudes that are built up across a whole Page 10 of 13

programme of study. Below are some examples of the types of transferable skills that may be relevant for employability, enterprise and entrepreneurship in Biomedical Science: to understand how enterprise relates to your programme to describe and apply examples of effective practice in enterprise and entrepreneurship to network with, learn from, and show how enterprising and innovative practitioners have altered your thinking and attitude to your future work to demonstrate an awareness of your own strengths and weakness in completing tasks and an abilities to improve your abilities to be confident in evaluating, recognising correctly the potential for change, and acting to solve unfamiliar problems to be confident in working within a team, either under direction, as a contributor or as a facilitator to be able to work effectively without close guidance or oversight to plan and organise yourself and others to complete tasks in a timely and effective manner Our students will have collaborative learning experiences at each level of study from tutorials, workshops and case studies. The laboratory competency test at level 5 and the optional modules in level 6, an individual final year project and dissertation and relevant work experience through their laboratory work address some of the skills for employability. At level 5 there is interaction with alumni from the programme and live briefs in the Developing Professional Skills module to develop employability skills, enterprise and entrepreneurship. The Biomedical Science degree has also been designed in accordance with the University of Bradford Curriculum Framework (2013) seeks to develop our graduates within three themes: Academic development and critical thinking (through learner autonomy, critical thinking, information literacy, research and enquiry); Employability and professionalism (though self-awareness and management, communication, collaboration, life-long learning, professional values, digital literacy); and Inclusivity (through intercultural and international awareness, social and civic responsibilities, global citizenship, ethics, sustainability). These themes are developed throughout the programme to prepare our students for a variety of careers after graduation. Learner Development Unit for Academic Skills Advice For undergraduate students who are looking to improve their marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree discipline or level of study. Students can access a programme of interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study. Page 11 of 13

http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills/index.php Disability Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk University policies and initiatives Learning and Teaching Our University approach to learning, teaching and assessment is encapsulated by an integrated set of themes and principles within our Curriculum Framework. All of our degree programmes have been designed to provide you with an inclusive and engaging learning environment which gives you the opportunity to thrive and develop in your area of study. Our research-informed programmes have a particular focus on developing your employability. We also place a strong emphasis on collaborative, real-world and enquiry-based learning, supported by appropriate learning technologies. Our assessment is designed not just to measure your achievement, but also to shape and guide your learning through preparing you for the increasing level of challenge as you progress through your degree. Together, these lead to you developing a distinctive set of graduate attributes which will prepare you for life beyond university. Ecoversity: Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. The University of Bradford and the Faculty of Life Sciences are committed to the principles of Education for Sustainable Development as outlined in the UNESCO definition (see http://info.brad.ac.uk/admin/ecoversity/whatsustainability.php ) The Faculty of Life Sciences has committed to involvement with education for sustainable development (ESD) by ensuring that curricula reflect the Page 12 of 13

integration of practice through personal and social understanding of responsible and ethical behaviour (attitudes and values) aligned with that of Responsible Science and where appropriate Responsible Professionalism. In both of the new programmes there will be a significant emphasis on the relationship between Biomedical Science and public health. Thus, issues around ethics, healthcare and public health, the social context of disease, genes, environment and disease, equality and diversity, health and safety in the workplace, professional practice and service development are embedded in some modules (e.g. DPS, Work-based learning, Medical Microbiology, Cellular Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry). These areas are listed by UNESCO as those which education for sustainable development must promote. The nature of the role healthcare professionals is to improve the quality of life of service users. The degree programmes actively encourage understanding of working in multi-disciplinary teams (through group work). Thinking critically and problem solving are skills embedded in the assessment structure from stage 1 to stage 3. The students also have a solid base of laboratory competency from their laboratory based sessions. ESD should give the students a better understanding of the world and promote taking responsibility for creating a sustainable future both at home and at work. Further Information: For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions. The Admissions Office The University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0)1274 233054 http://www.bradford.ac.uk/s tudy/our-courses/ The Admissions Office Faculty of Life Sciences The University of Bradford Richmond Building Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0)1274 233562 For more details see http://www.bradford.ac.uk/about/ecoversity/ and http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/leading-theinternational-agenda/education-for-sustainable-development/ http://www.bradford.ac.uk/lifesciences/medical-sciences/ The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. Page 13 of 13