Department of Life Sciences
Division of Biological &
Biomedical Sciences
Frances MacInnes
0141 331 3718
f.macinnes@gcu.ac.uk
Undergraduate Degree Programmes
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BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical/Biomedical Science
BSc (Hons) Cell & Molecular Biology
BSc/BSc (Hons) Food Bioscience
BSc/BSc (Hons) Human Biology with Sociology & Psychology
BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition & Dietetics
BSc (Hons) Microbiology
BSc (Hons) Pharmacology
Professionally Accredited
Programmes
• Glasgow Caledonian is one of only two universities in Scotland
approved by the Health & Care Professions Council to offer
both Biomedical Science & Dietetics programmes.
• Our programmes are recognised by the appropriate statutory
and professional bodies, including:
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The Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
The Society of Biology (SOB)
The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
The British Dietetics Association (BDA)
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
The British Pharmacological Society (BPS)
The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST)
The Royal Environmental Health Institute Scotland (REHIS)
Biomedical Science
There are two routes for Biomedical Science applicants (same UCAS code – B940)
• BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science (ABMS)
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HCPC approved and IBMS accredited
Placement in trimester B of year 3
Placements are competitive
Can apply for BMS positions post-graduation
• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (BMS)
– IBMS accredited
– No placement – students complete 3 modules in trimester B of
year 3
– Must apply for trainee post and after a period of training,
normally 1 year, can apply for HCPC registration
BSc (Hons) Applied/Biomedical Science
GCU is the largest provider of biomedical scientists in Scotland.
Careers
Laboratory Disciplines
Graduate destinations (90% related to degree)
• Clinical chemistry
 Biomedical Scientist (NHS)
• Cytology
 Research and development (drug
companies, biotechnology industry)
• Haematology
 Forensic Science Service
• Histology
 Research institutes (government,
• Immunology
university)
• Microbiology/Bacteriology  Laboratory technicians
 Teaching
• Transfusion science
• Virology
BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science
Salaries (Apr 2014)
Trainee (starting salary 60% of Band 6)
roughly 20K+
Band 5
21,478 – 27,901
Band 6* (Specialist after 2 years)
25,783 – 34,530
Band 7* (Senior Specialist promoted post)
30,764 – 40,558
Band 8a-d*
39,229 – 81,618
Band 9*
77,850 – 98,453
www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk/
* Posts have to be applied for and may vary between health boards
BSc (Hons) Cell & Molecular Biology (UCAS:
BSc (Hons) Microbiology (UCAS: C510)
BSc (Hons) Pharmacology (UCAS: B210)
C760)
Develop laboratory skills actively sought by employers
Careers
Graduate destinations (90% related to degree)
 Biotechnology, health and medicine enterprises
 Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS)
 Research in university, government agencies and industry
 Pharmaceutical development
 Product research and manufacture
 Forensic Science Service
 Medical Sales
 Information Science
 Teaching (Biology)
BSc/BSc (Hons) Food Bioscience (UCAS: D611)
This unique programme is the only one offered of its kind in Scotland
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Follows the core curriculum set out by the Institute of Food Science and Technology
(IFST)
Approved by the Royal Environmental Health Institute for Scotland (REHIS) for preentry/pre-registration to the Scottish Food Safety Officers’ Registration Board
Student industrial placement in trimester A of 4th year
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Careers
Graduate destination (100% related to degree)
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Food manufacturing
Food production
Product research and development
Product and process development
Marketing
Food safety – Scottish Food Safety Officer (REHIS approved)
Food Nutritionist, Food Advisor with government departments such as the
Food Standards Agency (FSA)
Minimum Going Rate
Biomed & Framework
Level 1 entry
• 4 Highers BBBB
• Essential: Chemistry (H), Maths, English, Biology (National 5:
grade B, S grade: 2 or Int 2: grade B)
– Recommended: English, Maths, Biology/Human Biology (H)
• English Language
– If English is not your first language, proof is required.
– (For Biomed) Current minimum levels are set by HCPC
• IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) with no element below 6.5
– (For all other programmes)
• IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no element below 5.5
BSc/BSc (Hons) Human Biology with Sociology &
Psychology (UCAS: CL03)
The development of strong communication skills is an integral element of this degree
Careers
 Health
promotion
 Health counselling
 Voluntary organisations in the health service, welfare and
social services
 Journalism
 Research-based activities within universities and public
services
 Teaching (Biology)
Going Rate
Human Biology, Sociology & Psychology
Level 1 entry
• 4 Highers BBBB
– Essential: Biology/Human Biology (H), Maths, English &
Chemistry (National 5: grade B, S grade: 2 or Int 2: grade
B)
– Recommended: Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology,
Sociology (H)
• English Language
– If English is not your first language, proof is required.
• IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no element below 5.5
BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition & Dietetics (UCAS: B400)
Three clinical placements are integral to this programme
Careers
Graduate destination (100% related to degree)
Health education and promotion
Research and consultancy
Working in Food, Pharmaceutical or Catering Industries
Private practice
The media
Lecturing
Social Services
Minimum Going Rate
Dietetics
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Level 1 entry
4 Highers BBBB
– Essential: Chemistry, English and one other science (H), Maths (National
5: grade B, S grade: 2 or Int 2: grade B)
– Recommended: Maths (H)
English Language
– If English is not your first language, proof is required.
– Current minimum levels are set by HCPC
• IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) with no element below 6.5
Note:
– Applicants should show evidence of appreciation of skills required to be a
dietitian.
– They should be outgoing with good oral and written communication skills
– Applicants will be expected to comply with Fitness to Practice guidance
FE Entry Qualifications
• Applied/Biomedical Science and framework programmes
•Level 1 entry
• Access to Science or HNC + B in Graded Unit + interview
•Level 2 entry
• HNC – no remediation & 15/16 credits + A in Graded Unit + interview
• HND – no remediation + min BB in Graded Units + interview
•Level 3 entry
• HND – no remediation & AB in Graded Units + evidence of higher
performance + interview
• Biomedical Science only
•Level 2 entry –placement (ABMS) or non-placement (BMS) stream
•Level 3 entry – non-placement (BMS) stream only
• Dietetics
•Level 1 entry
• Access to Dietetics + interview
UCAS Applications
Ensure applicants apply for correct level.
No need to apply for all framework programmes
• What we look for
• Good qualifications
• BBBB – Chemistry (essential for most), Biology, Maths,
English
• Access – Level 1 entry
• HNC 12 credits – Level 1 entry
• 15/16 credits (A in Graded Unit & no remediation) –
Level 2 entry
• HND (BB in Graded Unit & no remediation) – Level 2 entry
• HND (AB in Graded Unit & no remediation) – Level 3 entry
UCAS Applications (cont’d)
• Supportive reference
• As descriptive and discerning as possible
• Needs to give some indication of applicants suitability and
commitment to area and level of study
• Well written and informative personal statement
• Reasons for applying – show knowledge & enthusiasm for
subject
• Skills eg communication, teamwork, IT
• Career aspirations
• Extra curricular activities
• Achievements eg sports prizes, awards
• Deadline date
• 15 January 2015 (for all applications)
• Applications received after this date may not be considered
Student Support
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Learning Development Centre
Academic Development
 Writing essays/reports
 Study skills
 Exam prep
 ICT
Bio Open Door Policy
GCU Learn (Blackboard) our VLE
Student mentors
Biorama
• Informative & fun
• Meet the staff (informal
interview)
• Take part in the activities
– Laboratory experiments
– Campus Tour
• Numerous dates:
– Oct 2014 (pre-UCAS)
– Jan-Mar 2015 (interviews)
Department of Life Sciences
Contact Details:
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
T: 0141 331 3209
F: 0141 331 3208
E: biorama@gcu.ac.uk
W: www.gcu.ac.uk/hls
Course and admissions details are in the individual programme brochures
NOTE: Programmes are subject to change, please check the online prospectus or
web page for the most recent updates