University of Bradford:
Undergraduate Programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Life Sciences/ School of Medical Sciences
Programme title: BSc (Hons) in Healthcare Science (Life Sciences)
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final and interim awards:
BSc (Honours) Framework for Higher Education
Qualification (Level 6)
Diploma of Higher Education [ Framework for
Higher Education Qualifications Level 5]
Certificate of Higher Education [ Framework for
Higher Education Qualifications Level 4]
Programme title:
Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) in (Genetics),
(Blood Sciences), (Cellular Sciences) or
(Infection Sciences)
Programme approved /
accredited by:
Healthcare Science Education and Training
Board (HCSETB), Institute of Biomedical Science
(IBMS) and Health and Care Professions Council
(HCPC)
Duration:
3yrs (extended) – full-time
UCAS code:
C400
Subject benchmark
statement:
Biomedical Science (2007)
FHEQ Levels:
4, 5 and 6
Date produced:
November 2011
Last updated :
January 2014
Introduction
Healthcare Scientists and Biomedical Scientists play an essential role in the National
Health Service. Encompassing 51 disciplines, the Healthcare Science (HCS)
workforce is at the heart of safe and effective patient care; the workforce is central to
high quality care for all and provides expert diagnostic advice and laboratory
investigation for the treatment of patients and prevention of disease.
The
Department of Health, under the auspices of ‘Modernising Scientific Careers (MSC)’,
has developed a new flexible career structure for all Healthcare Scientists
underpinned by new education and training programmes and a regulatory framework
Page 1 of 16
to address the needs of future needs of the NHS. It is envisaged that MSC will
enable patients to receive safer care, faster diagnoses closer to home and faster
entry to the correct care pathway, and access to up to date innovative scientific
services.
The BSc in Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) involves 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. It also develops and applies new
technologies that help improve the care of patients.
As a graduate from this degree programme you will have a broad-based scientific
background coupled with technical skills necessary for laboratory work and more
detailed knowledge and skills in your chosen specialism. The four pathways in
Genetics, Blood Sciences, Cellular Sciences and Infection Sciences will have a
strong specialist work-based training element in each year of study which will be
integrated with the academic content. To accommodate both the academic
requirements and work-based training, the programme will require extended periods
of study in each academic year (36, 40 and 46 weeks for year 1-3) compared to the
standard 30 weeks.
Specifically, the degree programme is designed to permit you to meet the
requirements of the Department of Health via the Health Education England
Healthcare Science Programme board, the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS),
the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and allow you to practice as a
Healthcare Science Practitioner in NHS laboratories. Alternatively, you could find
employment as a laboratory-based or non-laboratory based scientist in the
Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology or other related industries, academic research and
teaching. In addition, 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 and the supporting curriculum have been
referenced
to
the
University’s
Learning
and
Teaching
Strategy
(http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/TLS.html), the QAA Subject Benchmark
statement for Biomedical Science (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/benchmark), the
Modernising Scientific Careers Curriculum Strategy Group guidelines, the
Framework
for
Higher
Education
Qualifications
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/ewni2001/contents.htm), the IBMS portfolio of
competence and HCPC standards.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:

Deliver a programme of study in Healthcare Science for students from diverse
cultural and educational backgrounds;

Enhance learning by providing an opportunity for specialist work-based
training in all years of the programme;
Page 2 of 16

Develop subject knowledge and understanding in the core areas of
Healthcare Science and the specialised areas of Genetics, Blood Sciences,
Cellular Sciences and Infection Sciences to reflect the requirements of the
Medical Education England Healthcare Science Programme board and the
Subject Benchmark Statement(s);

Develop an understanding of the organisation and role of the NHS;

Develop an understanding of pathology and laboratory medicine in patient
care 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 requirements of the Medical Education England Healthcare Science
Programme board and the Subject Benchmark Statement(s);

Develop research skills to reflect the requirements of the Medical Education
England Healthcare Science Programme board and the Subject Benchmark
Statement(s);

Develop personal transferable skills that enable you to move successfully into
employment, career development and/or further education;

Provide a Medical Education England Healthcare Science Programme board
and IBMS accredited and HPC approved degree which will allow you to gain
employment as a Healthcare Scientist Practitioner in NHS laboratories;
To enable the student to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions
Council (HCPC) as Biomedical Scientists or any other future protected title that is
appropriate to the degree. Registration can be applied for after successful
completion of the degree and following completion of the IBMS portfolio. The
portfolio provides evidence of achievement of the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for
a biomedical scientist and leads to the award of a Certificate of Competence from
the IBMS.
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 be able to:
LO1
Discuss and evaluate specialist and core aspects of HCS including Cell
Biology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Immunology,
Microbiology, Epidemiology, Medical Physics and Public Health
Medicine/Health Protection;
LO2
Discuss and evaluate the organisation and role of the NHS and Pathology and
Laboratory Medicine and the laboratory specialities of genetics, cellular
pathology, clinical biochemistry, clinical immunology, haematology and
transfusion science, and medical microbiology; demonstrate advanced
knowledge and understanding of your specialist area;
LO3
Discuss and evaluate current research to develop new diagnostic procedures
as well as new therapeutic intervention strategies;
Page 3 of 16
LO4
Select and evaluate experimental and clinical laboratory techniques and be
able to apply them to experimental and laboratory investigations;
LO5
Prepare, process, analyse (including the statistical analysis) and interpret
experimental/clinical laboratory data and present data in an appropriate
format;
LO6
Collect, interpret and critically review scientific literature;
LO7
Write scientific reports;
LO8
Employ skills associated with professional and ethical laboratory practice with
particular reference to HCS including the ability to 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
respond appropriately to The Human Tissue Act 2004, governance, audit and
quality control and assurance;
LO9
Demonstrate the standards of proficiency required by the Medical Education
England Healthcare Science Programme board, IBMS and HCPC by
successfully completing specialist work-based training;
LO10 Apply skills in critical and analytical thinking, use and apply numerical and
statistical techniques and use problem solving skills;
LO11 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;
LO12 Ability to manage their own learning and undertake autonomous learning.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to provide a study route consistent with the requirements
of accreditation/approval by the Department of Health via the Medical Education
England Healthcare Science Programme board. The programme also fulfils the
requirements for the Institute of Biomedical Science accreditation and approval from
the Health Professions Council. The curriculum is designed to enable you to develop
the necessary level of knowledge and skills in HCS suitable for a career as a
Healthcare Science Practitioner in Life Sciences, registered Biomedical Scientist or
as a scientist in one of the many other professions that our students can choose to
follow.
In the first year (level 4), you will study the scientific basis of HCS. Level 4 of the
HCS degree programmes contain the same modules, as the specialism is chosen
later in the degree. This includes normal human biology at the level of the molecule,
gene, cell, organ and organism, some microbiology as well as issues involved in
human health, the organisation and role of the NHS and the principles and practice
of laboratory medicine (healthcare practice). You will be introduced to basic
laboratory skills and to skills in data handling and interpretation. You will also
develop your existing 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.
Page 4 of 16
Professional practice is an extremely important aspect of your development and
opportunities to enhance these skills are embedded in all stages of the programme.
Thus, you will have the opportunity to develop competency in the skills associated
with HCS 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. At the end of level 4, you will have the opportunity to
begin to apply and develop further your professional practice through a 10-week
period of work-based training. Successful completion of the work-based training
component is a requirement for entry to the second year of the degree (level 5).
Level 4 – Genetics
Module
Code
BM-1123L
BM-1121L
BM-1119D
BM-1120D
BM-1122D
BM-2108D
Module Title
Work based learning and Professional
Practice 1
Human physiology
Introductory Biochemistry
Cell and Tissue Biology
Human Genetics and Developmental
Biology
Introductory microbiology
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
C
20
4
1, 2 +3
C
C
C
20
20
20
4
4
4
1+2
1
1
C
20
4
2
C
20
4
2
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
C
20
4
1, 2 +3
C
C
C
20
20
20
4
4
4
1+2
1
1
C
20
4
2
C
20
4
2
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
C
20
4
1, 2 +3
C
C
C
20
20
20
4
4
4
1+2
1
1
C
20
4
2
C
20
4
2
Level 4 – Blood Sciences
Module
Code
BM-1123L
BM-1121L
BM-1119D
BM-1120D
BM-1122D
BM-2108D
Module Title
Work based learning and Professional
Practice 1
Human physiology
Introductory Biochemistry
Cell and Tissue Biology
Human Genetics and Developmental
Biology
Introductory microbiology
Level 4 – Cellular Sciences
Module
Code
BM-1123L
BM-1121L
BM-1119D
BM-1120D
BM-1122D
BM-2108D
Module Title
Work based learning and Professional
Practice 1
Human physiology
Introductory Biochemistry
Cell and Tissue Biology
Human Genetics and Developmental
Biology
Introductory microbiology
Page 5 of 16
Level 4 – Infection Sciences
Module
Code
BM-1123L
BM-1121L
BM-1119D
BM-1120D
BM-1122D
BM-2108D
Module Title
Work based learning and Professional
Practice 1
Human physiology
Introductory Biochemistry
Cell and Tissue Biology
Human Genetics and Developmental
Biology
Introductory microbiology
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
C
20
4
1, 2 +3
C
C
C
20
20
20
4
4
4
1+2
1
1
C
20
4
2
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, 2, 4, 5 from your taught modules and learning outcomes 68 and 10 and 11 from the Workbased Learning and Professional Practice module
and laboratory placement. The learning outcomes for these awards and the final
award are consistent with those of the Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications
In level 5, the curriculum continues to concentrate on core areas of HCS, in
particular the laboratory disciplines. You will start to examine the processes that
disrupt normal human biological function and so cause disease within your specialist
area. You will also explore the methods used to diagnose and treat disease and you
will learn more about the role(s) of healthcare professionals in the investigation and
management of disease. You will develop further your laboratory skills as well as
skills in data handling and interpretation. You will also begin to develop research
skills such as collecting, interpreting and critically reviewing scientific literature. You
will also be encouraged to develop skills in autonomous learning, continue to
develop 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. Again, you will be required to successfully apply
and further develop your professional practice through a 15-week period of specialist
work-based training at the end of level 5.
Stage 5 - Genetics
Module
Code
BM-2001R
TBA
BM-3101D
TBA
TBA
TBA
Module Title
Work based learning and Professional
Practice 2
Immunology and Haematology
Medical microbiology
Clinical and Analytical Biochemistry
Molecular Genetics
Pathology
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
C
20
5
1+2+3
C
C
C
C
C
20
20
20
20
20
5
5
5
5
5
1+2
1
1
2
2
Page 6 of 16
Level 5 - Blood Sciences
Module
Code
BM-2001R
TBA
BM-3101D
TBA
TBA
TBA
Module Title
Work based learning and Professional
Practice 2
Immunology and Haematology
Medical microbiology
Clinical and Analytical Biochemistry
Molecular Genetics
Pathology
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
C
20
5
1+2+3
C
C
C
C
C
20
20
20
20
20
5
5
5
5
5
1+2
1
1
2
2
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
C
20
5
1+2+3
C
C
C
C
C
20
20
20
20
20
5
5
5
5
5
1+2
1
1
2
2
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
C
20
5
1+2+3
C
C
C
C
C
20
20
20
20
20
5
5
5
5
5
1+2
1
1
2
2
Level 5 - Cellular Sciences
Module
Code
BM-2001R
TBA
BM-3101D
TBA
TBA
TBA
Module Title
Work based learning and Professional
Practice 2
Immunology and Haematology
Medical microbiology
Clinical and Analytical Biochemistry
Molecular Genetics
Pathology
Level 5 - Infection Sciences
Module
Code
BM-2001R
TBA
BM-3101D
TBA
TBA
TBA
Module Title
Work based learning and Professional
Practice 2
Immunology and Haematology
Medical microbiology
Clinical and Analytical Biochemistry
Molecular Genetics
Pathology
If you complete level 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 5 and 10 from your taught modules and learning
outcomes 6-9 and 11 from the Workbased Learning and Professional Practice
module and laboratory placement. The learning outcomes for these awards and the
final award are consistent with those of the Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications
In the final year (level 6), the curriculum continues to allow you to develop your
knowledge and understanding of HCS with particular emphasis on your chosen
specialism of Genetics, Blood Sciences, Cellular Sciences or Infection Sciences.
You will study in depth, a range of topics in human disease and develop an
appreciation of where the boundaries of our knowledge and understanding lie
alongside specialist training in Healthcare Sciences practice. You will continue to
reflect upon ways to improve your own learning and performance and to develop
autonomous learning skills. The research project will allow you to enhance further,
your data handling and critical interpretation skills and increase the autonomy with
Page 7 of 16
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 increasing responsibility for your own learning as well as group
and individual outcomes. During level 6, you will undertake a final 25-week period of
specialist work-based training.
Level 6 - Genetics
Module
Code
BM-3129K
BM-3123D
BM-3127M
BM-3124D
BM-3011R
Module Title
Research Project
Medical Genetics
Independent study
Biology of Disease
Work-based learning and professional
practice 3
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
C
C
C
C
40
20
10
20
6
6
6
6
1+2
1
1
2
C
30
6
2+3
Level 6 - Blood Sciences
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
BM-3129K
Research project
Research Topics 1 in Haematology and
Transfusion Science
Diagnostic Biochemistry and Immunology
Pregnancy and Paediatric Blood Science
Work-based learning and professional
practice 3
C
40
6
1+2
C
20
6
1
C
C
20
10
6
6
2
2
C
30
6
2+3
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
C
40
6
1+2
C
20
6
1
C
C
20
10
6
6
2
2
C
30
6
2+3
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
C
40
6
1+2
C
20
6
1
C
C
20
10
6
6
2
2
C
30
6
2+3
BM-3126D
BM-3130D
BM-3128M
BM-3011R
Level 6 – Cellular Sciences
Module
Code
BM-3129K
TBA
TBA
TBA
BM-3011R
Module Title
Research project
Clinical Diagnostics in Reproductive
Science
Diagnostic Histopathology
Applications of Cytopathology
Work-based learning and professional
practice 3
Level 6 - Infection Sciences
Module
Code
BM-3129K
TBA
TBA
TBA
BM-3011R
Module Title
Research project
Infectious Disease: Establishment,
Treatment and Control
Diagnostic Microbiology
Parasitology and Fungal Infections
Work-based learning and professional
practice 3
Page 8 of 16
If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Levels 4 to 6 and have achieved
learning outcomes 1-12 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 1-12 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 sand review procedures.
Placements
Placements will be in blocks, 10 weeks at the end of the first year, 15 weeks at the
end of the second year and 25 weeks during the final year of the degree
Students will attend university during term time therefore their placement will in the
main take place over the summer months. A four week block in February of the final
year will be used as a refresher and as preparation time for the research project that
will take place in the workplace during the final summer placement.
Year Jan Feb
Mar Apr May Jun Jul
1
Nov
Dec
10
weeks
2
3
Aug Sep Oct
15 weeks
4
weeks
21 weeks
For example, for the 2012 intake:
Year 1:
2nd July to 7th September 2012 (10 weeks)
Year 2:
20th May to 30th August 2013 (15 weeks)
Year 3:
23rd January to 17th February 2014 (4 weeks). To be confirmed
21st May to 12th October 2014 (21 weeks). To be confirmed
During the placement students will access the Department of Health on-line
assessment portfolio. This broadly uses the generic Health Professions Council
Standards of Proficiency and HPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics,
but contextualises these for Healthcare Science. The student will also complete the
IBMS registration portfolio during the three years of the degree.
During the placement period students will also complete work-based learning
modules (20 credits in level 4 and 5 and 30 credits in level 6). These will.be
submitted to the university for marking at the end of the placement period.
Page 9 of 16
The placement will equip students with a wide range of skills that will allow them to
contribute to high-quality patient care. At the end of the programme, the student will
be able to fulfil the role of a Healthcare Science Practitioner in the NHS.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The teaching, learning 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 13) and discipline specific skills (LO 4, 5, 6, 8). Laboratory sessions run in conjunction
with the theoretical components will give you the opportunity to enhance your
understanding of particular topics (LO 1-3). These will also help to develop discipline
specific skills (LO 4-9) and personal transferable skills (LO 10-12). Tutorials,
workshops and case studies will develop knowledge and understanding (LO 1-3),
discipline specific skills (LO 4, 5, 6, 8) and personal transferable skills (LO 10-11).
The discipline specific skills will be further enhanced in the bespoke 10 credit
modules in stage 3 (LO 4, 5 and 8). Directed study, involving directed reading of
appropriate texts and the preparation of assessed work, is used to develop the
majority of learning outcomes (LO 1-12). The significant work-based training allows
for the further development of all the learning outcomes (LO 1-12).
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 (LO 1-3). Coursework assignments will give you the opportunity to gain
experience in report writing and data handling and interpretation (LO 5-7). 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 (LO 1-6, 10), report
writing (LO 1-12) group work (LO 1-6, 8, 10-12), essays, including a dissertation (LO
1-6, 8, 10-12), oral presentations (LO 1-6, 10-12), case studies (LO 1-6, 8, 10-12)
and the project report (LO 1-12). The project report provides a major opportunity to
demonstrate autonomy in data handling and critical interpretation in a research
context. Your professional competencies will be assessed primarily in the workplace
through the work-based learning modules (LO 9) and facilitated by a ‘Learning
contract’. This is a negotiated agreement between you and your academic and
workplace tutors which describes the intended learning outcomes for a module and
how these are to be achieved.
Your learning contract will outline your
responsibilities and accountability for achieving the outcomes and what support and
guidance will be provided by your tutors. Successful completion of work-based
training and the IBMS portfolio will be a requirement for registration to practice.
Page 10 of 16
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms, with one exception, to the standard University
Assessment Regulations which are available at the following link:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/
The exception is that there is no compensation, hence all modules must be passed
at 40% or more to be eligible to progress between stages and to be eligible for the
final award of BSc (Hons).
If your profile of marks does not permit progression on this programme, you may
transfer to the Biomedical Sciences programme in cases where the mark profile
would satisfy the standard University progression rule.
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 280
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 7.0 or TOEFL (a requirement of
our accrediting bodies) (587 paper-based, 240 computer-based, or 95 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. If you meet the UCAS (or other
entry) requirements, you will be invited to the School for an interview plus you will
have the opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss “the Bradford
experience” with current students. Offers will made subject to a successful interview.
Successful applicants will be expected to undertake Criminal Record Bureau (CRB)
and appropriate health checks.
Page 11 of 16
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School 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 School 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
ProgrammeTeam
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 School 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 Leader will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
The University and the School have well-deserved reputations for good practice in this
area. You will be allocated a Personal Tutor in the School 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 Study Skills and 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. The Placement Tutor will support you during your work-based training in
addition to a Training Officer/Clinical Tutor in your place of work. 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 School 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 Committee which includes the Subject
Librarian and a representative of the Computing Centre.
Page 12 of 16
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.
Careers and Employability
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability
and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available
throughout the programme from Career Development Services including help to find
part time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies.
Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the
extensive resources on the web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring
options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input
by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged
workshops. These may take place as early as year 1, or may be achieved through a
customised Career and Personal Development module in year 2 or 3 which is
developed in close cooperation with the academic department. An annual First
Destination Survey leads to compilation of a report on the outcomes of all
programmes and to the development of an annually updated Traffic Light Analysis of
Employability which is used as a performance indicator.
Employability
The University and the School 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 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
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•
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 Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) degree
programmes have 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). With their unique laboratory placements
throughout each year of study, the HCS programmes are excellent exemplars of
promoting these skills in the students. Students studying the HCS programmes will
be expected to evaluate themselves and identify opportunities for holistic personal
development (which will prepare them well for continuing professional development
and lifelong learning) and the design of the programmes allows them to build a
portfolio of skills and experiences to enhance their career prospects. Being trained in
the NHS laboratories at the same time as studying at University will promote
communication skills through reflective practice, plus develop team work and
leadership skills through practice.
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.
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/learner-development/
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
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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 School 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/what-sustainability.php)
The School of Life Sciences has committed to involvement with education for
sustainable development (ESD) by ensuring that curricula reflect the 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 Healthcare 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.
For
more
details
see
www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity
and
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/leading-the-internationalagenda/education-for-sustainable-development/
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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.brad.ac.uk/courses/
The Admissions Office
School of Life Sciences
The University of Bradford
Richmond Building
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233562
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/life-sciences/
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.
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