PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Final
PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION
Course summary
Final award
Intermediate award
Course status
Awarding body
Faculty
School
Location of study/ campus
Partner institution(s)
Name of institution
1. Brighton and Hove City
College
2.
3.
Admissions
Admissions agency
Entry requirements
Include any progression opportunities
into the course.
Start date (mmm-yy)
Foundation degree Clinical Life Sciences
Certificate in Higher Education
Proposed
University of Brighton
Science and Engineering
Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Brighton and Hove City College
Host department
Biology
Course status
Joint
UCAS
120 UCAS points to include grade E in A2 Biology; Pass AVCE
or National Diploma (Science or related subject) ; Science
Access courses - 23 level 3 passes; NVQ level 3; GCSE grade
C (or equivalent) in Maths & English; IELTS 6.0; students with
other qualifications, but relevant work place experience will be
considered on an individual basis.
Admission to course is through employer recommendation
only.
Sep-12
Normally September
Mode of study
Mode of study
Duration of study
(standard)
Select
4 years
Select
Select
Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich
Distance
Course codes/categories
UCAS code
TBC
Contacts
Course Leader (or Course
Dr Lorraine Smith
Development Leader)
Admissions Tutor
Dr Lorraine Smith
Examination and Assessment
Name
External Examiner(s)
TBC
Examination Board(s)
(AEB/CEB)
Approval and review
Approval date
Validation
TBC - 20121
1
2
Maximum registration period
Select
8 years
Select
Select
Place of work
Review date
Date of original validation.
Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years).
Page 1
2
Date tenure
expires
Programme Specification
3
4
5
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 1 (if
applicable):
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 2 (if
applicable):
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 3 (if
applicable):
3
Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September).
Date programme specification will be reviewed (normally approval date + 1 year). If programme specification is
applicable to a particular cohort, please state here.
5
Date of most recent review by accrediting/ approving external body.
4
Page 2
PART 2: COURSE DETAILS
AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Aims
The aims of the course are:
The aims of the programme are:
*
To provide students with an understanding of theoretical knowledge in biomedical science
and the underlying principles of technical aspects of work in clinical pathology.
*
To enable students to develop the professional and scientific skills required to meet
professional and registration body requirements for work at the associate practitioner level
within pathology laboratories.
*
To allow students to develop skills of collation and analysis of information and problem
solving abilities as appropriate to the Foundation degree level.
*
To give students an understanding of the biological systems and parameters found in
health and to an awareness of the mechanisms by which the diseased state can arise.
*
To enable students to describe and carry out a range of procedures which are used to
investigate normal and diseased states within the healthcare setting and how these
investigations contribute to diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of conditions.
Learning outcomes
The outcomes of the main award provide information about how the primary aims are
demonstrated by students following the course. These are mapped to external reference
points where appropriate6.
Knowledge and theory By the end of the programme, students should be able to:
1. Discuss the normal biology, biochemistry, physiology and
anatomy of the human body
2. Evaluate the effects of disease on selected cells, tissues and
organs
3. Discuss the effects of particular diseased states at the population
level and the implications for public health
4. Obtain and evaluate scientific and professional information and
communicate their findings clearly and appropriately
5. Understand and discuss the duties and responsibilities of an
associate practitioner in a clinical pathology department
Skills
1. Undertake laboratory investigations by following protocols and
Includes intellectual skills (i.e.
recognising and resolving problems as they arise
generic skills relating to
2.
Investigate topics within biomedical science under appropriate
academic study, problem
solving, evaluation, research
supervision and present their findings clearly
etc.) and professional/
3.
Apply statistical and epidemiological techniques to data related to
practical skills.
human health and disease
4. Develop team working skills in both the educational and
professional context by cooperating with students at the College
and other healthcare professionals within the hospital setting
QAA subject
Biomedical Science
benchmark statement http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Su
(where applicable)7
bject-benchmark-statement-Biomedical-science.aspx
Foundation degree
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Fo
undation-Degree-qualification-benchmark-May-2010.aspx
6
7
Please refer to Course Development and Review Handbook or QAA website for details.
Please refer to the QAA website for details.
Page 3
PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable)
Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external
requirements, and what students are required to undertake, are included.
The FdSc Clinical Life Sciences is not a route to statutory regulation with the Health
Professions Council, however, it has been approved by the Institute of Biomedical Science as a
suitable qualification for the professional context.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
Learning and teaching methods
This section sets out the primary learning and teaching methods, including total learning hours
and any specific requirements in terms of practical/ clinical-based learning. The indicative list
of learning and teaching methods includes information on the proportion of the course
delivered by each method and details where a particular method relates to a particular element
of the course.
General strategies
The course aims to adopt and maintain the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Integration of related subject areas.
Flexibility in teaching approach.
Encouragement of student-centred learning
Involvement of employers
Encouragement of student reflection and self appraisal
Cross-fertilisation of ideas with colleagues in industry and the University of Brighton.
Primary learning & teaching methods
The teaching and learning approach involves the use of a wide range of strategies that
differentiate for different learning styles and abilities.
Primary learning methods include; lectures, interactive teaching sessions, laboratory based
practicals, individual projects, group workshops, seminars, presentations, guest lectures,
tutorials, on line teaching and student resource packs.
Employers are involved in all aspects of the course, such as; advice on course design and
strategy, delivery of the curriculum by guest lectures and work placements.
Work based learning forms a substantial and key part of this programme: year 3 will be mostly
focused on work based learning and modules including Pathology in Practice and all of the
Biomedical Laboratory and Biomedical Professional Studies modules incorporate a large
percentage of work based learning. This focus will allow students to develop practical and
professional skills within their scope of practice.
Course Structure
In year 1 students will study 1 20-credit module and 4 10-credit modules, all at level 4.
In years 2, 3 and 4 students will study 3 20 credit modules. In year 2 these modules are at level
4, whereas in years 3 and 4 these modules are at level 5.
Each 10 credit module is designed to comprise 100 hours total learning time and each 20 credit
module is designed to comprise 200 hours total learning time. Tutor-led contact sessions
(normally 2 – 2.5 hours per week) include lectures, tutorials and work based training. The
independent study element of the modules emphasis student centred learning , through
distance learning and work based learning within the individual student’s place of work as well
as study time used to complete summative assessment tasks.
Page 4
Learning support
This is addressed through the tutorial system. Tutorials will focus on academic skills, such as;
writing assignments, using the Numerical and Harvard referencing systems, avoiding
plagiarism and numerical and statistical skills. In addition students will be advised of
workshops being delivered by learning support at the Brighton and Hove City College and
directed towards the electronic support systems on the CCBH intranet.
Learning and Teaching Method
AB107 Microbiology
Lectures & Interactive Teaching
Stand Alone Practicals
Guided independent study
AB113 Fundamental Biological Chemistry
Lectures & Interactive Teaching
Stand Alone Practicals
Guided independent study
AB115 Fundamental Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
for Clinical Life Sciences
Lectures & Interactive Teaching
Stand Alone Practicals
Guided independent study
AB116 Cellular Biology & Genetics for Clinical Life
Sciences
Lectures & Interactive Teaching
Guided independent study
AB117 Human Anatomy, Physiology & Health for
Clinical Life Sciences
Lectures & Interactive Teaching
Stand Alone Practicals
Guided independent study
AB118 Clinical Immunology & Pharmacology
Lectures & Interactive Teaching
Guided independent study
AB119 Healthcare Science Laboratory Studies
Seminars
Guided independent study
AB120 Healthcare Science Professional Studies 1
Work based practical training
Guided independent study
AB217 Healthcare Science Professional Studies 2
Seminars
Guided independent study
AB218 Healthcare Science Laboratory Studies 2
Work based practical training
Guided independent study
AB219 Pathology in Practice
Tutorials
Guided independent study
AB214 Blood Science & Public Health
Lectures & Interactive Teaching
Stand Alone Practicals
Guided independent study
AB215 Infection & Cellular Pathology & Public Health
Page 5
Notional Student Effort
(hours)
48
22.5
129.5
29
10
61
52
6
142
28
72
24
4
72
30
70
70
130
90
110
70
130
90
110
10
190
60
10
130
Lectures & Interactive Teaching
Stand Alone Practicals
Guided independent study
AB216 Work Based Project
Stand Alone Practicals
Tutorials & Workshops
Guided independent study
Totals for whole programme
Lectures and interactive teaching
Stand alone Practicals
Seminars
Work based training
Tutorials& Workshops
Guided independent study
60
10
130
36
21
143
331
98.5
140
180
31
1619.5
ASSESSMENT
Assessment methods
This section sets out the summative assessment methods on the course and includes details
on where to find further information on the criteria used in assessing coursework. It also
provides an assessment matrix which reflects the variety of modes of assessment, and the
volume of assessment in the course.
The assessment procedures will comply with the University's General Examination &
Assessment Regulations (GEAR).
The primary assessment methods include written and scientific reports, written examinations,
presentations, practical skills assessment, laboratory and work placement portfolios;
interpretive activities.
These link broadly to types of learning outcomes as follows:
1. Knowledge and understanding of the principles of biological sciences – written reports;
case study reports; written examinations; laboratory portfolios.
2. Work-related skills - practical skills assessment; work placement/laboratory
portfolios.
3. Academic skills of research and critical analysis – written reports; scientific investigation.
4. Skills of problem-solving and decision-making in a work-related context – work placement
portfolio, case study reports, interpretive activity; practical skills assessment.
5. Communication skills – presentations; oral examinations; interpretive activities.
Work based tutors will contribute to the teaching in the professional context , but all summative
assessments which contribute towards the modules will be marked by academic tutors ( either
alone or in conjunction with work based tutors)
The learning outcomes of the course are linked with assessment methods as follows:
Learning Outcome
Assessment method
Module
1. Discuss the normal
biology, biochemistry,
physiology and anatomy
of the human body
Written examinations
Practical reports
AB107;AB113;A
B115;AB116;
AB117; AB118:
2. Evaluate the effects of
disease on selected
cells, tissues and organs
Written examinations
Practical reports
Case study poster
presentation
AB214;AB215;A
B119;AB218
80
3. Discuss the effects of
Practical reports
AB214; AB215
40
Page 6
Number
of credits
80
particular diseased
states at the population
level and the implications
for public health
4. Obtain and evaluate
scientific and
professional information
and communicate their
findings clearly and
appropriately
Essays
Oral presentations
Reports of clinical laboratory
techniques
Project report
AB107;AB113;A
B115;AB116;
AB117; AB118;
AB214;AB215;
AB119; AB218;
AB216
140
5. Understand and discuss
the duties and
responsibilities of an
associate practitioner in
a clinical pathology
department
Essays
Oral presentations
Reports of clinical laboratory
techniques
Reflective practice
AB120; AB217;
AB219
100
1. Undertake laboratory
investigations by
following protocols and
recognising and
resolving problems as
they arise
Practical reports
Reports of clinical laboratory
techniques
Project report
AB107;AB113;A
B115;AB116;
AB117; AB118;
AB214;AB215;
AB119; AB218;
AB216
140
2. Investigate topics within
biomedical science
under appropriate
supervision and present
their findings clearly
Essays
Reports of clinical laboratory
techniques
Oral presentations
AB214;AB215;
AB119; AB218;
AB216
100
3. Apply statistical and
epidemiological
techniques to data
related to human health
and disease
Practical reports
Project report
AB214;AB215;
AB119; AB218;
AB216
60
4. Develop team working
skills in both the
educational and
professional context by
cooperating with
students at the College
and other healthcare
professionals within the
hospital setting
Essays
Oral presentations
Reflective practice
AB120; AB217 ;
AB219; AB214;
AB1215;AB216
120
SUPPORT AND INFORMATION
Institutional/
All students benefit from:
University
College induction week
Student Handbook
Course Handbook
Extensive library facilities including full use of City College and NHS
libraries and use of University of Brighton library.
College HE computer room
Page 7
Course-specific
Additional support,
specifically where courses
have non-traditional
patterns of delivery (e.g.
distance learning and workbased learning) include:
Education for
Sustainable
Development
E-mail address
Welfare service
Personal tutor for advice and guidance
Teaching laboratories including a category II containment facility for
working with potential pathogens, a chemistry laboratory and a biology
laboratory
Supervised access to specialised scientific equipment within teaching
and work based laboratories
In addition, students on this course benefit from:
Please refer to information held on CCBH intranet
Profession led work based learning
Students on this programme receive teaching and guidance in the
workplace from qualified professional scientists in clinical pathology
departments. This allows them to improve their knowledge of and
insight into pathology services and develop their professional
competencies in this area. They will also develop and understanding
of possible career pathways in pathology.
Sustainable development
City College Brighton and Hove is committed to the principles of
sustainable development, which include providing the future work
force with the necessary skills and abilities to cope with future
challenges and taking a long term perspective about the
consequences of today’s activities on the environment.
This degree provides students with the biological and clinical
knowledge and understanding of scientific principles required to tackle
these problems and the skills required to investigate, interpret and
analyse data. In addition, students develop their problem solving and
innovative thinking skills. These are all essential attributes required to
solve problems, both currently and in the future.
Research Informed
Teaching
The fundamental remit of the foundation degree in Clinical Life
Sciences is to provide students with the skills, abilities and techniques
that will enable them to develop their careers within pathology and to
continue with professional development and contribute to improve
service delivery within hospital pathology departments. Graduates
from this programme will be trained to develop and carry out research,
analyse data and find novel ways to overcome problems.
The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences are engaged in a
range of research programmes in clinical areas in collaboration with
staff at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School and within NHS
hospitals and are also engaged in discipline specific research.
Research findings are used to ensure that current industry protocols,
practices and technologies are embedded within the programme.
In addition pedagogical research is undertaken by teaching staff (for
example investigating the usefulness of e learning) which informs the
teaching and learning strategies and modes of assessment currently
in use.
Final year students undertake an extended independent project
supervised by one member of staff with subject specialism. Students
are developed to undertake this role throughout the course with
specialist skills sessions scheduled to support their growing
competency.
Page 8
PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
COURSE STRUCTURE
This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study
and progression points. Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here.
This course is designed for students who are employees of pathology departments in support
worker posts, who wish to develop their skills and understanding in order to meet the
requirements for associate practitioner grade. It is expected that students will take 60 credits of
modules per academic year, comprising a mixture of academic modules taught entirely at the
College and work based learning modules which include learning through the work place
experiences. The level 4 and level 5 modules will ordinarily be offered every academic year
and students will access the modules at the appropriate level available according to the
academic year in which they started the programme.
A typical mode of study could be :
Year 1
Fundamental Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology for Clinical Life
Sciences
Cellular Biology & Genetics for Clinical
Life Sciences
Clinical Immunology & Pharmacology
Fundamental Biological Chemistry
Human Anatomy, Physiology & Health
for Clinical Life Sciences
20
C
10
C
10
10
10
C
C
C
20
20
C
M
20
M
20
M
20
20
M
C
Year 2
Microbiology
Healthcare Science Professional Studies
1
Healthcare Science Laboratory Studies 1
Year 3
Healthcare Science Professional Studies
2
Healthcare Science Laboratory Studies 2
Blood Science and Public Health
Year 4
Infection and Cellular Sciences and
20
C
Public Health
Work Based Project
20
C
Pathology in Practice
20
M
The course content and curriculum, informed by the QAA subject benchmark statement for BSc
(Hons) Biomedical Science, develops relevant scientific, practical and professional skills in
students and equips them for work in clinical pathology. Graduates may continue their studies
at level 6 for example with compatible professional body- accredited or approved BSc (Hons)
programmes in in Biomedical Science or Healthcare Science.
The QAA foundation degree qualification benchmark (2010) has informed the design of the
programme in terms of framework, course content and curriculum. Foundation degrees are
designed to integrate academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between
Page 9
employers and programme providers, and provide the opportunity to offer flexible learning
modes, allowing students to ‘earn and learn’. This programme is set up to achieve these
outcomes.
Modules
Level8
Status
Module title
Credit
4
Module
code
AB115
C
20
4
4
AB107
AB116
C
C
4
4
4
AB118
AB113
AB117
C
C
C
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
AB119
AB120
AB214
AB215
AB216
AB217
AB218
AB219
M
M
C
C
C
M
M
M
Fundamental Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
for Clinical Life Sciences
Microbiology
Cellular Biology & Genetics for Clinical Life
Sciences
Clinical Immunology & Pharmacology
Fundamental Biological Chemistry
Human Anatomy, Physiology & Health for Clinical
Life Sciences
Healthcare Science Professional Studies 1
Healthcare Science Laboratory Studies 1
Blood Sciences and Public Health
Infection and Cellular Sciences and Public Health
Work Based Project
Healthcare Science Professional Studies 2
Healthcare Science Laboratory Studies 2
Pathology in Practice
20
10
10
10
10
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
Status:
M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award)
C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award)
O = Optional (optional modules)
A = Additional (modules which must be taken to be eligible for an award accredited by a professional,
statutory or regulatory body, including any non-credit bearing modules)
8
All modules have learning outcomes commensurate with the FHEQ levels 0, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. List the level which
corresponds with the learning outcomes of each module.
Page 10
AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION
Award type Award* Title
Final
Fd
Level
Eligibility for award
Classification of award
Total credits9
Minimum credits10
Ratio of marks11:
Class of award
Clinical Life Sciences
5
Total credit 240
Minimum credit at
level of award 90
Select
Foundation degree
Intermediate Cert HE Clinical Life Sciences
4
Total credit 120
Minimum credit at
level of award 90
Select
Select
Select
Select Total credit Select
Minimum credit at
level of award Select
Select
Select
Select
Select Total credit Select
Minimum credit at
level of award Select
Select
Select
Select
Select Total credit Select
Minimum credit at
level of award Select
Select
Select
*Foundation degrees only
Progression routes from
award:
Award classifications
Students achieving a Merit ( average mark 60%) at level 5 can progress to Level 6 BSc Biomedical Science
Mark/ band %
Foundation degree
Honours degree
70% - 100%
60% - 69 99%
50% - 59.99%
40% - 49.99%
Distinction
Merit
First (1)
Upper second (2:1)
Lower second (2:2)
Third (3)
Pass
9
Postgraduate12 degree (excludes
PGCE and BM BS)
Distinction
Merit
Pass
Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award.
Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award.
Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding
class of award.
12
Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters.
10
11
page 11
EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS
Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section.
The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance
with the University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught
Courses (available from staffcentral or studentcentral).
Specific regulations
This award is only available to students who are employees in a
which materially
clinical pathology laboratory which is approved by the Institute of
affect assessment,
Biomedical Science for training purposes and is an agreed
progression and
collaborating partner for the delivery of the work based modules within
award on the course
the programme.
e.g. Where referrals or repeat
of modules are not permitted
in line with the University’s
General Examination and
Assessment Regulations for
Taught Courses.
Mandatory modules are linked to professional requirements and are
therefore not compensatable. Students who do not meet this
requirement may be eligible to transfer to the Biological Sciences
Foundation degree
Exceptions required
by PSRB
These require the approval of
the Chair of the Academic
Board
page 12