UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science
PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION1
Awarding body
University of Brighton
School
Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Faculty
Science and Engineering
Partner institution(s)
n/a
Course status
Validation/Franchise/Joint2
Host Department
Location of Study/campus
Moulsecoomb
Professional, Statutory and
Institute of Biomedical Science
Regulatory Body
Health Professions Council
Award and titles
Award
Title
Final award
BSc(Hons)
Applied Biomedical Science
Intermediate award
BSc
Biomedical Laboratory
Science
Intermediate award
Diploma in Higher
Biomedical Laboratory
Education
Science
Intermediate award
Certificate in Higher
Biomedical Laboratory
Education
Science
Mode of study
Duration of study
Maximum registration
(standard)
period
Full-time
3 years
8 years
Sandwich
4 years
8 years
Part Time
4-8 years
8 years
Distance
Start date for programme
Not recruiting in 2011 (continuing students only)
(month/session)
Course codes/categories
JACS code
UCAS code
QAA Subject Benchmark
Biomedical Science
CATS points for course
360 BSc (Hons); 240 DipHE; 120 CertHE
Admissions Agency
UCAS
B900
GTTR
NMAS
Direct to School
Recruited from B940 student cohort (BSc Biomedical
Science) during level 4 or level 5
1
2
Information from Part 1 is entered onto the courses database
Delete/cross through as appropriate
Admissions criteria
 Recruitment will normally be direct from the cohort of students registered on the BSc
Biomedical Science course, the criteria for which are shown below. Available places
will be advertised to all eligible students and selection will be by written application
and interview with a member of the Applied Biomedical Science course team and a
work-placement tutor from a collaborating pathology laboratory. Transfer to the BSc
Applied Biomedical Science programme will be dependent on meeting the
placement laboratories’ criteria for employment, including health and criminal
records bureau assessments.

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Criteria for entry to BSc Biomedical Science courses are as follows. The benchmark
minimum level of attainment to enter the course is passes in 2 subjects at A2 Level,
supported by passes in three other subjects at GCSE (a pass in GCSE means
Grade C or above. In addition:
At least one A2 level pass must be in Biology or Chemistry
If not included at A2, a pass at AS level Biology or Chemistry is preferred
GCSE passes in English, Chemistry (or Double Award in Science) and Mathematics
are required
Suitable alternative qualifications and experience, as set out in the University's
Statutory and General Regulations are acceptable. In particular, candidates without
formal certificates of appropriate levels of previous experience or learning will be
accepted on the same basis as those formally qualified, provided that the
Admissions Tutor is satisfied that they meet the Entry Requirements by virtue of their
relevant prior learning or experience
A typical admissions offer to the course would be 260 UCAS tariff points, of which at least
80 must be in a Biological Science or Chemistry, from a minimum of one 12-unit or two 6unit qualifications. Level 3 Key skills and General Studies can be included towards the tariff
score.
Contacts
Course Leader (or Course
Dr Jim Cunningham
Development Leader)
Admissions Tutor
Dr Jim Cunningham
Examination and Assessment
External Examiner(s)
Mr Gavin Knight (University of Portsmouth)
Examination Board(s)
Area Examination Board for Biology and Biomedical
(AEB/CEB)
Sciences
Area Examination Board for Chemistry and Pharmaceutical
Sciences
Area Examination Board for Mathematical Sciences
Course Examination Board for Biology and Chemistry
Approval/start dates
Start date (month/session)
Validation
Programme Specification
September 2009
Approval date
2004
2011
Review date
2009; 2014
2012
PART 2: COURSE DETAILS
AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Aims:
The aims of the programme are:
 to provide students with the intellectual skills of analysis, synthesis and
judgement appropriate for an honours degree course, by building on prior
learning if appropriate;
 to provide programmes of study and practical work-based training in
biomedical science which meet the requirements for registration with the
relevant professional and statutory bodies;
 to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for an
understanding of, and a professional career in, modern biomedical
sciences (in the general sense);
 to enable students to understand the principles of those biological factors
which contribute to health and those which cause disease;
 to enable students to describe and understand the role of the biomedical
sciences in the investigation of normal and abnormal states and the
monitoring and treatment of disease.
Learning
Knowledge and theory:
outcomes
Course objectives, listed below, are achieved through the programme of
specified modules. Individual module outcomes detail generic and subject
specific knowledge and skills appropriate to the level of study. Criteria used
to define and assess levels of learning are as given in the School of
Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences Academic Procedures and Quality
Manual.
By the end of the course the student should be able to:
 explain the biochemical, physiological and anatomical operations of the
normal human body;
 describe the causes and effects of disease on body cells, tissues and
selected organs;
 display the fundamental observational, experimental and presentational
skills needed by a professional biomedical scientist ;
 realise the need for probity, reliability and openness in the study of
academic biomedical science;
 understand and be competent to carry out the responsibilities of a
professional Biomedical Scientist working in the NHS.
Skills
The provision of generic intellectual, practical and professional skills is
embedded within course modules. In addition, certain features of the
curriculum foster the development of personal study skills and include:






evaluation and selection of the laboratory investigations needed in the
study of representative disease states;
under guidance, planning and performing an investigation of a suitable
scientific or biomedical topic and presentation and discussion of the
results;
planning and performing the practical tasks needed by an honours
graduate for work in a biomedical science laboratory;
applying relevant statistical and epidemiological methods to the study of
disease;
gathering and effective communication of information in the biomedical
sciences;
development of team working by requiring students to work with others in
practical laboratory classes and mini projects and interacting with


pathology staff and other members of the healthcare team while on
placement;
development of flexibility by the breadth of the curriculum, which spans
the biomedical disciplines from molecular biology to population genetics;
development of problem solving by the range of assessment methods
proposed, particularly by case studies and mini-projects.
This course conforms to its Careers Planning Agreement and is consistent
with the definitions contained in the Subject Benchmark Statement for
Biomedical Science (QAA, 2007).
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Route A. BSc Applied Biomedical Science
Mandatory work-based modules are taken through all 3 levels of course
Level 4
Status*
Module Title
BY129
C
Introductory Cell Biology and Biochemistry
BY127
C
Introduction to Biomedical Sciences
BY128
C
Introduction to Microbiology
BY131
C
Practical Skills in Biosciences
BY104
C
Human Physiology 1
BY134
C
Genes and Inheritance
BY142
M (WB)
Introduction to Biomedical Science Professional Studies
BY143
M (WB)
Introduction to Biomedical Laboratory Studies
QS106
C
Introduction to Statistics
QM101
O/C*
Mathematical Skills
CH122
O/C*
Elements of Chemistry
BY124
O
Biology of Reproduction
Level 5
BY247
C
Molecular Cell Pathobiology
BY206
C
Human Physiology 2
BY245
C
Microbiology and Immunology
BY246
C
Nutrition and Metabolism
BY234
C
Genetics
QS203
C
Statistics for Epidemiology
BY241
M (WB)
Biomedical Laboratory Studies 2
BY248
M (WB)
Biomedical Science Professional Studies 2
Level 6
BY329
C
Medical Genetics
BY327
C
Blood Sciences
BY350
C
Cellular Pathology and Special Topics in Pathobiology
BY344
C
Clinical and Applied Immunology
BY313
C
Clinical Microbiology
BY340
M (WB)
Biomedical Science Professional Studies 3
BY393
C (WB)
Biomedical Sciences Project (work-based)
Credit
10
10
10
20
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
20
10
20
20
10
10
20
10
10
20
20
10
10
10
40
Status: C= Compulsory module O= Optional module (WB)= work-based module
*Level 4 options: students who have passed A2/AS maths or chemistry (or equivalent qualification) are not
required to take QM101or CH122 respectively
Route A BSc Applied Biomedical Science
Level 4
Sem.1
Sem. 2
BY129
Introductory
Cell Biology and
Biochemistry
BY128
Introduction to
Microbiology
BY134
Genes and
Inheritance
BY104
Human
Physiology 1
BY131
Practical Skills
in Biosciences
(20)
BY127
Introduction
to Biomedical
Sciences
option
option
BY142
Introduction to
Biomedical
Science
Professional
Studies
BY143
Introduction
to Biomedical
Science
Laboratory
Studies
QS106
Introduction
to Statistics
Semester 1 option BY124; CH122; QM101
Level 5
Sem. 1
Sem. 2
BY206
Human
Physiology 2
BY247
BY245
BY246
Molecular Cell
Pathobiology
(20)
Microbiology
and
Immunology
(20)
Nutrition and
Metabolism
(20)
BY350
Cellular
Pathology and
Special Topics
in
Pathobiology
(20)
BY344
Clinical and
Applied
Immunology
BY234
Genetics
BY241
Biomedical
Laboratory
Studies 2
(20)
QS203
Statistics for
Epidemiology
BY248
Biomedical
Science
Professional
Studies 2
Level 6
Sem. 1
Sem. 2
BY329
Medical genetics
BY313
Clinical
Microbiology
BY327
Blood
Sciences (20)
BY393
Project*
(15)
BY340
BMS
PS 3**
BY393
Project*
(25)
*BY393: 40 credit Project module taken over semester 1 and 2
** BY340 10 credit Biomedical Science Professional Studies 3 module taken over semester 1 and 2
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Route B BSc Applied Biomedical Science (sandwich)
Level 4 and Level 5 as for BSc Biomedical Science programme. On progression to level 6,
students take 1 year mandatory work-based placement module. Course is completed at level 6
as for BSc Biomedical Science programme.
Level 4
Status*
Module Title
Credit
BY129
C
Introductory Cell Biology and Biochemistry
10
BY127
C
Introduction to Biomedical Sciences
10
BY128
C
Introduction to Microbiology
10
BY131
C
Practical Skills in Biosciences
20
BY104
C
Human Physiology 1
10
BY134
C
Genes and Inheritance
10
QS106
C
Introduction to Statistics
10
QM101
O
Mathematical Skills
10
CH122
O
Elements of Chemistry
10
PY134
O
Basic Pharmacology
10
BY132
O
Evolutionary Biology
10
BY124
O
Reproductive Biology
10
Level 5
BY247
BY206
BY245
BY246
BY234
BY299
CH217
QS203
BY233
Level 6
BY351
BY329
BY327
BY350
BY344
BY313
BY392
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
O**
Molecular Cell Pathobiology
Human Physiology 2
Microbiology and Immunology
Nutrition and Metabolism
Genetics
Biology Professional and Career Development
Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
Statistics for Epidemiology
Forensic Biology
20
10
20
20
10
10
10
10
10
M (WB)
C
C
C
Clinical Biomedical Science Placement
Medical Genetics
Blood Sciences
Cellular Pathology and Special Topics in
Pathobiology
Clinical and Applied Immunology
Clinical Microbiology
Project
10
10
20
20
C
C
C
10
10
40
Status: C= Compulsory module O= Optional module WB = work based module
*Level 4 options: students who have passed A2/AS maths or chemistry (or equivalent qualification) are not
required to take QM101or CH122 respectively
** example level 5 option shown. Other examples are BY217 Evolution and Diversity; SS250 Community and
Personal Development
*** example level 6 module shown. Other examples include BY345 Pharmacogenomics; BY341 Astrobiology;
MS326 Biomedical Statistics, BY342 Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Neuroscience PL317; SS361
Community and Personal Development
Option modules are subject to compatibility with timetable for compulsory components of programme and
indicative examples are shown.
The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science for intake cohorts 20042008. The course is approved by the Health Professions Council so that graduates in BSc
(Hons) Applied Biomedical Science are eligible to apply for Registrant Practitioner
(Biomedical Scientist) status. HPC approval is continued through the Annual Monitoring
process (most recent approval confirmed May 2009).
Route B BSc Applied Biomedical Science (sandwich)
Level 4
Sem.1
Sem. 2
BY129
Introductory
Cell Biology and
Biochemistry
BY134
Genes and
Inheritance
BY128
Introduction to
Microbiology
BY104
Human
Physiology 1
Semester 1 option BY124; CH122; QM101
Semester 2 options PY134; BY132
BY131
Practical Skills
in Biosciences
(20)
BY127
Introduction
to Biomedical
Sciences
option
option
option
option
QS106
Introduction
to Statistics
Level 5
Sem. 1
Sem. 2
BY206
Human
Physiology 2
BY234
Genetics
BY247
BY245
BY246
Molecular Cell
Pathobiology
(20)
Microbiology
and
Immunology
(20)
Nutrition and
Metabolism
(20)
CH217
Fundamentals
of Analytical
Chemistry
BY299
Biology
Professional
and Career
Development
QS203
Statistics for
Epidemiology
Option
Semester 2 option: BY233; SS250
Level 6
Sem. 1
BY329
Medical genetics
Sem. 2
BY313
BY327
Blood Sciences
BY350
Cellular
Pathology and
Special topics in
Pathobiology
BY344
BY351
Clinical
Biomedical
Science
Placement*
BY392*
Project
BY392*
Project
*BY351 Clinical Placement taken over 1 year between level 5 and level 6; module assessed at level 6 semester
1 exam board
**BY392: 40 credit project taken over semester 1 and 2
LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
Learning and The course is delivered via a mixture of:
teaching
 lectures;
 small group tutorials;
 seminars;
 practical classes;
 work-based learning;
 directed personal study;
 project work.
Assessment
Assessment strategies vary between modules and are mapped against
module outcomes. All students will encounter the following general types of
assessment:
 Examination: demonstrates acquisition of knowledge and analytical
skills;
 Project: demonstration of independent study, research and synthesis
skills;
 Essay: analytical and written communication skills;
 Case study: application of knowledge and interpretive skills to
problem-solving in diagnosis and professional practice of a
Biomedical Scientist;
 Presentation and viva voce examination: knowledge, presentation
and communication skills;
 Practical exercise: practical skills, analytical skills, interpretive skills
and evaluative skills;
 Mini project: team working, research presentation and innovation
skills;
 Problem-based and case study exercises;
REGULATIONS
Regulations
The course regulations are in accordance with the University's General
Examination and Assessment Regulations (available from the school office
or the Registry).
In addition, the following course-specific regulations apply:
 This award is restricted to students employed in a NHS Trust Pathology
service laboratory that is an agreed collaborating partner for the delivery
of the work-based modules contained in the programme;
 The NHS Trust pathology service laboratory in which students undertake
work-based modules must be approved for training purposes by the
Institute of Biomedical Science; this entails the meeting of the currently
published version of the IBMS 'laboratory standards for pre-and postregistration training of Biomedical Scientists';
 Pass mark for modules is 40% unless otherwise stated in the module
descriptor.
PROFESSIONAL AND STATUORY BODY DETAILS (optional)
 The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) as an
approved honours degree qualification (July 2004); completion of the honours degree
programme and associated work-based training will allow graduates to complete the
Record of Completion of Education and Training of Biomedical Scientists. The
programme specification was re-accredited by the IBMS in July 2009.
 The course is approved by the Health Professions Council so that graduates in BSc
(Hons) Applied Biomedical Science are eligible to apply for Registrant Practitioner
(Biomedical Scientist) status. Changes to the programme specification were approved
by the HPC ‘Major Change’ process in September 2009.
LEARNING SUPPORT
Central support: all students benefit from:
 University induction week;
 Student Handbook;
 StudentCentral intranet system;
 Extensive library facilities;
 Computer pool rooms;
 E-mail address;
 Welfare service;
Course specific: in addition, students on this course benefit from:
 Work-based education and training in approved NHS training laboratories;
 Clinical course co-ordinator support for work-based modules;
 Course handbook
 School Study Skills, Assessment and Safety Handbook
 StudentCentral course specific areas
 Personal academic tutor
 Discussions with professional Biomedical Scientists during guest lectures;
 Access to laboratory texts and documents in workplace laboratories and to the
Medical library facilities of the host organization collaborating in the delivery of the
work-based modules;
 Free membership of the IBMS for 1year during course and receipt of the 'Biomedical
Scientist'.
Research Informed teaching
The course is delivered by research- active academic staff, and specialist aspects of the
curriculum reflect these research interests. For example techniques presented in the level 6
module, BY350 Cellular Pathology and Special Topics in Pathobiology, reflect those used in
the research of the staff who deliver this module. This level of integration between research
and teaching becomes increasingly evident throughout level 6 as students spend an
extended period of time undertaking research under the supervision of a member of
university staff, in many instances, supported by a larger research group or set in a clinical
pathology laboratory. Students are developed to undertake this role throughout the course,
with specialist skills sessions scheduled to support their developing competency.
Teaching and learning strategies for the course are developed in consultation with the
Education Unit for Biological and Chemical Science within PABS, with many members of the
course team involved in pedagogic research projects. This is supported from specialists in
pedagogic research, based in the Centre for Learning and Teaching via funded research
fellowships.
Education for sustainable development
The University of Brighton is committed to the principles of sustainable development. On a
generic level staff on the course model best practice through the use of sustainable teaching
resources which are designed to promote and encourage awareness of sustainability issues
to students as part of their lifelong learning. In addition biomedical science provides a
framework that allows understanding of the basis for many disease processes, their
detection, diagnosis and treatment. Emphasis is placed upon the continual compromise in
health management between quality and accuracy of these processes balanced with the
need for cost efficiency and clinical outcome. Furthermore students are encouraged to
explore the most common, preventable causes of disease in the western world (obesity,
coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus for example) which pose the most significant
challenges for future resources in healthcare management. Graduates in Biomedical Science
are thus equipped to make a significant contribution to ensuring that future generations not
only have an equivalent quality of life, but are likely to have an improved one.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
More detailed information about the course can be found in a range of documents, including:





Student Course Handbook;
PABS Study Skills, Assessment and Safety Handbook;
StudentCentral;
University Student Handbook;
General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses.
QUALITY INDICATORS
QAA Subject Review outcome and date
22 (Molecular and Organismal Biosciences, May
2000)
National student awards
Professional accreditation:
[full details of professional accreditation
can be found under course structure]
See ‘professional and statutory body details’
above