PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION
Course summary
Final award
BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science
Intermediate award
BSc, DipHE or CertHE Biomedical Science
Course status
Validated
Awarding body
University of Brighton
Faculty
Science and Engineering
School
Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Location of study/ campus
Moulsecoomb
Partner institution(s)
Name of institution
Host department
1.
Course status
SELECT
2.
3.
Admissions
Admissions agency
UCAS
Entry requirements
Include any progression
opportunities into the course.
Applicable for 2013 entry. Check the University’s website for 2014
entry requirements.
A-levels:
ABB including biology or chemistry. (Both biology and chemistry at
AS-level.)
BTEC
DDD.
International Baccalaureate:
34 points, specified subjects.
Access to HE Diploma
pass (at least 45 credits at level 3), with 24 credits at merit or above.
Must include 12 credits in biology.
GCSE (minimum grade C) or Access Equivalent
at least three subjects including English language and mathematics
or a science.
Foundation degree/HND
may enable you to start the course in year 2.
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and at least 5.5 in the other
three elements.
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Start date (mmm-yy)
Normally September
Sept 2013
Mode of study
Mode of study
Duration of study
(standard)
Maximum registration period
Full-time
3 years
8 years
Part-time
Other:
8 years
Sandwich
4 years
8 years
Distance
Select
Select
Course codes/categories
UCAS code
B940
Contacts
Course Leader (or Course
Development Leader)
Dr Jacqueline Elsom
Admissions Tutor
Dr Mike Lethem
Examination and Assessment
Name
Place of work
Date tenure expires
Myra Conway
UWE
September 2017
External Examiner(s)
Examination Board(s)
(AEB/CEB)
Biology and Biomedical Science/Biology and Chemistry
Approval and review
Approval date
1
Review date
Validation
2009
20142
Programme Specification
July 20133
July 20144
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 1 (if
applicable):
2009 (IBMS)
20145
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 2 (if
applicable):
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 3 (if
applicable):
1
Date of original validation.
Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years).
3
Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September).
4
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.
2
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PART 2: COURSE DETAILS
AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Aims
The aims of the course 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 in biomedical science which, after a suitable period of
practical training, 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 Science in the
investigation of normal and abnormal states and the monitoring and treatment of disease.
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
Skills
Includes intellectual
skills (i.e. generic
skills relating to
academic study,
problem solving,
evaluation, research
etc.) and professional/
practical skills.
6
On successful completion of the course the graduate should be able
to:
KT1. explain the biochemical, physiological and anatomical operations
of the normal human body;
KT2. describe the causes and effects of disease on body cells, tissues
and selected organs;
KT3. display the fundamental observational, experimental and
presentational skills needed by a professional Biomedical Scientist;
KT4. realise the need for probity, reliability and openness in the study
of academic biomedical science;
KT5. understand the responsibilities of a professional Biomedical
Scientist working in the NHS.
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:
S1. evaluation and selection of the laboratory investigations needed in
the study of representative disease states;
S2. under guidance, planning and performing a suitable scientific or
biomedical investigation together with presentation and discussion of
the results;
S3. planning and performing the practical tasks needed by an honours
graduate in order to work in a biomedical science laboratory;
S4. applying relevant statistical and epidemiological techniques to the
study of disease;
S5. gathering and effectively communicating information in the
biomedical sciences;
S6. development of team working by requiring students to work with
others in practical laboratory classes and on mini projects;
S7. development of flexibility through breadth of the curriculum, which
spans the biomedical disciplines from molecular biology to population
genetics;
Please refer to Course Development and Review Handbook or QAA website for details.
Page 3 of 12
QAA subject
benchmark statement
(where applicable)7
S8. development of problem solving by the range of assessment
methods proposed, particularly by case studies and mini-projects;
Biomedical Science (2007)
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 course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
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.
The information included in this section complements that found in the Key Information Set (KIS), with
the programme specification providing further information about the learning and teaching methods used
on the course.
The course is delivered primarily via lectures, seminars and practical classes alongside guided
and self-directed study. Hospital visits and visiting lecturers from the local hospital network in
conjunction with academic staff provide a professional emphasis to the content delivery and
practical skills development of the student. Project work based on research themes running
within the school enable more focussed development of students’ independent research and
analytical skills. Knowledge is integrated and consolidated via activities (workshops, guided
study, film production, presentations) and assessments.
Each module uses a variety of teaching and assessment methods to enable students to
demonstrate their abilities in a variety of ways and also encourage diverse problem solving and
communication skills.
The course aims to extend students’ knowledge of the relationships between health and
disease at molecular, cellular and whole organism level with a strong emphasis on case study
based patient investigations.
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 information included in this section complements that found in the Key Information Set (KIS), with
the programme specification providing further information about how the course is assessed.
The assessment methods on this course are diverse and reflect the range of knowledge and
skills students are expected to obtain. Modules in later years build upon the foundations laid in
the early modules. The table below describes the principal or notable methods by which the
7
Please refer to the QAA website for details.
Page 4 of 12
learning outcomes will be assessed in conjunction with the modules within which the
assessment tools fall. It should be noted that all modules and assessments will contribute in
some way to students’ development and will not capture the relationships and
interdependencies between the modules that make up the course.
Learning Outcome
Assessment method
Module
KT1. explain the
biochemical, physiological
and anatomical operations of
the normal human body;
KT2. describe the causes
and effects of disease on
body cells, tissues and
selected organs;
Practical reports, Written exams
Essay, phase tests, Film
presentation, practical exam.
BY104, BY124,BY129,
BY206, BY205, BY327,
Practical skills exam, Written
exam, Phase test, Group
presentation, Lab practical
report, Case study discussion,
Mini-project.
BY128, BY134, BY234,
BY205, BY208, BY247,
BY313, BY327, BY329,
BY344, BY350
KT3. display the
fundamental observational,
experimental and
presentational skills needed
by a professional Biomedical
Scientist;
Assessed practical class,
Poster assessment, Poster
presentations (individual and
group) Practical class reports,
calculations exercises, Practical
exams, Written exams, Project
proposal, interim report and
final report
BY127, BY138, BY137,
BY233, CH217, BY299,
BY392
KT4. realise the need for
probity, reliability and
openness in the study of
academic biomedical
science;
Assessed practical class,
Poster assessment, Practical
class reports, Calculations
exercises, Practical exams,
Case study discussions, Written
exams,
Project proposal, interim report
and final report
BY127, BY138, BY313,
BY327, BY329, BY392
KT5. understand the
responsibilities of a
professional Biomedical
Scientist working in the NHS.
Assessed practical class,
Poster assessment, Group
poster presentation, Practical
class reports, Case study
discussions, Written exams,
Mini project, and Hospital visit.
BY127, BY299, BY313,
BY327, BY329, BY344,
BY348, BY350
S1. evaluation and selection
of the laboratory
investigations needed in the
study of representative
disease states;
Assessed practical class,
Poster assessment, Practical
class report, Practical skills
exam, Written exam
Film presentation, Essay, Case
study discussions, Mini-project
BY127, BY128, BY208,
BY205, BY247, BY313,
BY327, B329, BY344,
BY350
Phase test, Group presentation
Project proposal, interim report,
Final report, Poster
presentation and viva, Mini
project.
BY134, BY350, BY392
Assessed practical class,
Poster assessment, Practical
class report, Practical skills
exam, Written exam, phase
BY127, BY137, BY138,
BY128, BY134, BY247,
CH217, BY313, BY327,
BY329, BY344, BY350,
S2. under guidance,
planning and performing an
investigation of a suitable
scientific or biomedical topic
and presentation and
discussion of the results;
S3. planning and performing
the practical tasks needed
by an honours graduate for
work in a biomedical science
Page 5 of 12
laboratory;
S4. applying relevant
statistical and
epidemiological techniques
to the study of disease;
S5. gathering and effective
communication of
information in the biomedical
sciences;
S6. development of team
working by requiring
students to work with others
in practical laboratory
classes and mini projects;
test, group presentation,
Calculations exercise, Case
study discussions, Mini project,
Project proposal, interim report
and final report
BY392
Project proposal, interim report
and final report, Mini-project
BY247, QS203, BY348,
BY392, BY350
Phase test, group presentation,
Report, group presentation and
interview. Film presentation.
Project proposal, interim report
and final report, Individual
presentation and viva
BY134, BY138, BY299,
BY392
Poster assessment, Practical
class reports, Practical skills
exam, Mini project, Group
presentations, Anatomy
workshop, Project poster
presentation.
BY127, BY131, BY128, ,
BY205, BY299, CH217,
BY313, BY327, BY350,
BY392
S7. development of
flexibility by the breadth of
the curriculum, which spans
the biomedical disciplines
from molecular biology to
population genetics;
S8. development of problem
solving by the range of
assessment methods
proposed, particularly by
case studies and miniprojects;
All modules
All level 6 modules
SUPPORT AND INFORMATION
Institutional/
University
All students benefit from:
University induction week
Student Handbook: the University and you
Course Handbook
Extensive library facilities
Computer pool rooms
E-mail address
Welfare service
Personal tutor for advice and guidance
Study Skills/Tutorial module scheme at level 4
Course-specific
Additional support,
specifically where
courses have nontraditional patterns of
delivery (e.g. distance
learning and workbased learning)
In addition, students on this course benefit from:
Studentcentral
Sandwich placement tutor
Year tutor
School Welfare officer
Student support and Guidance tutor
Specialist tissue culture, image analysis, and research laboratory
Page 6 of 12
include:
facilities.
Peer Assisted Study Support (PASS)
Discussions with members of the Biomedical Science profession
during guest lectures and practical classes
Eligible for free student membership to the IBMS for 1 year during the
course and years subscription to ‘the Biomedical Scientist’ journal
Research Informed teaching
Teaching is informed by research of very high quality. In the 2008
RAE the school scored 80% research of international quality of which
15% was internationally leading. Particularly in the final year, lecturers
deliver on their specialist research field. Examples would include
BY342, Biomaterials and Bioengineering, where students use
techniques to investigate biomaterial-cellular interactions which mirror
the current research interests of the staff taking the module. This is
also evident in BY348, Diet and disease and BY350 Cell Pathology
and Special Topics in Pathobiology.
This level of integration between research and teaching becomes
increasingly evident throughout level 6 as students spend an extended
time undertaking a lab based research project which is worth 33% of
their final year. These projects arise out of and become part of the
research interests of the lecturing staff.
Education for Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development - Technological developments arise out of
science, and problems generated by development are solved by
knowledge gained from further science. Therefore the course
educates students for sustainable development by studying science
and developing scientific skills, research skills and critical thinking.
Furthermore in the context of biomedical science students are
encouraged to consider the continual compromise in health
management between, quality and accuracy in detection, diagnosis
and treatment and the need for cost efficiency and positive clinical
outcome. Students are expected to explore the most common
preventable diseases affecting the western world which pose the most
significant challenges for future resources in healthcare management
and the health of the nation. Graduates in Biomedical Science are
equipped to make significant contributions in ensuring future
generations not only have an equivalent quality of life, but are likely to
have an improved one.
Page 7 of 12
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.
Level
Sem
BY127
Introduction
to Biomedical
Sciences
BY128
Introduction
to
Microbiology
2
BY134
Genes and
Inheritance
BY104
Human
Physiology 1
BY208
Microbiology
1
BY299
Biology
Professional and
Career
Development
BY205
Biochemistry
and
Metabolism
2
BY234
Genetics
BY206
Human
Physiology 2
BY235
Immunology
1
4
5
BY129
Introductory
Cell Biology
and
Biochemistry
BY138
Essential
Skills for Bioscientists
Option
Option
Optional Sandwich year
Option
BY247
Molecular
Cell
Pathobiology
CH217
Fundamentals
of Analytical
Chemistry
QS203
Statistics for
Epidemiology
Option
Option
BY380 Biology Placement module
1
BY329
Medical genetics
BY344
Clinical and
Applied
Immunology
BY313
Clinical Micro
Option
2
6
BY137
Bioanalysis
BY327
Blood
Sciences
BY350
Cellular
Pathology and
Special Topics
in
Pathobiology
BY392
Project
Currently available option modules include:
Level 4 Options: Semester 1: BY124;CH122; Semester 2: PY134; BY132
Level 5 options: BY233; BY238; BY244; SS250
Level 6 options: BY342; BY345; BY353; CH321; PL317;SS361
Only one optional module currently has pre-requisites. This is Diet and Disease (BY348) which
requires that students have passed nutrition and metabolism (BY248) before taking it.
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Modules
Module
code
Status
Module title
Credit
8
4
BY104
C
Human Physiology 1
10
4
BY124
O
Biology of Reproduction
10
4
BY127
C
Introduction to Biomedical Sciences
10
4
BY128
C
Introduction to Microbiology
10
4
BY129
C
Introductory Cell Biology and Biochemistry
10
4
BY132
O
Evolutionary Biology
10
4
BY134
C
Genes and Inheritance
10
4
BY137
C
Bioanalysis
20
4
BY138
C
Essential Skills for Bioscientists
20
4
CH122
C/O*
Elements of Chemistry
10
4
PY134
O
Basic Pharmacology
10
5
BY206
C
Human Physiology 2
10
5
BY205
C
Human Biochemistry and Metabolism
10
5
BY208
C
Microbiology
10
5
BY217
O
Evolution and Diversity
10
5
BY233
O
Forensic Biology
10
5
BY234
C
Genetics
10
5
BY235
C
Immunology
10
5
BY238
O
Environmental Microbiology
10
5
BY247
C
Molecular Cell Pathobiology
20
5
BY244
O
Human Nutrition
10
5
BY299
C
Biology Professional and Career Development
10
5
CH217
C
Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
10
5
QS203
C
Statistics for Epidemiology
10
5
SS250
O
Community participation and Personal
Development
10
6
BY313
C
Clinical Microbiology
10
6
BY327
C
Blood Sciences
20
6
BY329
C
Medical Genetics
10
6
BY342
O
Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
10
6
BY344
C
Clinical and Applied Immunology
10
6
BY345
O
Pharmacogenomics
10
6
BY348
O
Diet and Disease
10
6
BY350
C
Cellular Pathology and Special Topics in
Pathobiology
20
Level
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 9 of 12
6
BY380
O
Biology Placement
10
6
BY353
O
Zoonoses
10
6
BY392
C
Project
40
6
CH321
O
Case Studies in Environmental Pollution
10
6
PL317
O
Neuroscience
10
6
SS361
O
Community Participation and Personal
Development
10
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)
O*Students who have passed A2/AS Chemistry (or equivalent qualification) can take this
module as an option; the module is compulsory for those who do not have the A2/AS
prerequisite.
Page 10 of 12
AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION
Award type Award* Title
Level
Eligibility for award
Classification of award
Total credits9
Minimum credits10
6
Total credit 360
Minimum credit at level of award 120 Levels 5 and 6
(25:75)
Honours degree
Biomedical Science
6
Total credit 300
Minimum credit at level of award 60
Select
Not applicable
Intermediate DipHE Biomedical Science
5
Total credit 240
Minimum credit at level of award 120 Select
Not applicable
Intermediate CertHE Biomedical Science
4
Total credit 120
Minimum credit at level of award 120 Select
Not applicable
Select
Select
Total credit
Minimum credit at level of award
Select
Final
Biomedical Science
BSc
(Hons)
Intermediate BSc
Ratio of marks11:
Select
Class of award
*Foundation degrees only
Progression routes from award:
Award classifications
Mark/ band %
Foundation degree
Honours degree
Postgraduate12 degree
(excludes PGCE and BM BS)
70% - 100%
Distinction
First (1)
Distinction
60% - 69.99%
Merit
Upper second (2:1)
Merit
Lower second (2:2)
Pass
50% - 59.99%
40% - 49.99%
Pass
Third (3)
9
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.
11
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
Page 11 of 12
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 which
materially affect
assessment, progression
and award on the course
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.
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:
The biology placement module (BY380) is an optional module. If
the student takes the placement option then the module must be
included in the algorithm for calculation of the final award of BSc
(Hons) Biomedical Science (Sandwich). Whilst the university will
provide assistance and support, it remains the responsibility of the
student to find suitable placement.
The project module (BY392) must contain a significant element of
original data generation and analysis as defined by the criteria for
a ‘practical project’ described in the module descriptor for BY392.
Some modules/assessments have a pass mark other than 40%.
Students are expected to attend all lectures, practical classes,
tutorials, seminars and to attempt all the assessment tasks.
Absence with good reason may be arranged in advance and/or
covered by absence note. Mitigating circumstances may also
apply.
Exceptions required by
PSRB
These require the approval
of the Chair of the
Academic Board
None
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