REPORT ON PROGRAMME VALIDATION
Part 1
Q3
Programme details
Proposed titles
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Proposing School
School of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences and Health
Nature and duration of programme Modular programme, four academic years full-time
DIT awards sought
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, with classifications of First Class Honours;
Second Class Honours, Upper Division; Second Class Honours, Lower Division;
and Pass
Parallel award sought from other award body
None
Professional/external accrediting body for the BSc Hons Biomedical Science award:
Institute of Biomedical Science, UK;
Academy of Medical Laboratory Science, Ireland
**Derogations from the DIT assessment regulations are required**
Background
DIT Kevin Street has offered courses in Biomedical Science since 1962. In 1966 the first Certificate/
Diploma course in Medical Laboratory Science in Ireland at DIT Kevin Street. In 1990 the degree in
Biomedical Science was established in DIT. The degree programme was successfully reviewed in 2001 and
was redesigned in a modular and semesterised format in accordance with DIT policy in 2007.
Stated aims and learning outcomes of the programme:
The broad aim of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programme is to provide a high standard of education
in Biomedical Science which will produce quality graduates who have acquired key skills, both academic
and translational, enabling them to contribute to the field of Biomedical Science. The programme aims to
produce scientists who have the knowledge, understanding and proficiencies required to contribute to the
delivery and development of a quality, accredited pathology service in Ireland and abroad. The programme
also aims to produce graduates who, can independently perform scientific research and have the key skills
for understanding research, at both professional and post-graduate level, to enhance the role of biomedical
science in patient care.
Learning Outcomes as stated in the programme document
On successful completion of the BSc (Hons) programme the student will have:
Knowledge, Understanding and Intellectual Qualities

A detailed knowledge of a wide range of core scientific topics in the biomedical and biological
sciences, including: Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Physiology, Immunology,
Pathophysiology, Cellular Pathology, Clinical Cytology, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Immunology,
Haematology, Microbiology and Transfusion Science; and a clear understanding of the biological
and molecular basis of disease pathogenesis.

A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the integrated, multi-disciplinary role of
biomedical science in disease investigation, diagnosis and therapy.

An in-depth knowledge and comprehensive understanding of their final year Biomedical Specialist
stream (Cell and Tissue Sciences, Blood Sciences or Microbiological Sciences) to the standard
appropriate to an honours degree; and a thorough knowledge of key developments and research in
this field.
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
The ability to perform independent scientific review, analysis and the communication of any topic in
Biomedical science; to design, plan and perform a research project, with appropriate quality, safety
and ethical considerations.

A comprehensive understanding of the role of the medical scientist in the pathology service and
patient care, and the requirements for maintaining high standards of professional practice through
research and development and continuous professional development.
Transferable, Practical and Personal Skills

A comprehensive knowledge and skills base in performance of a wide range of practical laboratory
techniques including: cell and molecular diagnostics, immunodiagnostics, molecular methods,
microscopic and computerised image analysis, and familiarity with using a wide range of apparatus
and instrumentation in the biomedical and hospital pathology laboratories.

Confidence and skills in data recording, quality control interpretation, analysis and critical
interpretation of results; communication and presentation of results; ability to use appropriate
computer statistics packages to analyse trends and significance of test results.

A high standard of skills in report writing, referencing and presentation.

Key computer skills in file management, data storage, image modification, literature searches, and
proficiency in the use of Word, Powerpoint, Excel and biostatistics programmes.

The ability to work as part of the medical scientist team in the pathology service with key personal
skills in oral communication, co-operative team-work, time-management, work-prioritisation,
adherence to codes of professional practice and good communication and co-operation with other
health professionals in the hospital service.
Programme structure: The programme is offered in a modular format over four academic years, full-time.
Entry Requirements:
Minimum requirements for entry to the programme are as follows:
i. Irish Leaving Certificate in six subjects with Grade C3 or higher in two subjects, one of which must be a
Science subject (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or Physics/Chemistry), on higher level papers. Other
subjects passed must include: Mathematics, with a minimum of Grade C3 at Ordinary Level, and a pass
in English or Irish
Or
ii. Students presenting with qualifications that are deemed to be equivalent by DIT to i. above.
Applications for admission to year 1 of the programme must be made via the Central Applications Office.
Advanced Entry:
Students who have successfully completed a similar course of studies in Medical Laboratory Science may
apply for entry to the appropriate point of the programme at the Dublin Institute of Technology.
Non-standard applicants are considered on an individual basis and may be admitted to the course at an
appropriate level in accordance with DIT regulations. Such applicants may be required to attend for an
interview. These applications are made directly to the DIT Admissions Office on the Advanced Entry
application form before March 31st on the year of entry.
Student assessment
In accordance with the Institute’s Regulations. Derogation from the regulations is sought in respect of the
classification of the award as follows:
First Class Honours: 70% - 100%; Second Class Honours, First Division: 65% - 69%; Second Class
Honours, Second Division: 60% - 64%; Pass: 50% - 59%
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Part 2
Accreditation Details and Membership of Accreditation Panel
Dates of Review Event
12th May 2011, DIT Kevin Street
9.30 hrs
Tea / Coffee to be served: Introduction of members of Panel to the Director/Dean of
Faculty, senior staff from the School(s) responsible for the programme, Chairperson of the
Programme Committee and other staff, as appropriate. Presentation to the panel
10.00hrs
Private meeting of Panel to review in detail documentation submitted and discuss matters to
be raised at subsequent meetings with various groups
10.30 hrs
Meeting of Panel with Head of School, Chairpersons and appropriate members of the
Programme Committee to discuss specific issues raised by the Panel.
11.00 hrs
Meeting of Panel with staff teaching on the Programme to discuss such matters as
syllabuses, teaching methods and assessment issues
11.45
Tea/Coffee Break
12.00 hrs
Meeting with Students and Graduates
12.45 hrs
Lunch.
14.00 hrs
Meeting with Employer representatives
15.00 hrs
Tour of Facilities
15.30hrs
Meeting of Panel with Head of School and College Director of the College of Sciences and
Health.
16.00 hrs
Private meeting of Panel to consider draft report.
17.00 hrs
Oral Presentation of findings of Panel to Director, senior staff, Chairperson of Programme
Committee and other staff as appropriate
Membership of Accreditation Panel
External Panel Members
Professor H. S. Chowdrey
Maidstone, United Kingdom
Mr A. Usher
Cheltenham General Hospital, United Kingdom
Mr A. Wainwright
Institute of Biomedical Science, London
Dr J. Williams
The Academy of Medical Laboratory Science, Dublin 8
Mr M. Neville
St James Hospital, Dublin
Internal Panel Members
Mr G. Reilly (Chair)
Head of Department of Metal Fabrication and Welding,
DIT Linenhall, Dublin 1
Representative from the Office of the Academic Registrar
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Ms N. O’Neill
Part 3
Quality Assurance Officer, DIT Rathmines Rd. Dublin 6
Comments on documentation and arrangements for event
Documentation provided
Programme Document including critical appraisal, programme structure, and rationale of the programme, as
well as core component and staff details.
Briefing notes provided
Extracts from the Handbook for Quality Enhancement setting out procedures and other matters associated
with the review.
Part 4
Findings of the Panel
Recommendations of Panel in relation to award sought
The Panel is pleased to recommend to the Irish Academy of Medical Laboratory Science and the Institute of
Biomedical Science that they continue accreditation for 5 intakes of the award of Bachelor of Science
(Honours) in Biomedical Science. If significant amendments are made before the next accreditation these
can only be made in consultation with the professional bodies.
The panel would like to commend the school on:
 The high standard of documentation, which was informed by reflection and engagement with
students, staff, alumni, external examiners and employers that took on board the emerging trends in
biomedical science.
 The panel was impressed with the positive and open engagement of staff with the accreditation
process.
 Maintaining in years 1 and 2 a focus on core sciences which provide students with a solid
foundation in the scientific disciplines to provide alternative career options on graduation.
 The panel welcomes the contribution to professional development of medical laboratory scientists
afforded by the provision of CPD programmes.
Conditions
The programme committee should audit the students’ understanding of role of the professional and
regulatory bodies and review how the information is being disseminated to students.
The programme aims and objectives should be revised to reflect the value of professional accreditation.
Recommendations
The student experience on placement should be monitored to ensure that adequate resources are provided to
support their placement.
The programme documents should be revised to include:
 The IELTS requirements for entrants
 Clarity in relation to the programme pass mark, module pass marks, availability of compensation
and module thresholds.
 An explanation of the level of the programme in relation to the European Framework of
Qualifications.
The panel strongly recommends that the exit award BSc (Ord) in Biomedical Science is renamed to avoid
any confusion with this accredited degree.
The module descriptors should be reviewed to ensure that the terminology used is appropriate for the
academic level at which the module is delivered.
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The Programme Committee should liaise with IBMS to investigate further options for obtaining HPC
certificates of competence for graduates from this programme.
The Programme Committee further consider how student numbers could be maintained or increased on the
programme.
For the long-term sustainability of the programme; consideration could be given to delivering the
professional placement component as an optional pathway in year 4 with alternatives provided to students
wishing to undertake alternative careers.
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