Recommendations of the AMLS/IBMS Panel
The conditions were as follows:

1. The programme aims and objectives should be revised to reflect the value of professional
accreditation.

2. The programme committee should audit the students’ understanding of the role of the
professional and accreditation bodies and review how the information is being disseminated
to the students.
Responses and Actions to meet these conditions:
1.The programme aims and objectives were reviewed and reworded to include outcomes relating to
the professional accreditation.
Attachment 1 :Previous aims and objectives plus revised aims and objectives, now inserted into
Document B Section 1.3.
2. Audit of students understanding of the role of the professional and accreditation bodies. The final
year students were given a questionnaire: Attachment 2. The results are summarised in Attachment
2A.
The programme committee reviewed how the information regarding these bodies was
disseminated. It was concluded that the introduction of the IBMS and AMLS in stage 2, during the
professional studies module was inappropriate and the information should be disseminated in the
third and final stages, when professional practice is more contemporary to their training.
Actions to improve dissemination of information:
1. A new two-page summary of information about the AMLS and IBMS are to be included in all
year handbooks [Attachment 3].
2. A talk from the AMLS is to be scheduled for Day 1 of the Clinical Laboratory Placement
Module commencement.
3. Students are to be given membership application forms at the commencement of Clinical
Laboratory Placement for both professional bodies.
4. Students are to be notified of upcoming Educational meetings of the AMLS throughout their
third and fourth stage and encouraged to attend day and evening meetings and Biomedica
[AMLS to allow free student attendance].
AMLS/IBMS Recommendations
R1. The student experience on placement should be monitored to ensure that adequate resources
are provided to support their placement.
Actions: Students to be surveyed regarding their experience of clinical laboratory placement
annually, student questionnaire regarding project placement. Feedback and highlighting of training
issues to be given to tutors at autumn seminar. Autumn Clinical Tutors seminar to be held before
placement begins to ensure Clinical tutors are aware of previous years comments. Constant contact
throughout the year with the placement co-ordinator and lecturer in each discipline is maintained
with the hospital-based tutors.
R2.The programme document needs to be revised to include:

The IELTS requirements for students. Attachment 4. This has been inserted into Document B
REV, Section 2.1., page 16.

Clarity in relation to the programme and module pass mark, availability of compensation and
module thresholds. This section has been revised; Attachment 5. It is now in Document B
REV, Section 3.5, page 36 .

An explanation of the level of the programme in relation to the European Framework of
Qualifications. This section has been revised Attachment 6, and inserted into Document B ,
Section 1.2, page 4.
R3. Exit award to be renamed. The Degree has been renamed B Sc (Ordinary) Science.
R4. Review of Module Descriptors to ensure appropriate terminology. All modules have been
reviewed, and minor adjustments to terminology have been made. Document B, Appendix A, REV.
R5. Programme committee should liaise with the IBMS to investigate further options for obtaining
HPC certificates of competence for graduates of this programme. The Programme Director is in
consultation with IBMS to support this development.
R6. Further consider how student numbers could be maintained or increased on this programme.
The Whole School Review Committee is devising an allied programme in Biomedical Sciences which
would allow for an increase in student numbers, but with an Industrial placement replacing the
Clinical Laboratory Placement. This will allow for increased class size. The Biomedical Science
modules are also being set up to be offered as individual CPD modules for medical scientists.
Attachment 1. Revision of Programme Aims and Objectives
In Original March 2011 Document
1.3 Programme Aims, Objectives and Learning Outcomes
1.3.1
Programme Aims
The broad aim of this undergraduate 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 undertaking research, at both
professional and post-graduate level, to enhance the role of biomedical science in
patient care.
1.3.2 Programme Objectives
The objectives of the programme include:

To provide a sound foundation in the fundamental sciences and the key knowledge
required to support the biomedical science disciplines.

To provide a sound foundation course in each of the Biomedical science disciplines
(Cellular Pathology/Clinical Cytology, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Immunology,
Haematology, Medical Microbiology and Transfusion Science) so that each
undergraduate has an integrated multi-disciplinary knowledge of all disciplines and
their role in the investigation of disease.

To train the student in the analysis, interpretation, critical evaluation and
presentation of scientific data and to inculcate in the student an appreciation and
awareness of the principles and practice of professional behaviour in laboratory and
hospital settings.

To develop an in-depth knowledge of the chosen final year disciplines [Cell and
Tissue Sciences, Blood Sciences or Microbiological Sciences], so that graduates have
a high level of expertise, both academic knowledge and proficiency skills, in these
subjects.
 To ensure a clear understanding of the pathobiological, pathogenetic, aetiological,
molecular and epidemiological factors related to the investigation, diagnosis and
therapy of disease.

To develop a firm understanding of the role of quality management, health and
safety and bioethics in current pathology practice and research in biomedical
science.

To develop key skills in the performance of scientific research, including study design
and hypothesis, critical evaluation of scientific evidence, data analysis and
communication of results through scientific writing, case study presentation and oral
presentations.

To develop key transferable analytical, academic and practical skills which will enable
the student to develop a career in biomedical laboratories, in research,
pharmaceutical, molecular and industrial laboratories.

To develop key knowledge of professional practice in the diagnostic pathology
laboratory service and understanding of competencies and skills required for
practice as a medical scientist.
Revised Version for June 2011 Document
1.3 Programme Aims, Objectives and Learning Outcomes
1.3.1
Programme Aims
The broad aim of this undergraduate 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 and the Medical Scientist profession. 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 undertaking research, at both professional and post-graduate level, to
enhance the role of biomedical science in patient care.
1.3.2 Programme Objectives
The objectives of the programme include:

To provide a sound foundation in the fundamental sciences and the key knowledge
required to support the biomedical science disciplines.

To provide a sound foundation course in each of the Biomedical science disciplines
(Cellular Pathology/Clinical Cytology, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Immunology,
Haematology, Medical Microbiology and Transfusion Science) so that each
undergraduate has an integrated multi-disciplinary knowledge of all disciplines and
their role in the investigation of disease.

To train the student in the analysis, interpretation, critical evaluation and
presentation of scientific data and to inculcate in the student an appreciation and
awareness of the principles and practice of professional behaviour in laboratory and
hospital settings.

To develop an in-depth knowledge of the chosen final year disciplines [Cell and
Tissue Sciences, Blood Sciences or Microbiological Sciences], so that graduates have
a high level of expertise, both academic knowledge and proficiency skills, in these
subjects.
 To ensure a clear understanding of the pathobiological, pathogenetic, aetiological,
molecular and epidemiological factors related to the investigation, diagnosis and
therapy of disease.

To develop a firm understanding of the role of quality management, health and
safety and bioethics in current pathology practice and research in biomedical
science.

To develop key skills in the performance of scientific research, including study design
and hypothesis, critical evaluation of scientific evidence, data analysis and
communication of results through scientific writing, case study presentation and oral
presentations.

To develop key transferable analytical, academic and practical skills which will enable
the student to develop a career in biomedical laboratories, in research,
pharmaceutical, molecular and industrial laboratories.

To develop key knowledge of professional practice in the diagnostic pathology
laboratory service and understanding of competencies and skills required for
practice as a medical scientist.

To develop an understanding of the role of the professional Medical Scientist in
lifelong contribution to, and participation in, Biomedical Science practice and
education through membership of the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science and
the Institute of Biomedical Science [UK].
Attachment 2. Survey Final years re AMLS and IBMS
The purpose of this anonymous questionnaire is to establish what you know
about the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science and the Institute of
Biomedical Science and how we can ask them to support students’ needs.
Year of Studies:
4
5
1. What professional bodies have you joined?
AMLS
IBMS
OTHER____________________________
2. What year were you in when you joined?
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
3.Where did you hear about the AMLS and IBMS?
- Professional Studies
- Clinical Laboratory Placement
- Final Year
3. What do you think are the functions/roles of:
The AMLS
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
The IBMS
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
4. Have you attended any Biomedical educational meetings outside of
DIT?
Academy meetings
Biomedica
AMLS Conference
Other Meetings
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
5. Are you receiving literature/gazettes/magazines from the AMLS or
IBMS?
Yes
No
AMLS
IBMS
6. Do you find the information in this literature/information useful to you
as a student?
Yes
No
Comment___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
7. Can you suggest information or educational support which you would
like to see provided in the literature from the AMLS/ or IBMS?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________ _
Attachment 2A. Summary of Results of Survey of Final Year Students re AMLS
and IBMS

Number Surveyed who responded: 29

Numbers who are members of AMLS – 28 [97%], IBMS 21 [72%]
During what year of your Degree did you join?

4th or final year - 25/29. 2nd/3rd year – 4/29
How did they hear about the AMLS and IBMS?

Professional studies lectures – 15/29 [52%]

Clinical Placement – 13/29 [45%]

Final year – 3

No reply - 3
What do you see as the role of the AMLS/IBMS?
Not many very clear. Some responses:

education

accreditation to practice,

maintaining standards.
Have you attended any Educational Meetings run by AMLS?

Majority No.

AMLS conference - 4

Microbiology meetings - 3
Support or additional Information the students would like:
Job information – 15/29 [52%]
CV and interview skills - 3
Research , Review Articles and updates - 2.
Attachment 3. Two page summary of information about IBMS and AMLS for
student handbooks and Webcourse Professional Practice Module
Professional Bodies Associated with Biomedical Science Practice
In the Republic of Ireland the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science approves graduates
of appropriate accredited Biomedical Science degree programmes for eligibility to practice
as Medical Scientists in the Pathology workforce. With successful completion of the Degree
in Biomedical Science and the Clinical Placement module, a graduate of the DIT programme
is eligible to practice as a Medical Scientist. The graduate requires two documents to gain
AMLS eligibility, the honours degree award and a Certification of Clinical Placement
Completion, which is issued in the final year of the programme. Graduates of the DIT BMS
degree may work in any of the disciplines associated with the Pathology service including:
Clinical Chemistry, Cellular Pathology, Clinical Cytology, Haematology, Medical Microbiology
and Transfusion Science. They may also work as medical scientists in allied areas including:
Virology, Molecular Diagnostics, Transplantation and Tissue Typing, Electron Microscopy,
Reproduction Biology, Disease Surveillance, Point-of-Care testing and Haemovigilance.
The Academy of Medical Laboratory Science provides key academic support for the medical
scientist profession, and its members are heavily involved in students training and
assessment on this degree programme.
The Institute of Biomedical Science has over 19,000 members in the UK and Ireland. The DIT
degree is IBMS-accredited, which allows the graduate of the DIT programme to apply for
registration from the Health Professions Council and often to practice as a Biomedical
Scientists in the UK and Australia and New Zealand.
Both the AMLS and IBMS are providers of academic seminars, conferences, trade shows,
and liaison with other professional bodies. The AMLS and IBMS are important providers of
Continuing Professional Development programmes which ensure life-long education in the
specialist disciplines. The IBMS also have multiple training and education programmes for
further specialization in the Biomedical disciplines, which aid the Biomedical Scientist to
become advanced practitioners in various aspects of the Biomedical Sciences.
The AMLS and IBMS provide members with information on current professional practice
through their journals and magazines [AMLS: Converse; IBMS Gazette and Journal of
Biomedical Science].
We encourage all students on this programme to join both bodies as student members
and as full members on completing their degrees and entering the biomedical science
profession. The DIT supply all students with application forms and many of the Biomedical
academic staff are members of one or both professional bodies.
The AMLS provides an annual award for the best project in the undergraduate degree in
Biomedical Science, called the Presidents prize.
The IBMS provides an annual award for the student with the highest overall marks in the
degree, this is also called the President’s prize. These are awarded at graduation in October
of each year.
For further information on the professional bodies consult the websites:
www.amls.ie and www.ibms.org.
Attachment 4. IELTS Requirements.
Language policy on admission
The language of instruction and communication is English. All applicants whose first
language is not English, and who have not been educated through the medium of English
will be required to meet the DIT requirement of an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 88.
http://www.dit.ie/study/internationaloffice/englishrequirements/
Attachment 5. Module and Programme Pass Marks
In document submitted in March 2011:
3.5 Module Assessment Regulations
A total of 100 marks are awarded to each module irrespective of the ECTS credit
value. For the purpose of (a) progression and award and (b) consideration being
given to the possibility of compensation, the marks awarded to modules are
weighted in proportion to the ECTS credit value for each module.
The pass mark for a module is 50% of the total marks available for the module.
To pass a module, a candidate must attain 50% of the maximum marks available
for the module and must achieve a mark of 50% in both the formative and
summative assessment components. A candidate who has achieved a minimum
mark of 43% in either the formative assessment or the summative assessment is
permitted to pass the module, provided that the overall computed mark for the
module is at least 50%. In computing the overall mark for the module, the
weighting between formative and summative components of the assessment
must be taken into account. A candidate who fails to achieve an overall mark of
50% in a module, and who fails to achieve a mark of 43% in either the formative
assessment or the summative assessment or both components fails that module.
Where formative assessment only is used to examine a module a candidate must
attain 50% of the maximum marks available for the module to pass the module.
In the case the Scientific and Technical Communications module thresholds will
apply to components of the assessment (see module descriptor for details). No
thresholds will apply between the two components of the Research Method and
Data Analysis module. Details regarding the assessment of the Clinical Laboratory
Placement and Professional Placement module are presented in the next section.
Details regarding the assessment of the project are provided in section 3.6.
Reworded as follows for June 2011 Document:
3.5 Module Assessment Regulations
A total of 100 marks are awarded to each module irrespective of the ECTS credit
value. For the purpose of (a) progression and award and (b) consideration being
given to the possibility of compensation, the marks awarded to modules are
weighted in proportion to the ECTS credit value for each module.
The pass mark for a module is 50% of the total marks available for the module.
To pass a module, a candidate must attain 50% of the overall maximum marks
available for the module and must achieve a mark of 43% in both the formative
and summative assessment components. A candidate who has achieved a
minimum mark of 43% in either the formative assessment or the summative
assessment is permitted to pass the module, provided the additional marks are
available in the other component to ensure that the overall computed mark for
the module is at least 50%. In computing the overall mark for the module, the
weighting between formative and summative components of the assessment
must be taken into account. A candidate who fails to achieve an overall mark of
50% in a module, and who fails to achieve a mark of 43% in either the formative
assessment or the summative assessment or both components fails that module.
This failed module will not be eligible for cross-module compensation at the
subsequent Progression and Award Board. Where formative assessment only is
used to examine a module a candidate must attain 50% of the maximum marks
available for the module to pass the module. In the case the Scientific and
Technical Communications module thresholds will apply to components of the
assessment (see module descriptor for details). No thresholds will apply between
the two components of the Research Method and Data Analysis module. Details
regarding the assessment of the Clinical Laboratory Placement and Professional
Placement module are presented in the next section. Details regarding the
assessment of the project are provided in section 3.6.
Attachment 6. Explanation of the level of the Programme in the EU and NQAI
Framework.
In document submitted in March 2011:
1.1 Award Sought
1.1.1 Degree of Bachelor in Science in Biomedical Science [BSc Hons. Biomedical Science],
with honours classification awarded by the Dublin Institute of Technology.
This classified degree will be awarded at the professional honours level in the first
and second class and professional pass degree, each of which allows graduates
eligibility to practice as medical scientists [Ireland], biomedical scientists [UK, subject
to additional completion of Health Professional Council (HPC) registration].
1.1.2 Exit Award after Three Years
Degree of Bachelor in Science in Biomedical Science [BSc Ord. Biomedical Science],
unclassified awarded by the Dublin Institute of Technology.
Reworded as follows for June 2011 Document:
1.1 Award Sought
1.1.1 Degree of Bachelor in Science in Biomedical Science [BSc Hons. Biomedical Science],
with honours classification awarded by the Dublin Institute of Technology. This is a
Level 8 award in the National Qualifications Framework , National Qualifications
Authority of Ireland [see Chart below].
This classified degree will be awarded at the professional honours level in the first
and second class and professional pass degree, each of which allows graduates
eligibility to practice as medical scientists [Ireland], biomedical scientists [UK, subject
to additional completion of Health Professional Council (HPC) registration].
1.1.2 Exit Award after Three Years
Degree of Bachelor in Science [BSc Ord. Science], unclassified, awarded by the
Dublin Institute of Technology.
Documentation Included to demonstrate these recommended changes
and conditions:
Document B – Programme Document
Document B – Appendix A – Module descriptors