Certificate of Higher Education Life Sciences is awarded on successful completion of 120 SCQF Level 7 credits as a minimum

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1 COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme AWARDING INSTITUTION Robert Gordon University INSTITUTION OF DELIVERY Robert Gordon University COURSE ACCREDITED BY Health Professions Council in relation to BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) in relation to BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science and BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science. COURSE ACCREDITATION / RECOGNITION The award of the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degree makes the graduate eligible to register with the Health Professions Council as a biomedical scientist. The BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science course and BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science is accredited by the IBMS. AWARDS Stage 1 Certificate of Higher Education Life Sciences is awarded on successful completion of 120 SCQF Level 7 credits as a minimum Stage 2 Diploma of Higher Education Applied Biomedical Science is awarded on successful completion of 120 SCQF Level 8 credits as a minimum. Diploma of Higher Education Biomedical Science is awarded on successful completion of 120 SCQF Level 8 credits as a minimum. Diploma of Higher Education Bioscience with Biomedical Sciences is Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme 1

2 awarded on successful completion of 120 SCQF Level 8 credits as a minimum. Stage 3 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Applied Biomedical Science is awarded on successful completion of 120 SCQF Level 9 credits as a minimum. Bachelor of Science (BSc) Biomedical Science is awarded on successful completion of 15 SCQF Level 8 and 105 SCQF Level 9 credits as a minimum. Bachelor of Science (BSc) Bioscience with Biomedical Sciences is awarded on successful completion of 15 SCQF Level 8 and 105 SCQF Level 9 credits as a minimum. Stage 4 Bachelor of Science with Honours [(BSc (Hons)] Applied Biomedical Science is awarded on successful completion of 120 SCQF Level 10 credits. Bachelor of Science with Honours [(BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science is awarded on successful completion of 120 SCQF Level 10 credits. Bachelor of Science with Honours [(BSc (Hons)] Bioscience with Biomedical Sciences is awarded on successful completion of 120 SCQF Level 10 credits. AWARD TYPE Undergraduate MODES OF STUDY Full-time DURATION OF COURSE Four years. LANGUAGE OF STUDY English LANGUAGE OF ASSESSMENT English UCAS CODE B902 Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme 2

3 JACS CODE C910 RELEVANT QAA SUBJECT GROUP Biomedical Science DATE OF PRODUCTION / REVISION 01 September 2014 INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE Career Opportunities and Employment Skills BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science Biomedical Science is a key healthcare science involving a multitude of pathology disciplines to study human disease. It encompasses studies of the causes of disease and the effects of disease on the normal structure and functions of the human body and it provides an understanding of the scientific basis for the laboratory investigation, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. Graduates of the course will also be familiar with biomedical science research so that they may be able develop new diagnostic procedures as well as new therapeutic intervention strategies. Completion of the degree leads to the award of an IBMS accredited and HPC approved degree and as such, graduates of the course will have a broad-based scientific education coupled with technical skills necessary for laboratory work. The integrated placements provides the foundation for a wide-range of scientific careers but specifically the course is designed to permit its graduates to complete all the Standards of Proficiency required by the Health Professions Council (HPC) as evidenced by the successful completion of the IBMS Portfolio and allow them to apply for registration as a Biomedical Scientist Practitioner. Whilst the degree provides a qualification necessary to start a graduate's career, they will need to continue to develop skills throughout their working life. The course couples a scientific education with the development of skills necessary for lifelong learning. Graduates who achieve at least an upper second (Class 2.1) classification will normally have access to postgraduate and doctoral programmes in UK higher education establishments. BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Biomedical Science is a key healthcare science involving a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of human disease. It encompasses studies of the causes of disease and the effects of disease on the normal structure and functions of the human body and it provides an understanding of the scientific basis for the laboratory investigation, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. Graduates of the course will also be familiar with biomedical science research so that they may be able to develop new diagnostic procedures as well as new therapeutic intervention strategies. As the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, graduates will have a broad-based scientific education coupled with the technical skills necessary for laboratory work. This broad-based education will provide the foundation for a wide-range of scientific careers, including as a registered Biomedical Scientist Practitioner in a hospital environment, as a laboratory-based or non laboratory-based scientist in the Pharmaceutical Industry and other related industries, academic research and teaching. Graduates who achieve at least an upper second (Class 2.1) classification will normally have access to postgraduate and doctoral programmes in UK higher education establishments. Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme 3

4 BSc (Hons) Bioscience with Biomedical Sciences The course has been designed to produce graduates who are eminently equipped with the skills and knowledge required for subsequent employment in a variety of workplaces including areas such as teaching, research, project management and technical services associated with the pharmaceutical, forensic scientific, environmental and healthcare industries. The academic and practical aspects of the course are designed to provide a rational, flexibly-structured and coherent programme of study which provides a sound knowledge base in the appropriate areas, and which will facilitate the professional development of students in order to lay the foundations for successful careers. Students who obtain an Honours degree with at least a second class classification will normally be suitably qualified to access postgraduate and doctoral programmes in UK higher education institutions. EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Programme This Stage 1 foundation year is designed to enable the student to establish a framework of basic knowledge and the self-awareness, organisation, study and technical skills that are necessary for undergraduate study. The student will develop an understanding of the role of the biomedical/bio scientist in the healthcare and bioscience sectors and of the requirements placed upon them for eligibility for professional practice and the basic principles of biology, chemistry, mathematics and statistics. The student will also learn basic laboratory skills appropriate to biomedical/bioscience and will begin to develop either their Certificate of Competence Portfolio of Registration or Personal Development Portfolio (PDP). The student will be encouraged to explore the role of communication in a scientific context and to begin to apply knowledge to contextualised situations. This foundation year will equip the students with skills necessary for scientific practice and form the basis upon which the more complex concepts and skills required for a biomedical/bio scientist can be built. BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science The predominant aim of the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science course is to produce graduates who are fit for practice and who meet the eligibility requirements of the Health Professions Council for registration as biomedical scientists. An integrated academic and professional training framework has been developed. This framework allows the course to meet the requirements of the QAA benchmark for biomedical science and in addition provides a progressive pathway through which students will be able to complete a Certificate of Competence Portfolio of Registration which meets the HPC Standards of Proficiency for biomedical science. Having successfully gained entry into this route at the beginning of Stage 2, the student will be able to enhance their knowledge of biomedical science and to further develop their technical skills, and apply these in a biomedical science context while studying at the University and while on their first clinical laboratory placement. The student's experience in their 7 week hospital placement will allow them to develop their professionalism and introduce them to the medical ethical issues associated with the profession. They are required to reflect upon these issues as part of their portfolio. It is anticipated that this will initiate a more critical approach to the theoretical and practical aspects of biomedical science and facilitate their application. The student will continue to develop their Certificate of Competence Portfolio of Registration. In Stage 3 the student's intellectual and analytical skills will be further developed, permitting maximal integration of academic and practice-based laboratory areas, thus allowing them to take increasing responsibility for their own learning and decision making, which will be demonstrated by a greater level of independent study and increasing competence in laboratory practice gained both at the University and during a healthcare laboratory based placement. Greater understanding of clinical immunology, medical microbiology, and human genetics are facilitated to provide the necessary scientific underpinning for the more specialised modules that are to be delivered in Stage 4. Throughout Stage 3 the student will further develop their Certificate of Competence Portfolio of Registration and clinical laboratory competence will be assessed by an Institute of Biomedical Science verifier. Stage 4 will provide a challenging platform upon which the student can engage themselves in in-depth self-directed study, particularly in modules such as Biology of Disease and Current Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme 4

5 Trends in Biomedical Science. They will acquire an increased breadth of understanding and develop a critical and ethical approach to practice. The student will also gain the confidence to be flexible in approach and to be self evaluative, as well as appreciate the wider issues relating to the workplace. The culmination of the theoretical components of the course is the Biology of Disease module that integrates and contextualises all previous learning using real-life case studies. This will enable the student to develop and demonstrate appreciation of the multi-factorial aspects underlying human disorders and disease and the multi-disciplinary approach that the biomedical scientist needs to perform their duties effectively. The student will also be able to study in depth from a range of current research projects in Biomedical Science. By the end of Stage 4, the student will have completed their Certificate of Competence Portfolio of Registration and therefore will have covered the Standards of Proficiency which are laid down by the Health Professions Council. If successful, a student will be eligible for the award of BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science and will also be eligible to apply for HPC registration as a biomedical scientist. BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science The BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science course aims to produce graduates who, upon graduation will be suitably qualified to enter a variety of career paths. Through appropriate curricular design, the emphasis has been placed on students acquiring relevant knowledge of QAA benchmarked Biomedical Science and other, related subjects, laboratory practical skills, interpretative skills, interpersonal and communication skills, and awareness of the role of biomedical scientists not only in the Health Service but also in other associated industries and services. While there is no placement option available for this course, students will be able to partially complete the IBMS Certificate of Competence Portfolio, meaning that should they wish, upon graduation to become a trainee biomedical scientist, the length of time required for training will be much reduced. Having successfully gained entry into Stage 2 of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science route the student will be able to enhance their knowledge of biomedical science and other related subjects and to further develop their technical skills, and apply these in a scientific context. The student will continue to meet some of the competencies of the Certificate of Competence Portfolio of Registration. During Stage 3 of the course the student will enhance their intellectual and analytical skills, permitting maximal integration of academic and practical areas. The student will take increasing responsibility for their learning and decision making, which will be demonstrated by a greater level of independent study and increasing competence in laboratory practice. Greater understanding of medical microbiology, clinical immunology, medical biochemistry, human cytology and histology, public health, toxicology and environmental analysis, pharmacology and research methods will be facilitated to provide the necessary knowledge for the more specialised modules that are delivered in Stage 4. The student will be introduced to web-based teaching packages to encourage self-learning and directed study. Stage 4 will provide a challenging platform upon which the student can engage themselves in in-depth self-directed study, acquire an increased breadth of understanding and develop a critical approach to their work. The student will also gain the confidence to be flexible in approach and to be self evaluative, as well as appreciate the wider issues (including ethics) relating to the workplace. The culmination of the theoretical components of the course is the Biology of Disease module that integrates and contextualises all previous learning using real-life case studies. This will enable the student to develop and demonstrate appreciation of the multi-factorial aspects underlying human disorders and disease and the multi-disciplinary approach that the biomedical scientist needs to perform their duties effectively. The student will also be able to study in depth from a range of current research projects in biomedical and related sciences. By the end of Stage 4, the student will have partially completed their Certificate of Competence Portfolio of Registration. BSc (Hons) Bioscience with Biomedical Sciences Having successfully gained entry into Stage 2 of the BSc (Hons) Bioscience with Biomedical Sciences route the student will enhance their knowledge of biosciences and biomedical science and will further develop their technical skills, and apply these in the context of bioscience, forensic and biomedical science. It is anticipated that this will initiate a more critical approach to the theoretical and practical aspects of bioscience and biomedical science and facilitate their application. During Stage 3 of the course the student will enhance their intellectual and analytical skills, permitting maximal integration of academic and practical areas. The student will take increasing responsibility for their learning and decision making, which will be demonstrated by a greater level of independent study and increasing competence in laboratory practice. Greater understanding of medical microbiology, clinical immunology, clinical biochemistry, human cytology and histology, public health, toxicology and environmental analysis and an introduction to pharmacology will be Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme 5

6 facilitated to provide the necessary knowledge for the more specialised modules that are delivered in Stage 4. The student will also be introduced to web-based teaching packages to encourage self-learning and directed study. In Stage 4, the student will be provided with a challenging platform upon which they will be able to engage themselves in in-depth directed study especially around DNA technologies, acquire an increased breadth of understanding and develop a critical and ethical approach to practice, extend their awareness of work settings and life-long learning. The student will also be able to study in depth from a range of current research projects in Bioscience. They will gain the confidence to be flexible in approach and self evaluative and in addition the student will gain appreciations of the wider issues related to the work place and attain scientific competence in bioscience. LEARNING OUTCOMES The Course Level Learning Outcomes are written with reference to the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF) and levels 7, 8, 9 and 10 are relevant to the course. BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science Knowledge and Understanding The Stage 1 (SCQF Level 7) student will establish a framework of basic knowledge and skills encompassing self-awareness, organisational, study and technical skills necessary for undergraduate study. The student will develop an understanding of the basic principles of biology, chemistry and analytical techniques will acquire some basic laboratory skills appropriate to the biosciences and will begin to develop their Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) and complete some of the Standards of Proficiency within the Certificate of Competence Portfolio of Registration. The Stage 2 (SCQF Level 8) student will acquire the following: knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry and genetics an understanding of metabolic processes, an appreciation of how biomedical science laboratories deal with patient samples on a daily basis, complete some of the Standards of Proficiency within the Certificate of Competence Portfolio of Registration, an understanding of molecular biology and its applications to biomedical science and key concepts in human cytology and histology. In Stage 3 (SCQF Level 9), the student will extend their knowledge of specialist methods and techniques in biomedical science with examples of applications in a biomedical science practical context in the clinical work environment and evidence understanding of this in the Certificate of Competence Portfolio of Registration and in the research laboratory showing understanding of the key elements of research methods, clinical biochemistry, clinical immunology, medical microbiology and clinical biochemistry. The Stage 4 (SCQF Level 10) student will build upon the theory and applications of biomedical science in haematology, transfusion science, cellular pathology, become aware of recent developments in emergent areas of biomedical science, show understanding of how biomedical science disciplines work alongside each other in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease and be able to devise and investigate a scientific hypothesis in the research laboratory of relevance to biomedical science. Practical Skills The Stage 1 student will acquire some basic laboratory skills appropriate to the biomedical science. The Stage 2 student will be introduced to practical approaches in molecular biology, develop skills in qualitative analysis of human materials in the context of biomedical science, be able to use more complex and contextualised formulae; use and interpret physical, geometric and graphical information; use simple statistical techniques for data interpretation. The Stage 3 student will apply specialist techniques in biomedical science with examples of applications in a practical context in the clinical workplace and in the research environment, develop skills in human cytology and histology and other key aspects in biomedical science. The Stage 4 student will demonstrate a comprehensive repertoire of skills, and the professional competence needed for a practising biomedical scientist and demonstrate critical appraisal skills in a biomedical science context. Intellectual Skills The Stage 1 student will: demonstrate a familiarity with the basic facts and principles of professional and personal skills, biology, chemistry and laboratory work; Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme 6

7 demonstrate a working understanding of these facts and principles in the context of the fundamentals of chemistry, biology and laboratory skills as they are applied to bioscience. The Stage 2 student will: demonstrate application of standard principles and procedures to slightly more complex situations with some guidance provided; demonstrate increasing ability to analyse relatively simple problems with some guidance provided start to develop own criteria and develop an ability to form independent judgements, although moderately dependent on guidance from tutors; apply given tools or methods accurately and carefully to more demanding problems with guidance. The Stage 3 student will: demonstrate an ability to select and use principles and procedures appropriate to the situation or problem in hand, with minimal guidance provided; recognise familiar ideas or principles in new texts or situations; analyse systematically an effectively with minimal guidance show basic ability to relate and marshal facts/ideas/elements in an argued case; produce new design ideas in a wider range of situations with minimal guidance identify a range of valid alternative solutions, beginning to discriminate and evaluate in a reasoned, systematic and increasingly independent way; begin to self-direct, identify key problems and choose appropriate methods to construct their resolution, with only general guidance. The Stage 4 student will: carry out confident and accurate selection and application of principles and procedures to the solution of a range of bioscience situations and problems, working autonomously; identify and classify principles and ideas in new texts and situations; analyse systematically, effectively and critically, working autonomously; bring together fact/ideas/elements in support of well-structured hypothesis, working autonomously; integrate theory with professional practice; autonomously evaluate theory, process, solutions and outcomes, critically and effectively; become increasingly independent, confident and flexible in identifying and defining complex problems and in the application of knowledge and skills appropriate to their solution, at the threshold of professional competence; demonstrate an ability to identify self-strengths and weaknesses and to initiate learning processes as required. Key Employability, Enterprise and Transferable Skills On completion of Stage 1 the student will be able to: communicate in a clear and concise way, in writing and orally, in relatively informal and limited-length pieces of work in the context of bioscience; demonstrate an ability to apply certain formulae to pertinent bioscience problems; access and use a range of computer software packages, CampusMoodle, library and internet resources; study in a systematic, directed way with appropriate guidance; interact effectively with tutors and fellow students; participate in clearly defined group situation. On completion of Stage 2 the student will be able to: communicate in a clear, systematic and concise way, in writing and orally, in more formal, academic and professional styles, and in longer pieces of work on the appropriate scientific context; use and interpret formulae and graphical information; Use simple statistical techniques for the interpretation of data; demonstrate more advanced interactive group skills, including effective participation in more demanding group tasks; learn in an increasingly effective and purposeful way, with the beginnings of development as an autonomous learner. On completion of Stage 3 the student will be able to: engage effectively in a variety of roles; produce clear, well-structured reports and other extended pieces of work; give clear subject-specific presentations in a variety of areas pertinent to bioscience; apply more complex numerical and statistical and calibration techniques for the interpretation and analysis of data; access and use material and packages which will facilitate the analysis and presentation of oral, Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme 7

8 written, numerical, tabular and graphical data; adopt a broad-ranging and flexible approach to study; identify learning needs; pursue activities designed to meet these needs in increasingly autonomous ways; interact effectively within a learning or subject-specific group; demonstrate basic negotiating, role, leadership and group-support skills. On completion of Stage 4 the student will be able to: engage effectively in independent roles; communicate with professional peers, senior colleagues, specialists and informed audiences; produce detailed critiques and coherent project reports; give confident oral and other presentations in a wide range of biomedical science contexts; use skills in numeracy developed at previous levels in more open-ended situations, e.g. to evaluate research findings of themselves and others based on sound scientific principles use a variety of computer-based packages to retrieve, manipulate and present data with minimal guidance manage their own learning using a wide range of resources appropriate to bioscience; seek and make effective use of feedback; interact effectively within learning; demonstrate appropriate negotiating, role leadership and group-support skills to an advanced level. BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Knowledge and Understanding The Stage 1 student will establish a framework of basic knowledge and skills encompassing self-awareness, organisational, study and technical skills necessary for undergraduate study. The student will develop an understanding of the basic principles of biology, chemistry and analytical techniques will acquire some basic laboratory skills appropriate to the biosciences and will begin to develop their Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) and completing some of the competencies of the Certificate of Competence Portfolio of Registration. The Stage 2 student will acquire the following: knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry and genetics an understanding of metabolic processes, an appreciation of how human psychology and sociology can be used to address contemporary human health problems, an understanding of molecular biology and its applications to biomedical science and some of the key concepts in forensic biological investigation. In Stage 3, the student will extend their knowledge of specialist methods and techniques in biomedical and related science with examples of applications in a practical context understand the key elements of research methods, clinical biochemistry, immunology, human cytology and histology, toxicology and environmental analysis, public health, pharmacology and medical microbiology. The Stage 4 student will build upon the theory and applications of biomedical science in haematology, transfusion science, cellular pathology, become aware of recent developments in emergent areas of biomedical and other related disciplines, show understanding of how biomedical science disciplines work alongside each other in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease and be able to devise and investigate a scientific hypothesis in the research laboratory of relevance to biomedical and health related sciences. Practical Skills The Stage 1 student will acquire some basic laboratory skills appropriate to the biosciences. The Stage 2 student will be introduced to practical approaches in molecular biology, develop skills in qualitative analysis of human and other biological materials in the context of forensic science be able to use more complex and contextualised formulae; use and interpret physical, geometric and graphical information; use simple statistical techniques for data interpretation. The Stage 3 student will apply specialist techniques in bioscience and biomedical sciences with examples of applications in a practical context develop skills in human cytology and histology and other aspects of bioscience analysis, become proficient in some aspects of environmental analysis and public health monitoring. The Stage 4 student demonstrate a comprehensive repertoire of skills, and the professional competence needed for a practising biomedical/bio scientist demonstrate critical appraisal skills in a scientific context. Intellectual Skills The Stage 1 student will: demonstrate a familiarity with the basic facts and principles of professional and personal skills, Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme 8

9 biology, chemistry and laboratory work; demonstrate a working understanding of these facts and principles in the context of the fundamentals of chemistry, biology and laboratory skills as they are applied to bioscience. The Stage 2 student will: demonstrate application of standard principles and procedures to slightly more complex situations with some guidance provided; demonstrate increasing ability to analyse relatively simple problems with some guidance provided start to develop own criteria and develop an ability to form independent judgements, although moderately dependent on guidance from tutors; apply given tools or methods accurately and carefully to more demanding problems with guidance. The Stage 3 student will: demonstrate an ability to select and use principles and procedures appropriate to the situation or problem in hand, with minimal guidance provided; recognise familiar ideas or principles in new texts or situations; analyse systematically an effectively with minimal guidance show basic ability to relate and marshal facts/ideas/elements in an argued case; produce new design ideas in a wider range of situations with minimal guidance identify a range of valid alternative solutions, beginning to discriminate and evaluate in a reasoned, systematic and increasingly independent way; begin to self-direct, identify key problems and choose appropriate methods to construct their resolution, with only general guidance. The Stage 4 student will: carry out confident and accurate selection and application of principles and procedures to the solution of a range of bioscience situations and problems, working autonomously; identify and classify principles and ideas in new texts and situations; analyse systematically, effectively and critically, working autonomously; bring together fact/ideas/elements in support of well-structured hypothesis, working autonomously; integrate theory with professional practice; autonomously evaluate theory, process, solutions and outcomes, critically and effectively; become increasingly independent, confident and flexible in identifying and defining complex problems and in the application of knowledge and skills appropriate to their solution, at the threshold of professional competence; demonstrate an ability to identify self-strengths and weaknesses and to initiate learning processes as required. Key Employability, Enterprise and Transferable Skills On completion of Stage 1 the student will be able to: communicate in a clear and concise way, in writing and orally, in relatively informal and limited-length pieces of work in the context of bioscience; demonstrate an ability to apply certain formulae to pertinent bioscience problems; access and use a range of computer software packages, CampusMoodle, library and internet resources; study in a systematic, directed way with appropriate guidance; interact effectively with tutors and fellow students; participate in clearly defined group situation. On completion of Stage 2 the student will be able to: communicate in a clear, systematic and concise way, in writing and orally, in more formal and academic professional styles, and in longer pieces of work on the appropriate scientific context; use and interpret formulae and graphical information; Use simple statistical techniques for the interpretation of data; demonstrate more advanced interactive group skills, including effective participation in more demanding group tasks; learn in an increasingly effective and purposeful way, with the beginnings of development as an autonomous learner. On completion of Stage 3 the student will be able to: engage effectively in a variety of roles; produce clear, well-structured reports and other extended pieces of work; give clear subject-specific presentations in a variety of areas pertinent to bioscience; apply more complex numerical and statistical and calibration techniques for the interpretation and analysis of data; Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme 9

10 access and use material and packages which will facilitate the analysis and presentation of oral, written, numerical, tabular and graphical data; adopt a broad-ranging and flexible approach to study; identify learning needs; pursue activities designed to meet these needs in increasingly autonomous ways; interact effectively within a learning or subject-specific group; demonstrate basic negotiating, role, leadership and group-support skills. On completion of Stage 4 the student will be able to: engage effectively in independent roles; communicate with professional peers, senior colleagues, specialists and informed audiences; produce detailed critiques and coherent project reports; give confident oral and other presentations in a wide range of biological and biomolecular science contexts; use skills in numeracy developed at previous levels in more open-ended situations, e.g. to evaluate research findings of themselves and others based on sound scientific principles use a variety of computer-based packages to retrieve, manipulate and present data with minimal guidance manage their own learning using a wide range of resources appropriate to bioscience; seek and make effective use of feedback; interact effectively within learning; demonstrate appropriate negotiating, role leadership and group-support skills to an advanced level. BSc (Hons) Bioscience with Biomedical Sciences Knowledge and Understanding The Stage 1 student will establish a framework of basic knowledge and skills encompassing self-awareness, organisational, study and technical skills necessary for undergraduate study. The student will develop an understanding of the basic principles of biology, chemistry and analytical techniques will acquire some basic laboratory skills appropriate to the biosciences and will begin to develop their Personal Development Portfolio (PDP). The Stage 2 student will acquire the following: knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry and genetics an understanding of metabolic processes, an appreciation of how human psychology and sociology can be used to address contemporary human health problems understanding of molecular biology and applications to biomedical sciences key concepts in forensic biological investigation In Stage 3, the student will extend their knowledge of specialist methods and techniques in biological science with examples of applications in a practical context understand the key elements of biomedical analysis, medical biochemistry, immunology, human cytology and histology, toxicology and environmental analysis, public health, pharmacology and medical microbiology. The Stage 4 student will: build upon the theory and applications of environmental microbiology, genetic engineering, genomics and proteomics and analysis of human and animal DNA relevant to the practising bio scientist become aware of recent developments in emergent areas of bioscience. Practical Skills The Stage 1 student will acquire some basic laboratory skills appropriate to the biosciences. The Stage 2 student will be introduced to practical approaches in molecular biology, develop skills in qualitative analysis of biological materials in the context of forensic science be able to use more complex and contextualised formulae; use and interpret physical, geometric and graphical information; use simple statistical techniques for data interpretation. The Stage 3 student will apply specialist techniques in bioscience and biomedical sciences with examples of applications in a practical context develop skills in human cytology and histology and other aspects of bioanalysis, become proficient in some aspects of environmental analysis and public health monitoring The Stage 4 student demonstrates a comprehensive repertoire of skills, and the professional competence needed for a practising bio scientist demonstrate critical appraisal skills in a scientific context. Intellectual Skills Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme 10

11 The Stage 1 student will: demonstrate a familiarity with the basic facts and principles of professional and personal skills, biology, chemistry and laboratory work; demonstrate a working understanding of these facts and principles in the context of the fundamentals of chemistry, biology and laboratory skills as they are applied to bioscience. The Stage 2 student will: demonstrate application of standard principles and procedures to slightly more complex situations with some guidance provided; demonstrate increasing ability to analyse relatively simple problems with some guidance provided; start to develop own criteria and develop an ability to form independent judgements, although moderately dependent on guidance from tutors; apply given tools or methods accurately and carefully to more demanding problems with guidance. The Stage 3 student will: demonstrate an ability to select and use principles and procedures appropriate to the situation or problem in hand, with minimal guidance provided; recognise familiar ideas or principles in new texts or situations; analyse systematically an effectively with minimal guidance; show basic ability to relate and marshal facts/ideas/elements in an argued case; produce new design ideas in a wider range of situations with minimal guidance; identify a range of valid alternative solutions, beginning to discriminate and evaluate in a reasoned, systematic and increasingly independent way; begin to self-direct, identify key problems and choose appropriate methods to construct their resolution, with only general guidance. The Stage 4 student will: carry out confident and accurate selection and application of principles and procedures to the solution of a range of bioscience situations and problems, working autonomously; identify and classify principles and ideas in new texts and situations; analyse systematically, effectively and critically, working autonomously; bring together fact/ideas/elements in support of well-structured hypothesis, working autonomously; integrate theory with professional practice; autonomously evaluate theory, process, solutions and outcomes, critically and effectively; become increasingly independent, confident and flexible in identifying and defining complex problems and in the application of knowledge and skills appropriate to their solution, at the threshold of professional competence; demonstrate an ability to identify self-strengths and weaknesses and to initiate learning processes as required. Key Employability, Enterprise and Transferable Skills On completion of Stage 1 the student will be able to: communicate in a clear and concise way, in writing and orally, in relatively informal and limited-length pieces of work in the context of bioscience; demonstrate an ability to apply certain formulae to pertinent bioscience problems; access and use a range of computer software packages, CampusMoodle, library and internet resources; study in a systematic, directed way with appropriate guidance; interact effectively with tutors and fellow students; participate in clearly defined group situation. On completion of Stage 2 the student will be able to: communicate in a clear, systematic and concise way, in writing and orally, in more formal and academic professional styles, and in longer pieces of work on the appropriate scientific context; use and interpret formulae and graphical information; Use simple statistical techniques for the interpretation of data; demonstrate more advanced interactive group skills, including effective participation in more demanding group tasks; learn in an increasingly effective and purposeful way, with the beginnings of development as an autonomous learner. On completion of Stage 3 the student will be able to: engage effectively in a variety of roles; Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme 11

12 produce clear, well-structured reports and other extended pieces of work; give clear subject-specific presentations in a variety of areas pertinent to bioscience; apply more complex numerical and statistical and calibration techniques for the interpretation and analysis of data; access and use material and packages which will facilitate the analysis and presentation of oral, written, numerical, tabular and graphical data; adopt a broad-ranging and flexible approach to study; identify learning needs; pursue activities designed to meet these needs in increasingly autonomous ways; interact effectively within a learning or subject-specific group; demonstrate basic negotiating, role, leadership and group-support skills. On completion of Stage 4 the student will be able to: engage effectively in independent roles; communicate with professional peers, senior colleagues, specialists and informed audiences; produce detailed critiques and coherent project reports; give confident oral and other presentations in a wide range of biological and biomolecular science contexts; use skills in numeracy developed at previous levels in more open-ended situations, e.g. to evaluate research findings of themselves and others based on sound scientific principles use a variety of computer-based packages to retrieve, manipulate and present data with minimal guidance manage their own learning using a wide range of resources appropriate to bioscience; seek and make effective use of feedback; interact effectively within learning; demonstrate appropriate negotiating, role leadership and group-support skills to an advanced level. DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF COURSE The stage one foundation year is designed to allow you to establish a framework of basic knowledge and technical skills in biomedical and bioscience. You will develop an understanding of the role of the biomedical and bio scientist in the healthcare and bioscience sectors and of the requirements for professional practice in these areas. From your experiences in this first year, you will be invited to enter into one of three named BSc (Hons) courses that sit within the programme and which commence at the beginning of stage 2: BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science (for which there will be a selection interview towards the end of stage one) BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) Bioscience with Biomedical Sciences Should you wish to a career path in the NHS you should choose one of the two Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited routes, namely Applied Biomedical Science (this course is also approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or Biomedical Science. If you wish to study a wider range of Life Science subjects you should opt for the BSc (Hons) Bioscience with Biomedical Sciences. WHAT THE COURSE INVOLVES All of the courses within the Biomedical Science Programme are a blend of classroom based teaching, student-centred learning and web-based learning. The course timetables typically involve a significant number of time tabled classes per week, some of which are for laboratory-based activity. The remainder involves attendance at lectures, tutorials and seminars. Should you undertake study on the Applied Biomedical Science course you will undertake a 7-week hospital laboratory placement in Stage 2 and a 14-week hospital laboratory placement in Stage 3. PLACEMENT / PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE All students on the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science course will undertake a mandatory laboratory training placement in a clinical laboratory during Stage 2 (for 7 weeks) and Stage 3 (for 14 weeks). The Stage 2 clinical laboratory training consists of a pre-placement clinical laboratory induction Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme 12

13 week, followed by six weeks' laboratory training. During this period students will gain valuable insight into the activities of the different biomedical science departments (clinical biochemistry, haematology, medical microbiology, cytopathology, histopathology and blood transfusion) by weekly rotation. In Stage 3, the clinical laboratory placement increases in duration to the whole of Semester 2 and offers students the opportunity of a sustained period of training in the form of two, seven week placements. One of these periods will be chosen from blood transfusion, haematology or clinical biochemistry, and the other chosen from cytopathology, histopathology and medical microbiology. OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDY Transfer Options between Courses It is possible for a student to transfer internally from: The BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science course onto both the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and the BSc (Hons) Bioscience with Biomedical Sciences course at the end of Stages 2 and 3. The BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science course onto the BSc (Hons) Bioscience with Biomedical Sciences course at the end of Stage 3 and vice versa. Links to Other Courses It is possible to transfer into the BSc (Hons) Bioscience with Biomedical Sciences course during the last three years of study from other educational institutions. EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL INDICATORS OF QUALITY AND STANDARDS External and Internal References The BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science, Biomedical Science and Bioscience with Biomedical Science degrees are based on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and have been designed in accordance with the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) subject benchmark statements for Biomedical Science, and Biosciences. The Applied Biomedical Science course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. In addition, the Applied Biomedical Science course meets the Standards of Education and Training and The Standards of Proficiency for Biomedical Scientists of the Health Professions Council (HPC) and the Certificate of Competence Registration Portfolio of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Indicators of Quality and Standards External Examiners and verifiers working on behalf of the Institute of Biomedical Science have commented very favourably on the use of more than one biomedical science discipline in the training of undergraduates during the clinical laboratory placements. ACADEMIC REGULATIONS This course is governed by the provisions of the University's Academic Regulations, which are available at In particular: Regulation A1: Courses Regulation A2: Admission Regulation A3: Section 1: Student Appeals (Awards and Progression) Procedure Regulation A3: Section 2: Student Misconduct Procedure Regulation A4: Assessment and Recommendations of Assessment Boards Entry Requirements Applicants must satisfy the University's general admission requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate courses as contained in Academic Regulation A2: Admission, including proficiency to a minimum standard in the English language. Specific entry requirements for this course are detailed below. BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Programme Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme 13

14 All successful Stage 1 applicants will enrol onto the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Programme. Applicants must satisfy the University's general admission requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate courses as contained in Academic Regulation A2: Admission, including proficiency to a minimum standard in the English language*. Specific entry requirements for the programme are detailed below. 1. SQA Higher: BBCC including Biology or Human Biology. Chemistry is required at Intermediate 2 or Standard Grade credit level 1. English and Maths are required at Standard Grade credit level. 2. GCE A Level: CCC to include Biology/Human Biology plus one other science. Must also have GCSE level Chemistry and Maths. 3. ILC Higher: BBC1C1 to include Biology/Human Biology plus one other science. Must also have Ordinary Level Chemistry and Maths. 4. IB Diploma: 24, including grade 5 at Higher Level in Biology and a pass in Standard Level Chemistry and Maths. *It is a requirement of the Health Professions Council that overseas applicants who wish to be eligible for selection onto the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science course have the ability to communicate in English to the standard equivalent to Level 7 of the International English Language Testing System, with no element below 6.5. Advanced Entry to BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science Course Advanced entry to the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science course is not permissible. Advanced Entry to BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Course Stage 2 entry to BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Course is allowed for those applicants with an HNC in Biomedical Science. Advanced Entry to BSc (Hons) Bioscience with Biomedical Sciences Advanced entry to Stages 2, 3 and 4 is available to applicants with appropriate entrance qualifications. Appropriate entrance qualifications are an HNC for entry into Stage 2, an HND for entry into Stage 3 and an Ordinary Degree for entry into Stage 4. Equivalent qualifications in an appropriate subject will also be considered. Advanced entry applicants must satisfy the University's general admission requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate courses as contained in Academic Regulation A2: Admission, including proficiency to a minimum standard in the English language. Specific entry requirements for this course are detailed below. Stage 2 entry An HNC, Stage 1 degree level modules, or equivalent qualification in a relevant biological discipline. Stage 3 entry An HND, European Diploma or equivalent, or Stage 1 and 2 degree level modules, in a relevant biological discipline. Stage 4 entry An ordinary degree, or equivalent qualification in a relevant biological discipline. Mature and Non Standard Entry The candidate must demonstrate an appropriate level of academic performance which would indicate that there is a reasonable expectation that he or she is able to achieve the standard required for the award. Students meeting the academic criteria may be invited to attend for a selection visit. During the visit the candidate will be expected to demonstrate: a) The ability to communicate effectively; b) The ability to respond appropriately when under pressure. All applicants will be encouraged to attend one of the School's Applicants' Days, which normally are scheduled in March. Course-Specific Assessment Regulations Course-Specific Regulations BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Programme Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Biomedical Science Programme 14