ACADEMIC POLICY & QUALITY OFFICE NOTE TO PROGRAMME LEADS: Please refer to APQO guidance note (G.) on completing the PS template. PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION for the award of BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Managed by the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences delivered by Department of Biological and Medical Sciences Date approved: April 01 Applies to students commencing study in: September 01 September 016 September 017 September 018 September 019 RECORD OF UPDATES Date amended* Nature of amendment** Reason for amendment** February 016 Extend list as necessary. Minor changes to amend programme structure and module profiles 4.1 table updated to reflect approved minor changes *Date of meeting of Faculty AESC, validation panel, or other authorised body at which changes were formally approved. **Give brief outline of what has been updated and why (e.g. section 4. updated due to changes in PSRB requirements). Updated May 016
SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION Awarding body: Teaching institution and location: Language of study: Final award: Programme title: Interim exit awards and award titles available: Brookes course code: UCAS code: JACS code: Oxford Brookes University Oxford Brookes University English BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science BSc Ordinary Biomedical Science DipHE, CertHE BV B900 C700 HECoS code: See guidance note G., section 1 Mode of delivery: Full-time (face to face/on-campus) Part-time (face to face/on-campus) *Sandwich mode (face to face/on campus/placement) Mode/s and duration of study: QAA subject benchmark statement/s which apply to the programme: Professional accreditation attached to the programme: University Regulations: *Year 3 can be a professional placement in a laboratory concerned with research, clinical work, or professional training. The normal duration of a programme leading to the award of a Bachelor s Degree with Honours is 3 years for full-time study, or 4 years for sandwich mode (with a year placement). Part-time is normally 6 years duration. To obtain a BSc honours degree a student must pass, within eight years, twenty-four module credits including at least eight level 4 module credits and at least sixteen (from a maximum of ) acceptable module credits, of which at least 6 must be at Level 6. Biosciences (01) Biomedical Science (01) Award of BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science the professional body for biomedical scientists. Accreditation means professional recognition. http://www.ibms.org/ *Lower awards (BSc Ord, DipHE, CertHE) not accredited The programme conforms to the University Regulations for the year of entry as published/archived at: http://www.brookes.ac.uk/regulations/
SECTION : WHY STUDY THIS PROGRAMME? highlight any distinctive features of the curriculum/learning experience or (where the programme is unique or uncommon in the sector) the reasons for designing a programme of study leading to the award described e.g. to respond to the needs of a particular industry or profession. The CMA recommends that information about the teaching qualifications and experience of staff teaching on a programme should be provided to potential applicants. You should therefore provide a link to where staff profiles for members of the core teaching team can be found on Department/School websites. This section can also be used to provide a more general statement about how the programme is taught, e.g., including details of the range of experience across the teaching team The purpose of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programme is to offer a structured yet flexible and coherent programme of study to students seeking careers in the health professions. It is designed to give students a broad understanding of the scientific investigation of human health and disease. The Biomedical Science degree at Oxford Brookes offers students the opportunity to take the third year of study away from university and work in an NHS hospital lab or within other agreed research institute. Students taking the year out in an accredited hospital training lab may have the option to complete the IBMS Portfolio of Competences. This will entitle you to the Certificate of Competence in Biomedical Science, awarded by the Institute and required for registration by the Health and Care Professions Council. This certificate, together with an accredited BSc (Hons) degree is the first stage in a satisfying career as a Biomedical Scientist. Our staff are engaged in ground-breaking research into breast cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. With some of the UK's best hospitals on our doorstep, there are excellent work placement and career opportunities. This course is delivered with the support of leading clinical scientists within the Oxford University NHS Hospitals Trust. Additionally, members of the course team are in the vanguard of research into molecular drug delivery systems, molecular neuroscience, DNA structure and function as well as biofilms and clinically important immunohistochemistry tests. Staff profiles for members of the core teaching team for the degree can be found on Department/School website: SECTION 3: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES On successful completion of the programme, graduates will demonstrate the following Brookes Attributes: 3.1 ACADEMIC LITERACY An in-depth understanding of subject specific core knowledge including knowledge of clinical laboratory specialisms and transferable skills in biomedical science. The facility to apply the knowledge and skills in the educational framework which has been provided to develop more advanced knowledge and skills through life-long learning. The ability to access information from a variety of sources and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. The knowledge and understanding of disease processes in the context of laboratory investigations of patient samples in each of the clinical lab specialisms. The understanding and the requisite knowledge of the subject areas selected for Biomedical Science as well as a broader appreciation of the discipline. The capacity to appraise, evaluate novel developments within biomedical science. The capability to articulate the relationship between the various cognate disciplines which contribute to biomedical science and value their importance in their understanding of this subject. 3. RESEARCH LITERACY The capability to interpret experimental data in terms of current paradigms in the biosciences. The facility to plan, execute and present an independent piece of research building on opportunities for more specialised, in-depth study in several areas of their own choosing within the course such as the final year research project.
The skills to analyse, summarise and synthesise subject-specific information. The competency to practice of the scientific method of enquiry. Design and conduct studies to investigate the molecular activity of cells. The skills to observe, interpret, evaluate and integrate ideas and evidence in the biomedical sciences to support findings and hypotheses. An ability to record and report findings using accepted scientific formats. 3.3 CRITICAL SELF-AWARENESS AND PERSONAL LITERACY The competency to adopt safe working practices in the laboratory and select, use competently and safely appropriate laboratory methods and techniques. A confidence and ability to develop as independent learners, and to enhance employability. An understanding of the experience of working in an NHS hospital An facility to express ideas using appropriate scientific and subject-specific lexicon (fits also 1) The capability to integrate and apply the qualities, skills and intellectual rigour, developed during study, to situations which require professionalism, independent thought, personal responsibility, critical self-awareness, decision making in complex and unpredictable circumstances, problem solving skills and the ability to work in a range of roles within a team. 3.4 DIGITAL AND INFORMATION LITERACY The knowledge to apply information technology for scientific purposes, communication, data management, data analysis and presentation, information retrieval and learning. The skills to search the scientific literature, extract information, organise and evaluate it. The facility to select and apply specialised software for discipline specific purposes. 3. ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP The ability to articulate the inherent global perspective of science and the universality of its principles and language. The capacity to appraise and communicate global perspectives, developed through topics or even modules, that relate to particular international issues or contexts such as in infectious diseases and epidemiology.
SECTION 4: CURRICULUM CONTENT & STRUCTURE 4.1 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS: Code Module Title Credits Level Status Coursework : Exam ratio U140 U140 4 U140 U141 4 U141 U14 0 U14 3 U14 U143 3 U14 1 U14 U147 U148 U149 1 U149 U147 3 U1467 U1469 9 U1466 Biology of Cells 30 4 compulsory 0:0 Human Structure & Function 30 4 compulsory 0:0 Chemistry of Cells 30 4 compulsory 0:0 Scientific Skills 1 4 compulsory 100:0 Professional and Experimental Skills 1 4 compulsory 100:0 Molecular Biology & Genetics 30 compulsory 60:40 Research Methods for Healthcare Sciences 1 compulsory 100:0 Biochemistry of Cell Function 30 compulsory 40:60 Microbiology 1 compulsory 40:60 Haematology and Immunology 1 compulsory 0:0 Cellular Pathology 1 compulsory 0:0 Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology 30 6 compulsory 40:60 Infection, Immunity and Immunology 1 6 compulsory 0:0 Molecular Biology of Cancer 1 6 compulsory 0:0 Molecular Medicine 1 6 alternative compulsory 40:60 Genomic Medicine 1 6 alternative 0:0 compulsory Evidence Based Medicine and Diagnostics 1 6 alternative 0:0 compulsory Project 30 6 compulsory 100:0 Biomedical Laboratory Placement Noncredit 4. PROGRESSION AND AWARD REQUIREMENTS In order to satisfactorily complete a year of full-time study, a student must: Optional (compulsory only for sandwich mode) 100:0 1. either pass at least 6 module credits during the year, or, if on placement, complete specific requirements set for the placement;. by the end of the year, normally be in a position to proceed with a programme which, if passed, would satisfy the requirements for an award within the remaining period of normal full-time study for that award. Such a programme should not normally require more than 10 modules to be passed during any full-time year and normal prerequisite requirements should be met
In order to satisfactorily graduate with a BSc Hons Biomedical Science degree, a student must meet the University requirements for number and level of modules completed, to include all necessary requirements for compulsory, alternative compulsory and acceptable modules. Course diagrams are included in the programme handbook. 4.3 PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS Successful completion of all compulsory modules and two out of three alternative compulsory modules are required to graduate with a BSc Hons Biomedical Science degree accredited by the IBMS. Graduates awarded an Ordinary degree, CertHE or DipHE are not accredited by the IBMS.
SECTION : TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT Discussions between programme staff teams have ensured that programmes are characterised by an appropriate breadth and depth of content that is informed by relevant benchmark statements, the requirements of employers and accrediting bodies, and the latest research. They include a variety of teaching, learning and assessment methods that are informed by contemporary practice in science teaching in higher education. All modules make use of the Brookes Virtual (Moodle) Learning Environment (typically for locating module resources, but often also for quizzes and coursework submissions), and most lectures are presented using PowerPoint. Assessment methods include examinations, essays, reviews, laboratory/field notebooks, scientific reports, posters and oral presentations. Reflective learning is encouraged through use of self, peer or staff formative feedback on assignments, group work and project work, and reflective diaries. Co-ordinated implementation of the University Assessment Compact steers student progress towards programme outcomes and simultaneously offers a diverse experience of assessment types. There is balance within and between modules, to insure equity in module workloads and to allow the development of a broad and relevant range of knowledge and professional skills. The Department is committed to providing students with clear assessment criteria, and with useful and timely feedback on all their work. The quality of academic provision for students will continue to be assessed regularly by programme teams, principally through annual student evaluation of each module, and through critical evaluation of the annual external examiner reports. Dissemination and encouragement of good practice will continue to be facilitated through staff development activities and operation of peer enhancement of teaching and learning scheme. Knowledge and understanding in many areas of science represented by programmes within the Department are rapidly advancing. Staff ensure that their teaching is kept up-to-date by integrating, where appropriate, the latest research findings in their lectures. Articles from primary research journals are featured in student reading lists, particularly at level 6, and students are encouraged to use primary research journals in preparing assignments. Research-active staff often give topic-specific lectures that focus on their research interests. Students also have the opportunity to attend weekly research-focused seminars delivered by members of staff or invited speakers. The standards that are expected in research are also widely taught and practised, and students who wish to develop a research-orientation to their studies may do so through studying modules included in a specified research pathway. The level 6 modules, in particular, provide opportunities for students to undertake substantial research-type activities (e.g., drafting a research proposal, consultancy activity, final year project) and to engage in independent learning and development within a supported environment (e.g. keeping reflective diaries, final year project). Cross-cultural capability and responsible citizenship are encouraged and nurtured in our programmes in a number of ways: the use in teaching of international text books and journals that expose UK students to non-uk perspectives; study abroad opportunities; international staff exchanges and visits that expose students to different cultural perspectives; the presence of international students on our programmes; the use of group-work to facilitate cultural interaction between home and international students and the inclusion of global perspectives within the curriculum encourages students to think beyond the traditional confines of science and engage with a wide range of science-based issues from different cultural perspectives. The programme handbook provides a commentary for students on how the Graduate Attributes are developed through the programme. In addition, students can expect to be introduced to the concept of Graduate Attributes during induction, and will have tutorial discussions with their academic advisor, particularly in their first year, which will focus on identifying module content and activities leading to their acquisition of Graduate Attributes, and their experience of them. SECTION 6: ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAMME 6.1 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Further details and admissions requirements can be found on the Oxford Brookes website. Typical offer: GCSE Mathematics, English Language and Double Integrated Science or equivalent at C grade minimum Studied science post 16 either at A-level, BTEC, Access, International Baccalaureate or equivalent Students who are studying more than one science subject at A-level may receive a lower offer because of their evident commitment to science. Preferred science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. Entry into Year is possible with transfer of credit from another IBMS accredited course at another University via the University s Approved Prior Learning (APL) process. The University s general entry requirements can be viewed at: http://www.brookes.ac.uk/studying-atbrookes/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/ Do not include tariff points or typical offer information (unless you can give details of when the typical offer is made and how it might be varied). 6. DBS AND OTHER PRE-COURSE CHECKS REQUIRED Not required for course. May be required for some work placement or project opportunities. SECTION 7: PREPARATION FOR EMPLOYMENT A degree in Biomedical Science can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in biomedical science, clinical science, healthcare management, and postgraduate study such as an MSc or PhD. The degree is also an excellent preparation for entry to graduate medicine courses. The degree is equivalent to the professional training required by the Institute of Biomedical Science and is a direct platform for completing the Portfolio of Competences and gaining HCPC registration, opening the way to further training, higher degrees and scientist jobs within the NHS. The degree is supported by an Employers Liaison Committee which gains advice and insight from key employers within scientific, research and NHS employers in the area. Clinical scientists deliver specialist subjects and offer career-focussed seminars for students, particularly offering advice about the Biomedical Science and Graduate Medicine paths. These scientists also offer final year projects and placements or internships in their laboratories, with priority for students on the accredited Biomedical Science degree. These can be a pathway to HCPC registration. Students can attend weekly departmental seminars, where visiting researchers present a range of relevant research topics. Visiting lecturers and specialists also deliver lectures and seminars within the modules with the clinical modules often being co-delivered by clinical scientists. Students are encouraged to consider alternative experiences such as placements and projects outside the University, and are aided in seeking and securing these experiences, and how best to develop from them.