Programme Specification

Date Specification Approved	24/08/2023
College	College Medicine and Health
School	School of Infec, Inflam, Immun
Department	Biomedical Sciences
Partner College and School	Inst of Clinical Sci (DNU)
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title	B.Sc. Biomedical Science with Biomaterials Full-time
Programme Code	304H
Delivery Location	Campus
Language of Study	English
Length of Programme	3 Year(s)
Accreditations	This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme	The first two years of the course builds a detailed understanding of how the human body functions and what can go wrong in disease. The content extends from the single cell to the whole body. The students begin to learn about major pathologies such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, arthritis and diabetes, and the genetic basis of inherited disorders.  All students take a common set of key subjects which will provide them with the core knowledge to understand the importance of each of the major disciplines of medical science. This forms a strong foundation for their final year. In addition, throughout the course students develop core research skills, such as key technical skills, problem solving ability, data analysis and interpretations, helping them develop an understanding of the key ethical and social issues surrounding medical science. In the second year there will be an opportunity to specialise in a scientific area of their choice, linked to the College major research themes. This student selected component will allow an in-depth exploration of the area under the guidance of one of our subject experts. The themes will include cancer, neuroscience, infection and immunity, pharmacology and cardiovascular science. This will provide a platform for further specialisation in the third year. At the end of the second year there is the possibility of taking a year out to gain work experience, by securing a placement in, for example, the pharmaceutical industry. Students may also opt to undertake a summer research project within the College. During the first term of their final year, students specialise by selecting one taught option from over 20 specialist modules in a wide range of subject areas, including different aspects of neuroscience, cancer, virology, cardiovascular science, pharmacology, endocrinology, stem cell biology, ageing and immunology. Students learn about the latest findings and are exposed to advanced research techniques, guided by internationally recognised experts in these fields. Students undertake a compulsory module in Experimental Data Interpretation to consolidate research skills and to enhance statistical testing and implementation on large research data sets. These taught options lead on to a substantial research project in the spring term, which in the majority of cases is laboratory based specifically within one of our leading research active laboratories. Students work independently, under supervision, for ten weeks full-time on an original piece of research, acquiring and analysing their own data. The project develops and enhances not just their practical and analytical abilities, but also a range of other skills that will be a key to success in whatever career path they choose. Students undertake a final compulsory module; Global Challenge which enhances students team communication and allows an innovative and creative approach to problem solving within the Biomedical field.
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of:	Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods:	and assessed using the following methods:
A wide range of subject areas in the medical sciences. One (or more) of the major disciplines allied to medicine at an advanced level. The integrated nature of medical sciences and the experimental processes and analytical methods which underpin them. The value of medical sciences in an academic, industrial, clinical and ethical context.	Through a combination of integrated lectures; small group teaching; problem-based and enquiry-based learning, seminars, laboratory experiments and coursework at levels 1, 2 and 3, mini research in teams and a final year research project. Teaching is undertaken by non-clinical clinical and academic staff many of whom are research active. Students are encouraged to read widely to broaden and consolidate their understanding and knowledge.	Unseen written and MCQ examinations. Course work such as essays, oral presentations, data interpretation exercises and selected laboratory practical reports including a research project dissertation and scientific presentation at level H. Group work and team projects are undertaken at all three levels
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes:	Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods:	and assessed using the following methods:
Reasoning Skills Participate in the planning, conduct and reporting of a research project. Apply problem solving skills to situations relating to biomedical sciences showing creativity and the ability to come up with innovative solutions. Analyse and interpret scientific data from a variety of sources and be able to apply appropriate statistical methods. Apply critical and informed judgement to scientific issues which have an ethical dimension. Practical Skills Undertake laboratory work safely and competently. Undertake analytical methods and be familiar with their underlying principles. Gather data in an accurate and reproducible manner Transferable skills Organise and present information in appropriate written form and as oral/poster presentation. Use IT and communication technologies effectively. Use bibliographical databases and library facilities effectively. Acquire independent learning skills and work to deadlines. Work effectively in groups towards a common task.	These skills are encouraged throughout the programme. Problem solving skills are developed in SGTs in most modules including from numerical problems, case studies and experimental design. Creative skills are developed in Year 1- IRES, Year 2 - 3SP and Year 3 – Global Challenge. Analysis and interpretation of scientific data is developed through practical work and data evaluation. Opportunities are embedded in all modules. A research project is carried out at level 3. In addition ethical issues are delivered in the context of problem based learning. (1) These skills are developed through a programme of laboratory practical classes and associated lectures / demonstrations (levels 1 , 2 and 3) and during an extended laboratory research project (level 3) Tuition is given in IT and communication technologies and on locating and extracting information from a variety of electronic and printed sources. Guidelines are provided on coursework such as essays and oral presentations and reinforced through feedback on assignments. These activities are further reinforced by independent learning exercises.	Throughout the course elements of practical work are summatively and formatively assessed. Problem solving, data interpretation and scientific writing is assessed by small group teaching sessions and submitted written work. At advanced level a dissertation is produced for assessment of the 3rd year research project. (1) Experimental results obtained in selected laboratory classes are assessed. The 3rd year project dissertation is assessed. (2) Through coursework, essays, and presentations. IT skills are assessed by a graded series of tasks undertaken during a taught session, and as part of other coursework submissions. (3)