Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 29/09/2023
College College Medicine and Den Sci
School Institute of Clinical Sciences
Department Biomedical Sciences
Partner College and School
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title B.Sc. Biomedical Science with Translational Medicine Full-time
Programme Code 306H
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 3 Year(s)
Accreditations Royal Society of Biology (RSB)
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 transitioning onto the MSci. 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. Within this module students can also select a business and enterprise project which develops their entrepreneurial skills and develops their communication skills with external business partners. At the end of the second or third 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.

The first two years will be delivered at both UoB Campus Edgbaston and UoB Campus Dubai or University. The third and fourth years will be delivered at UoB Edgbaston.

In the third year students specialise by selecting a single taught options from over 10 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 then a compulsory module in Experimental Research Interpretation that re-enforces students statistical knowledge to handle the analysis of large data sets. These taught options lead on to a translational research module which is underpinned by understanding the legislative process required when moving treatments from the bench to the bedside. This module has a substantial practical element, requiring students to demonstrate advanced competencies within the laboratory and to demonstrate and acquire their Good clinical laboratory certificate. The final module in year 3 is the Global challenge, allowing team work to develop students creativity and innovative thinking to resolve a biomedical issue using modern technology. In the final year, students choose aptional modules around emerging technologies within the Biomedical field (e.g. omics, bioinformatics).

The final module is the research project in the which in the majority of cases is laboratory based specifically within one of our leading research active laboratories. Students work independently, under supervision, for 15 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.
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, 3 and 4 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 MGroup work and team projects are undertaken at in years 1-3.
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:
Participate in the planning, conduct and reporting of a research project (Reasoning Skills)
Apply problem solving skills to situations relating to biomedical sciences showing creativity and the ability to come up with innovative solutions (Reasoning Skills)
Analyse and interpret scientific data from a variety of sources and be able to apply appropriate statistical methods (Reasoning Skills)
Apply critical and informed judgement to scientific issues which have an ethical dimension (Reasoning Skills)
Understand the legistlative framework and development of clinical research (Reasoning Skills)
Undertake laboratory work safely and competently (Practical Skills)
Undertake analytical methods and be familiar with their underlying principles (Practical Skills)
Gather data in an accurate and reproducible manner (Practical Skills)
Organise and present information in appropriate written form and as oral/poster presentation (Transferrable Skills)
Use IT and communication technologies effectively (Transferrable Skills)
Use bibliographical databases and library facilities effectively (Transferrable Skills)
Acquire independent learning skills and work to deadlines (Transferrable Skills)
Work effectively in groups towards a common task (Transferrable Skills)
Reasoning Skills

  • 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 PAD 3SP and Global Challenge.
  • Analysis and interpretation of scientific data is developed through practical work and data evaluation and requires statistical approaches to be embedded.
  • A research project is carried out at level 4.
  • In addition ethical issues are delivered in the context of problem based learning and within the Translational Research module at level 3.
Practical Skills

These skills are developed through a programme of laboratory practical classes and associated lectures / demonstrations (levels 1 , 2, 3 and 4) and during an extended laboratory research project (level 4) Transferrable Skills

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.
Reasoning Skills

  • 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 students should aqyuire their GCLP certificate and a dissertation is produced for assessment of the final year research project.
Practical Skills

  • Experimental results obtained in selected laboratory classes are assessed.
  • Translational Research module (Level 3) is assessed through attainment of GCLP certificate. The 4th year project dissertation is assessed.
Transferrable Skills

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.