Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 09/10/2023
College College Medicine and Health
School School of Infec, Inflam, Immun
Department Biomedical Sciences
Partner College and School
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title B.Sc. Biomedical Science (UoB) with Pharmacy degree (HUST) Full-time
Programme Code 566I
Delivery Location Totally Taught Abroad
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 4 Year(s)
Accreditations This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme The first three 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. 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 (year 4). 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. Students are also supported in development of their functional and scientific English, in oral and written form, across a range of media.
The entirety of the course will be taught and delivered at Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China.
During the first semester of their final year, students will specialise by taking a taught module focusing on molecular and integrated pharmacology which brings together their taught knowledge obtained during the Biomedical Science programme as well as the teaching and learning delivered as part of the Pharmacy degree which makes up the Huazhong University of Science and Technology course component of the joint educational programme, connecting the two programmes in an interdisciplinary manner. Students learn about the latest findings and are exposed to advanced research techniques, guided by internationally recognised experts in this field. 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.
The entire taught programme leads on to a substantial research project in the final term, which in the majority of cases is laboratory based specifically within one of Huazhong University of Science and Technology’s 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 with an international perspective.
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; seminars, laboratory experiments and coursework at levels 1, 2 and 3, mini research projects in teams and a final year research project.

Teaching is undertaken by non-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.
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
Practical Skills: Undertake laboratory work safely and competently
Practical Skills: Undertake analytical methods and be familiar with their underlying principles.
Transferable skills: Organise and present information in appropriate written form and as oral/poster presentation
Transferable skills: Use IT and communication technologies effectively
Transferable skills: Use bibliographical databases and library facilities effectively
Transferable skills: Acquire independent learning skills and work to deadlines
Transferable skills: Work effectively in groups towards a common task
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 IRES and 3SP. 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.

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

Transferable 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 a dissertation is produced for assessment of the 3rd year research project.

Practical Skills:Experimental results obtained in selected laboratory classes are assessed. The 3rd year project dissertation is assessed.

Transferable Skills: Through coursework, essays, presentations and oral examinations. IT skills are assessed by a graded series of tasks undertaken during a taught session.