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Biomedical Science at University of the West of Scotland - UCAS

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2024 - 2025
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Course summary

OVERVIEW The BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science are designed to equip you with the skills and experience needed to play a vital role in modern healthcare provision. These two degrees have been developed to provide a pathway to help you become a professional biomedical scientist. Both degrees have been developed in partnership with the National Health Service; both are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), and the BSc Applied Biomedical Science degree is also approved by the HCPC. Entry to the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science programme is through a competitive selection process after Year 2 of study on the Biomedical Science programme. Biomedical Sciences is a key subject area encompassing all areas of biology related to human health and disease. This highly topical, dynamic area is continually advancing, contributing important benefits to the health of individuals, and the nation. This degree will provide you with a broad understanding of the scientific basis of human health and disease. In addition to your developed knowledge in biomedical science, you will be prepared for roles which require you exercise professionalism, independent thought, personal responsibility and decision-making in complex and unpredictable circumstances The degree is underpinned by a number of related sciences, including: biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics and information technology. You will then progress to study more advanced biomedical science subjects including: biochemistry, human anatomy, physiology, genetics, immunology, microbiology etc. Biomedical scientists play an essential role in the identification of diseases and improving the provision of healthcare; this degree prepares you for a rewarding and exciting career in this field. PRACTICAL FOCUS You may have the opportunity to undertake a period of placement in employment after the third year of your programme. Through a competitive process students can undertake a clinical placement in an NHS laboratory in Term 3 of Third Year. This is compulsory for award of BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science. As part of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programme, we also have opportunities to work in the West of Scotland with commercial research organisations. These components would be completed as part of optional work-related modules in third year (20, 40 or 60 credit modules). It is also possible for you to undertake a year out in an approved laboratory to graduate with a BSc Honours Biomedical Science 'with sandwich'. These placements are subject to availability. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. The BSc Hons Applied Biomedical Science is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – conditions apply, see our website. CAREER PROSPECTS Jobs UWS Biomedical Science graduates are well qualified to enter a range of related clinical professions, providing you meet the requirements of the employer and employment opportunities, including NHS Hospital laboratories, Scottish National Blood Transfusion Services laboratories, Health Protection Agency laboratories as well as research and development laboratories for the medical, pharmaceutical, veterinary and food sectors. Some of our graduates also pursue careers in primary and secondary teaching. Further Study UWS Biomedical Science graduates can continue their studies to MSc and PhD level. Some graduates undertake further study in related disciplines including pharmacy, medicine and dentistry.

Modules

In Year 1, you will complete modules in biology and chemistry, which will underpin your knowledge and understanding throughout your degree. You will also learn how to critically evaluate scientific data and information and conduct statistical analysis using computer technology. In Year 2, you will be introduced to the themes that make up biomedical science including clinical biochemistry, haematology and transfusion science, microbiology and cellular pathology. In Year 3, you will complete modules in clinical chemistry, cellular and molecular pathology, haematology, immunology and medical microbiology. Teaching includes expert tuition from NHS biomedical scientists. In Year 4, you will study specialist aspects of biomedical science at an advanced level. You will also complete an in-depth research dissertation in a biomedical topic of your choice.

Assessment method

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops.  You will also have the opportunity to take part in group work and independent learning to develop your transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and working as part of a team.  This degree is assessed using a variety of assessment methods including:  // Written examinations // Coursework // Practical assessment

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Biomedical Science, Institute of

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

31Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
B940
Institution code:
U40
Campus name:
Lanarkshire Campus
Campus code:
I

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Year 2 Entry: Scottish Advanced Highers: BBC including Biology, plus Chemistry at least at National 5 Grade C A Levels: BBC including Biology International Baccalaureate: 30 points including Biology/Human Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level SQA HNC: Applied Science; Bioscience; Biomedical Science/Applied Biomedical Science; Industrial Biotechnology Year 3 Entry: SQA HND: Biomedical Science; Biological Science; Applied Biological Sciences

International applicants

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. These are shown below: For our BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science and BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programmes, applicants are required to have an IELTS overall score of 7.0 with no sub-test less than 6.5

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification Requirements

Year 1 entry: SWAP (BBB) Access to Medicine; Access to Science; Access to Biological and Chemical Science; Access to Chemistry and Biology; Access to Health and Biological Science; Access to Dietetics; Access to Health and Life Sciences; Access to Radiography.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
70%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Scotland £1820* Year 1
England £9250* Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250* Year 1
Wales £9250* Year 1
Channel Islands £9250* Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250* Year 1
EU £15250* Year 1
International £15250* Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

TUITION FEE INFORMATION - SCOTTISH STUDENTS: Eligible Scottish domiciled students can usually apply to have their tuition fees paid for them each year of their studies by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). If you're not sure about your eligibility, you should contact SAAS. You need to apply to SAAS each year of study to have your tuition fees paid directly to UWS. TUITION FEE INFORMATION - UK, IRISH & GIBRALTARIAN STUDENTS: Eligible students who are domiciled in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland as well as from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar or the Republic of Ireland will qualify for tuition fees of £9,250 per academic session of study to a maximum of three years if you are studying on a four year bachelor degree course (eg. BAcc (Hons) / BA (Hons) / BEng (Hons) / BSc (Hons)). So, if your degree is four years' duration, you will only be charged tuition fees for three years. Similarly, if you are studying a five year integrated master's degree course (eg. MEng (Hons)) the you will only be charged tuition fees for four years. TUITION FEE INFORMATION - INTERNATIONAL (NON-EU) & EU STUDENTS: These tuition fees apply to all non-EU, EEA, and all other EU students (excluding those from Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar, whose fee level is as per UK (non-Scottish) students - see section above for more details). ADDITIONAL COSTS: The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career. In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs such as consumable study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms. You may also want to purchase some core texts and technology such as a new laptop etc. Some of these additional costs are optional, some, such as uniforms or safety equipment may be mandatory. Check the course entry on our website for more more information.

Sponsorship information

Visit www.uws.ac.uk/scholarships

Biomedical Science at University of the West of Scotland - UCAS