Biomedical scientists are essential members of the modern healthcare team and in collaboration with doctors, nurses and other professions allied to medicine aid in the diagnosis of disease, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, and research into causes and cures of diseases. They carry out laboratory tests from screening cancer to diagnosing infection, anaemia and leukaemia.
The laboratory tests performed by biomedical scientists provide doctors with the essential information from which illnesses can be diagnosed and prescribe treatment. For example, they can prepare blood for transfusion of severely anaemic patients, measure glucose levels to check for abnormalities such as diabetes, and aid in the diagnosis of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Why study at Chester?
This vocationally-oriented course is specifically designed for those students wishing to gain employment as biomedical scientists, either in industry or within the health sector. As such, it leads to a professionally recognised qualification, being externally approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC) and accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). This means that when you have successfully completed your degree programme, you may become a registered biomedical scientist affiliated with the HPC, after a one year period of paid in-service training.
Features
Biomedical science is taught by enthusiastic academic and professional staff in modern, spacious laboratories housed on campus. Teaching and learning involves a range of methods including lectures, seminars, work shadowing placements, group discussions and presentations.
You will also have the opportunity to visit NHS pathology laboratories and the NHSBT national blood centres. Experimental work is an integral part of the programme. The academic staff are research active and continually thrive to promote research within areas of biomedical science, where they regularly publish their research findings and discuss their work at national and international conferences.
Graduate Case Studies
Read about the experiences of some of our former students:
> Graduate Case Studies
Programme Structure:
Modules that are included in the biomedical science degree cover a wide range of scientific subjects, information technology and all the major disciplines of biomedical science (i.e. haematology and transfusion science, medical microbiology, immunology, clinical chemistry, histology and cellular pathology).
The entire course is integrated through a study of the biology of disease, including modern concepts and applications of biomedical science in research, diagnosis and treatment of clinical disorders.
The subject areas studied will include:
(All modules are 20 credits each unless stipulated)
Level 4 (Year 1)
The first year provides a foundation for study at levels 5 and 6, and a comprehensive review of key concepts and skills for students with a range of backgrounds. You will gain the core discipline knowledge and competency within the laboratory environment and essential practical techniques.
- BI4110 - Essential Physiology - core module
- BI4111 - Genetics and Evolution - core module
- BI4112 - Cell Biology and Biochemistry - core module
- BI4113 - Introduction to Microbiology & Immunology - core module
- BI4114 – Data handling and project design - core module
- BI4115 - Introduction to Biomedical Science - core module
Essential Physiology provides grounding in the principles of human physiology and the development of relevant practical skills.
Genetics and Evolution provides an introduction to basic principles and concepts in genetics, and lays the foundations for an integrated approach to the role of genetics future modules.
Cell Biology & Biochemistry introduces students to those aspects of cell biology and biochemistry that underpin subsequent modules in biological science.
Introduction to Microbiology & Immunology provides an understanding of the processes in microbiology and immunology relevant to human health. It describes the range of microbes that can affect human health and how the immune system responds to these organisms.
Data Handling and Project Design introduces biological students to the basic operations underlying both mathematical and statistical approaches to data preparation, analysis and presentation, which are widely applicable across many areas of science, and useful when dealing with data throughout the degree programme.
Introduction to Biomedical Science investigates the role of professional Biomedical Scientists in the work place. Practical work is laboratory-based and involves visiting NHS Pathology and NHSBT laboratories. Visiting lectures from professionally qualified biomedical scientists are an integral part of the module.
Level 5 (Year 2)
At Level 5, students take modules that involve enhanced skills and study key concepts in greater detail, building on the foundations established in the first year. The core modules at Level 5 deal with essential topic areas, allowing you to explore these in depth to develop your basic knowledge and skills. Many of the topics are extended in the third year.
- BI5110 - Research Methods - core module
- BI5111 - Biology of Disease - core module
- BI5112 - Human Metabolism - core module
- BI5113 - Experiential Learning - core module
- BI5114 - Applied Molecular Biology - core module
- BI5115 - Applied Microbiology - core module
Research Methods is a module for all programmes that introduces the student to research and experimental design. It combines theoretical approaches with practical aspects of conducting research, leading the student to the final year dissertation project.
Biology of Disease examines fundamental concepts of the aetiology, pathology and epidemiology of human disease, which may be applied in further studies. It further develops appropriate laboratory skills and techniques.
Human Metabolism builds on previous knowledge of biochemistry and physiology, and develops knowledge of regulation of metabolic pathways. It is fundamental for Level 6 modules.
Experiential Learning provides an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and skills they have gained during their degree studies to the work setting. The experiential learning module is an integral part of the Level 5 programme, with students having to undertake a clinical placement directly relevant to Biomedical Science, if they wish their degree to be professionally accredited to the IBMS. During this placement period, students may wish to start completing their IBMS registration portfolio ‘certificate of competence’.
Applied Molecular Biology aims to introduce aspects of molecular techniques used in current genetic research and in screening for diseases, and to develop the student’s understanding of the major principles, concepts and skills in genetics through study at the cytological and molecular levels.
Applied Microbiology aims to appreciate the relationships between health, microorganisms and the environment, and to understand selected environmental health issues relevant to water and food microbiology. Another aspect of this module is to appreciate the use of microbes as weapons of bioterrorism and as biomarkers in forensic investigations, and to develop analytical skills in data handling and in appropriate practical investigations.
Level 6 (Year 3)
The final year modules integrate the key concepts addressed within the first and second year, and heighten awareness of current advances and practice in the discipline. Throughout Level 6 students are encouraged to develop as independent, mature and autonomous learners. The students' knowledge base will be significantly broadened through a range of subject specific modules. At this level students are required to display greater levels of independence and take significant responsibility for their learning.
- BI6110 - Dissertation (40 credits) - core module
- BI6113 - Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology - core module
- BI6114 - Medical Microbiology and Infection Control - core module
- BI6115 - Immunology and Haematology - core module
- BI6116 - Clinical Biochemistry and Genetic Analysis - core module
Dissertation runs alongside the taught modules offering students the opportunity to engage in extensive independent study with supervision from a tutor. It enables you to bring together a whole range of practical and academic skills, developed in your previous years of study, to investigate a specific research question in a topic of your choice. It also allows you to specialise in a particular area of the discipline and involves a significant individual contribution on your part.
Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology examines the pathology and aetiology of some of the significant diseases of western societies (e.g. cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, liver disease etc.). Visiting lectures from professionally qualified biomedical scientists, medical doctors and pharmacists are an integral part of the module.
Medical Microbiology & Infection Control applies the principles and skills of experimental microbiology, discusses the role of microorganisms as causative agents of infectious disease and examines the ways in which they may be controlled. The module particularly builds upon information covered in the Level 5 module “Applied Microbiology”, and complements the Level 6 module “Immunology and Haematology".
Immunology & Haematology aims to build on previous knowledge of immunology and the biology of disease and focuses on current research in immunological and haematological disease (e.g. HIV, auto-immune disease, leukaemia and anaemia).
Clinical Biochemistry & Genetic Analysis aims to appreciate the importance of clinical chemistry in the diagnosis and management of human disease, and to consider modern techniques for identification and study of genes involved in human disease, with respect to studying the pathology of significant human inherited genetic disorders.
In common with all science programmes at Chester, biomedical science is a practical-based course, with the emphasis on key skills, knowledge and understanding, identified by potential employers as essential for today's scientific professions. Specialist personnel from the health sector (Senior Biomedical Scientists, Pharmacists and Medical Doctors) contribute too many aspects of the course.
