Biomedical Science

• Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

• Module content provides stimulating developments in specialist areas such as cellular    pathology, haematology, immunology and medical microbiology

• An Applied route with a clinical placement

• A day release, part-time route available

Gary M. Woodward, who graduated in 2007 with First Class Honours in Biomedical Sciences, is now doing a PhD at the University of East Anglia. Gary explains below how Staffordshire University helped him succeed.

Following my initial immigration to the UK from South Africa and a gap year abroad, I enrolled on the biomedical sciences course at Staffordshire University. In addition to the many friends I had already attending this institution, it was Staffordshire University that allowed me the opportunity to study biology, without any previous formal qualifications in the subject. Early into my studies and during my placement at Staffordshire General Hospital, I realized a true passion and enthusiasm for the subject of medical biology, with a particular growing curiosity for biochemistry. Indeed, it was with the help and guidance of the engaging and friendly staff at the University that I was able to realise my full potential, have my final year dissertation published in a national undergraduate journal and obtain a grantfunded PhD studentship in the field of analytical biochemistry.

This vocationally orientated degree offers a multi-disciplinary approach to studying the biology of human health and the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

The Applied route allows you to complete, and be assessed in, the Registration Training Portfolio for the Certificate of Competence.  Successful completion of this portfolio is essential if you want to become a biomedical scientist within the NHS, as registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC) is a requirement to follow this career route. The number of students who can follow the Applied route is limited and so places are allocated on a competitive basis.  The number of clinical places varies from year to year.  In any one year there is a maximum of six places available.  Clinical placements are provided by local and regional hospitals and we cannot guarantee a placement in a specific hospital.  All students apply for, and enroll on BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.  Upon successful completion of the clinical placement and verification of the registration portfolio, students are transferred onto BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science.  This is normally during teaching block two of the final year.

Part-time students attend the university for one day per week over four years.  Those who are employed in NHS laboratories can also complete their portfolio alongside their university studies

Year 1 covers the principles of biological and biomedical science that will underpin the rest of your course.
Core skills will be developed in introduction to scientific practice.  These skills will enable you to become a scientific practitioner and will include safe working practices, data analysis, manipulation and interpretation.  The module will also include key note lectures by staff to enhance your awareness of the subject area   The topics molecules to cells and biology of organisms explore key features of living systems such as the physical and chemical structure of living organisms, the transmission of information along genetic and metabolic pathways and the role of genetic transfer and evolution and how this impacts on the diversity of life forms.  Your understanding of the significance and interaction of molecules, cells and organisms will be enhanced by looking at fundamental biological processes and how these individual processes interact to promote the well being of the whole organism.   
Professional autonomy and accountability required for biomedical scientists is introduced in professional practice for biomedical scientists. 
Throughout your first year material will be delivered through lectures and tutorials complemented by practicals and workshops.

In Year2, theory and practical material is more specialised and provides an in depth study of human health and disease.  Your knowledge and understanding of human systems is developed through human biochemistry and physiology and genetics and cell biology.  These topics consider the consequence of dysfuntion as well as how we can apply our knowledge to diagnose and treat disease.  Infection science focuses on the range of techniques available to diagnose, monitor, treat and prevent diseases caused by microorganisms, parasites, viruses and non-conventional agents.  Public health explores the role of epidemiological data, such as the application of these data as indices of disease and examining the links between environmental toxicants and disease.  Other public health issues which you will study are food and water related disease, atmospheric pollution and respiratory disease, health promotion and education.  Professional practice and placement investigates a number of themes such as scientific questioning, information gathering, presentation of data, project planning and ethics and experimental design.  In addition you will explore the application of biosciences in the work place and carry out a work placement.  These are key skills to further develop you as a scientific practitioner and prepare you for your final year project.  For students on the Applied route, the work placement is integrated into the clinical placement.          

In Year 3, the final year project involves you carrying out an independent piece of research in an area relevant to biomedical science.  Your project is submitted as a scientific paper and students are encouraged to publish their work where appropriate.  The rest of your third year programme further develops your understanding of the subject specific disciplines in biomedical science namely clinical immunology, clinical biochemistry, medical genetics, medical microbiology, cellular pathology and haematology and blood transfusion.  This knowledge will allow you to compare and contrast the normal and pathological states of cells and tissues and evaluate qualitative and quantitative methods to diagnose disease.

The structures of BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences and BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science are the same.   However if you follow the Applied route you will undertake a clinical placement in a local/regional hospital, where you will spend two days per week throughout your second year and the first teaching block of your third year. This placement will provide you with valuable work experience and is essential for the completion of your registration portfolio.

Year 1 
Core modules: Introduction to Scientific Practice; Molecules to Cells; Biology of Organisms; Professional Practice for Biomedical Scientists; Biological Processes

Year 2
Core modules: Professional Practice & Placement; Human Biochemistry & Physiology; Genetics & Cell Biology; Infection Science; Public Health; Microbiology

Year 3
Core modules:  Research Project; Cellular Pathology; Medical Genetics; Haematology & Transfusion Science; Human Infectious Disease; Clinical Biochemistry; Clinical Immunology

There is a buoyant market for biomedical scientists. Successful completion of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, followed by a year of in-service training, will enable you to become a registered biomedical scientist in the NHS. Students who graduate with BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science can apply for registration at the point of graduation.
Many alternative employment opportunities exist within the private sector, in veterinary and agricultural laboratories, pharmaceutical industries and sales and marketing.

• Biology
• Human Biology

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