Biomedical Science / Applied Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
Course Code
UCAS Code: B940
International Code: HLSU249 / HLSU231
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Sandwich
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
Start date
September 2023
We are reviewing this course for 2023-24 entry and the validated module information will be added shortly. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.
Course overview
Study level: Undergraduate
Our Biomedical Science and Applied Biomedical Science degrees integrate a range of biological disciplines to promote understanding of how the human body works and the biology of disease.
Key contributors to modern healthcare, biomedical scientists play a vital role in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease, monitoring treatments and developing advanced diagnostic tools or novel therapeutic strategies.
- Throughout the course you will gain practical experience in the laboratories based in our state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building. Here you will learn and develop the key skills and techniques required for working in a laboratory.
- You will explore the human body in health and disease, from the functioning of whole body systems down to cell and molecular processes.
- Course content provides knowledge in the mechanisms, diagnosis and therapeutics of human disease with particular emphasis placed on the specialist areas of biomedical science: clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology, cellular pathology, haematology, immunology and genetics.
Global Ready
An international outlook, with global opportunities
Teaching excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
Employability
Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeedWhy you should study this course
- Well-equipped suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience using industry-standard techniques3.
- Support applying for placements in laboratory and industrial settings to gain crucial real-world experience2.
- We focus on student-centred teaching in which you devise and carry out your own laboratory experiments so that you can demonstrate your ability to work independently and solve problems to future employers.
- You’ll be taught by experienced academic staff who have a range of hospital and research laboratory experience, bringing their expertise into their teaching (staff subject to change).
- To practice as a biomedical scientist, you must hold an IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science) accredited degree and also be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Students are enrolled on Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) - those who undertake a 12-month placement between years two and three in an approved laboratory, and complete a training portfolio, are then transferred on to Applied Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) for the final year of study. The academic content of both courses is the same, however those on Applied Biomedical Science are eligible to apply for HCPC registration and biomedical scientist roles upon graduation (additional costs may apply).
The thing I enjoy most about the course is the labs - the staff are so prepared and we are doing lots of interesting experiments
How you'll learn
Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to develop a good knowledge of a range of disciplines and how they apply to human health and disease. Your course will be predominately taught via campus-based sessions, in the multi-million-pound Alison Gingell Building4, and will include both theory classes, such as lectures and workshops, as well as laboratory-based practical classes4.
Our experienced teaching team currently includes staff with a variety of both research and industrial backgrounds including staff who are HCPC registered with interests and expertise in a wide range of disciplines which align to the course content (please note staff may be subject to change). The practical laboratory sessions will be supported by an extensive suite of biological and analytical laboratories, staffed by experienced technicians, allowing you to work in a professional environment from day one4.
Teaching contact hours
We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:
- On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
- Group work
- Self-directed learning
- Work placement opportunities.
If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.
Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods include:
- Core tests
- Essays
- Group work
- Presentations
- Reports
- Projects
- Coursework
- Case studies
- Portfolios
- Competency tests
- Individual Assignments
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
International experience opportunities
Our sandwich degree option allows a work placement or study year, which can be taken abroad2. Previous students have undertaken fieldtrips to Malawi where they have educational engagement with groups of children participating in diverse community projects at local primary and nursery schools, assisted in monitoring the state of boreholes in rural villages, made sun dried bricks for building projects and climbing the challenging mount Mulanje.
We have previously run a number of field trips to European cities including Brno in the Czech Republic and Amsterdam.
With the SuperLab, we can use so many different types of specialised equipment that are the same as those used in industry. One of my favourite things was designing an experiment as a group, which was really interesting because it was like a snippet of what my future career as a biomedical scientist could be.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
| Student | Full time | Part time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | TBC per year | Not available |
| International | TBC per year | Not available |
If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.
For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.
Facilities
This course is taught predominantly in the Alison Gingell building, Coventry University main campus. You will benefit from the outstanding facilities4 in our purpose-built Alison Gingell building, including our biomedical science SuperLab. This outstanding facility enables you to gain hands on experience in contemporary laboratory techniques including flow cytometry, real time PCR and automated analysers as used in hospital diagnostic laboratories.
SuperLab
Our state-of-the-art SuperLab can hold up to 250 students at one time and has equipment that allows you to gain skills and experience with techniques and equipment that you will encounter in your graduate careers including biosafety hoods, flow cytometers and DNA sequencers.
Analytical Chemistry suite
This is where you can apply your practical and theoretical knowledge to real-life working scenarios. We use a new generation chromatography technique to analyse products ranging from pharmaceutical agents, to cosmetics, drinks and toxins.
Careers and opportunities
Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) enables you to develop knowledge, skills and competence to prepare you for a variety of careers in biomedical and biological science or for other graduate level roles.
These courses aim to prepare you for professional practice within the NHS or private sector as biomedical scientists (subject to further training, application and registration which may incur additional costs) and a range of other careers including research.
You will be supported in your studies by a team of academically and professionally qualified staff, who also bring their research and commercial expertise to the classroom. Students on placement are supported by a visiting university tutor. Our dedicated and committed staff team are passionate in supporting students through their studies and empowering them to succeed within their chosen career routes.
Possible destinations include hospital, public health and other diagnostic providers, clinical sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, cancer research, microbiology, genetics and genomics laboratories. You may choose to continue your studies to MSc or PhD level to develop your specialist knowledge and research skills, or consider graduate entry to medicine or dentistry, Physicians Associate or teaching qualifications. Equally, the skills you will develop, such as problem solving, analytical skills and written and oral communication, will enable you to access non-scientific careers such as graduate training schemes, civil service or managerial roles. Thus, the opportunities for graduates of biomedical sciences are diverse and exciting.
Where our graduates work
You will have the opportunity to receive guidance during your studies on the professional routes available to you and the expectations of health professionals. We have excellent links with local employers and are actively in liaison with laboratory managers, training officers and other universities via the West Midlands Biomedical Science Training and Workforce Planning Group and the West Midlands Regional Training Committee (South).
On successful completion of the Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) degree, without a training placement, you can apply for Trainee Biomedical Science posts to enter NHS Health Care Scientist registration training programmes, for which you will typically undergo one to two years of further training to obtain an IBMS certificate of competence so that you can apply for HCPC registration, a legal requirement for anyone who wishes to practice using a title protected by the HCPC.
The scientific knowledge and skills you acquire during the course can be a useful basis for a career in teaching; technical and scientific writing; clinical trials; drug registration, patenting or monitoring; medical publishing or other information services; regulatory affairs or sales and marketing.
Further study
The course is an excellent foundation for further postgraduate studies leading to a MSc or PhD. We run a range or related taught MSc courses that allow our graduates to specialise in the area that they have a passion for and would like to pursue a career in. These courses also have a ‘with professional experience’ option, allowing students to apply for and complete an extended period of experience in a professional environment.
The human body is one of the most amazing things in the world and laboratory work allows you to delve deeper into finding out how and why things work in the way they do.
How to apply
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UK Students
Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 can apply for this course through UCAS from 6 September 2022.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
-
International Students
Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 should apply directly to the university. Applications are due to open soon.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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Disclaimer
1Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.
For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2022/23 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
