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Objectives
The aims of this programme in Biomedical Science are to: • Provide students with an advanced education and training in Biomedical Science • Develop the ability to critically evaluate advances in Biomedical Science in the context of current literature • Provide training in all the specialist areas of Biomedical Science • Train students to identify and plan research to answer specific Biomedical problems • Enhance human health care through increased numbers of well-qualified biomedical graduates
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Entry requirements
Entry Conditions You must satisfy the University's general entry requirements and should have gained: An honours or non-honours degree from a University in the UK or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, or from an institution of another country which is recognised by the Senate for this purpose (Relevant subject degree in Biomedical or Biological Sciences, general science degree or equivalent); or An equivalent standard in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or approved professional or other qualification; and Provide evidence of competence in written or spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); and Normally be employed as a biomedical scientist, trainee biomedical scientist or equivalent in a hospital or research laboratory or similar laboratory facilities. Exceptionally, candidates who do not satisfy the requirements above and who hold other qualification and professional experience approved by the Senate may be admitted.
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Academic title
Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Science
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Course description
From January 2006 the University of Ulster has offered the Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Sciences by eLearning. The School of Biomedical Sciences has been providing degree courses via the web since the 1990’s and has a large team of staff with extensive experience in delivering online teaching and dealing with the unique opportunities and challenges provided by eLearning. The teaching of the course via eLearning provides flexibility in the course for students to study fewer modules per semester and take longer to complete the course while it also removes the time restraints often imposed on studying for students who are also in full-time employment.
The programme has been designed to provide graduates who possess an honours degree (or equivalent), with appropriate education and professional training in the biomedical sciences, covering all the laboratory specialisms including Cellular Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology and Medical Microbiology. The programme provides the opportunity for students to ‘top-up’ their current degree to a standard equivalent to a BSc in Biomedical Sciences and acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) for the purpose of Health Professions Council (HPC) registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
Duration and Mode of Attendance
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Part-time – Distance Learning
One academic year (60 credit points)
The course is taught over two semesters with two student intakes per year in September and January.
The Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Sciences is validated by the IBMS. Where a student wishes to undertake this programme with the objective of gaining Registration as a Biomedical Scientist, they should contact the appropriate professional body so as to ensure that satisfactory completion of this course will lead to Registration. Regulations for HPC Registration are determined by the IBMS with regard to:
• the minimum period of laboratory training
• the competencies to be acquired ; and
• the nature of the final assessment procedure prior to the granting of registration
The course is undertaken via distance learning, but there are some practical sessions associated with four of the six modules. There are two options for completing the practical classes in the modules. The first option is to complete the practicals at your place of work - this only applies to students who work or have access to IBMS approved training labs in the NHS or equivalent. The work is overseen by the student’s guarantor (usually the training officer) and submitted online. The second option is an intensive practical week, which takes place after teaching has finished in each semester. This session takes place at the University of Ulster Laboratories in Coleraine and takes approximately 2 days for each module. The guarantor also supervises and invigilates exams at your place of work or an approved site.
Further information
On successful completion of modules worth 60 credits or more and an overall pass of 40% or more students will graduate with a Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Science. Students who have a pass mark of 50% or more will graduate with a Graduate Certificate and have the option of proceeding to the MSc programme (students need to apply for the MSc through the normal channels). A student with an overall pass mark of 60% or more and 60% in at least 2 modules may be awarded a commendation.
Modules Medical microbiology BMS512C1X The study of micro-organisms has had a major impact on all the biological sciences and on the quality of life for humankind. Many of the discoveries made by microbiologists have spawned new fields of science, such as DNA as the molecular basis of heredity which laid the foundation of genetic engineering. In this module an insight is presented to the major historical events, discoveries, disciplines, activities and relevance of micro-organisms to the different areas of human activity.
Clinical immunology BMS513C1X
This module is designed to provide understanding of key concepts in clinical immunology sufficient to underpin further study in the biomedical sciences.
Haematology and transfusion science BMS514C1X
This module provides a comprehensive overview of haematology. It covers all the major areas of haematology including haemopoiesis, leukaemia, haemostasis and general aspects of transfusion science. This module provides the student with the appropriate knowledge and intellectual skills necessary to work in a routine or research laboratory setting.
Biology of disease BMS515C2X This module provides a detailed insight into the interaction between a microbial pathogen and its human host. The interaction between micro-organisms and the immune defence mechanism is highlighted. Consideration is also given to the use of vaccines and chemotherapy to avoid and eliminate infection. This module also presents an in-depth consideration of the cellular and molecular biology of the major non-infectious diseases of humans.
Clinical biochemistry BMS516C2X This module is designed to provide an understanding in clinical biochemistry sufficient to underpin further study in the biomedical sciences.
Cellular pathology BMS517C2X This module provides the student with the appropriate knowledge and intellectual skills necessary to work in a routine and research laboratory setting. The module is designed to meet the changing needs of the cellular pathology laboratory and as such provides up-to-date theoretical knowledge combined with practical laboratory based work experience.
