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Overview
Course is subject to validation.
This course is closed for applications for September 2023 but remains open for new applications for September 2024 intake.
The Foundation Year provides students with a solid foundation in academic skills and science-related disciplines; instilling knowledge and practical skills that will prepare them for the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science. The course is structured such that all S1 modules are shared across all BSc with foundation year programmes in the School of Applied Sciences. Students who wish to change programme at the end of S1 can do so through consultation with the course director of both their parent programmes and the programme they wish to change too. This is subject to approval by both Course Directors and successfully passing all S1 modules.
The course will develop academically confident “level 4 ready” students through the provision of a supportive learning environment at Foundation Level that nurtures the development of the theoretical knowledge, academic and practical skills necessary to successfully study the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science. It will introduce the student to critical reflection, analytical and problem solving and strategic thinking in a broad context at Foundation Level and develop the academic and scientific knowledge skills and competencies necessary to promote success in degree level study of Biomedical Science. It will also enhance student employability through the embedding of a cohesive blend of professional and academic skills whilst simultaneously providing career support and making available opportunities for problem-based learning, volunteering and engaging in extra-curricular activities at university and beyond and deliver a future-fit curriculum at Foundation level that is aligned to the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.
Why Biomedical Science at LSBU?
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- Ranked 1st among London moderns for Research Quality in Biological Sciences (Complete University Guide 2022)
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- Ranked joint 1st in the UK for Research Intensity (Complete University Guide 2022)
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- Our mix of clinical settings and industry-grade laboratories offer you state-of-the-art space and the latest equipment for analysis and research.
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- Gain real-life experience on an industrial placement.
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- Develop a broad range of skills to provide the widest career options in the field of biosciences.
The course provides an integrated approach towards understanding and in-depth knowledge of human health and disease, with embedded employability skills to meet the HCPC standards of proficiency. Students will acquire knowledge, intellectual and practical skills to understand human disorders and means of disease diagnosis and treatment through laboratory testing.
A distinctive feature of the course is that it introduces the students to state-of-the-art tools used in precision medicine, such as bioinformatics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and high-throughput drug screening geared towards molecular target identification and targeted therapeutics. Furthermore, students will be trained to apply their knowledge to offer solutions and to develop opportunities in a wide range of clinical settings and industries that require a broad understanding of biomedical science.
We have applied for accreditation for this course by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and expect to confirm this for September 2022.
Course Accreditations
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IBMS
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Register your interest
Entry Level Requirements
To be considered for entry to the course applicants would normally need at least 1 A level in a science subject or a minimum of 64 UCAS points from an equivalent L3 qualification as follows:
- BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma but may not have achieved the appropriate grades to immediately join the BSc Programme.
- English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C (grade 4) or above (or equivalent).
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Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
Course status
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.
See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.
Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
Foundation Level
At foundation level the scientific disciplines that underpin the study of Biomedical Science (biology; chemistry and physics) are introduced along with the role of Biomedical Scientist in the context of human health and disease and the different disciplines of Biomedical Science and their role in understanding human health and disease. The modules cover the specialist fields of Biomedical Science and the application of academic and scientific skills including numerical and statistical methods, academic and scientific writing, communication, and presentation skills. The application of appropriate scientific knowledge and understanding to facilitate the understanding of Biomedical Science theory, laboratory methods, data collection, processing, and interpretation are also introduced.
- Introduction to Academic Skills for the Applied Sciences
This module provides an introduction to the skills needed for undergraduate academic study, with a particular focus on those of writing, to ensure a successful entry into level 4 of the BSc programmes of the School of Applied Sciences. - Foundation Maths for Science
This module is designed to provide students with the mathematical knowledge and skills necessary for transition to level 4 study of science subjects. The module is designed for a mixed cohort of students with some prior learning experience and students with below A-level mathematical background. - Foundations of Biology
This module is designed to introduce the fundamental principles of biology at a foundational level. It serves as a preparatory module for students who plan to undertake a science-based degree programme. Areas of study will include the organisation of living things, control and coordination of biological processes and genetics. - Foundations of Chemistry
This module builds on the concepts and skills introduced in semester 1, at a level between GCSE and Advanced level. It builds knowledge of basic chemistry elements and continues building on the mathematical understanding developed in semester 1. It serves as a preparatory module for students intending to undertake science-based undergraduate degree courses in the university. - Foundations of Human Nutrition
This module will deliver foundation knowledge in nutrition, covering the basics of the science of nutrition, supporting students to progress to study baking, bioscience, biomedical, forensic science, sports science or psychology. The module will provide both scientific information and skills required to interpret nutritional guidelines into practical recommendations. - Foundations of Biomedical Science
This module aims to develop the student's essential knowledge and understanding of basic principles and skills of biomedical science. Students will work towards becoming competent in the collection and interpretation of biological data and further their understanding of biomedical concepts. The module will apply active learning pedagogical approaches that aim to engage the students in the subject whilst creating a strong foundation to study at Level 4. This module complements the core foundation modules and develops the specific knowledge and skills needed in Biomedical Science.
Year 1
- Biology of the cell
This module provides a foundation for further studies in all areas of biomedical science. The cellular organisation of living organisms is introduced, as well as the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and the cell as the fundamental unit of life. Focus will be on the regulation of cell division, cell cycle, cell death, cell specialisation and cooperation, stem cells and their self-renewal and differentiation. All this will be introduced in context of human health and disease. In addition, current research approaches and methods for studying cells and manipulating genes will be highlighted. - Human anatomy and physiology
This module will develop student knowledge and understanding of the human anatomy and physiology. It will explore the structure, function, neurological and hormonal control of the human body, its component parts. Major body systems will be studied (musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, renal, urogenital, nervous, endocrine) and their relationship to each other will be looked into. The physical and chemical principles that underlie physiological function and metabolic processes will be reviewed. Overall, this will lead to appreciation of human functioning through understanding of physiological systems and their integration. - Microbiology and Immunology
This module introduces you to the microbial world, through the historical significance of microbiological discoveries, fundamental concepts of microbiology and how these are applied, especially in relation to medical microbiology. In parallel, students will undertake a series of practical activities to develop Good Laboratory Practice, Aseptic Techniques and an understanding of Standard Operating Procedures. - Biochemistry
This module will cover key chemical principles relevant to biological systems through understanding of the four main classes of biomolecules, namely, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. It will examine the structure, types, functions, synthesis (anabolism) and degradation (catabolism) of each biomolecular class and their regulation. The module will draw pointers to metabolic pathways into which these molecules and/or their component monomers feed and overview the interconnections between the biochemical pathways mediated via these molecules. The module will also cover the principles of selected basic techniques used to detect these molecules in the laboratory and perform a related laboratory practical. - Genetics and molecular biology
This module will introduce the fundamentals of genetics and molecular biology. It will explore the underlying principle of the central dogma of molecular biology while defining the structures and functions of DNA, RNA, proteins and human genes, up to chromosome level. Principles and modes of gene inheritance in human will be discussed. The basics of genetic variation in human will be extended to understand population genetics and evolution. Specific examples of genetic disorders with biomedical significance will be cited and studied. Moreover, molecular events that govern cell function such as the epigenetic mechanisms will be highlighted. - Employability Skills in Biomedicine/Biosciences
This module will introduce students to disciplines, skills and reflective practice essential to prepare learners for employment and/or postgraduate studies/trainings in Biomedical Science. The module is designed to develop & improve students’ employability skills and related knowledge in relation to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) portfolio requirements. The module delivery is prepared in community-based settings to satisfy learners’ needs to enter employment and/or progress to additional learning opportunities in higher education/training including but not limited to National Health Service (NHS) and prepare them for HCPC registration. - Human Haematology and Clinical immunology
This module will compare the elements that constitute blood in normal and diseased states. It will review the process (structure function and production of blood cells) and regulation of normal haemostasis. Further on, it will explore the pathological nature, diagnosis and laboratory investigation of anaemias, haematological malignancies, haemorrhagic and thrombotic diseases. Knowledge will be extended to the understanding of the structure and function of individual components of the immune system in defining innate and acquired immunity. Moreover, acute and chronic inflammatory states will be discussed, as well as the cause and consequences of abnormal immune function, neoplastic diseases and transplantation reactions together with their detection, diagnosis and treatment. - Bioinformatics and Skills for Biomedical Scientist
This module is intended to develop your understanding and skills in the analysis and management of high volumes of biological data using computational and statistical methods. It will provide the knowledge on the applications of bioinformatics and biostatistics to a range of disciplines in biology and medicine. The students will gain practical experience in how to use specialised software in bioinformatics and biostatistics and will receive an introduction to the OMICS world. In addition, students will learn to design a research project, and data analysis in the area of biomedical science. It will provide knowledge about main research principles and methodologies for data collection and analysis. The students will gain practical experience in developing a research proposal and analysing data with a variety of software packages. - Cellular pathology and imaging
This module is intended to develop your understanding and skills in microscopic examination of normal and abnormal cells (cytopathology) and tissues (histopathology) for indicators of disease. It will also provide knowledge about principles and methodologies of different microscopic imaging techniques, including light and electron microscopy, as well as fluorescent and confocal microscopy. You will gain practical experience in the preparation of tissue slides and in the histo- and cyto-pathological examination of cells and tissues using a variety of techniques. - Clinical biochemistry and blood transfusion
This module will cover the principles of clinical biochemistry and blood transfusion. Under clinical biochemistry, the module will explore the investigations involving the functionality and dysfunctionality of human systems by measuring biochemical markers in different sample types. Under the topic of blood transfusion, the module will cover the genetics, structure and function of red cell antigens, while exploring the significance of blood group antigens and antibodies and the selection of blood components in safe transfusion. - Cancer biology and therapy
This module introduces the students to different aspects of cancer biology including the origin and hallmarks of cancer, diagnosis and treatment with emphasis on cell biology, cancer signalling networks, and an introduction to the clinical management of cancer across a range of cancer types. The module will include group work to discuss seminal discoveries in cancer research and key experiments in the field. - Clinical OMICS and precision medicine
This module will cover Genomics and other OMICS, and their applications in precision medicine, and it covers the topics required in clinical genetics by IBMS for accreditation. It will begin with a review of the structure and function of genes and chromosomes, which will set the ground for the following four themes – (i) Genomics (including mapping, sequencing technologies, the human genome project, and model organisms), (ii) Introduction to bioinformatics and databases for sequence analysis, (iii) Proteomics (including protein structure and function, analysis of protein sequences, structural and/or functional motif recognition, technologies for the analysis of the proteome), (iv) Introduction to other OMICS (including transcriptomics and metabolomics). - Clinical and Public Health Microbiology
This module will develop the student’s knowledge of infectious diseases, their mechanism of pathogenesis, the interaction between microbe and host in the different human systems. This module is intended to develop students’ understanding and skills of population data analysis in the area of clinical microbiology. They will understand the impact of infectious diseases on public health, the mechanisms of prevention, control, and management of infectious diseases outbreaks. In parallel, students will understand and practice the principles of sample processing (collection, transport and storage), microbe isolation, a variety of techniques used for microbe identification, and diagnosis in the settings of clinical microbiology labs, applying Good Laboratory Practice, Aseptic Techniques and following of Standard Operating Procedures - Research Project in Biomedicine
This module is intended to develop competencies and skill-sets needed to undertake independent scientific research. The module work consists primarily of either a laboratory‐based, meta-analysis or Bioinformatic investigation on a defined pre-selected topic. The students present their findings in form of a scientific paper that is assessed and subjected to a presentation and viva voce examination. Students are expected to manage their own research activity with tutorial support from their research supervisor. - Clinical nutrition and the Microbiome
Clinical nutrition encompasses the understanding of the role of diet in the causation, prevention and management of disease. Microbiome is the microbiota in different body compartments. This module will examine these themes through examination of a range of disease states and associated nutritional perspectives. The role of nutrition and the microbiome in clinical science and the hospital setting will be examined. - Drug design and development
This module will introduce the chemical and pharmaceutical concepts which give the basis of the design and development of drugs, how drugs are sourced, developed and manufactured, and how the quality of these drugs is assured to ensure patient safety. This includes an introduction to natural and synthetic products using organic and inorganic chemistry for drug discovery and formulation. Students will gain practical skills in the formulation of drugs and performing pharmaceutical calculations. Students will be introduced to the processes of quality, safety, delivery and dispensing of drugs.
Year 2
In addition, you have an optional module
Year 3
In addition, you will select two optional modules:
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
All the required biomedical sciences subject areas are covered as core modules in this course. In other words, all students will gain the subject knowledge, practical and transferable skills that enable them to work as BMS, regardless of their chosen career.
In addition, the course allows students, through optional modules and/or University shared modules, to gain knowledge in areas, such as clinical, pharmaceutical sciences, as well as in entrepreneurship.
After completion of the course, you may apply for HCPC registration and become Biomedical Scientists in clinical settings, such as NHS hospitals or labs, or apply for medical school (if they meet all the criteria required for graduate entry medicine), or pursue careers in biomedical research and, pharmaceutical industry.
Teaching and Assessment
The course delivery includes blended learning which allows you to experience the same high-quality teaching, but with flexible modes of delivery. All modules offered at the first year are delivered through a blend of keynote lectures, tutorials, group work, flipped learning, and problem-based learning activities. Many of the first year modules develop and assess practical skills.
All modules employ teaching methods that encourage students to consider and challenge the evidence with which they are presented.
A wide range of subject-related resources are available within the LSBU Library. This includes access to textbooks, E-journal subscriptions, scientific databases, interactive e-learning platforms and multimedia. Moreover, students have access to site-licensed software and assisstive technologies to support their learning (if registered for Disability and/or specific learning difficulties).
There are a total of 4 teaching and research laboratories that provide a rich learning environment for combining theory and practice. Each contains state-of-the art equipment to support delivery across all core and specialist modules.
The course will use a blend of formative and summative assessment, as well as self- and peer assessment. All career pathways share a similar variety of summative assessment, while the majority also include a final exam. Most modules carry several points of assessment.
