BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences 2022/23

BSc Biomedical Science aims to enable you to understand the biology of human health and disease, including the basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology and microbiology, as well as a practical grounding in data analysis, statistics and numeracy.

You will have the opportunity to study the following modules:

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.

Year 2

• 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.

In addition, you have an optional module

• 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.

Year 3

• 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.

In addition, you will select two optional modules:

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

In order to be considered for entry to the course, applicants will be required to have the following qualifications:

Level 4

• A Level: BCC to include Biology and a second STEM subject or;
• BTEC National Diploma DMM ideally with a good Biology profile or;
• Access to Science with 18 Distinctions, 24 Merits and 3 Passes including 12 credits in Science related subjects or;
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 104 UCAS points
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs minimum grade C including Maths, Biology and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
• We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.

Direct entry to Level 5

Students with the knowledge and skills equivalent to the required learning outcomes for Level 4 modules of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science will be encouraged to make direct entry to Level 5. Such knowledge and skills should be commensurate with those identified in the Policy and Procedures for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APEL), of London South Bank University APEL, and in the guidelines on levels and learning outcomes produced by the South East of England Consortium for Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SEEC/CAT, May 1996, SEEC Credit Level Descriptors for HE, 2010).

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 201 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 102 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.