BSc Biomedical Science Degree

Overview & facilities

Our BSc Biomedical Science Degree with Honours in London course appeals to students with a science background who are interested in career in hospital laboratories, scientific research or further study.

This is a dynamic course taught by enthusiastic lecturers and backed by experts in the field. Our labs and teaching rooms are brand new and built to our own specification to ensure that you have the best possible experience, and we have capped the number of students we take to ensure small classes receiving a more personally tailored learning experience.

Our Biomedical Science Degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, giving students a professional qualification that can take them onto a recognised career path.

Middlesex recently opened its state-of-the-art bioanalytical laboratories for teaching and research. With investment totalling £3 million the facilities match, and in some cases surpass, those offered at UK medical schools.

The labs provide the next generation of scientific instrumentation for molecular analysis, post the genomic era - in line with the new focus in scientific research on protein-hunting rather than gene-hunting.

As well as being used by undergraduate and postgraduate students, they will be used by academic and research staff who continue to pioneer research particularly into developing affordable treatment for AIDS-related cancer patients in third world countries.

Some of the main features of the new laboratories are:

• Mass spectrometry and electron microscope suite - housing all new Shimadzu Krytos AXIMA CFR MALDI-TOF MS; LC-MS 2010A and GC-MS QP5050A instruments and a scanning electron microscope.
• Biomedical Science teaching laboratory – A fifty-student capacity facility for hands-on laboratory skills teaching.
• Molecular biology research laboratory housing real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction -multiplication of a small part of a gene), and gene sequencing, as well as 2D gel electrophoresis and gel visualisation and analysis equipment. 
• Tissue culture research laboratory – three class II biological safety cabinets, video microscopy and full height roller bottle and standard CO2 incubators 
• Histology research laboratory – housing cryostats, standard microtomes and Fluorescence microscopy imaging equipment 
• General biochemistry research laboratory – housing immunoassay, Chromatography (separation techniques -separating mixtures and molecules), CZE, HPLC, FPLC, LC and general separation equipment.

Content & modules

This is a fast-paced, hands-on programme; by the time you graduate from our biomedical science programme we expect you to have the full set of skills to work safely in a hospital laboratory in any speciality.

Students will be taught by lecturers from a variety of backgrounds including biomedical science, research scientists and even medics, and we use real clinical laboratory problems as the starting point for teaching the basics.

Students who undergo additional placement time in a hospital laboratory (either on the Clinical Laboratory Placement programme of Biomedical Science, or by working in an accredited hospital laboratory after graduation) will gain Health Professions Council registration and can work as a biomedical scientist

This programmeis based at our flagship Hendon campus.

Acombination of written assignments, poster and oral presentations, portfolio, laboratory reports, practical and written examinations.

Modules

• Year 1

  Elements of Life (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides students with the skill and underpinning knowledge to pursue further studies in biological and biomedical sciences. Particular emphasis is place on chemistry for life sciences and genetics.

  Human Sciences (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology required to underpin their future learning. The unifying theme of homeostasis is used to show how a healthy structure and function are maintained and how failures of homeostasis can result in disease.

  Laboratory Practice and Skills (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide student s with an understanding of the biomedical/bioscience profession and employment opportunities. In addition, the module facilitates development of basic laboratory skills, safe laboratory practice, and appropriate administrative, communication and practical skills required for successful academic and professional progress, and to work in a clinical laboratory environment.

  Principles of Immunology and Microbiology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module is designed to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the principles of cell biology, microbiology and immunology upon which can be built an understanding of the importance of micro organisms as pathogens, their diagnosis and control.

• Year 2

  Approaches to Experimental Research (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to provide students with the skills necessary to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work with focus on preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops core research skills fundamental to a scientific research design, irrespective of discipline. Specific research skills include analytical techniques appropriate to individual programme requirements.

  Clinical Sciences (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module explores the causes of diseases. In addition, it focuses on physiological and biochemical processes underlying the clinical manifestation of disease. The appropriate laboratory investigations and medical management - including pharmacological intervention, surgical treatment and physical therapy - are outlined for each disease process.

  Medical Microbiology and Immunology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module encompasses medical microbiology and medical immunology. Students will gain an insight into human infectious diseases, pathogenicity and emergence of new infectious agents. In addition, they will become familiar with the principles and practice of microbiological test procedures used to diagnose infectious disease and monitor the effectiveness of the treatments. Students will be provided with an understanding of how the immune system and associated products protect the body. Also how immunological principles can be applied to an array of laboratory tests including the diagnosis of autoimmune disorders.

  Molecular and Metabolic Biochemistry (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to build on previous modules and allow students to develop a more complete appreciation for the structure, function and regulation of key cellular molecules. With a running theme of enzyme function, students will be provided with an overview of molecular and metabolic pathways and a detailed compilation of the mechanisms by which they are regulated.

• Year 3

  Cellular Pathology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The aim of this module is to give the student a working knowledge of the preparation of tissues for examination with a microscope, and an understanding of the pathologies that this can identify. Emphasis is placed on the use of histological equipment, and on routine and special staining techniques for the demonstration of pathological conditions. In addition, students will be taught how to distinguish between healthy and diseased tissues.

  Clinical Biochemistry (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to provide students with a greater knowledge and a deeper understanding of abnormal human physiology and biochemistry of common medical conditions. In addition, it aims to ensure familiarity with chemical laboratory procedures used to diagnose and monitor the effectiveness of the treatments of these conditions and ensure familiarity with normal and abnormal test values.

  Dissertation (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to synthesise learning from the students undergraduate programme providing an opportunity for students to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity; an inquiry based approach, the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. Students will select a topic of personal interest, grounded in their placement experience that they wish to study in-depth and will manage their own learning during this module, with the support of an allocated supervisor for this period of independent study.

  Haematology and Transfusion Science (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Haematology is one of the major branches of the hospital pathology service, and this module aims to provide a broad-based introduction to practical and clinical haematology. It will focus on the individual components of human blood, the pathologies associated with each, and on the techniques used to diagnose these. Molecular and cellular techniques used in haematology will be studied, and some of the basic haematological investigations will be learnt in laboratory-based practicals. Emphasis will be placed on the safe handling of human blood and blood products, and learning the basic procedures of the working haematology laboratory.

Download the Course specification part 1, part 2.

Entry & applying

A levels 280 tariff points including two A2s preferably in Biology or Chemistry , plus GCSE grades A-C in Maths and English Language. Or: BTEC National Diploma/VCEs/International Baccalaureate/Progession Advanced Diplomas/Access to Science Course at equivalent tariff to the above. Applications from candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed, provided they can demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience.

Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

Our accredited degree can lead you to registration as a biomedical scientist. Good graduates in biomedical science are highly sought after, so employment prospects are excellent.

You could be working in a laboratory in a university, the National Health Service, or in the public health, pharmaceutical or forensic fields.

Some graduates have gone on to further academic research on PhD and MSc programmes, careers in education, or as sales representatives for biomedical or bioscience companies.

Our accredited degree leads you to registration as a biomedical scientist.  Good graduates are highly sought after, so employment prospects are excellent. You could be working in a laboratory in a university, the National Health Service, or in the public health, pharmaceutical or forensic fields. Some graduates have gone on to further academic research, careers in education, or as sales representatives for biomedical or bioscience companies.

Where do our graduates go?
Based on the data from respondents of the 2009-10 Destination of Leavers in Higher Education survey, six months after graduating:

• 80% of Middlesex BSc Biomedical Science graduates were in employment or further study 
• 20% were unemployed or doing something else, such as travelling

Middlesex graduates from this group have been successful at gaining employment in the following roles:

Microbiologist, Lab Technician, Lab Assistant, Scientist

For companies such as:

Anthony Nolan Trust, NHS Hillindgon, Boots, NHS Whittington.

Placements
Throughout your three-year BSc Honours Biomedical Science degree you will work in NHS pathology laboratories in North and Central London.

• Placements will take place as blocks of 6, 10 or 14 weeks and will run at some point in each semester
• You will be required to complete about 900 hours of training 
• You will spend time in each of four specialisms (clinical chemistry, haematology, histopathology and microbiology) 
• It is this training that makes you eligible for IBMS membership and state registration with the Health Professions Council as a biomedical scientist 
• It's not a sandwich year. You will have a training officer who ensures that you are provided with the appropriate learning opportunities to meet the module outcomes.

NHS hospital labs
Placements are available in the pathology laboratories of the following NHS hospitals:

• North Middlesex University Hospital 
• Chase Farm Hospital 
• Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children 
• The Whittington Hospital
• There are a limited number of placement places

Placement students are selected on academic performance, attendance and interview.
 
Questions you might encounter at an interview include:

• How much do you know about the role of a biomedical scientist in a hospital diagnostic laboratory? 
• How would you deal with a request from a patient's relative for information about a patient's haematology results?
• In five years time, what job would you like to be doing?