(Integrated Master in Science:) Integrated Master in Science
Biomedical Science
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
Biomedical Science
MSCIB099
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
GCSE: Mathematics C/4
A-levels: ABB, including Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics. Psychology, Statistics, Physics, Applied Science, Human Biology, Geography, PE and Sociology (on a case by case basis) are all acceptable as second science A-levels.
BTEC: D*D*D, depending on subject and units studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655. Either must include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics grade 5.Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Sport, exercise and Health Science at Higher Level are all acceptable as second science subjects.
Standard Level Mathematics, if not taken at Higher Level, will also be required. We will accept grade 4 in either Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Standard Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma: 15 level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject and units studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
T-levels: Distinction - Entry requirements for students studying T-level qualifications are dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Prof Jacqueline McCormack
Vice President
Institute Technology Sligo
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
- An understanding of the molecular principles that underlie biochemical reactions and biomedical processes.
- An understanding of biomedical methods and approaches and of the main body of biological knowledge that forms the basis of biomedical science
- An ability to apply this understanding to analyse current biomedical problems and suggest solutions.
- A general scientific education including training in handling and interpretation of quantitative information and the ability to plan and carry out desk or laboratory based research under supervision.
- The key laboratory and workplace skills required for careers in biomedical science and related subjects that require an integrated understanding of biological, biochemical and molecular processes.
- The key skills of communication, numeracy, ITC use, problem solving, working with others, self-evaluation and self-improvement, and autonomous learning using biomedical science as a context and focus.
- A foundation of knowledge, understanding and skills required for further study and research in biomedical science.
- An awareness of the need for compliance with health and safety policies.
- An appreciation of the need for, and importance of lifelong learning, and personal development planning
- Inclusivity will be maximised by making reasonable adjustments to learning and assessment on an individual basis.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Basic maths, physics and chemistry that are relevant to biomedical science
A2: The different levels of organisation and complexity, from molecules, through cells, organs, to humans
A3: Key biochemical, physiological and pathophysiological as well as pharmacological processes some of which is at an advanced level
A4: Theoretical and practical skills associated with being a practising biomedical scientist
A5: Appropriate practical scientific methods and approaches: observation, experimentation, modelling; and techniques used in their analysis
A6: Modern concepts and applications of biomedical science
A101: An advanced understanding of appropriate practical and scientific methods and approaches to conduct research
Learning methods
Lectures are the principal method of delivery of A1-A6.
Lectures direct students to textbooks and on-line material (Years 1 to 3), and research papers (Year 2 and particularly Year 3).
Laboratory practicals in Years 1 and 2 complement lectures and develop A1 to A6.
Coursework associated with lecture modules in Years 1 to 3 develop A1-A6.
The research project in Year 3 develops A5 and also a range of A1 to A4, and A6 (depending on topic).
A6 is also developed through teamwork exercises in Year 3.
A1-A6 are also addressed in case studies (PBL elements) used in some lectures and practicals in Years 1 and 2.
Seminars with small groups are used in A1 (mathematics and chemistry, Year 1).
Advanced research skills and planning in Year 4 will develop further A101.
Assessment methods
A1-A6 are assessed by:
Multiple Choice Questions (Year 1)
Essays (Years 2 and 3)
Oral and written practical reports (Years 1 to 4 )
Exercises in data analysis and interpretation (DAI), (Years 2 and 3)
Unseen written exams: short answer, essay and questions involving DAI (Years 2 and 3 only)
The Year 3 and Year 4 research project, covering a range of A1 to A6 and A101 (depending on project topic) tests understanding in depth and is assessed by an individual written report and by an oral presentation.
Oral and written presentations in the Issues module (Year 3) are used to assess A6.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B101: Retrieve, select and collate appropriate biomedical information
B102: Evaluate primary and secondary evidence and arguments
B103: Analyse and interpret quantitative information in graphs, figures, tables and equations
B104: Integrate and link information across course components, including material met in different years, from different disciplines
B105: Plan and conduct a research task (including logistics, risk assessment and ethical approval where appropriate)
B106: Present data correctly, choose and apply an appropriate statistical test and interpret the output
Learning methods
Setting of directed learning topics (Years 1 and 2) develops skills in B101 and B102.
B101 and B102 are partly covered by training in exam essay writing in Year 1 tutorials, and further developed by coursework essays (Years 2 to 4).
B102 and B103 are taught by explicit inclusion of data analysis in lectures and classes in Years 2 to 4, and through progressive development of DAI coursework in Years 2 to 4.
B101-B103 and, in some cases B104, are developed through analyses and presentations of results of practical work in Years 1 and 2 and in the research projects in Years 3 and 4.
B104 is achieved by progressive subject development through the 4 years, problem based learning seminars in Years 1 and 2, and through the Issues course in Year 3 (BS306).
B105 is mainly taught via the Year 3 and year 4 research project, but ethics in science are introduced in the Year 1 Transferable Skills for Life Sciences module.
B106 is taught in Year 1 Transferable Skills for Life Sciences module and developed throughout the degree via practical coursework (Years 1 and 2) and in the year 3 and year 4 research projects.
Assessment methods
B101, B102 and B104 are assessed by coursework and exam essays (Years 1 to 4).
B102 and B103 are assessed by coursework and compulsory exam DAI questions (Years 2 and 3), practical reports (Years 1 and 2) and research project reports (Year 3 and Year 4).
B104 is assessed by integrative exam questions in Years 2 to 4 and coursework in BS306 (Year 3).
B105 is assessed within the Year 3 and Year 4 research projects.
B106 is assessed in Year 1 and 2 practicals and Year 1 LSKS module.
B101 to B106 are also assessed in the Year 3 and Year 4 research project.
C: Practical skills
C101: Design, plan and carry out appropriate experiments in the laboratory effectively, working within current technical, regulatory, safety and ethical frameworks.
C102: Use appropriate laboratory or field equipment safely and efficiently.
C103: Able to explain the principles and limitations of a range of more advanced practical techniques
C104: Able to use appropriate software packages for simulations, modelling and statistical analysis.
Learning methods
kills C101 to C104 are mainly taught in supervised practicals in Years 1 and 2.
Lectures in Years 1 to 4 teach C103.
Independent project work in Year 3 and Year 4 also teaches and develops C101 to C104.
Safety issues (C101) are addressed through practical documentation (all Years) and developed by students preparing risk assessments for Year 3 and Year 4 research projects.
C104 is addressed through IT and statistics training in Year 1 (Transferable Skills for Life Sciences). The use of more specialised software is taught or developed in Year 2 practicals, Year 3 Bioinformatics courses as well as in modules and the research project in Year 4.
Assessment methods
C101 is assessed through Years 1 and 2 practicals, and the Year 3 research project.
C102 is assessed in some Year 1 and 2 practicals.
C103 is assessed in many practicals in Years 1 and 2, the Biomedical Science: Practice and Employability in Year 2 and in theory exams in Years 1 to 3.
C104 is assessed in some Year 2 practicals and in the Year 3 and Year 4 research projects.
D: Key skills
D1: Able to write clearly in: a) logically argued essays; b) longer reports, including basic scientific papers; c) a variety of other pieces of work for different target audiences; d) e-communications, in particular email. Plan, write and give oral presentations
D2: (i) Use current networked PC operating systems for normal file management,
(ii) Use current standard word-processing, spreadsheet, web browsing, web-page authoring, email and statistical packages,
(iii) Able to locate and use on-line catalogues and databases
D3: (i) Use appropriate precision, scales, units, scientific notation, ratios, fractions, percentages, powers of 10, logarithms and exponentials.
(ii) Use simple algebra and trigonometry.
(iii) Use approximations for mental arithmetic estimation and verification.
D4: Explore, analyse and find effective solutions for problems involving moderately complex information.
D5: Work effectively as part of a team to collect data and information and/or to produce reports and presentations
D6: Study independently, plan work and time to meet targets within deadlines; Reflect on feedback on assessed work and on their academic progress; Reflect, plan, record and document their personal developmen
Learning methods
Essay writing skills (D1) are taught in the Year 1 tutorials, the LSKS module and developed in all subsequent modules.
Required length of essays and reports increases from Year 1 to Year 4.
Writing for other target audiences is addressed in Year 3 "Issues courses".
Oral presentation skills (D1) are developed in some practicals and lecture modules (Years 2 and 3), the Biomedical Science: Practice and Employability module in Year 2, and BS306 and the Research Project module in Year 3 and Year 4.
Email communication is taught in the Year 1 LSKS module, and developed throughout as the basic administrative communication method.
IT use (D2) is taught in Year 1 in the LSKS module and developed throughout all years.
Most coursework from Year 2 onwards must be word-processed, and other computer produced work is required for all practical assignments in Year 2, in the Year 3 and Year 4 research projects.
Library, on line catalogue and web skills (D2) are taught in Year 1; developed by provision of considerable module related material on the Web and through the preparation of the research project literature review (Year 3 and Year 4).
Web-based material (D2) is used in several modules including practicals across Years 1 to 4.
D3 is taught in lectures and classes (Year 1), and developed in many subsequent modules (Year 1 to Year 4).
D4 is developed in "problem based learning" elements in Years 1 and 2 lectures, some practical sessions in Year 2 and research projects in Years 3 and 4.
Team work (D5) is introduced in some Year 1 practicals, the WBL part of a module in Year 1 and used in Year 2 practicals and in the skills module in Year 2.
D6 is addressed in LSKS in Year 1, developed through provision of explicit directed learning tasks (Years 1 and 2), increasing amounts of student managed learning from Year 1 to Year 4, attendance monitoring, rigid deadlines, feedback on assignments, and discussions with personal tutor.
Parts of D6 are also developed in the Biomedical Science: Practice and Employability module.
D6 planning component is developed in the Year 3 and Year 4 Research Project module. Additional guidance on Essay and Scientific Paper Format (SPF) writing and oral presentations are given in the on-line "Academic Skills" WebCT course available throughout the degree.
Students are also directed to the web-based MySkills resource area.
Assessment methods
Writing skills (D1) are assessed through essays in coursework and exams (Years 1 to 4), in practical reports (Years 1 and 2), BS306 and the Year 3 and 4 research project report.
Basic email skills are assessed in Year 1 LSKS.
Oral presentation skills (D1) are assessed in some of the practical courses (Year 2), the Biomedical Science: Practice and Employability module, BS306 and in the Year 3 and Year 4 research project module.
IT and Numeracy skills (D2 and D3) are assessed through worksheets and exams in Year 1.
Thereafter, practical work, coursework and exam questions throughout the degree course assess numerical skills.
All coursework from Year 2 onwards has to be prepared and submitted electronically.
Problem solving (D4) is assessed in BS306 (Year 3), DAI questions in Years 2 and 3 exams and the Year 3 and Year 4 research project.
D5 is assessed through team presentations in some Year 2 practical work.
D6 Independent study and deadline planning is assessed indirectly by examining directed learning material (Years 1 and 2), by awarding marks for evidence of additional reading, and by imposing strict deadlines for coursework assignments.
D6 Reflection and PDP are assessed through a reflective statement and e-portfolio in the Year 1 LSKS.
D6 Reflection is assessed in Biomedical Science: Practice and Employability module in Year 2 (BS214) where students have to keep a reflective diary.
The planning component of D6 is assessed in the Year 3 and Year 4 Research Project module.