Biomedical Science (Including Year Abroad)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(Integrated Master in Science:) Integrated Master in Science
Biomedical Science (Including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
Biomedical Science
MSCIBB99
13/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

  • GCSE: Mathematics C/4.
  • A-levels: ABB - BBB or 128 - 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in 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: DDM or 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 128 - 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent including B in Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 32 - 30 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655-555. 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. Our GCSE Maths requirement can be met with either: 4 in Standard level Maths; 3 in Higher level Maths; or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 15 level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • T-levels: For our Life Sciences courses we can consider T-levels taken in Science on a case-by-case basis. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core. We cannot accept the T-levels in Health or Healthcare Science.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

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.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

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

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.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 27 January 2025 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  BS141-4-FY-CO  Quantitative methods for Life Sciences  Core  15  15 
02  BS101-4-AU-CO  Molecular Cell Biology  Core  15  15 
03  BS104-4-SP-CO  Microbiology  Core  15  15 
04  BS131-4-SP-CO  Biochemistry of Macromolecules  Core  15  15 
05  BS102-4-AU-CO  Genetics and Evolution  Core  15  15 
06  BS132-4-AP-CO  General and Organic Chemistry  Core  15  15 
07  BS161-4-AU-CO  Anatomy and Physiology  Core  15  15 
08  BS143-4-AP-CO  Transferable Skills in Life Sciences  Compulsory  15  15 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  BS214-5-AP-CO  Biomedical Science: Practice and Employability  Core  15  15 
02  BS238-5-SP-CO  Cell Biology and Cellular Pathology  Core  15  15 
03  BS235-5-AU-CO  Medical Microbiology  Core  15  15 
04  BS236-5-SP-CO  Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science  Core  15  15 
05  BS237-5-AU-CO  Clinical Biochemistry  Core  15  15 
06  BS220-5-SP-CO  Medical Genetics  Core  15  15 
07  BS223-5-AU-CO  Immunity in Health and Disease  Core  15  15 
08  BS221-5-AU-CO  Molecular Biology: Genes, Proteins and Disease  Compulsory  15  15 

Year Abroad/Placement - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  AW121-6-FY-CO  Abroad Module 120 Credits  Compulsory  120  120 

Year 3 - 2027/28

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  BS831-6-FY-CO  Research Project in Biomedical Science  Core  45  45 
02  BS306-6-AP-CO  Issues in Biomedical Science  Compulsory  15  15 
03    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
04    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 

Year 4 - 2028/29

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  BS980-7-FY-CO  Research Project (MSci Biomedical Science)  Compulsory  60  60 
02  BS934-7-SP-CO  Gene Technology and Synthetic Biology  Compulsory  30  30 
03  BS985-7-AU-CO  Professional Skills and the Business of Biosciences  Compulsory  15  15 
04  BS938-7-AU-CO  Molecular Mechanisms of Disease  Compulsory  15  15 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

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

Skills 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 module 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.


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.