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Programme Specification
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences: 2020-
Subject to revalidation
This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Awarding Institution University of Southampton Teaching Institution University of Southampton Mode of Study Full-time Duration in Years 3 years, following standard progression for a full-time student Accreditation details Not applicable Final award Bachelor of Science – Honours Name of award Biomedical Sciences Interim Exit awards Bachelor of Science (Ordinary) Diploma of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education FHEQ level of final award 6 UCAS code B QAA Subject Benchmark or other external reference
QAA Subject Benchmark Statements for Biomedical Science (2007) QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ Programme Lead Neil Smyth Date specification was written 01/06/ Date specification was validated April 2013 Date specification was last updated March 2019
Programme Overview
Brief outline of the programme
Biomedical Sciences covers all the scientific disciplines that underpin medicine. Our degree programme focuses on the biochemical, physiological and pathological aspects as applied to normal and disease states. Graduates in biomedical sciences are in demand in a variety of areas of employment. In Southampton you will undertake a balanced programme where you will gain the relevant skills and knowledge required for a career in this subject area.
Learning and teaching
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical classes, coursework and projects. Throughout the programme you will undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate the taught material and to broaden your knowledge and understanding of Biomedical Sciences.
Assessment
You will be assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and written examinations at the end of each semester to test your knowledge and understanding of the lecture and tutorial material. Continuous assessment is based on performance in tutorials, practicals and projects.
Please note: As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our programmes to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, this programme may be revised during a student’s period of registration, however, any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Please read our Disclaimer to see why, when and how changes may be made to a student’s programme.
Programmes and major changes to programmes are approved through the University’s programme validation process which is described in the University’s Quality handbook
Teaching and Learning Methods You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical classes, coursework and projects. In Part 3 you will undertake a research project throughout the programme you will undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate the taught material and to broaden your knowledge and understanding of Biomedical Sciences.
Assessment Methods You are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and written examinations at the end of each semester to test your knowledge and understanding of the lecture and tutorial material. Continuous assessment is based on performance in tutorials, practical’s and projects including dissertations, and oral and written (e.g. poster) presentations.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this programme you will be able to:
B1. formulate and test hypotheses by planning, conducting and reporting a programme of biomedical research; B2. use a range of biomedical laboratory equipment to generate data; B3. use computer software to record and analyse biomedical sciences data and determine their importance and validity; B4. analyse and solve complex biomedical sciences problems; B5. integrate your biomedical sciences knowledge base with other selected disciplines such as biochemistry, neuroscience and pharmacology; B6. integrate and evaluate biomedical sciences data from a variety of sources, including primary source material in biomedical sciences journals; B7. understand how the boundaries of biomedical sciences knowledge are advanced through research; B8. Conduct risk assessments concerning the use of chemicals, animal material and laboratory procedures.
Teaching and Learning Methods
In addition to the methods described above, you will be supervised in practical classes and during your final year project(s). As part of your final year project(s) you will be guided in critically reviewing the relevant literature.
Assessment methods
Your subject specific skills will be assessed as described above. Experimental and research skills are assessed through an appropriate combination of laboratory or project reports and presentations.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this programme you will be able to:
C1. communicate/present effectively both verbally and in writing on a range of topics in biomedical sciences to both specialised and non-specialised audiences; C2. work as a member of a team; C3. use information technology and other resources to find, extract and synthesise information; C4. solve problems relating to qualitative and quantitative information; C5. learn independently in a spirit of critical enquiry; C6. demonstrate you have the ability to undertake appropriate further training; C7. manage resources and time. C8. demonstrate competency in using laboratory skills in a safe a responsible manner
Teaching and Learning Methods
You will be helped to acquire these skills through aspects of the formal teaching programme. In the early years this will mainly be through tutorial and coursework, whilst in Part 3 your project work will give you ample opportunity to further develop and practice many of the individual skills in one major activity.
Assessment methods
Your skills will be assessed primarily through continuous assessment and through your Part 3 project.
Programme Structure
Typical course content
Our BSc Biomedical Sciences degree is a highly flexible programme, allowing you to combine interests in biochemistry, physiology, neuroscience, cell biology, genetics, developmental biology and pharmacology. The emphasis is on the science that underpins and advances clinical practice, rather than the technical basis of routine laboratory tests. Human disease is studied at all levels, from genetic mutations through organ degeneration, such as the brain in Alzheimer’s disease, up to whole-body metabolic disorders like diabetes. The programme offers an ideal preparation for a graduate career in medicine, clinically related professions or a career in basic, clinical or medical research.
Our staff are involved in research in biochemistry, molecular basis of disease, cell biology, oncology, developmental biology, neurobiology, immunology and infectious disease and we have exceptionally good research facilities which you will be able to access during your third year project.
The option modules shown below constitute an indicative list; there will always be choice but the options might vary between years. A full list of modules and rules will be available to you via the Student Record Self-Service system once you enrol at the University.
Special Features of the programme
A major feature of the programme is the possibility of a research based project through your third year. This will give you access to cutting edge science and hands on experience of working in world-class facilities.
Programme details
Details of the Programme Structure may be found on the Academic Unit web site http://www.southampton.ac.uk/biosci/undergraduate/courses/b940_bsc_biomedical_sciences.page#modules
(Where an indicative list of options can be found)
http://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/academic-life/faculty-handbooks.page and are briefly summarised below.
As for all students studying for degrees in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, you will take a
common Part 1. This gives you the flexibility to change your programme of study at any time before the start of
Part 2.
Where optional modules have been specified, the following is an indicative list of available optional modules, which are subject to change each academic year. Please note in some instances modules have limited spaces available.
Part 1 (FHEQ Level 4) (60 ECTS/120 Credits)
You will take the following FOUR core modules (30 ECTS, 7.5 each):
BIOL1007 Macromolecules of Life (Semester 1) BIOL1008 Metabolism and Metabolic Disorders (Semester 2) BIOL1011 Systems Physiology (Semester 1) BIOL1013 Integrative Mammalian Physiology (Semester 2)
In addition you will take the following FOUR compulsory modules (30 ECTS, 7.5 each):
BIOL1006 Cell Biology and Genetics (Semester 2) BIOL1020 Core Skills in Life Sciences (Full academic year) BIOL1021 Behaviour of Biomolecules (Semester 2) CHEM1039 Chemistry for Biological Sciences (Semester 1)
Without A level chemistry - CHEM 1012 introduction to chemistry will be taken in place of CHEM 1039 Without A level chemistry - BIOL1023 Cell and Tissue Histology will be taken in place of BIOL 1021
If only four modules are selected from the above BIOL modules, TWO elective modules (7.5ECTS each) can be selected from a range of suitable courses from other Academic Units or UOSM. We strongly encourage you to discuss electives with your tutor before pursuing such options.
Project module selection, which covers 15 ECTS over the third year, is done via a separate system. You will be contacted about this at the appropriate time.
Progression Requirements
The University regulations governing progression, determination and classification of results in general can be found in the University Calendar (Section IV – General Regulations) http://www.calendar.soton.ac.uk/sectionIV/progression-regs.html.
Intermediate exit points
You will be eligible for an interim exit award if you complete part of the programme but not all of it, as follows:
Qualification FHEQ level Minimum overall credit in ECTS credits
Minimum ECTS credits required at level of award Ordinary degree 6 at least 150 30 Diploma of Higher Education 5 at least 120 45 Certificate of Higher Education 4 at least 60 45
Learning outcomes specific to each intermediate exit point correspond to a sub-set of those for the programme as a whole and may be determined by consulting the module map at the end of this document.
Support for student learning
There are facilities and services to support your learning some of which are accessible to students across the University and some of which will be geared more particularly to students in your particular Faculty or discipline area.
The University provides:
- library resources, including e-books, on-line journals and databases, which are comprehensive and up- to-date together with assistance from Library staff to enable you to make the best use of these resources
- high speed access to online electronic learning resources on the Internet from dedicated PC Workstations onsite and from your own devices laptops, smartphones and tablet PCs via the Eduroam wireless network. There is a wide range of application software available from the Student Public Workstations.
- computer accounts which will connect you to a number of learning technologies for example, the Blackboard virtual learning environment (which facilitates online learning and access to specific learning resources)
- standard ICT tools such as Email, secure filestore and calendars.
- access to key information through the MySouthampton Student Mobile Portal which delivers timetables, Module information, Locations, Tutor details, Library account, bus timetables etc. while you are on the move.
- IT support through a comprehensive website, telephone and online ticketed support and a dedicated helpdesk in the Hartley Library.
- Enabling Services offering support services and resources via a triage model to access crisis management, mental health support and counselling.
- assessment and support (including specialist IT support) facilities if you have a disability, long term health problem or Specific Learning Difficulty (e.g. dyslexia);
- the Student Services Centre (SSC) to assist you with a range of general enquiries including financial matters, accommodation, exams, graduation, student visas, ID cards
- Careers and Employability advising on job search, applications, interviews, paid work, volunteering and internship opportunities and getting the most out of your extra-curricular activities alongside your degree programme when writing your CV
- Other support that includes health services (GPs), chaplaincy (for all faiths) and ‘out of hours’ support for students in Halls (18.00-08.00); a Centre for Language Study, providing assistance in the development of English language and study skills for non-native speakers.
The Students’ Union provides
- an academic student representation system, consisting of Course Representatives, Academic Presidents, Faculty Officers and the Vice-President Education SUSU provides training and support for all these representatives, whose role is to represent students’ views to the University.
- opportunities for extracurricular activities and volunteering
- an Advice Centre offering free and confidential advice including support if you need to make an academic appeal
- Support for student peer-to-peer groups, such as Nightline.
Associated with your programme you will be able to access:
- An induction programme at the start of the course, which will provide orientation, information on modules, courses, library and computer facilities.
- Handbooks, module handbooks and material on the web.
- Library and academic skill packages.
- Well-equipped laboratories.
- Academic and pastoral support from members of staff, including your personal academic tutor which will include scheduled meetings at appropriate occasions during the academic year.
- Access to all administrative and academic material on the CBS, Programme and individual module web sites and/or Blackboard (http://www.blackboard.soton.ac.uk).
- Access to all academic staff through an appointment system and e-mail.
- Access to administrative staff in the Faculty Student Offices during the normal working day.
- Feedback on assessment.
Methods for evaluating the quality of teaching and learning
You will have the opportunity to have your say on the quality of the programme in the following ways:
- Completing student evaluation questionnaires for each module of the programme
- Acting as a student representative on various committees, e.g. Staff/Student Liaison Committees, Faculty Education Committee OR providing comments to your student representative to feedback on your behalf.
- Serving as a student representative on Academic Scrutiny Groups for programme validation
- Taking part in programme validation meetings by joining a panel of students to meet with the Faculty Scrutiny Group
The ways in which the quality of your programme is checked, both inside and outside the University, are:
- Regular module and programme reports which are monitored by the School
- Programme validation, normally every five years.
- External examiners, who produce an annual report
- A national Research Excellence Framework (our research activity contributes directly to the quality of your learning experience)
- Institutional Review by the Quality Assurance Agency
The Academic Unit of Biological Sciences has an Education Executive that monitors and evaluates all aspects of learning and teaching at undergraduate level. It considers the results of student feedback and takes appropriate action to remedy any shortcomings. The Director of Programmes acts on the results of peer observation of teaching and reports from our External Examiners who are selected from comparator universities.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The University has a Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. It may be possible to recognise formal credit for learning you have acquired in the past through formal study and/or through work and other life experiences. Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Mature applicants:
Studying for a degree later in life can be extremely rewarding and mature students are often among our most successful.
If you are over 21 and feel you would benefit from degree-level studies, we can be more flexible about our entry requirements. For full-time courses, selectors will expect you to demonstrate your commitment by means of some recent serious study, for example, one or two A-level passes, successful completion of an Open University foundation course or an appropriate Access course. Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Another popular option is to follow a certificate or diploma programme. These are available on a part time basis and most can be taken in the evenings, enabling you to continue to earn an income while you are studying.
Career Opportunities
With a BSc Biomedical Sciences degree you could be expected to find work in the following areas:
- Laboratory scientist in forensic, pathology, veterinary, toxicology or haematology laboratory
- Research in academic, pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors
- Business, legal or management roles in health care and health and safety
- Clinical research organisations running clinical trials and surveys
- Graduate entry to medical, dental or veterinary school
- Graduate assistant role to physicians or other health professionals
- Laboratory science in NGOs and voluntary services overseas
- Science writer or journalist in biological and biomedical topics
- Teaching science nationally and internationally
External Examiners(s) for the programme
Name Prof Gavin Woodhall Institution. Aston University
Name Dr Ulrike Mayer Institution. University of East Anglia
Students must not contact External Examiner(s) directly, and external examiners have been advised to refer any such communications back to the University. Students should raise any general queries about the assessment and examination process for the programme with their Course Representative, for consideration through Staff: Student Liaison Committee in the first instance, and Student representatives on Staff: Student Liaison Committees will have the opportunity to consider external examiners’ reports as part of the University’s quality assurance process.
External examiners do not have a direct role in determining results for individual students, and students wishing to discuss their own performance in assessment should contact their personal tutor in the first instance.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide) or online at http://www.southampton.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/biology.shtml
Additional Costs
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study. In addition to this, students registered for this programme typically also have to pay for the items listed in the table below
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Details of such costs will be listed in the Module Profile. Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at http://www.calendar.soton.ac.uk/.
Main Item Sub-section PROGRAMME SPECIFIC COSTS Approved Calculators
Candidates may use calculators in the examination room only as specified by the University and as permitted by the rubric of individual examination papers.
Stationery You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationary items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Any specialist stationery items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile.
Textbooks Where a module specifies core texts these should generally be available on the reserve list in the library. However due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source.
Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module. Equipment and Materials
Laboratory Equipment and Materials:
All materials required for laboratory work are provided. Where necessary, suitable specialist safety equipment will be provided. IT Computer Discs or USB drives^ Students are expected to provide their own portable data storage device. Software Licenses All software is provided Hardware It is advisable that students provide their own laptop or personal computer, although shared facilities are available across the University campus. Clothing Lab Coats and safety spectacles
One laboratory coat and a pair of safety spectacles are provided at the start of the programme to each student. If these are lost the student must replace them at their own expense. The Students Union Shop stock these items. Printing and Photocopying Costs
Coursework such as essays; projects; dissertations may be submitted on line. In the majority of cases, though, students will be asked to provide a printed copy. The University printing costs are currently:
A4 - 4p per side (black and white) or 18p per side (colour) A3 - 8p per side (black and white) or 35p per side (colour)
Please Note: Paper sizes not recognised by the printing devices will prompt you to select the size and then charge a minimum of 50p per black and white copy and a maximum of £1 per colour copy. You can pay for your printing by using the money loaders or by using print copy payment service by going to www.printcopypayments.soton.ac.uk
