School of Life Sciences

HND Biomedical Science

HND Full-time 2 years

This HND level course introduces you the study of a variety of Biomedical Science disciplines including microbiology, cellular pathology, immunology, haematology and genetics. 

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This HND level course introduces you the study of a variety of Biomedical Science disciplines including microbiology, cellular pathology, immunology, haematology and genetics. 

Award
HND
Start date(s)
16 September 2024
UCAS Code
83H7
Course specifications
View course spec
Course length
Full-time (2 years)
Campus location
University: City Campus
School
School of Life Sciences
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“I am really enjoying the course so far and the content I have been learning. All the tutors have been very helpful with answering any questions I have had whether that be on a particular topic or related to an assignment. I like that during the live sessions we get to do activities like quizzes, looking at case studies and even having crosswords to complete, which makes learning the content and revising fun!” 
Danielle Godlington, Biomedical Science

Why choose this course?

This HND level course introduces you the study of a variety of Biomedical Science disciplines including microbiology, cellular pathology, immunology, haematology and genetics that will help you understand the essential role of the Biomedical Scientist and begin to build a link between diagnosis and treatment of disease.

The course takes place at an institution where your fellow students are undertaking various related programmes of study in a wide variety of medicine and Healthcare Science related subjects. As such you will mix and learn with students with a wide variety of interests and experience providing the opportunity for cross-subject interaction and learning.

Additionally the course provides the opportunity for a 6 week work placement in a hospital or research laboratory providing essential work experience and employability skills. The course is structured to allow you to develop and succeed, regardless of your academic background and experience.

You will experience progressive, coherent and challenging learning opportunities underpinned by research, scholarly activity and appropriate staff development that will allow you to demonstrate clearly defined subject specific and generic academic outcomes and to develop a range of key skills for subsequent employment and/or further study.

 

What happens on the course?

Your first year will provide you with a sound grounding in all basic science subjects and includes topics such as the form and function of the human body, disease biology, cell biology and genetics plus microbiology and immunology.

You will then progress to examine human physiology, molecular pathology, and the biology and investigation of disease also undertaking practical sessions.

Course Modules

Module: 4BC005
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

To provide an understanding of the subject of chemistry and biochemistry (the study of life at the molecular level) through the structure and function of some of the major biomolecules and metabolic pathways.

Module: 4BM017
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

The aim of this module is to ensure that the student has the underpinning knowledge of pathology, epidemiology, public health medicine, pharmacology and the psychosocial dimensions of health to provide the foundations for study in the Life Sciences division of healthcare science.

Module: 4BM026
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

Biomedical Science is a practical subject. Success in many later modules relies on your ability in the scientific and practical skills of biomedical science. You will develop and enhance your skills through a series of lectures, workshops, practical classes and self-directed activities. From this module you will develop the scientific, practical and academic skills to enable successful study in practically-based biomedical science subjects.

Module: 4BM027
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

The module studies cell biology, biochemistry and genetics through investigation of cell structure and organelles, enzyme action and metabolism and gene structure, function and expression.

Module: 4BM016
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

This module aims to examine the structure of the human body, via examining human anatomy, and to look at the way in which the systems of the body function via studying human physiology. It also aims to apply this knowledge to help explain how dysfunction of body systems can lead to disease.

Module: 4BM024
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

This module will introduce students to basic theoretical and practical concepts in medical and environmental microbiology.

Module: 5BM043
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

The module will cover the theoretical knowledge base of cellular pathology underpinning the histopathological and cytological laboratory diagnosis and clinical management of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases

Module: 5BM062
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

This module will consider the theoretical and practical aspects of sample analysis for disease diagnosis in the clinical biochemistry laboratory within pathology and as a discipline within biomedical science.

Module: 5BM044
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

This module will cover the theoretical basis of genetic and genomic principles and demonstrate molecular biology techniques in a lab setting.

Module: 5BM045
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

This module covers the physiology of haematological systems relevant to Biomedical Science, including haematopoiesis, the erythron, blood cell diversity and function, and haemostasis. It also covers the pathophysiology of disorders affecting these systems, including anaemias, haemorrhagic and thrombotic disease, malignancy of blood-forming tissues, and the role of transfusion science in the treatment of such disorders. The investigation of disease includes the theory and principles behind current laboratory tests, interpretation of data and practical laboratory skills. Classroom teaching (lectures, tutorials and workshops) will be balanced with laboratory-based practicals in which students carry out a variety of relevant manual and automated laboratory tests on blood samples.

Module: 5BM069
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

Develop an understanding of the major concepts of immunology and explore the practical application of immunological principles in disease diagnosis.

Module: 5BM047
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

This module will consider the theoretical and practical aspects of sample analysis for disease diagnosis in the medical microbiology laboratory within pathology and as a discipline within biomedical science.

Potential Career Paths

HND qualifications are widely recognised in the scientific establishment as vocational courses which prepare students for vocational employment. As such, the skills provided in the course will provide opportunities in the technical disciplines at technician level.

Biomedical science graduates are in demand across the country, because the nature and breadth of the programme we offer develops skills that are highly valued by employers.

The integral course skills in diagnosis, medical research, laboratory analysis, scientific reasoning, instrumentation, information technology and report writing which are particularly relevant to growing career sectors like education, cancer research, medical laboratories, pharmaceuticals and forensics.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Why biomedical sciences?

Biomedical science graduates are in demand across the country because the nature and breadth of the degree we offer develops skills that are highly valued by employers.
 
The integral course skills in diagnosis, medical research, laboratory analysis, scientific reasoning, instrumentation, information technology and report writing are particularly relevant to growing career sectors like education, cancer research, medical laboratories, pharmaceuticals and forensics.

At the end of this course you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate you understand disease presentation, diagnosis and treatment through studying underpinning scientific subjects and biomedical science specialist subjects, and understand how the human body functions normally and when diseased.

2. Demonstrate scientific, intellectual and practical skills to successfully plan and carry out laboratory investigations in biomedical science and evaluate biomedical data.

3. Exercise professionalism, personal responsibility and decision-making as needed for employment and in situations requiring the exercise of professionalism, personal responsibility and decision-making.

This course produces diplomates who have a broadly based education and training in the areas of science that underpin the disciplines associated with biomedical science.

It will make you aware of the contributions biomedical science makes to improve preventative medicine, diagnosis, and patient care and treatment whilst providing a sound educational foundation on which you can build, by further study, at any stage of your future career to degree level of study. It also provides an opportunity to gain experience of laboratory work.

Many students who initially begin study for HND Biomedical Science wish to continue with their studies to degree level. If you are currently studying HND Biomedical Science you will have the opportunity to transfer to BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science as follows:

either:

At the end of the first year of HND Biomedical Science, if you have achieved 120 credits, instead of proceeding to the second year of HND Biomedical Science, you may transfer to the second year of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree course. This will allow application for work-based placements associated with the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science course, and subsequent transfer if successful in gaining a placement.

or:

At the end of the second year of HND Biomedical Science, if you have achieved 120 credits in year 1 and 120 credits in year 2, you may transfer to the third year of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree course. It will not allow consideration for transfer to the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science route.

N.B. In either case, if you transfer to the BSc Biomedical Science degree course either at the end of year 1 or at the end of year 2, you need to be aware that you will NOT be awarded an HND in Biomedical Science. This is because you cannot use the same module grades to achieve two separate awards so by transferring to BSc you will be using your level 4 (and level 5) modules for a BSc award, NOT an HND.

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £8600 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £8600 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2024-25
International Full-time £13950 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £13950 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £15450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £15450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £15450 per year 2024-25

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

GCSE English Language at grade C/4 or above. Equivalents accepted for English GCSE requirements only 

If you do not hold a GCSE grade C/4+ in Mathematics you will be strongly advised to complete your Mathematics GCSE alongside your studies at the University.

PLUS EITHER 

  • 56 UCAS Points
  • CD from A Levels, to include a Science subject, preferably Biology.
  • BTEC QCF Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science grade PP or BTEC QCF Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science grade M.
  • Access to HE Diploma Full Award (60 credits), to include 45 credits at Level 3, of which 18 level 3 credits must be in Science.

Other Requirements

Students must have studied a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, it is expected that some applicants will be mature students with work experience, who wish to further their career development. These applicants will be processed through standard procedures, which may involve an interview as part of the process. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.

Those who do not meet the entry requirements may be offered an alternative course.

If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.

International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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