Biomedical Science - 2012 entry
BSc (Hons)
- single
Typical A-level offer: BBC or equivalent
Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science
Overview
Work in the laboratory
Work in the laboratory
'During my placement at the Haemophilia Centre at the Churchill Hospital, I was involved in a collaborative research project for two big companies,' Abbie Edwards, former student
In year 3 there is the option to do a work placement in a local hospital or research laboratory, such as the JR hospital (pictured)
This course is run by the Department of Biological and Medical Sciences
Many of the earliest medical schools in the modern world, such as Padua in Italy, were founded on anatomy schools. At that time medicine needed basic information from biologists. Now, with the realisation of the importance of genetics and a more detailed understanding of cellular processes, medicine once again needs information from biologists to treat patients.
A Biomedical Science degree from Oxford Brookes, accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, will put you at the forefront of health-related research and development. Our staff are engaged in groundbreaking research into breast cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. With some of the UK's best hospitals on our doorstep, you will have excellent work placement and career opportunities.
As well as delivering this course with the support of local hospitals, members of the course team are in the vanguard of research into molecular drug delivery systems, molecular neuroscience, DNA structure and function as well as biofilms and clinically important immunohistochemistry tests. Our research in these areas underpins this course.
Why Brookes?
- Our Biomedical Science degree has been accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), the professional body for biomedical scientists. Accreditation means professional recognition, which could enhance your career prospects on graduation.
- You will get the opportunity to go on exciting work placements to enhance your career opportunities through our strong links with local hospitals and bioscience organisations.
- You gain the practical skills employers require by using our state-of-the-art equipment such as electron and confocal microscopes.
- Our academics are keen to involve you in their research groups. We explore subjects such as genetic damage induced by radiation and the mechanisms of nicotine addiction.
- You will get to know the other students and lecturers on your course well as we keep our practical classes small.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning methods include lectures, practicals, tutorials, seminars and surgeries. Biomedical Science is a practical subject and we have a very good range of equipment, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), confocal and electron microscopes, and specialised laboratories for tissue culture, microbiology, physiology and cell biology. You will also have the opportunity to attend seminars given by visiting speakers from around the world.
Most modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination. Coursework may consist of practical reports, essays, seminar presentations or numerical problems.
Learning outcomes
When you have successfully completed the course, you will have:
- an understanding of the main principles, theories and concepts underlying health and disease
- the skills required to practise the major techniques in biomedical science competently and safely
- the ability to formulate and implement effective research strategies to solve problems in biomedical science
- an awareness of the safety legislation concerning substances hazardous to health and genetically modified organisms
- a range of transferable skills in such areas as written and verbal communication, organising and evaluating information, using information technology, and working independently and in teams.
In detail
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Harriet Gish
There's always the option of doing extra modules; the great thing about Brookes is that the degrees here are flexible.
See full profile »Course content
The Biomedical Science degree is structured to prepare you for a career in a hospital or research laboratory environment, but can also be a valuable passport to graduate entry into medical school to study for a career in medicine. The course is taught at the university by our own staff, with some aspects taught by health professionals from the local hospitals.
A feature of your first year is a series of tutorials with your academic adviser (a member of the teaching staff who is responsible for overseeing your academic progress while you are at university). The tutorials are designed to help you adjust to academic life at university and establish good study habits.
This lays the foundation for the advanced modules in Year 2 and your final year where these themes are further developed. The emphasis is on the interdisciplinary nature of causes and treatment of disease, so that you become aware of the many ways in which our understanding is applied to medicine and other health-related disciplines.
Year 3 can be a professional placement in a laboratory concerned with research or clinical work.
As courses are reviewed regularly, the module list you choose from may vary from that shown below.
Year 1
- Biology of Cells (double)
- Chemistry of Cells (double)
- Human Structure and Function (double)
- Skills for Life Scientists (double)
Year 2 and final year
- Biochemistry of Cell Function (double)
- Biomedical Laboratory Placement
- Cellular Pathology
- Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology (double)
- Evidence Based Medicine and Diagnostics
- Haematology and Immunology
- Infection, Immunity and Immunology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology and Genetics (double)
- Molecular Biology of Cancer
- Molecular Medicine
- Project (double)
- Research Methods for Life Scientists
Work placements
Before the final year of your course, there will be an opportunity for you to undertake a professional placement in a clinical or research laboratory. Students are encouraged and assisted to take part.
Field trips
We have strong links with local employers and have organised several visits to bioscience companies for our students in the last year. As well as developing students' understanding of how the theory is applied in practice, these visits also give you opportunities to identify the types of careers you might be interested in. We strive to maintain these industry relationships in order that similar opportunities exist for all our students.
Study abroad
Information about exchanges, European work placements and other study abroad programmes is available here.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
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Department
Department of Biological and Medical Sciences
Course length
Full-time: 3 years (plus 1 year optional work placement)
Part-time: part-time study is possible
Teaching location
Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane
Start date
September 2012
UCAS code
B900 BSc/BV
Fees / funding
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Tuition fees
UK/EU students
Full-time: £9,000
Part-time: £750 per module. You can take up to five modules per academic year.
Tuition fees
International students
Full-time: £11,750
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Funding and scholarships
For general sources of financial support, see:
Apply / Entry reqs
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Typical offers
A-level: BBC or equivalent
IB Diploma: 30 points
Advanced Diploma: Level 3 at grade C, including A-level Science at grade C or equivalent
Students studying more than one science subject may receive a lower offer.
We seek to admit students who have the potential to make good scientists and accept that qualifications are not the only indicator of future potential. Other typical offers include:
- A-level grades BB plus 2 AS-levels at grade C (equivalent to 280 UCAS tariff points)
- 1 12-unit vocational A-level grade BB plus 1 A-level or 2 AS-levels at grade C
- other recognised qualifications eg BTEC Nationals or Scottish qualifications (equivalent to 280 UCAS points).
If your combination of qualifications doesn't match our typical offer, please contact our Admissions Tutor.
Specific entry requirements
A-level: You must have studied science post-16, either at A-level or equivalent (see our typical offers). Preferred A-level subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Human Biology and Physics.
GCSE: Mathematics, English Language and Double Integrated Science (or equivalent) at grade C minimum
Please also see the university's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Please see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Student experience
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Why Oxford is a great place to study Biomedical Science
Oxford is home to leading health care providers such as the Oxford Radcliffe NHS Hospitals Trust and Oxford Brookes has long-standing relationships with several of the hospitals within the Trust. As well as staff involvement in course development and delivery, the hospitals provide excellent work experience and career opportunities for our students.
Recognised as one of Europe's leading centres of enterprise, innovation and scientific knowledge, Oxfordshire is also a bioscience hotspot with the Oxford, Milton, Begbroke and Harwell Science Parks in the county.
Because Oxford is one of the world's great academic cities, it is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across education, science, the arts and many other subjects.
In addition to our own excellent libraries and resource centres, our students have access to the world-renowned Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Science Library.
Specialist facilities
Biomedical Science is a practical subject and we have a very good range of equipment, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), confocal and electron microscopes, and specialised laboratories for tissue culture, microbiology, physiology and cell biology.
Support for students studying Biomedical Science
Our Personal and Academic Support System (PASS) is gaining national and international recognition for its proactive approach to personal tutoring. It recognises that students need to make various adjustments as they move into higher education, whether from school or employment.
The system encompasses three elements:
- a structured group tutorial programme
- an academic adviser who will help you to plan your degree programme and future career
- interaction with other students on your course.
The first stage includes regular seminars covering a wide range of subjects including research skills, understanding assessment criteria and making the most of coursework feedback. Our programme also helps students adjust to university life by developing their transferable skills.
Secondly, our academic staff monitor your progress regularly to check that you are maximising your potential. If you experience academic difficulties we can arrange for you to receive academic mentoring support.
Thirdly, if you are faced with challenges that affect your ability to study, such as illness, bereavement, depression, financial difficulties or accommodation issues, we will work with you in finding a way forward. Please talk to your academic adviser or our student support team. Oxford Brookes also offers a range of excellent services to support you.
General support services
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Accommodation
At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.
After graduation
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Career prospects
A degree in Biomedical Science from Oxford Brookes University is the first step to a career as a biomedical scientist in the NHS. Many leading universities around the world now have graduate medical schools, and this degree is also an excellent preparation for entry.
Our students pursue a wide diversity of career options. Opportunities include biomedical research and professional paramedical fields such as clinical biochemistry, clinical microbiology or pathology, where you would be involved in cutting-edge health care delivery in a hospital.
As many as 50% of our graduates each year are appointed to research posts in universities, research institutes or biotechnology companies, while others pursue careers allied to medicine and health care.
