Biomedical Science - BSc (Hons) Degree

Foundation Year (Year 0):

This programme can incorporate a foundation year (year 0), for those students who aspire to enrol onto the first year of a science based honours degree programme within the Cardiff School of Health Sciences, who have not achieved the standard entry requirements, or who have not studied subjects that provide the necessary background within the scientific disciplines required to enter the first year of the chosen honours degree programme.

Students wishing to undertake the foundation year will apply for the degree programme they intend to progress to, using the relevant UCAS code listed on this course page and​ apply for entry point 0 on the UCAS website. As such, students following the foundation route will take an extra year to complete their honours degree.
Further information about the foundation year can be found by clicking here.

Degree:

Year One:
Students will gain an understanding of human physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, microbiology and immunology. Laboratory and teaching sessions will provide students with the scientific knowledge and technical skills that will prepare them for Years 2 and 3. In addition, students will be able to develop relevant analytical, communication and transferable skills.

Modules (All Core):

• Biochemistry (20 credits) 

• Cell Biology & Genetics (20 credits) 
  

• Anatomy & Physiology (20 credits) 

• Infection & Immunity 1 (20 credits) 
  

• Laboratory Skills & Data Analysis (20 credits) 

• Personal & Inteprofessional Development 1 (20 credits) 

Year Two:
You will gain more understanding of molecular biology and acquire expertise in a range of specialist investigative techniques; epidemiology & data analysis; and research methods. Coverage of areas such as medical biochemistry, cellular pathology, haematology, transfusion science, medical microbiology, immunology, pharmacology and toxicology will explore the nature, importance and treatment of disease processes. In addition, a professional development module will encourage students to consider their own career aspirations, and help them to develop key transferable skills that will assist in their preparation for future employment.

Modules (All Core):

• Analytical, Research & Diagnostic Methods (20 credits) 

• Blood & Cellular Sciences (20 credits) 
  

• Infection & Immunity 2 (20 credits) 

• Molecular Biology & Genetics (20 credits) 

• Personal & Interprofessional Development 2 (20 credits) 

• Physiology, Pharmacology & Toxicology (20 credits)
  

Year Three:
The final year focuses on the integration of previously acquired knowledge to provide students with an appreciation of the multidisciplinary approach to research, diagnosis and management of disorder and disease. Subjects covered will include the laboratory investigation of disease, bioinformatic analysis, translational research and a selection of topics of current relevance to biomedical science. The final year research project will further encourage independent learning, the continued development of technical research skills, scientific writing and critical analysis.

Modules (All Core):

• Biomolecular Analysis (20 credits) 
  

• Contemporary Topics in Biomedical Sciences (20 credits) 

• Project (40 credits) 

• The Biology & Laboratory Investigation of Disease (20 credits) 

• Translational Research (20 credits)

A range of teaching and learning methods are employed throughout the programme. These include lectures, tutorials, workshops, group tasks and a significant number of laboratory-based practical sessions. The Moodle Virtual Learning Environment is also used to provide students with key information relating to programme modules, careers advice information and administrative information relating to their programme of study. All students are assigned a personal tutor when they first enrol, who will remain their tutor and provide pastoral support throughout their studies. The personal tutorial system encourages students to continue to develop their interpersonal and reflective skills throughout their studies. In addition, we are proud of our ‘Open Door Policy’ which actively encourages students to contact staff for advice and guidance whenever they require it. ​

Students are assessed using a mixture of methods: some modules employ written assignments such as essays and literature reviews, others involve examinations, practical reports, presentations (group and individual)​, case studies and (in the final year) an important component is the completion of a scientific research project & poster.

Biomedical Science is a continually changing, dynamic scientific discipline concerned with understanding how diseases develop and how they may affect the normal functioning of the body. The aim of this discipline is the investigation of the disease process and, ultimately, the development of methods for monitoring, diagnosing, treating and preventing disease.

Graduates may use their expert scientific knowledge and analytical skills to investigate diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. They are able to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and support the research and development of new diagnostic tests or pharmaceutical products.

Graduates will be equipped to find employment in a variety of contexts, including pathology laboratories, research laboratories, the food industry, forensic science, pharmaceuticals, health and safety, commerce and teaching. In addition, many of our graduates have gone on to study for higher degrees, including graduate entry medicine and dentistry degrees, and further professional qualifications. ​The accreditation of this degree by the IBMS means that our graduates meet the academic requirements to become registered as a Biomedical Scientist. This means that they can apply for a job as a trainee Biomedical Scientist and then, after additional work-based training and the achievement of the IBMS Certificate of Competence, become a registered Biomedical Scientist (see ibms.org for more information).  

Foundation route:

Applicants should normally have five GCSEs including English Language (or Welsh First Language), Mathematics* and Science at grade C or above / grade 4 or above (for applicants holding newly reformed GCSEs in England) plus one of the following:

• 56 points from at least 2 A level qualifications or their equivalent at an appropriate standard for entry into Higher Education at Year 1, but in subject areas which fail to meet the entry requirements for their intended undergraduate degree programme.
• 56 points from at least 2 A level qualifications or their equivalent in subject areas relevant for their intended undergraduate degree programme, but at a standard which fails to meet the entry requirements to Higher Education at Year 1.
• Prospective students who do not meet the above criteria may be considered on an individual basis and may be called for interview.

For specific information on entry requirements or if your qualification isn't listed, please either contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search. Further information on our entry requirements, including qualifications from the EU can be found by clicking here.

Degree:

Applicants who wish to undertake this course without the foundation should have five GCSEs including English Language (or Welsh First Language), Mathematics* and Science at grade C or above / grade 4 or above (for applicants holding newly reformed GCSEs in England) plus 112 points from at least 2 A levels (or equivalent).  Typical offers may include​:

• 112 points from at least 2 A levels to include grades CC in Biology and an equivalent Science; Welsh Baccalaureate – Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate considered as a third subject (equivalent sciences include Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, IT, Maths, Food Technology, Environmental Science or Geography)
  
• RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma/Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma DMM within ​Applied Science
• 112 points from at least 2 Scottish Advanced Highers to include grades DD in Biology and an equivalent Science (including Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, IT, Maths, Food Technology, Environmental Science or Geography). Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers
• 112 points from the Irish Leaving Certificate at Highers to include grade H2 in both Biology and an equivalent Science (including Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, IT, Maths, Food Technology, Environmental Science or Geography). Higher level subjects considered only with a minimum grade H4
• 112 points from the Access to Higher Education Diploma within a Science subject covering sufficient Biology
• Cardiff Metropolitan University Foundation leading to BSc Health Sciences programme

*For Welsh applicants sitting the reformed Mathematics GCSE, we will accept either GCSE Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, the ‘Foundation leading to BSc Health Sciences’ is available one year full-time and will provide you with a relevant qualification that will allow you to progress to this degree upon successful completion. For further information about the Foundation course, please click here

​If you are studying combinations of the above or if your qualification isn't listed, please either contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search for the entry requirements. Further information on our entry requirements, including qualifications from the EU can be found by clicking here.

We also welcome applications from students with qualifications equivalent to the above or from those who do not hold formal qualifications but have experience in a relevant area.​ For applicants who are only undertaking 2 A levels or equivalent, this will be considered along with the rest of the academic profile and we may issue a graded offer in lieu of an offer using the UCAS Tariff.

International Applicants
Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.0 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website.

Selection Procedure:
Selection is normally based on the receipt of a UCAS application form

How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made online to UCAS at www.ucas.com​. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer into year 2 & 3

If you are interested in transferring credit from another institution to study at Cardiff met for a course which accepts entry for year 2 and/or 3, you can find further information on this and information on how to apply on the RPL page. Please contact Admissions for any queries that you have on RPL.

Mature students

A mature applicant is anyone over the age of 21 who didn't go to university after school or college. Cardiff Met welcomes applications from mature applicants and further advice and information can be found here.

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the programme leader, Dr Sally Hicks:
Email: shicks@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Tel: 029 2041 6848