This is a short cycle qualification of two years that is linked to (or within) first cycle qualifications, intended to equip learners with the skills and knowledge relevant to employment. Also at its core is the notion that they should support widening participation by providing an unequivocal progression route to a bachelor’s degree. This programme is designed in collaboration with QUB and the content of a foundation degree can accurately reflect the early content of BSc in Biomedical Science and Human

Course highlights

Professional Accreditations

This foundation degree, has a compulsory work based learning element which will allow successful students to apply to become registered Science Technicians

World Class Facilities

Belfast Metropolitan College has excellent teaching facilities along with strong links with industry and Higher Education Institutions

Further Study Opportunities

Graduates of the Foundation Degree in Biomedical Sciences are eligible to progress to the BSc Biomedical Science and BSc Human Biology, normally entering at Stage 2

https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/mdbs/

.

Introduction

Biomedical Sciences comprises the health related sciences such as:

• Biochemistry
• Homeostasis
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Further modules provide a sound background to other fundamental areas of Sciences that will provide the foundations of general scientific knowledge moving forward.

Year 1 (Level 4) Modules

Students must complete six compulsory modules:

• Fundamentals of Science (Biomedical)
• Mathematics and study Skills for Biomedical Science
• Fundamentals of Chemistry
• Biochemistry and Metabolic Disorders
• Human Biology and Homeostatic Regulation
• Introduction to Work Based Learning

Year 2 (Level 5) Modules

Students must complete six compulsory modules:

• Anatomy, Physiology and Disease 1
• Microbiology
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Immunology and Medical Microbiology.
• Anatomy, Physiology and Disease 2
• Work Based Learning

• People Teaching You
  Dr Joe Quinn

  University Coordinator

  Centre for Biomedical Sciences
  

• Contact Teaching Hours

  Large Group Teaching

  14 (hours maximum)
  Lectures

• Learning and Teaching

  The Biomedical Sciences foundation Degree Programme aims to provide students with the qualities of critical independent thought and decision making in complex and unpredictable circumstances, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods of enquiry and theoretical principles of biomedical sciences, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context.

  Adviser of Studies

  Acts as a first point of contact for students with academic or personal issues that they may require guidance and/or support with.

  E-Learning Technologies

  Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
  A range of learning experiences are also embedded in the degree programme through the use of, for example, interactive support materials and web-based learning activities.

  Inducttion

  A formalised induction for all students.

  Lectures

  These introduce foundation information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. As the module progresses this information becomes more complex. Lectures, which are normally in delivered groups to all also provide opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on key issues as well as gain feedback and advice on assessments.

  Practical laboratory

  Practical classes contribute to a number of modules, and the hands-on experience is essential and hugely popular.

  Self-directed study

  This is an essential part of life as a student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out. Through this, students become independent learners.

• Assessment

  Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • The programme is assessed through both formative and summative assessment tools. These
    assessment tools will reflect the balance of theory and practice, and taught modules will have two
    assessment components: continuous assessment and written examination.

A-level

CC at A-level including Biology and Chemistry + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
BC at A-level to include Biology or Chemistry at grade B and a further science subject from the list below + GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.
OR
BC in A-level Double Award Life and Health Sciences + GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

A-level Science subjects accepted: Computer Science, ICT, Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geography, Geology, Home Economics, Mathematics, Nutrition and Food Science, Physical Education, Physics, Sports Science & the Active Leisure Industry and Technology & Design. A BTEC National Extended Certificate will also be accepted provided applicants complete the Application of Fitness optional module. Other subjects will be considered on an individual basis and you should contact the Admissions and Access Service for guidance (admissions@qub.ac.uk).

Note: It would be an advantage to have studied both Biology and Chemistry beyond GCSE level.

Irish Leaving Certificate

A minimum of five subjects will be required in the Irish Leaving Certificate, at least four of which should be at Higher Level.

H3H4H4H4H4/H3H3H4H4 including grade H3 and H4 in any order in Biology and Chemistry + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.
OR
H3H3H4H4H4/H3H3H3H4 including grade H3 in Biology and H4 in a second science subject (see list under A-level requirements) + O4 in Chemistry + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.
OR
H3H3H4H4H4/H3H3H3H4 including grade H3 in Chemistry and H4 in a second science subject (see list under A-level requirements) + O4 in Biology + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.

Access Course

Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 65%. Must be a relevant Access Course normally including two Biology modules (Level 3) and normally two Chemistry modules (Level 3) + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course. NB Applicants who have one Chemistry module (Level 3) will be considered on an individual basis provided they have another Science module (Level 3).

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) (180 credits at Level 3) in a relevant science discipline, with grades MMM.
This will include achieving a minimum of a Merit grade in four to six stipulated units. GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) at Level 3) in a relevant science discipline, with grades MMM.
This should include a minimum of a Merit in four of the following units:
- Scientific Investigation skills
- Physiology of Human Body Systems
- Human Regulation and Reproduction
- Biological Molecules and Metabolic pathways
- Biomedical Sciences
- Diseases and Infections
- Principles and Applications of Science II
- Microbiology & Microbiological Techniques
In addition, applicants must have GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF) (120 credits at Level 3) in a relevant science discipline, with grades DM.
This will include achieving a minimum of a Merit grade in four to six stipulated units. GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (RQF) (720 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) at Level 3) in a relevant science discipline, with grades DM.
This should include a minimum of a Merit in four of the units listed above under BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma requirements. GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

• How we choose our students

  Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.
  
  Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.
  
  A minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language and Mathematics) would be required, though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.
  
  Offers are normally made on the basis of two A-levels. The offer for repeat applicants is the same standard as for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.
  
  Applicants offering other qualifications will also be considered. The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those applicants offering other qualifications.
  
  The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of the Foundation Degree in Biomedical Science, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.
  
  A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered. However, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.
  
  Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview.
  
  If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.
  
  If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

• International Students

  Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

  Please Select Your Country/Region Please Select Your Country/Region

  International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

  For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

  If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.