Our Biomedical Science degree enables you to explore the sciences related to medicine and in particular, the specialist disciplines of diagnostic Biomedical Science as practised in Health Service Laboratories. Our degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and is aimed at students wishing to pursue a career in diagnostic laboratory science as biomedical scientists within the NHS, research or management careers in the pharmaceutical industries or academic research.

Biomedical Science at Queen's is accredited by the Institute for Biomedical Sciences which reflects the programmes quality and adherence to industry standards.

Course highlights

Global Opportunities

The School has established links with the University of Nevada in Reno, USA. Opportunities are available to work in the research laboratories for a year between second and final year

Professional Accreditations

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS). This indicates that a degree meets high standards of teaching, facilities, and course content. Accreditation ensures that our graduates meet the standards required to register as a biomedical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Career Development

All students in all levels are supported by a dedicated Careers Consultant within the Centre. Students can book 1 to 1 careers coaching sessions, CV checks and interview preparation appointments as well as being offered a series of bespoke events and workshops to attend regarding applying for and succeeding in the graduate landscape and the opportunity to network with a variety of recruiting employers whilst understanding better the employability landscape they have access to.
Students are not required to undertake a placement year in this program. However, those who choose to pursue a placement independently between stages 2 and 3 will be supported in this process. An optional Level 2 pre-placement module equips students with essential skills, networks, and practical experience to seek a placement. QUB will also provide ongoing support during the placement period. Successful completion of the pre-placement module and a placement year will be recognized on their degree parchment as "BSc Biomedical Science with Placement/International Placement."

World Class Facilities

The School has excellent research facilities as well as strong links with clinical departments. The final year research project affords students the opportunity to work with eminent researchers within the School's research laboratories. This experience provides students with valuable exposure to a diverse array of research topics, thereby enhancing their employability prospects.

Internationally Renowned Experts

Our teaching staff combine enthusiastic teaching with world-class research in the biomedical sciences. Professional biomedical scientists from NHS laboratories also make a major contribution to the degree.

Student Experience

Students are free to transition between the BSc Human Biology and BSc Biomedical Science programs until the commencement of the second academic year. This flexibility allows students to align with the pathway that best reflects their individual interests and aspirations.

Further Study Opportunities

Students can apply for a wide range of Master’s programmes (taught or research) as well as a comprehensive list of research (PhD) topics, as shown on the Queen’s School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences website.

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

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Introduction

Biomedical Science comprises the biological and chemical processes related to human health and disease, with a particular focus on the diagnostic specialties practiced in Health Service Laboratories. These include:

• Clinical Bacteriology and Immunology
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Haematology and Transfusion Science
• Histopathology and Cytology
• Clinical Genetics

This course also provides a sound background to other fundamental areas of biomedical science (including anatomy and physiology) along with cutting-edge topics relevant to life science careers.

Stage 1 Modules

In stage 1, students complete 3 modules per semester, focusing on fundamental anatomy and physiology, the role of microbes in food, health and the environment, and molecular biology with an emphasis on genetics. In addition, students take a professional skills module to develop their academic and employability skills.

Stage 2 Modules

In stage 2, students learn aspects of cell biology, genetics, immunology, pathology, microbiology, and haematology. Students complete a two-semester module on practical aspects of laboratory work including research skills and statistics. In addition, the stage 2 professional skills module will further develop employability skills. We also offer an optional placement preparation module which is particularly useful for students who wish to seek a placement year between stages 2 and 3.

Stage 3 Modules

In stage 3, students complete modules on molecular markers of disease, the biology of infection, and clinical biochemistry. Students also complete an independent piece of research, at the end of which they will produce a dissertation in journal article format.

• People Teaching You
  Dr Laura Collins

  Course Director Biomedical Sciences

  Centre for Biomedical Sciences
  

• Contact Teaching Hours

  Large Group Teaching

  14 (hours maximum)
  Lectures/Practicals/Tutorials

  Personal Study

  24 (hours maximum)
  

• Learning and Teaching

  The Biomedical Science course at Queen's is designed to equip our students with the knowledge and skills base required for life-long learning in one of the most rapidly expanding areas of modern science. To do this we provide a range of learning experiences:

  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) called Canvas. Lecture materials, videos, quizzes, and more may be embedded in this platform.

  Induction

  A formalised induction for all undergraduate students. Induction activities allow students to familiarise themselves with the campus, the degree programme, and their fellow classmates.

  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 delivered in large groups to all year-group peers, also provide opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on key issues as well as gain feedback and advice on assessments. Additional guest lectures are also delivered by researchers or experts in their fields.

  Peer Mentoring Scheme

  Whereby students in second and third year of their degree programme volunteer to mentor Stage 1 students. This informal interaction helps with transition from School to University.

  Practical laboratory

  Biomedical Science has practical classes contributing to most modules, and the hands-on experience is hugely popular with our students. In the first year this includes extensive work in physiology, anatomy, molecular biology and microbiology. Further advanced and clinical experience is offered in second and third year and includes visits to NHS laboratories.

  Self-directed study

  This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s 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.

  Seminars/tutorials

  In these sessions, the class is split into small groups (typically 4-5 students). These sessions are designed to explore, in more depth, the information that has been presented in the lectures. This provides students with the opportunity to engage closely with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of their peers.

  Summer Studentships

  Competitively available to students (usually 4-8) about to move into second or third year, these studentships provide additional hands on laboratory experience in one of our research laboratories over the summer breaks, and are useful for general laboratory experience as well as for skills to be employed in 3rd year projects.

  Third year Supervised Projects

  Based on choices made from the list of projects available each year, students are assigned their third year project, usually carried out as a valued member of a research group in one of our research centres within the faculty, over the course of two semesters. This will often involve designing and conducting experiments, and presenting and analysing data. In addition to the submitted write-up, our students regularly get the opportunity to present their results at scientific meetings or are included as part of a paper publication.

• Assessment

  Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • Assessment will vary according to the learning outcomes of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Students are assigned an Advisor of Studies who can advise on personal and academic matters.

A level requirements

AB (in any order in Biology/Human Biology and Chemistry) B + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
A (Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry) AB including a second science subject + GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level. Please note that a BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will not be accepted in lieu of A-level Biology or A-level Chemistry. A BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be considered on an individual basis in lieu of the second science subject.

Irish leaving certificate requirements

H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H2 and H3 in any order in Biology and Chemistry + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.

For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Junior Certificate is taken into account when shortlisting for an offer. Applicants should include this information in their UCAS application.

Access Course

Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 80% with no less than 70% in any module normally including two Biology modules (Level 3) and two Chemistry modules (Level 3). GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

33 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level to include Higher Level grades 6,5 (in any order) in Biology and Chemistry + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
34 points overall including 6,6,5 at Higher Level to include Higher Level grade 6 in Biology or Chemistry and Higher Level grade 5 in a second Science subject + GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

If not offered at Higher Level/GCSE then Standard Level grade 4 in Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics would be accepted.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma - not accepted

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Biomedical Science route only)

1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), with overall grade D*DD + GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

Applicants must have Distinction grades in four specified units:

Science Investigation Skills
Physiology of Human Body Systems
Biological Molecules & Metabolic Pathways
Biomedical Science

Graduate

A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirements are also met.

All applicants

Acceptable second Science subjects:
Computer Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geography, Geology, Home Economics, ICT, Mathematics, Nutrition and Food Science, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Sports Science & the Active Leisure Industry and Technology & Design. A BTEC National Extended Certificate in Sport 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

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

• How we choose our students

  In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.
  
  Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the 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. These decisions can only be made on the basis of the information given and applicants must show due care and diligence when completing their applications. In particular, full details must be included about qualifications completed or still to be completed.
  
  For entry last year, applicants offering A-level/BTEC Level 3 qualifications must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language and Mathematics), 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.
  
  For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Junior Certificate is taken into account. For last year’s entry applicants for this degree must have had, a minimum of 5 IJC grades C/Merit, 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 Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied.
  
  Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The offer for repeat candidates is normally one grade higher than for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.
  
  Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.
  
  A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.
  
  Applicants offering other qualifications, such as relevant BTEC Higher National Certificates (HNC) and BTEC Higher National Diplomas (HND), will also be considered. A relevant HNC/HND is defined as a course with substantial relevant Biology and/or Chemistry content (eg HNC/HND Science (Applied Biology), HNC/HND Applied Biology, HNC/HND Applied Biological Sciences, etc).
  
  Those offering a relevant HNC/HND are considered individually on their own merits for entry to Stage 1. For applicants offering a HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 2 Distinctions and remainder Merits. For those offering a HND, at least half of the units completed in the first year of the HND must be at Merit level. Where offers are made students would be expected to achieve Merits in all units assessed in final year. For those offering a HNC/HND, some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile but all normal GCSE subject requirements must be satisfied.
  
  The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of this degree, 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.
  
  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.

  • Foundation
    The progression course suited to this programme is
    https://qubisc.com/en/courses/international-foundation-for-science-and-engineering.