School of Life Sciences

FD (Science) Healthcare Science (Biomedical Science)

FD (Science) Part-time 3 years

The Foundation Degree in Healthcare Science (Biomedical Science) is intended to provide Assistant Practitioners with the necessary academic skills that underpin their career in pathology and laboratory medicine.

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The Foundation Degree in Healthcare Science (Biomedical Science) is intended to provide Assistant Practitioners with the necessary academic skills that underpin their career in pathology and laboratory medicine.

Award
FD (Science)
Start date(s)
September 2024
UCAS Code
Course specifications
View course spec
Course length
Part-time (3 years)
Campus location
Wolverhampton City Campus
School
School of Life Sciences
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Why choose this course?

This is an exciting course that allows you to combine theoretical learning with essential work-based study. Studying at the University on a part-time basis, it allows you to develop in your chosen profession, and gain skills highly relevant to the workplace. The Department of Biomedical Science and Physiology at the University of Wolverhampton has an established reputation for excellence in the field of healthcare science, as well as extensive contacts with hospitals, biomedical research laboratories, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, both at home and overseas.

The Foundation Degree in Healthcare Science (Biomedical Science) is intended to provide Assistant Practitioners with the necessary academic skills that underpin their career in pathology and laboratory medicine.

Students that undertake the FD Healthcare Science (Biomedical Science) will have the opportunity to develop their competencies in the theoretical and practical knowledge required to carry out laboratory investigations in NHS laboratories.

 

Successful completion of the course will enable graduates to explore further education and career opportunities, allowing transfer onto a related degree programme

 

·  Find out more about how you'll study Biomedical Science and Physiology

 

What happens on the course?

This course will be delivered using a mixture of work-based learning and university taught modules covering a wide range of subjects in  the Healthcare  Life Sciences disciplines such as; human structure and function, the molecular basis of life, infection and immunity and the biology and investigation of disease.

You will develop effective practical techniques relevant to the pathology and laboratory medicine both at university and in the workplace.

You will also have the opportunity to develop effective study skills essential for study in higher education and to consider relevant aspects of professional practice.

 

Course Modules

Module: 4BC005
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

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: 4BM037
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

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 on-line lectures, distance learning workshops, practical tasks 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

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: 4BM035
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

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

Module: 4BM036
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core

This module will provide you with 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: 4BM016
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core

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: 5BM070
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core

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: 5BM074
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core

This module will consider the theoretical and practical aspects of sample analysis for disease diagnosis in the microbiology pathology laboratory.

Module: 5BM076
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Core

This module will consider the theoretical and practical aspects of sample analysis for disease diagnosis in the clinical biochemistry laboratory within pathology. A practical portfolio will be developed in the workplace

Module: 5BM073
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Core

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 which students will undertake in their workplace.

Module: 5BM077
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Core

The overall aim of this module is that you develop your knowledge in a range of support skills that underpin the biomedical science workforce. During this module you will develop and reflect upon your professional role within your workplace, demonstrate that you are aware of health and safety procedures and evidence that you understand the importance of maintaining the quality of your own work. You will also provide a selection of evidence demonstrating that you are aware of the importance of handling specimens correctly, monitoring and review procedures and your competence in performing standard tests within your workplace.

Module: 5BM071
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Optional

This module will cover the theoretical basis of genetic and genomic principles. Students will develop skills in data analysis and address safety in the workplace.

Module: 5BM075
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Optional

Develop an understanding of the major concepts of immunology and explore the pracitical application of immunological principles in disease diagnosis in the work-place

Potential Career Paths

Successful completion of this course will enable you to work as Associate Practitioner in a NHS laboratory. You will also be able to progress to further study required for careers as a practitioner in Healthcare Science. 

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

  •  Learn whilst you work
  •  Flexible blended learning delivery
  • Enthusiastic team of tutors
  • Continuing professional development
  • Biomedical science theory and practical skills

You will be able to demonstrate that you understand disease presentation, diagnosis and treatment through studying underpinning scientific subjects and biomedical science specialist subjects, and you will understand how the human body functions normally and when diseased.

You will develop scientific, intellectual and practical skills to provide you with the ability to plan and carry out laboratory investigations in NHS laboratories. 

Preparation for further undergraduate study will enable career progression to Practitioner Level in pathology and laboratory medicine.

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Part-time £4160 per year# 2022-23
Home Part-time £4160 per year# 2022-23

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

# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

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

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