Biomedical Science Society Thread

Original post by Sly1

can someone recommend me some good biomedical science books and what sections to read for first year? ty

I'm not sure if you'll start studying clinical modules in first year but here are a few of my personal favs:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Practical-Skills-Biomolecular-Sciences-Prof/dp/0132391155/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372377151&sr=1-2&keywords=practical+skills+for+biomolecular+sciences - this covers a lot of lab techniques which you will likely encounter in your degree

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Biomedical-Science-Practice-experimental-professional/dp/0199533296/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372377216&sr=1-1&keywords=biomedical+science+professional+skills - covers a lot of IBMS/HCPC stuff and typical rules and regs biomeds encounter

http://hlsweb.dmu.ac.uk/ahs/elearning/RITA/ - I really recommend you have a look at this and play about with it... any biomed degree will cover EVERYTHING there. Really valuable resource.

http://global.oup.com/uk/orc/biosciences/biomed/fbs/ - lots of great online resources there and the book series is centred around the main biomed pathology areas; good if you want a specialised look at each area but I wouldn't recommend buying now

Reply 646

ash92:)

22

Original post by Sly1

can someone recommend me some good biomedical science books and what sections to read for first year? ty

Depends on the modules you'll cover tbh...

Reply 647

Original post by abbiemac

Hey guys
Just wondering what it's like studying biomedical science? And also what degree you think is best to go into biology research lab work, what careers you're aiming for, and what universities you think are best.
Grateful for any contributions
Thank you!

Biomed degrees will vary from uni to uni.

If you study an IBMS/HPCP accredited degree then you can expect a huge practical approach towards theoretical concepts in laboratory diagnosis and you'll likely study the core biomed areas (haematology, clinical chem, immunology, cytology, histopath etc). It's all centred around diagnosis and laboratory tests. First years typically have general bioscience modules (physiology, genetics, biochem, cell s+f etc) and then the clinical focus becomes more apparent in later years. Most of these degrees will have a placement in a hospital lab. It's really interesting if you want to understand the science behind disease process and diagnosis and you should be enthusiastic about lab work. Non-IBMS degrees are probably similar but I can't say.

I'm not really sure what degrees are best for research but I think any biological science degree will get you into research. Biomed is probably quite a good candidate as it is broad-based.

You'll need to decide which uni is best for you. The better biomed courses aren't necessarily at the "better" unis.

Reply 648

On another note, my Hep B vaccination worked. One step closer to placement. :biggrin:

Reply 649

OBaig

I see some of you guys have some knowledge into the healthcare science careers. I did the Biomedical Science degree a year back but did not take the sandwich year placement. Completed my degree in 3yrs. Exactly how do you go about getting a job in biomedical science as there arent many trainee bms positions advertised. Most of the rejection feedback I have had is because I have no experience outside the univeristy labs.

What are the options? Do you just do speculative applications, or just turn up at a pathology lab reception and see if you could get voluntary/paid work. Climb the ladder via MLA job ? Or do you contact the university and see if they can help you out in this matter so you can get a portfolio.

I know there is the nhs STP programme but the guys who got interviews had good few years experience of working in specific labs already.

It seems like a dead end at this moment. In hindsight it might not. But how do you actually go about getting a job in a lab when you have very little experience. Overqualified and Unemployed.

Reply 650

Original post by OBaig

I see some of you guys have some knowledge into the healthcare science careers. I did the Biomedical Science degree a year back but did not take the sandwich year placement. Completed my degree in 3yrs. Exactly how do you go about getting a job in biomedical science as there arent many trainee bms positions advertised. Most of the rejection feedback I have had is because I have no experience outside the univeristy labs.

What are the options? Do you just do speculative applications, or just turn up at a pathology lab reception and see if you could get voluntary/paid work. Climb the ladder via MLA job ? Or do you contact the university and see if they can help you out in this matter so you can get a portfolio.

I know there is the nhs STP programme but the guys who got interviews had good few years experience of working in specific labs already.

It seems like a dead end at this moment. In hindsight it might not. But how do you actually go about getting a job in a lab when you have very little experience. Overqualified and Unemployed.

Did you do an IBMS/HCPC degree?

Contact the uni. They will give you the best advice and might let you do your BMS training in a lab (but you may need to pay for it). Also contact the IBMS as they might have useful information as to career progression and top-up modules.

Otherwise, try and look for placements in hospital labs by contacting them... it's a long shot but it's worth a try. Try and keep your options open too for things like vets, schools/colleges/unis, local biotech labs, pharmacy techs (lots of trainee dispenser positions available) and the like. Even try asking for internships at labs if they aren't looking for staff, I know companies like GSK, Pfizer etc. all have internship schemes. This could contribute to your experience and help you get trainee positions.

The STP thing is a great opportunity but it's really down to luck since there's so many applicants.

I feel your pain though... it's catch 22, you need experience to get the job, but nobody will give you a job because you don't have experience! I hope you manage to get something. :hugs:

Reply 651

BLineDisaster

12

Two weeks into my job in clinical chemistry! Absolutely loving it! The last 4 years was definitely worth it!!
First night shift next week, can't wait :smile:

still waiting on my degree certificate, and certificate of competence so I can join the HCPC register and finally refer to myself as a Biomedical Scientist :smile:

Reply 652

Type 052D

11

Original post by BLineDisaster

Two weeks into my job in clinical chemistry! Absolutely loving it! The last 4 years was definitely worth it!!
First night shift next week, can't wait :smile:

still waiting on my degree certificate, and certificate of competence so I can join the HCPC register and finally refer to myself as a Biomedical Scientist :smile:

Can you tell me more about your experience as an clinical Chemist. What's the scientific Regor Like? What type of Equipment do have? Do you get to see the molecular insight of how biological and biochemical process work?

Reply 653

Sobzi

Congrats!

How did you go about that? 1 year on from graduating and I can't even get an MLA post despite sending out literally hundreds of cv's. :erm:

I also received my student loans statement this morning and it's not a pretty one! The interest alone has gone from £9 ish in 2010 to £21.00 in 2013! :dontknow:

Im just about earning 15k in a job ive been in since 15, so it's nothing to do with getting a degree! :sigh:

Reply 654

OBaig

Original post by badumdumtscht

Did you do an IBMS/HCPC degree?

Contact the uni. They will give you the best advice and might let you do your BMS training in a lab (but you may need to pay for it). Also contact the IBMS as they might have useful information as to career progression and top-up modules.

Otherwise, try and look for placements in hospital labs by contacting them... it's a long shot but it's worth a try. Try and keep your options open too for things like vets, schools/colleges/unis, local biotech labs, pharmacy techs (lots of trainee dispenser positions available) and the like. Even try asking for internships at labs if they aren't looking for staff, I know companies like GSK, Pfizer etc. all have internship schemes. This could contribute to your experience and help you get trainee positions.

The STP thing is a great opportunity but it's really down to luck since there's so many applicants.

I feel your pain though... it's catch 22, you need experience to get the job, but nobody will give you a job because you don't have experience! I hope you manage to get something. :hugs:

Yeah I did an accredited degree. Just didnt do the sandwich year work experience. I thought I would be able to land a trainee job. But surprise! surprise! there are no trainee jobs, hah!

I will contact the uni. Dont know whether to go through career services or the department supervisor. Will see what they say. Paying is only worth it if it isnt obcene amount, since university fees have increased.

I am keeping my options open but I didnt think a biomed degree would get you a job in vet or pharmacy. I will look into that as well.

The STP was a big disappointment to be honest. When i figured out the type of candidates who got interviews I was irritated that it is called a graduate scheme. People who got interviews have good experience in their respective fields. Some already work as biomedical scientists. Even the people who were on the waiting list had a really really high standard of education and lab experience.

Like I said before it does seem a very dead end situation at the moment. Might work out differently in the future, who knows. But I am keeping my options open and trying alternatives and contingencies. So I will begin with contacting the uni and see how it goes from there.

Reply 655

francois

Original post by OBaig

Yeah I did an accredited degree. Just didnt do the sandwich year work experience. I thought I would be able to land a trainee job. But surprise! surprise! there are no trainee jobs, hah!

I will contact the uni. Dont know whether to go through career services or the department supervisor. Will see what they say. Paying is only worth it if it isnt obcene amount, since university fees have increased.

I am keeping my options open but I didnt think a biomed degree would get you a job in vet or pharmacy. I will look into that as well.

The STP was a big disappointment to be honest. When i figured out the type of candidates who got interviews I was irritated that it is called a graduate scheme. People who got interviews have good experience in their respective fields. Some already work as biomedical scientists. Even the people who were on the waiting list had a really really high standard of education and lab experience.

Like I said before it does seem a very dead end situation at the moment. Might work out differently in the future, who knows. But I am keeping my options open and trying alternatives and contingencies. So I will begin with contacting the uni and see how it goes from there.

You were naive like me...I thought after my 3 years studying I would be a shoo-in but no I wasn't.

Try to be positive, look at all types of lab work do not just limit yourself to looking at NHS jobs, try TDL (if you are based in London), Affinity recruit or temp agencies.

Just to let you know when you get into the lab you will find many people in the same position as you.

Where I work, there are people who are Band 7/8 without IBMS portfolios!!! So just keep trying.

Reply 656

OBaig