Biomedical &amp; Health Science - Course Ambassador Q&amp;A

OP

Original post by moneymania999

Hi Mo
I have applied for Healthcare Science Cardiac Physiology and have my interview in a weeks time. Just wondering what advice you would give me as its a group interview.
Many thanks

Hi moneymania999,
Thank you for your question.
Having not had a group interview my experience will be very limited regarding your question. It is with regret that I could not address your query, but I wish good luck.

Reply 3

ibraheemidrissi

Hello mo,
Is it possible to transfer from biomed to healthcare science?..
And also what do you plan on doing after your biomed degree ? And job and salary prospects..
Thankyou :smile:

Reply 4

OP

Original post by ibraheemidrissi

Hello mo,
Is it possible to transfer from biomed to healthcare science?..
And also what do you plan on doing after your biomed degree ? And job and salary prospects..
Thankyou :smile:

Hi ibraheemidrissi,
Thank for asking me..
I had to speak to the program leader to obtain the right answer for your question and, that's why I took considerably long-time to get back to you.
The answer to your question is YES student can be transferred from biomedical to healthcare science course but, as some of these courses contain 50 weeks of placement, students have to start from year 1.
As a biomedical sciences graduate from MDX, you will be equipped with the skills that are at the forefront of advances in medical research, as well as a range of transferable skills valued by many employers. The average salary varies between £26k - £34k according to the NHS, but these figures are subject to individual circumstances.
Many Thanks,

Mohamed Farah
Middlesex Course Ambassador
Biomedical & Health Science

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 5

ibraheemidrissi

Original post by Mo at MDX

Hi ibraheemidrissi,
Thank for asking me..
I had to speak to the program leader to obtain the right answer for your question and, that's why I took considerably long-time to get back to you.
The answer to your question is YES student can be transferred from biomedical to healthcare science course but, as some of these courses contain 50 weeks of placement, students have to start from year 1.
As a biomedical sciences graduate from MDX, you will be equipped with the skills that are at the forefront of advances in medical research, as well as a range of transferable skills valued by many employers. The average salary varies between £26k - £34k according to the NHS, but these figures are subject to individual circumstances.
Many Thanks,

Mohamed Farah
Middlesex Course Ambassador
Biomedical & Health Science

Thanks for that,
How muhc will the salary increase if a student were to do a masters.
And what do you plan on doing aftrt thd course.
Whats the salary of a healthcare scientist too thankyou and if u do a masters in this how much will the salary increase by ..

Reply 6

OP

Original post by ibraheemidrissi

Thanks for that,
How muhc will the salary increase if a student were to do a masters.
And what do you plan on doing aftrt thd course.
Whats the salary of a healthcare scientist too thankyou and if u do a masters in this how much will the salary increase by ..

Hi ibraheemidrissi,
Thank you for the question. It is very difficult to anticipate how much a masters holder earns, however as I mentioned earlier the average salary in London is 26k-34k and this include master holders. This link may be useful:
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/biomedicalscientist.aspx
Band 5 means bachelor holder and, 6 is masters.
For me, I am planning to involve in research upon graduation (Bioinformatics) but it bit too early though!

Regards,

Mohamed Farah
Middelsex Course Ambassador
Biomedical & Health Science

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 7

Nununu

16

How has second year been so far?

Have you studied bioinformatics yet. What do u like about it?

Reply 8

OP

Original post by Nununu

How has second year been so far?

Have you studied bioinformatics yet. What do u like about it?

Hi Nununu,
Thank you for asking me.
So far so good! Although second year is more intensive than 1st year, but I am on-track. Regarding bioinformatics we've been introduced to it in the first year and, I found it interesting from day one. The reason why is because the freely accessible database that contains publicly available DNA sequences, such as; GenBank, Mega6, Ensembl etc. From which one can find and analyse DNA mutations that are linked to specific diseases.
Many thanks,

Mohamed Farah
Middlesex Course Ambassador
Biomedical & Health Science

Reply 9

OP

Hi everybody,
This is a glance on how my last week went. I am sharing this to familiarise you with the life of biomedical and healthcare science students at MDX!

I started my week on Tuesday as usual. The 9 o'clock laboratory session was interesting this week, as we learn about and work on Mycoviruses which are viruses that infect fungus. Although, I am not fan of virology however, this particular attribute of them is captivating, and hence I contributed my focus and interest.

On Wednesday, I started my lecture at 10 o'clock – molecular biology and genetic. In the evening, I worked at the VIP Offer Holder Reception,at which we – course ambassadors – welcomed students that have got an offer from Middlesex University. The event consisted of attending to students and parents question, speech by the vice-chancellor and, tour around the campuses. Students also have been given the opportunity to speak to the lecturers and the academic staff. The event went as planed without any unforeseen problems. The overall rating was 100% and, we all enjoyed what we did!

On Thursday, there were not any scheduled lectures so, I spent my time writing an assignment for the clinical science module. The assignment was concerned about a patient with severe abdominal pain. My task is to carry-out the correct diagnosis using the data given (blood & urine test, history and clinical presentation) and arrived at conclusion that unveil what causing patient discomfort.

On Friday, I had my blood science lecture at 9 am. In the afternoon, we learn about how to avoid plagiarism. Of course, plagiarism is something that one learned about before he/she join university. However, this session was more advanced as we had to detect and look for clues in previous dissertation papers. The objectives were; further emphasis on the prohibition of plagiarism and, most importantly to learn how to cite other source of information without falling in plagiarism traps.

As most students do I worked during weekend and, I also catch-up with my friend to socialise and have a good time.

I hope this short write-up will give you more understanding about Middlesex University especially, about biomedical & healthcare students. I will also upload FAQs that could help you to know more about our university.

Please stay tuned and I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Mohamed Farah
Middlesex Course Ambassador
Biomedical & Health Science

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 10

ibraheemidrissi

Original post by Mo at MDX

Hi everybody,
This is a glance on how my last week went. I am sharing this to familiarise you with the life of biomedical and healthcare science students at MDX!

I started my week on Tuesday as usual. The 9 o'clock laboratory session was interesting this week, as we learn about and work on Mycoviruses which are viruses that infect fungus. Although, I am not fan of virology however, this particular attribute of them is captivating, and hence I contributed my focus and interest.

On Wednesday, I started my lecture at 10 o'clock – molecular biology and genetic. In the evening, I worked at the VIP Offer Holder Reception,at which we – course ambassadors – welcomed students that have got an offer from Middlesex University. The event consisted of attending to students and parents question, speech by the vice-chancellor and, tour around the campuses. Students also have been given the opportunity to speak to the lecturers and the academic staff. The event went as planed without any unforeseen problems. The overall rating was 100% and, we all enjoyed what we did!

On Thursday, there were not any scheduled lectures so, I spent my time writing an assignment for the clinical science module. The assignment was concerned about a patient with severe abdominal pain. My task is to carry-out the correct diagnosis using the data given (blood & urine test, history and clinical presentation) and arrived at conclusion that unveil what causing patient discomfort.

On Friday, I had my blood science lecture at 9 am. In the afternoon, we learn about how to avoid plagiarism. Of course, plagiarism is something that one learned about before he/she join university. However, this session was more advanced as we had to detect and look for clues in previous dissertation papers. The objectives were; further emphasis on the prohibition of plagiarism and, most importantly to learn how to cite other source of information without falling in plagiarism traps.

As most students do I worked during weekend and, I also catch-up with my friend to socialise and have a good time.

I hope this short write-up will give you more understanding about Middlesex University especially, about biomedical & healthcare students. I will also upload FAQs that could help you to know more about our university.

Please stay tuned and I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Mohamed Farah
Middlesex Course Ambassador
Biomedical & Health Science

I was wondering if its possible for a biomed worker to be ever able to earn more than 40k a year? And does this salary come with anything else. As is it exaclty 40 k for the year ?

Reply 11

OP

Original post by ibraheemidrissi

I was wondering if its possible for a biomed worker to be ever able to earn more than 40k a year? And does this salary come with anything else. As is it exaclty 40 k for the year ?

hi ibaraheemidrissi,
salary is something that depends on individual circumstances, and as a result biomeds' salary will vary. It is possible therefore that one can earn £40k, and may be more!

Thanks,

Reply 12

OP

Hello all,

As I have previously promised that I will be uploading Frequently Asked Questions, I have chosen ten of the most relevant question to the biomedical and health science courses of MDX. The ten questions as it under:
1. Will I need to have an interview in order to get an offer in MDX?
No. student applying for biomedical science, biology, biomedical engineering and neuroscience do not have to attend an interview. However, there are some courses in the healthcare science cluster that requires attending an interview namely: audiology, cardiac physiology, neurophysiology and rehabilitation engineering.
2. Is this Biomedical Science course in MDX accredited by the IBMS?
Yes. The biomedical science BSc honour degree is accredited by the Institution of Biomedical Science. IBMS accredited undergraduate honours degrees meet all the academic requirements set out in the HCPC Standards of Proficiency. To work within the NHS as biomedical scientist, you need to seek a registration with Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC) and, prior to registration your degree must be accredited by the IBMS.
3. Does MXD accept National diploma/BTEC/Access course/Foundation courses on biomedical science course?
Yes. We welcome all application that meet the minimum of our entry requirement, if however, your application was not successful or below the entry criteria, MDX will offer you a year-long foundation programme. The Foundation Year in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental and Public Health is offered as an entry route to a biology, biomedical sciences,environmental or public health degree for students who don't yet meet the entry requirements for degree-level study.
4. Can I be transferred from biomedical science onto other healthcare science courses?
Yes. Students from biomedical science programme can be transferred onto other healthcare courses as long as they meet the entry requirement. However, courses that require an interview prior to admission,student have to start again from year 1.
5. I would like to apply for your biomedical sciences programme and go on to study medicine afterwards. Is this possible?
Yes. There are many students who apply to study medicine upon graduation or in their third year. The graduate entry course, called Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) or Graduate and Professional Entry Programme (GPEP) it has the UCAS code A101 is four year course. Since competition is tough and the palaces are limit, applicant must achieve/predicted at least a good 2.1 fro, their undergraduate.
6. How will I be assessed?
All modules are assessed using a mix of closed examinations,practical reports, essays and oral presentations. In the first year, exams involve short questions and multiple choice questions, but as the course progresses exams contain a higher proportion of essay-based questions. Your essay writing skills will improve as you progress through the programme,supported from Learning hub, SLAs and workshops which can be booked accordingly. You need to pass the first year in order to progress to Year 2,but this does not contribute to your overall degree mark and, the minimum rate to pass is 40%.
7. What are the facilities/equipment that available at the biomedical science department?
o - Mass spectrometry and electron microscope suite.
o - Molecular biology research laboratory housing real-time PCR(Polymerase Chain Reaction -multiplication of a small part of a gene), and genes equencing, as well as 2D gel electrophoresis and gel visualisation and analysis equipment.
o - Tissue culture research laboratory – three class II biological safety cabinets, video microscopy and full height roller bottle and standard CO2 incubators.
o - Histology research lab housing cryostats, standard microtomes and Fluorescence microscopy imaging equipment.
o - General biochemistry research laboratory – housing immunoassay,Chromatograph.
8. Are there placement opportunities available on this programme?
Yes. At the first semester student will be given the chance to apply for Applied Biomedical Science programme. This opportunity will allow student to complete their portfolio and obtain registration with HCPC whilst they on the undergraduate programme. The places for this scheme are very limit, and student must demonstrate a great deal of competence. Furthermore, students can take a sandwich year and, complete their portfolio – between the second and third year – this also will be arranged by the university.
9. I would like to visit MDX. How and when I can do that?
There are different ways in which you can pay us a visit for example; booking an open day or an applicant day. Also we offer a tour around the campus every Wednesday, so what you need to do is to book your place, if however, you could not attend it you can take virtual tour through MXD website.For more information place visit: http://www.mdx.ac.uk/get-in-touch

10. I would like to know about the accommodation of MDX. How can I get to that?
At Middlesex University, we guarantee accommodation in halls for all full-time first year undergraduate students and international postgraduate students applying for 2016 entry who confirm their offer and apply for accommodation before 30^th June 2016. There are five halls that available for MDX students, and for more information about how the apply and cost please visit: http://www.mdx.ac.uk/life-at-middlesex/accommodation

See you next week.

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 13

OP

Hi all,
week 31/01/16

This is another week of mine in which I had great time and gain new knowledge. The most notable of which is as it under:

As unusual, my week starts on Tuesday with the 9 o’clock lab session. In this week we learned about tissue preparation and staining, the process uses an automated equipment e.g. microtone (an automated blade that cut tissue as small as 0.5 µm), wax dispenser and tissue processor. During afternoon, we learned about the method of fixation and why it is important when analysing tissues under the microscope, as Formaldehyde is the most common solution that used in fixation, especially to denature proteins and avoid putrefaction of tissues.

On Wednesday, we had the usual lecture of the genetic and molecular biology module. The session consist of general revision to the three Mendel’s laws of inheritance and, we sought after some genetic mutation that associated with certain disorder.

This Thursday was super excited, we had a lab activity in which we applied several scientific steps to extract DNA for papilla virus. Interestingly, the cells that l have worked on were cancerous cell namely: cervical and leukaemia (they have been cultured in the university). Being at the heart of a research-based lab and trained at high level of competence is something that not all university offer – I feel privileged. Also on Thursday, science has made aground-breaking discovery as scientists from Harvard University have claimed that they will eradicate diabetes type 1. The study conducted by planting insulin-producing cells into mice that completely restore insulin function for six months. This had initiated spectacular debate between my colleague and I on its practicality and, how successful would it be.

On Friday, I learned about the different methods that involved the calculation of human blood, and how certain haematology disorders correspond with imbalance blood compounds.

Many thanks, see you next week!

Mohamed Farah,
Middlesex Course Ambassador
Biomedical & Healthcare Scinece

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 14

Beatabeata

4

Hi Mo,

Could you tell me please how many hours do you spend at Uni on weekly basis?

Reply 15

OP

Original post by Beatabeata

Hi Mo,

Could you tell me please how many hours do you spend at Uni on weekly basis?

Hi Beatabeata,
Nice to hear from you!
15 hours is the average of teaching time per week. As you may be aware of, the second year is the most intensive year in the university. The first year mostly is about enhancing your foundation and preparation for your second year and, at the third year you are given more flexibility as you will be expected to produce a well-presented thoughtful work to deserve your BSc Honour degree.
In my case, I spend somewhere between 20-25 hrs/week in the uni because I do my course related works at the library.

Thanks,

Mohamed Farah
Middlesex Course Ambassador
Biomedical & Healthcare Science

Reply 16

meowtiddles

Hi Mo, was offered a place for neuroscience and medical physiology but realised I would like to do neurophysiology because of the work experience placements. What should I do?

Reply 17

OP

Original post by meowtiddles

Hi Mo, was offered a place for neuroscience and medical physiology but realised I would like to do neurophysiology because of the work experience placements. What should I do?

Hi meowtiddles,
Thank you for asking me and congratulation on your offers.
Regarding your question, to move onto neurophysiology you have to undertake an interview. To check for you eligibility and what the requirements are, I recommend to contact the admission team on +44 (0) 20 8411 5555 (Option 1). Once you contacted them, they will explain to you what should you do.
Thanks,

Mohamed Farah
Middlesex Course Ambassador
Biomedical & Healthcare Science

Reply 18

OP

Hello all,
This is another week of excitement – week beginning the 1^stFebruary

As unusual, my week starts on Tuesday with the 9 o’clock labs ession. This laboratory session aimed to underpin student knowledge about the process of tissues fixation, especially ‘how to deal with bone tissues’. Obviously,bones are very rigid tissue and they need a specific way of processing prior to observation under the microscope. Decalcification of bone – removal of menials –is the new technique that we have been taught about.

On Wednesday, we had the usual lecture of the genetic and molecular biology module. At this session student had the opportunity to explore‘GenBank’: which is database of human genome. The objectives were to enable students to draw a link between mutation of genes and their common disorders. Cystic fibrosis for instance, is a genetic condition in which the lungs and digestive system become clogged with thick sticky mucus. By using the GenBank we were able to identify the exact location on chromosome that causing mutation. Generally,it was fun, informative and high-tech application to use.

On Thursday, I was not scheduled to attend any lectures or seminar therefore, I used my time in revision and completing course works.

This Friday was super informative, as we had a lab session in which we learn how to do blood count. Full blood count is a very common blood test that doctors use to check a person's general health as well as screening for specific conditions, such as anaemia.

During weekend I went to my work, done some course works and called the offer-holders students. The reason why called those student was mainly to inform them about the applicant-day: which is designed to provide a hands-on, interactive taster of subjects’ area and to show student what your first week will actually be like. Although, I could not get to all of the students but I had very good time in speaking to them and answering their queries.

Have good week, and see you again next week!

Mohamed Farah,
Middlesex Course Ambassador
Biomedical & Healthcare Science.

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 19

OP