BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Life Sciences)

Course UCAS code: C400

The BSc (Hons) in Healthcare Science takes a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human disease. It examines the causes of disease, and the effects of disease on the normal structure and functions of the human body. You’ll gain a firm understanding of the scientific basis for laboratory investigation, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. The programme also develops and applies new technologies that help improve patient care. In year 3, you will specialise in one of the following pathways: - Genetics - Cellular Sciences - Infection Sciences - Blood Sciences Each pathway contains a work-based training placement, which is integrated with the academic content. This provides invaluable applied experience, developing your skills and boosting your employability. Every effort will be made to accommodate your preference of specialist pathway. This is, however, dependent on placement provision available at the time. On graduation you’ll be able to practice as a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist in NHS Pathology laboratories. **Professional accreditation** This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), National School of Healthcare and Science (NSHCS) and Health Education England, and has approval from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Year 1: Cell and Tissue Biology (core), Human Genetics and Developmental Biology (core), Human Physiology (core), Introductory Biochemistry (core), Introductory Microbiology (core), Work-based Learning and Professional Practice 1 (core) Year 2: Clinical and Analytical Biochemistry (core), Immunology, Haematology and Transfusion Science (core), Medical Microbiology (core), Molecular Genetics (core), Pathology (core), Work-based Learning and Professional Practice 2 (core) Year 3: Blood Sciences specialism: Diagnostic Biochemistry and Immunology (core), Blood Sciences specialism: Pregnancy and Paediatric Blood Science (core), Blood Sciences specialism: Research Topics 1 in Haematology and Transfusion Science (core), Cellular Sciences specialism: Applications of Cytopathology (core), Cellular Sciences specialism: Clinical Diagnostics in Reproductive Science (core), Cellular Sciences specialism: Diagnostic Histopathology (core), Genetics specialism: Biology of Disease (core), Genetics specialism: Independent Study (core), Genetics specialism: Medical Genetics (core), Infection Sciences specialism: Diagnostic Microbiology (core), Infection Sciences specialism: Infectious Disease: Establishment, Treatment and Control (core), Infection Sciences specialism: Parasitology and Fungal Infections (core), Research Project (core), Work-based Learning and Professional Practice 3 (core)

The assessment strategy is designed to allow students to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes of an individual module appropriate to the level of study and the learning outcomes of the programme. These learning outcomes are consistent with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Students will be examined, primarily, on the breadth of knowledge via MCQ and short answer examinations. Coursework assignments will give students the opportunity to gain experience in report writing and data handling and interpretation . As student’s progress, they will have the opportunity to demonstrate increasing skills of analysis, synthesis and criticism through a wide variety of assessment strategies, including written and oral examinations, report writing, group work, essays, including a dissertation/piece of independent study writing, oral presentations, case studies and the project report. The project report provides a major opportunity to demonstrate autonomy in data handling and critical interpretation in a research context. Student’s professional competencies will be assessed primarily in the workplace through the work-based learning modules and facilitated by a ‘Learning contract’.