BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (with Foundation Year)

What you will study

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

The foundation year will introduce you to a range of scientific concepts and methods which underpin biological sciences.  You’ll gain thorough training in laboratory skills and will develop your analytical and mathematical skills.   Students will be encouraged to develop their own abilities in science, with a basic bank of knowledge across the main scientific areas.

MODULES

• Plant and Animal Biology
• Laboratory and Field Skills
• Maths and Experimental Design 
• Introduction to Science
• The Skills You Need
• Contextual Studies

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

Year one of the programme establishes a platform of core knowledge across key subject areas including biology, physiology, mathematics and statistics, whilst also introducing students to immunology and microbiology. Specific modules ensure the acquisition of the necessary laboratory skills and a well-grounded understanding of professional issues relevant to the Biomedical Scientist.

MODULES

• Professional Practice for the Biomedical & Life Sciences
• Cell Biology, Biochemistry & Genetics
• Maths and statistics for science
• Essential skills for the Life Sciences
• Health, Wellbeing and the Body
• Introduction to Immunology & Microbiology

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

Year two of the programme largely comprises specialist modules to give students the necessary knowledge in key areas of biomedical science. Students are also primed in research methodology and will design and carry out a mini project to prepare them for the final year project. Practical skills are reinforced in a 5-week intensive block spent at the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

MODULES

• Cell & Molecular Biology
• Blood Sciences
• Research Methods, Theory and Practice
• Cellular & Histopathology
• Applied & Medical Microbiology
• Advanced Laboratory Skills for the Biomedical & Life Sciences

YEAR FOUR (LEVEL 6)

The final year of study focuses upon topics at the forefront of current research in biomedical science and will further develop students critical and analytical skills. A significant part of the final year is a 40 credit research project in which students carry out an independent piece of research in an area of special interest to them.

MODULES

• Research Project
• Biology of Disease
• Clinical Genetics & Cancer Biology
• Infectious Disease, Immunity & Inflammation
• Advances in Medicine: Diagnostics & Therapeutics

This summer, you can gain the fundamental scientific knowledge and skills needed to progress onto one of our Applied Science degrees, with our Science Summer School.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

The academic requirements for the course are 48-72 UCAS tariff points at GCE A-level or equivalent, including a science at level 3.

Teaching & Assessment

A broad range of assessment methods are used; these include learning journals, group projects,  portfolios, coursework, literature reviews, oral and poster presentations, case studies and laboratory reports, and written exams/ in-class tests. Each module is assessed by a variety of methods (e.g. case studies, essays, laboratory reports, presentations, etc.), enabling students to display their full potential. A project dissertation will form one of the final parts of your assessment.

Teaching & Learning

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

The course creates wide-ranging opportunities for employment in the following fields: 

• Biomedical scientist (NHS/private sector) 
• Biotechnology industry (research and development) 
• Pharmaceutical industry (research and development) 
• Food and water industry (testing, research and development) 
• Medical Sales 
• Healthcare support worker 
• Veterinary laboratory worker 
• Academic researcher 
• Teaching 

Qualifications: 

This course provides preparation for undertaking the Institute of Biomedical Science Certificate of Competence (a compulsory requirement for being a registered Biomedical Scientist affiliated with the Health & Care Professions Council). 

It prepares students wishing to undertake a career in research, teaching, medicine, dentistry or to pursue studies towards our MSc Biomedical Science degree, a PhD or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). 

Completion of this degree will also ensure employment opportunities outside of immediate biomedical science areas such as management and finance roles. 

The BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science course is relevant and employer ready, utilising a partnership between Wrexham Glyndwr University and the Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board (BCUHB). It is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS). It is taught by an experienced team of academics, biomedical scientists and other health professionals with a range of subject and research expertise. 

IBMS degree accreditation ensures that a degree course covers the academic components of the standards of proficiency at the required level, so we meet the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC) standards of proficiency for biomedical scientists. Students also receive a wide-ranging, research-informed scientific education and develop practical skills and experience that employers value. 

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here.

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation pages to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.