Foundation Degree in Biomedical Sciences (FdSc BMS)
Are you employed as an Associate Practitioner Biomedical Scientist in an NHS or private sector laboratory? If you are, here is an opportunity to study part-time in order to obtain a qualification specifically designed for you!
This FdSc BMS also aims to allow equivalent overseas laboratory staff to study in their own country whilst continuing in full-time employment.
Course overview
You would normally be expected to complete the FdSc BMS after three years of part-time study although the period may be extended to six years. The modules are mainly delivered through the universitys virtual learning environment Blackboard.
You will undertake blended learning, with most of the modules delivered online but, additionally, you will undertake work-based learning and attend short blocks of laboratory sessions at the university. This combination of delivery provides you with flexibility and considerably reduces the time that you are required to attend university.
The Foundation Degree may be completed as a stand alone qualification or, after the award, used as a means of progression to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) accredited University of Westminster BSc Honours Biomedical Sciences.
For overseas students, you have the opportunity to use this internationally recognised qualification as a means to gain entry onto a BSc in your own country. We would normally expect to offer the FdSc BMS in collaboration with an appropriate institute of higher education in your own country.
Accreditation
Currently, it is not possible to apply for accreditation from the relevant professional body.
Course Structure
In each of the three years, you will undertake learning and assessments utilising the three components of the courses delivery: work-based, online and practical sessions in the universitys laboratories.
In the first year, following an induction programme, you will begin with a Study Skills module; following this, the course is composed of two work-based learning modules, Delivering Healthcare 1 and Work-based Learning 1. Studied in parallel with these are two science modules: Concepts in Biosciences and Human Physiology and Anatomy. The university-based practical sessions are linked to the science modules and take place at the end of the academic year.
The Study Skills module is designed to be used as a learning resource throughout the three years of study.
The second and third years follow this same pattern of work-based modules, Delivering Healthcare 2, Work-Based learning 2 and Project Design, in combination with more science modules, Cell Science, Infection and Immunity and Principles of Laboratory Diagnosis. Once again, you finish each year with integrated practical sessions.
Mode of Study
The flexible design of the course, delivered extensively online, is designed to enable you to balance your professional life with demands of academic study. A significant amount of the course is studied in the workplace and so, a condition of entry to the course, is that your workplace must offer you full support by providing you appropriate study time and facilities.
The remainder of the course is composed of e learning, which you will be expected to undertake online, both at home and in the workplace. At the end of each academic year, the week-long laboratory blocks require you to attend university, as will any written examinations.
At all times, you will be supported online by academic tutor, course administrator and an IT support officer at the university.
Entry Requirements
You must normally have completed a full level 3 qualification in line with University of Westminsters admissions regulations:
- One A level Pass in a related science subject
- NCVQ recognised awards, including relevant GNVQ at level 3
- AVCE Science (single award)
- Irish Leaving Certificate with passes in 5 subjects at Higher level
- Pass in a link Foundation course
- BTEC/SCOTVEC National Certificate/Diploma in Science
Other equivalent awards, including those from overseas institutions, will be considered on an individual basis. International students will be expected to have achieved an IELTS score of 6 or equivalent.
Mature students (over 21 years of age) who do not fulfil the above requirements will receive consideration. Significant experience within the biodical science environment will be expected.
Fees
The course is composed of the equivalent of 16 15-credit modules. The fee for the academic year 2009-2010 is 2,550 for home students and 7,350 for an overseas student.
Course Leader
Course Team
Carol DSouza
Federica Oradini
Chrystalla Ferrier
Stephen Reed
Linda Percy