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Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences with Foundation Year

Foundation Degree

Study Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at University Centre Leeds

If you’re seeking a career in science, this course is for you. Featuring both biotechnical and pharmaceutical sciences this Foundation Degree course with a Foundation Year allows you to explore multiple disciplines of science. Study specialities such as pharmacology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, biomaterials, and medicinal and organic chemistry, then find your future focus.

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Venue: University Centre
  • Fee: £6,600 for the Foundation Year. Foundation Degree fees £8,745 (per academic year) - For home students commencing study in 2024
  • UCAS Course Code(s): CF12
  • UCAS Institution Code: L21
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Validated By: Luminate Education Group
science students with a beaker

Foundation Degree with Foundation Year Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

If you love logical subjects such as biotechnical and pharmaceutical sciences but are uncertain of your specialism, this course is perfect for you. This programme integrates knowledge across pharmacology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, biomaterials, and medicinal and organic chemistry. Explore multiple disciplines then find your focus Our foundation year works for those who may not meet the entry requirements for the foundation degree. As you progress through your foundation year, you’ll enhance your confidence with scientific practice and knowledge by studying biology and chemistry modules in addition to mathematics and academic skills. Once you complete your foundation year, you will be eligible to progress on to the Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences Foundation Degree programme, where you will study specialist modules and upon completion, can progress to a relevant top-up degree.

This course is subject to revalidation by Luminate Education Group

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How To Apply

If you would like to apply for to study full time, please do so via UCAS.

The institution code for University Centre Leeds is L21.

The application fee for applying through UCAS is £27.50.

Apply via UCAS

If you are a student currently studying at Leeds City College, Keighley College or Harrogate College and if all of the following applies:

  • you do not already have an application with UCAS
  • you only wish to study your full time undergraduate course with University Centre Leeds
  • should you be successful in your application and enrol onto this course, you agree to us submitting a record of prior acceptance (RPA) application to UCAS on your behalf 

Then you can make a direct application via the following link:

Internal Students - Direct Application Form

For further information in regards to this please email admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk

Course Information

Modules may include:

Year 0 

  • Fundamentals of Biology (20 credits)
  • Further Biology (20 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Chemistry (20 credits)
  • Further Chemistry (20 credits)
  • Foundation Mathematics (20 credits)
  • Academic Skills (20 credits)

Year 1

Core modules:

  • Personal and Professional Development (20 credits)
  • Integrated Biomolecular Science (20 credits)
  • Integrated Practical Skills (20 credits)
  • Mathematics (20 credits)

Optional modules:

  • Physiology and pathology (20 credits) or Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry (20 credits)

and

  • Biochemical Processes (20 credits) or Organic Chemistry (20 credits)

Year 2

Core modules:

  • Pharmacology & Therapeutics (20 credits)
  • Microbiology & Biotechnology (20 credits)
  • Work Related Learning (20 credits)
  • Scientific Investigation (20 credits)

Optional modules:

  • Immunology (20 credits) or Genetics (20 credits)

and

  • Medicinal Chemistry (20 credits) or Biomaterials and solid State Chemistry (20 credits)

Throughout this course you will:

  • Learn new skills that will enhance your employability in the science sector.
  • Have access to labs and a large range of specialist equipment including those for working with infra-red analysis, UV spectrophotometry, gas chromatography, microbiology, tissue culture, and genetic engineering for example. 
  • Learn to work independently and safely in a busy laboratory environment and develop skills that are relevant to many scientific industries.
  • Develop analytical and practical skills involving the use of a wide range of laboratory equipment and techniques as well as methods of scientific data collection, storage and processing.  
  • Become technically competent in common laboratory procedures, learn to manage your own time and work in teams with professionalism
  • Design and manage your own research project – using the laboratory to conduct experiments to investigate a topic that you are interested in. 
  • Use experiences to improve your performance through reflective practice.

There will be regular short practice assessment activities (in the form of regular quizzes and tests) with feedback provided to guide your progress and development. Pair and small group activities will be regularly used in all modules, allowing you to improve communication and teamwork skills. Giving short oral and poster presentations will increase your confidence in speaking and presenting.

Preparation for practical activities will be available in the form of virtual experiments in which online feedback is instantly available. Real and simulated practical activities will also provide data and you will be given guidance on how to collect and process high quality data, and how to use it to form conclusions.

Modules will be formally assessed and graded through a range of methods, including traditional examinations, laboratory activities, problem-based group projects, oral and poster presentations, case-studies, research projects and essays.

This range of activities provides the opportunity for everyone to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that they have acquired throughout the course of their studies. The mix of practical and written assessments will provide evidence to employers of the level of laboratory skills and other abilities (such as teamwork, communication skills, ethical integrity, etc.), whilst also enabling you to demonstrate the theoretical knowledge and academic skills that you have developed. 

TYPICAL OFFER

A levels: 2x U grades

BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: Diploma with a PP grade or a Subsidiary Diploma with a P grade

Access to HE Diploma: Overall pass with 60 credits

T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject

GCSEs: 3 GCSEs at C or above (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) to include Maths and at least one science GCSE.

International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.

Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

*21 years and over at the start of the course.

Upon completion of this Foundation Degree, you can progress to study for a third year and gain a full BSc (Hons) Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences Top-Up Degree or graduate with a Foundation Degree and move into employment. Typical areas that our graduates find employment in includes:

  • NHS (both laboratory and non-laboratory based work)
  • Laboratory research posts
  • Hospital research assistant positions
  • Paramedicine
  • Commercial laboratory-based companies in fields such as:
    • Clinical drug trials
    • Analytical services
    • Agricultural or environmental work
  • Specialist sales work
  • Legal work such as intellectual property law
  • Teaching (in schools, colleges and in Higher Education) after completion of additional qualifications.

For those wishing to go on to postgraduate study, the BSc is accepted for entry to a wide range of courses such as PGCEs, Diplomas, Masters and PhDs.

For the latest version of the programme specifications for this course please click here.

For the latest version of the course handbook for this course please click here.

For the latest version of the Leeds City College regulations please click here.

All of the necessary chemicals and equipment (including personal safety items such as labcoats and safety glasses) will be provided at no additional cost.

Unistats


 

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