Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Throughout this course you will:

Have the opportunity to design and conduct your own research project.
Gain an understanding and appreciation of the chemistry and biochemistry of drug molecules: their design, synthesis and behaviour in the body
Develop a multidisciplinary understanding of the science of human life, health and disease at the molecular, cellular, system, organismal and environmental level.
Learn about microbial processes and applications, including the opportunities for humans to exploit and benefit from these.

Year 1 (level 4)

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 (level 5)

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

UCAS Tariff Points: 56 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications), 32 points of which must be from one A level or an equivalent in a relevant science subject

A Levels: D and C with the C in a relevant Science subject.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MM, MMP grade in relevant subjects.

Access to HE Diploma: Overall pass with 60 credits, with 30 credits to be at a Merit grade in a relevant subject.

T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject

GCSE English: English Language Grade C or above (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards). Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.

GCSE Maths: Maths Grade C or above (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards). Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.

GCSE Science: Science Grade C or above (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards).

IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.

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.

*21 years and over at the start of the course

RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

Part Time: Students for part time study are required to hold a full level 3 qualification or the equivalent experience in a relevant subject and will need to be working in the sector.

Graduates should be able to apply for a number of careers regardless of which options they have taken. Example areas include: NHS careers, teaching, food safety, technical support roles in academic, government or private laboratories, specialist scientific sales and marketing. Recent graduates have progressed to careers such as Assistant Research Practitioner at the Manchester Eye Hospital, laboratory work for a global company specialising in clinical trials, a neurology technician in the NHS as well as roles in the teaching and legal professions. Many of our graduates go on to further study such as masters in Physician Associate Studies, Medical Microbiology, Paramedic Science, Cognitive Neuroscience, Medical Biochemistry, Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology, Cardiology and Biopharmacy. Graduates have also gone on to study PhDs in scientific research.

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
Laboratory technical posts (academic and industry)
Hospital research assistant positions
Paramedicine
Commercial laboratory-based companies
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.

Study Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at University Centre Leeds