Foundation Degree Biomedical Science

In a nutshell

Foundation Degree Biomedical Science (in Collaboration with Cardiff Metropolitan University)

This two year full time research-informed programme aims to develop students’ understanding of the causes, laboratory analysis, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of human disease; that enables students to develop, integrate and apply their scientific knowledge and skills to the multi-disciplinary investigation of human health and disease; that develops students’ analytical, practical, numeracy, research, problem solving, team-working, communication, enterprise, reflective and critical skills; and to provide them with the skills, knowledge and abilities required to maximise their employability and their opportunities for undergraduate studies.  

This course is for you if...

You are interested in a career in Biomedical Sciences within a variety of organisations such as NHS, government and private laboratories, including hospitals, NHS Blood and Transplant services and UK Health Security Agency laboratories. Biomedical scientists can progress to other roles within healthcare science specialising in quality, safety, laboratory management, or in the wider pharmaceutical and healthcare science sector.

What will I be doing?

Year One (Level 4): students will cover fundamental biochemistry, cell biology and genetics, microbiology, immunology, and human physiology, providing the necessary scientific knowledge for further study. In addition, students will develop relevant analytical, communication and personal development skills. 

 Year Two (Level 5): students will acquire expertise in a range of investigative techniques, epidemiology & data analysis and research methods. The relevance of the biomedical sciences to clinical practices will also be a focus, with blood and cellular sciences, medical microbiology, more advanced areas of immunology, molecular biology and physiology (including pharmacology and toxicology) being explored. 

The spiralling curriculum structure is specifically designed to build students’ skills as they progress and to interlink the content and skills acquisition from all modules to create a holistic yet challenging learning experience.

There are a range of teaching and learning, assessment strategies and methods have been carefully selected to provide a challenging and enriching learning experience. These strategies have been designed to facilitate a progressive and coherent development of students’ academic capabilities and competence in a laboratory setting.  

Modules include:

Year 1 (Level 4)

• Professional & Interprofessional Development 1
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Laboratory Skills & Data Analysis
• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology & Genetics
• Infection & Immunity 1

Year 2 (Level 5)

• Professional & Interprofessional Development 2
• Blood & Cellular Sciences
• Infection & Immunity 2
• Molecular Biology & Genetics
• Analytical Research & Diagnostic Methods
• Physiology, Pharmacology & Toxicology

What is expected of me?

Students will be encouraged to undertake independent learning to supplement and consolidate their knowledge and understanding. The programme will provide regular opportunities for students to review their personal progress and encourage student responsibility for planning and executing self-managed learning.  

What comes next?

On successful completion of L5 (Year 2) you will receive a certificate in HE. You will be given the opportunity to then apply for the L6 (Year 3) degree course in Biomedical Science (or other relevant courses) at Cardiff Met, or other HE providers.

Additional information

On successful completion of the Foundation Degree Biomedical Science programme students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, genetics, cell and molecular biology, microbiology and immunology related to human health and disease.  
2. Demonstrate understanding of the development and biology of disease at the cellular, biochemical and molecular level.
3. Explain the rationale and principles of qualitative and quantitative analytical methods used in the scientific investigation of disease, including the validation and interpretation of results.  
4. Demonstrate understanding of the nature, and role of scientific method, research design and data analysis.  
5. Appreciate the current and future contribution of the biomedical sciences to healthcare, modern science and the wider society.  
6. Perform laboratory procedures with due regard for risk assessment and current health and safety regulations.  
7. Select and use a range of laboratory equipment and appropriate analytical techniques.  
8. Record and maintain accurate records of laboratory investigations.  
9. Conduct relevant procedures to obtain, collate, interpret and evaluate relevant scientific data.  
10. Prepare suitably referenced scientific reports