Applied Biomedical Health Bsc (Hons)
UCAS Code: C608|Duration: 3 years|Full Time|Hope Park|UCAS Campus Code: L46Work placement opportunities|International students can apply|Study Abroad opportunities
ABOUT THE COURSE
Applied Biomedical Health at Liverpool Hope encompasses a comprehensive and integrated knowledge of key bioscience subjects focused on gaining a biomedical understanding of the human body and the factors which affect human health and the manifestation of diseases. The key subject areas include anatomy and physiology, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, medical microbiology, health and wellbeing, exercise science and clinical nutrition, as related to human health, disease and treatment. Undertaking this degree at Liverpool Hope will enable you to develop a range of standard and applied laboratory, specialist practical and transferable skills that will prepare you for lifelong learning, postgraduate study or a wide range of employment opportunities in the biomedical sciences including research.
Based within the School of Health Sciences, you will be able to pursue the areas of science which interest you most in the multi-million pound Health Sciences Building and its dedicated and well-equipped teaching labs and research spaces. You will be taught by widely published, research-active academics, who will bring you an enhanced learning experience and facilitate your scholarly development. Small-size, student-centered teaching sessions are a feature at Liverpool Hope and you will benefit from this through greater opportunities for practical work and the application of knowledge to real-world scenarios.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Teaching on this degree is structured into lectures, where all students are taught together, seminars and lab practicals of smaller groups of around 15 - 20 students, and tutorials that typically have no more than 10 students. Lab practicals are a strong feature of the course and you typically be taught in this environment 2-3 hours every week.
On top of teaching hours, first year students will take part in a short fieldtrip to the University’s Plas Caerdeon outdoor education facility in North Wales.
In your first year of study, there are approximately 12 teaching hours each week, which reduces to approximately 10 teaching hours in your second and third years. On top of usual teaching hours, you are also expected to spend approximately 30 hours studying independently each week, as well as studying in groups to prepare for any group assessments that you may have. Staff are available for 3 hours per week for one-to-one tutorial meetings in their office hours.
ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
During your degree, you will have a number of coursework assessments as well as examinations in the summer term of the second and third year. These exams are typically worth 25% of the second and third years.
Assessments are wide-ranging in design and format, enabling you as the learner to excel. Assessment types include: scientific/laboratory reports, critiques, essays, individual and group oral presentations, portfolios, MCTs, case studies, and practical laboratory tests. We provide comprehensive online feedback for all coursework and future support, with the opportunity to discuss this further with academics if required.
In your third year, you will complete a dissertation in Applied Biomedical Health. This will allow you to specialise in a particular topic of interest, whilst being guided through the process by an expert in the field.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Applied Biomedical Health at Liverpool Hope encompasses a comprehensive and integrated blend of topics focused on gaining a biomedical understanding of the human body and the factors which affect health and the manifestation of diseases. There is a strong focus on applying knowledge and understanding to the medical context, especially to lab-based techniques.
The degree programme incorporates the various sub-disciplines of biomedicine including: anatomy and physiology, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, medical microbiology, health and well-being, epidemiology, exercise science and clinical nutrition and these are delivered in the applied context of contemporary health issues including: aging, obesity, cancer, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Our Applied Biomedical Health programme is concerned with the detection, monitoring and treatment of disease and thus has a large lab practical element. You will develop a range of specialist practical laboratory and transferable skills in this regard.
Unlike a standard Biomedical Science degree, you will also study some applied elements: health and well-being, clinical nutrition and exercise science, which will prepare you more fully for a greater choice of careers in human health. Statistical and quantitative analytical skills are also developed during your studies, alongside those essential for critical analysis and data processing, interrogation, interpretation and presentation in the sciences. This will enable you to become an independent learner, fully equipped to undertake your own scientific research dissertation in your honours year. Throughout the course, personal and professional development will also feature strongly. The culmination will ensure you are well-prepared vocationally with the key attributes required to be a successful scientist.
YEAR ONE
In your first year, you will take two, 60 credit courses: Introduction to Applied Biomedical Health and Introduction to Human Biology.
Introduction to Applied Biomedical Health
Introduction to Applied Biomedical Health provides you with a broad, core foundation of knowledge covering the major themes in biomedical health, including biochemistry, human health and wellbeing and medical physiology. Complimenting the other 60 credit Human Biology course that you will take alongside it, this course will have an emphasis on the underlying biochemical processes and integrated functioning of the normal human body. Knowledge and understanding will be applied to the medical context whereby dysfunction from disease and ageing will follow on naturally from normal function. The course will also introduce human health and wellbeing whilst the development of biomedical lab skills will be supported by a comprehensive practical programme
- Biochemistry
- Foundations in Human/Medical Physiology
- Human Health and Well-being
- Practical Skills in Applied Biomedical health
Introduction to Human Biology
Introduction to Human Biology, the second year-long course you will study at first year, provides you with biological knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the human body and how it works. All major body systems will be explored from the cellular and molecular level through to whole organs and systems integration. Students will also be introduced to principles of biochemistry and organic chemistry. It is expected throughout the course that knowledge and understanding will be applied to the medical context whereby dysfunction from disease and ageing will follow on naturally from normal organ function. The year will end with a study of heredity, genetics and human variation. Research methods are integrated both within lectures, seminars and tutorials, with rigorous application of scientific method underpinning all activities. Practical skills are pivotal; students will learn, consolidate and practice their skills each week in the laboratory.
Curriculum content:
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body
- From Molecules to Humans
- Genetics, Genomics and Human Variation
- Essential Laboratory Techniques
Assessment at first year will include portfolios of various assessments, practical lab write-ups and lab diaries, MCTs, group projects and case-study reports.
A significant amount of time will be spent each week throughout first year building a strong foundation of laboratory and practical skills using a range of scientific equipment.
Your first year also denotes the beginning phase of your journey in developing essential transferable skills for success in your degree and future careers.
By the end of the first year, you will also have gained skills in researching information, academic writing, problem solving referencing, numeracy and data analysis.
YEAR TWO
Your second year is similar in structure to first year and you will again take 2, year-long, 60 credit courses: Explorations in Applied Biomedical Health and Explorations in Human Biology.
Explorations in Applied Biomedical Health
Explorations in Applied Biomedical Health will provide you with an advanced understanding of the underlying principles of human health and disease from a cellular perspective. Taking a more applied approach, the response of the human body to external factors such as exercise and nutrition will also be studied with a view to discerning how health may be improved through lifestyle modification. Medical microbiology will introduce how various pathogens and their actions affect health and disease. Explorations in Biomedical Health will also incorporate research methods and data handling in addition to advanced practical techniques in Applied Biomedical Health. The latter two will further enhance the development of practical laboratory skills, critical thinking, problem solving and data handling skills with a view to refining employability and professional attributes.
Curriculum content:
- Research Methods and Data Handling in Biomedical Science
- Cellular Pathology
- Adaptation and Response of the Human Body to the Environment
- Clinical Nutrition for Health
- Medical Microbiology
- Advanced Practical Techniques in Applied Biomedical Health
Explorations in Human Biology
Building on the foundations of first year, on this side of the course, you will begin the more detailed study of the integrated function of the human body and the biological changes that occur through dysfunction or disease. The pathophysiological concepts will be introduced from a variety of perspectives and will include exploring metabolic biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, disease pathology, microbiology and epidemiology in more depth. You will learn through both lectures and more advanced practical laboratory activities, further building your skills as a field and lab scientist, while becoming more specialist in these academic disciplines. This is a challenging and interesting year in which to explore you own emerging specialisms.
Curriculum content:
- Determinants of Health and Disease
- Human Metabolism
- Immunology and Clinical Genetics
- Epidemiology
- Investigative Methods in Disease Biology
- Practical Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology
YEAR THREE
In your third year, you will study Advanced Studies in Biomedical Health (45-Credits), Advanced Studies in Human Biology (45-Credits) and a Research Dissertation (30-Credits) in Applied Biomedical Health.
Advanced Studies in Applied Biomedical Health
Advanced Studies in Applied Biomedical Health will provide in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the diagnostics, treatment and monitoring of selected disorders and diseases of the human body from an immunological and genetic perspective. A strand on blood and haematology will provide the theoretical and applied knowledge of the diagnosis and management of some benign and malignant blood disorders. Exercise and chronic disease will be the final theoretical component at level H through which students will gain a critical and mechanistic understanding of the efficacy of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. A scientific communication and professional development strand is also incorporated into this advanced course to prepare students for future vocations in biomedicine, scientific research or postgraduate study. Students will have two specialist seminar options to choose from a selection, in order that they can specialise in areas which interest them.
Curriculum Content:
- Immunological and Genetic Diagnostics of Chronic Disease
- Blood/Haematology
- Exercise and Chronic Disease
- Science Communication and Professional Development
- Specialist Seminar Options e.g. Exercise and Cardiovascular Health
Advanced Studies in Human Biology
Advanced study of any discipline requires students to draw on the knowledge and understanding that they have acquired from the previous years of study. In your third year you will develop an excellent understanding of the mechanisms by which diseases affect the human body and how pharmacological therapy targets and treats contemporary medical conditions. The curriculum incorporates the research specialisms of the teaching team and will include the advanced study of current areas of research, such as ageing, dementia, obesity, cardiovascular disease, genetics, pharmacology and clinical drug treatments for the future.
Curriculum content:
- Genetic and Molecular Basis of Human Disease
- Contemporary and Advanced Lab Techniques in Human Biology
Applied Biomedical Health Dissertation
The final year research dissertation runs over two semesters and students are expected to spend the equivalent of one full day each week working on the project. The dissertation brings together experimental planning, practical data collection, data analysis and interrogation, critique of literature and presentation skills, all of which have been developed throughout the course of the undergraduate degree programme. Students will be allocated a supervisor for the dissertation with whom they will liaise with and be guided by throughout the research process although the dissertation is considered largely an independent piece of work. Students will be expected if undertaking a laboratory-based project to demonstrate professionalism and good laboratory practice with strong consideration of ethical considerations and health and safety at all times.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2021 Entry
During the August/September admissions period we are able to offer some flexibility in our entry requirements for courses that still have vacancies.
We are also offering a Foundation Year on many of our courses for students who have the ability and enthusiasm to study for a degree, but do not yet have the qualification level to enter directly onto our degree programmes.
Please e-mail us to discuss the options available to you: clearing@hope.ac.uk
CAREERS
Applied Biomedical Health graduates offer knowledge and understanding of the key biomedical science disciplines in addition to subject-specific skills including specialised laboratory and field-based research, scientific report writing, data analysis, and other types of written and oral communications. This course also provides you with the opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable graduate skills such as critical analysis and evaluation, data handling, problem solving, understanding complex ideas and arguments and teamwork, all of which enhance your future employability prospects in both scientific and non-scientific careers.
Recent graduates have entered careers in bioscience/biomedicine, biotechnology, medical writing, research laboratories, healthcare (NHS and Private), diagnostic and forensic laboratories, community/local authority health promotion and other scientific and technical jobs. Others have pursued postgraduate study in the form of Masters degrees or Doctorates. Graduates of this degree can also pursue general graduate vacancies and training programmes in business, management, accountancy, teaching or academia.
At Liverpool Hope, you will be supported throughout your degree through your tutor and self-directed learning, allowing you to become self-aware, proactive and motivated in your academic and life goals. Therefore, our degree also opens the door to a wide range of both science and general non-science graduate.
ENHANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
SALA
The Service and Leadership Award (SALA) is offered as an extra-curricular programme involving service-based experiences, development of leadership potential and equipping you for a career in a rapidly changing world. It enhances your degree, it is something which is complimentary but different and which has a distinct ‘value-added’ component. Find out more on our Service and Leadership Award page.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can choose to spend either a semester or a full year of study at one of our partner universities as part of our Study Abroad programme. Find out more on our Study Abroad page.
TUITION FEES
The tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year are £9,250 for full-time undergraduate courses.
If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,250.
The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.
SCHOLARSHIPS
We have a range of scholarships to help with the cost of your studies. Visit our scholarships page to find out more.
INTERNATIONAL TUITION FEES
The International Tuition fees for 2021/22 are £11,400.
Visit our International fees page for more information.
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