Name of Programme
CertHE Medical Science
Final Award
CertHE
Location
³Ô¹ÏÍø
Awarding Institution/Body
University Of ³Ô¹ÏÍø
Teaching Institution
University Of ³Ô¹ÏÍø
School of Study
School of Allied Health
Programme Code(s)
UCTF1SBS / Full Time / 9 Months
Professional Body Accreditation
N/A
Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement (SBS)
Biosciences
Biomedical Science
March 2023
Admission Criteria
Three A level passes (including Biology and Chemistry) at BBC or above. A third science preferred.
English language level equivalent to at least 6.5 IELTS or GCSE English Language grade A-C.
Mature and APEL students will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicable Cohort(s)
From September 2020 level 4 entry
FHEQ Level
4
UCAS Code
B902
Summary of Programme
This is a 120-unit CertHE award in Medical Sciences, studied in two semesters.
Subjects include:
1. Professional values and behaviour
2. Molecular Cell Biology
3. Matter and energy in Medicine
4. Brain Muscle and coordination
5. Guts Hormones and metabolism
6. Circulation and fluid balance
Educational Aims of the Programme
The Programme emphasises current priorities in scientific medicine and medical education; fundamental concepts in biology; problem-based approaches to learning; the role of evidence and mechanism in health; in silico approaches to biomedical research; the development of graduate cognitive attributes, in particular critique and innovation; and the development of professional and employability skills.

Certificate holders are prepared for application to medical school, training in other health professions, and transfer to BSc schemes including that offered by University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of enhancement activities; these are indicated in the transferable skills section.
Programme Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the CertHE programme, students will have knowledge and understanding of the following disciplines.
1. Describe the underlying concepts and principles of core aspects of Biomedical Science including Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Pathology.
2. Use the subject knowledge of physics and chemistry to solve problems in a medical or biological context
3. Present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study
4. Write scientific reports and communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments
5. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of Biomedical Science, and of the way in which those principles have developed
6. Select, evaluate and appraise experimental and clinical laboratory techniques and be able to apply them to experimental and laboratory investigations.

Teaching/Learning Strategy

In the course of this programme, students will encounter these learning activities:
1. Lectures
2. Class tutorials with preparation
3. Small group tutorials/task forces
4. Problem based learning
5. Journal clubs
6. Student-led seminars
7. In silico labs
8. Wet labs
9. Directed study

Assessment Strategy

Students will meet these forms of assessment:
1. Case reports
2. Exams and in-class tests
3. Timed open-source tasks
4. Tutorial and journal club participation
5. Portfolio entries
6. Wet and dry lab outputs and reports
7. Problem Based Learning reports
8. Presentations, posters, student lectures
Programme Outcomes

Cognitive Skills

The programme is designed to promote the development of these graduate attributes, which map onto scientific and medical habits of thought:
1. Critical thinking
2. Synthesis of data from different sources
3. Justification/decision making
4. Hypothesis testing
5. Interpretation of data
6. Innovative thinking, hypothesis formation, generation of experimental proposal

Teaching/Learning Strategy

1. Lectures
2. Class tutorials with preparation
3. Small group tutorials/task forces
4. Problem based learning
5. Journal clubs
6. Attendance at external events
7. Student-led seminars
8. In silico labs
9. Wet labs
10.Directed study
11.Personal statement, mock interview

Assessment Strategy

1. Case reports
2. Exams and in-class tests
3. Timed open-source tasks
4. Tutorial and journal club participation
5. Portfolio entries
6. Wet and dry lab outputs and reports
7. Problem Based Learning reports
8. Presentations, posters, student lectures
Programme Outcomes

Practical/Transferable Skills

Practical skills (subject specific):
1. Laboratory technique: protocols in cell
biology, chemistry, biochemistry and
anatomy
2. Assessment of histological specimens
3. Bioinformatic skills
4. Practical biomedical modelling
5. Practical statistics and meta-analysis

Transferable skills (generic):
1. Constructive thinking,
2. Independent learning and self-guided study
3. Team working skills
4. Communicating effectively,
5. Self-awareness and reflection
6. Time Management skills
7. Planning and Organisational skills
8. IT skills

Teaching/Learning Strategy

Practical skills:
1. Intensive lab exercise: cell biology, neuroscience, endocrinology, renal system, chemistry.
2. Animal organ dissection
3. Bioinformatics lab
4. Lectures/demonstrations
5. Tutorial

Transferable skills:
The programme embeds these professional and employability skills in class tutorials, assessments, and the PBL process.

Assessment Strategy

Practical skills:
1. Lab notebook and set exercises
2. In silico assignments
3. Group project in physical modelling
4. Written Examination

Transferable skills:
1. Timed open-source tasks
2. Tutorial and journal club participation
3. Portfolio entries
4. Wet and dry lab outputs and reports
5. Presentations, posters, student lectures
External Reference Points
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Date of Production
August 2020
Date approved by School Learning and Teaching Committee
March 2021
Date approved by School Board of Study
March 2021
Date approved by University Learning and Teaching Committee
March 2021
Date of Annual Review
In line with the University's annual monitoring review process

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURES