Applied Biomedical Science

Year 1 - Completed via BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science 

You will build on your existing knowledge in Biology and Chemistry as it applies to Biomedical Science. You will also be introduced to Analytical Laboratory Science and Microbiology and gain an understanding of the Biomedical Science profession.

Year 2

You will be introduced to some of the more advanced areas of Biomedical Science and through the multi-disciplinary placement gain an appreciation of the activities of the biomedical scientist in NHS laboratories in Microbiology, Haematology, Clinical Biochemistry, Transfusion Science, Histopathology and Cytopathology.

Year 3

You will study more advanced diagnostic subjects as they apply to Biomedical Science and spend the whole of the Term 2 on placement in two NHS laboratory disciplines. During this time you will meet the requirements of your IBMS registration training portfolio.

Year 4

The course culminates in the application of your specialist knowledge to the diagnosis of disease and showing how treatments for disease can be monitored for effectiveness. Your laboratory skills are tested to the full during the Research Project.

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

Activity Summary

You will study up to four modules each term with each module containing around three hours of class teaching per-week. For laboratory-based modules there will be around four hours per week of laboratory practical work. All modules provide tutorial support which usually involves an extra hour per-module per-week.

Course resources will be available on Moodle, an innovative teaching and learning environment which will enhance your learning experience and will keep you up-to-date with coursework and assignments on-the-go.

How long is a BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science course?

The duration of the Applied Biomedical Science course is 4 years. This is to include independent study and coursework preparation, tutorials, lectures and other activities.

Year 4

• Lectures - 20 students per group, 5 hours per week in term 1
• Seminars - 50 students per group, 1 hour per week
• Tutorial - 20 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 1 student per group, 27 hours in term 2
• Placement - All students - 38 hours per week for 7 weeks in year 2 and 14 weeks in year 3

Independent Study

You will engage in a number of independent learning activities involving research of scientific literature or laboratory-based research.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Teaching and learning is delivered by RGU lecturers and by biomedical science professionals who are normally based in NHS laboratories. Some lectures are presented as seminars by visiting Medical Consultants or Researchers in biomedical science. Laboratory based modules are taught and demonstrated by Lecturers with support from technical teams and postgraduate research student Demonstrators. Placement activities are taught by practicing Biomedical Scientists within NHS laboratories.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed:

Year 1

• 5 written exams, typically for 1.5 hours
• 1 written assignments, including essays
• 3 report
• 1 portfolio
• 2 practical skills assessment
• 1 presentation

Year 2

• 5 written exams, typically for 2 hours
• 2 portfolios
• 1 presentation

Year 3

• 4 written exams, typically for 2.5 hours
• 1 written assignments, including essays
• 1 portfolio
• 1 set exercise
• 1 practical skills assessment

Year 4

• 2 written exams, typically for 2.5 hours
• 1 report
• 1 dissertation
• 1 project outputs
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 practical skills assessment
• 2 presentations

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

This course has been designed in partnership with Biomedical Scientists within NHS Grampian, NHS Highland, and the Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Blood Transfusion Service. We work with our partners to provide a unique training programme to give you exposure to a variety of areas within biomedical science, and enhance your employability. 

The placements are fully integrated into the course and are compulsory and unpaid. In year 2 you will undertake a 7-week placement, and in year 3 you will a 14-week placement. You will be well-prepared for a future career as a registered practitioner with the Health and Care Professions Council and an accredited Biomedical Scientist with the Institute of Biomedical Science.

Job Prospects

Is Applied Biomedical Science a good career choice?

The majority of the BSc Applied Biomedical Science graduates of Robert Gordon University secure employment within the NHS Laboratory Service. The course will also equip you with the relevant skills needed to work within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries which include: 

• Technical and marketing departments
• Forensic science laboratories
• Teaching
• Clinical research

What is needed for a BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degree?

These requirements relate to the first year of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (B902). Entry to the BSc Applied Biomedical Science course is by selection at the end of stage one of  BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences. 

SQA Higher: BBBB to include Biology/Human Biology plus one from Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at National 5 grade B or above if not held at Higher.

GCE A Level: BCC to include Biology plus one from Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at GCSE grade 6/B or above if not held at A Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H2H3H3 to include Biology plus one from Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at grade O2 or above if not held at Higher.

IB Diploma: 28 to include Higher Level Biology plus one from Chemistry, Maths or Physics at grade 5. Standard Level English and Maths are required at grade 4 if not held at Higher Level.

International Students

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

For applicants entering the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (B902) route and whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

For applicants who transfer via the selection process to the BSc Applied Biomedical Science and whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 7.0 overall, with no component lower than 6.5, or an equivalent. These are the requirements of the HCPC and supersede the standard University English Language requirements. The RGU English Language Test is also accepted.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.