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Programme summary for BSc (Hons) Clinical Sciences (Combined Honours)

About the programme

Clinical scientists carry out many complex and diverse investigations required in modern hospital pathology laboratories, and provide the scientific information required for effective diagnosis and treatment. They can also be involved in clinical research. All of this requires an in-depth knowledge of the causes of disease and the practical ways in which they can be investigated. This programme aims to provide this knowledge, together with a range of specialist options to suit your particular clinical interests. This is one of the many bioscience courses based in the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience.

2-subject degrees

You can combine this programme with another subject as part of a 2-subject degree. Popular combinations include Clinical Science with Immunology, and Sports Coaching with Clinical Science.

Programme structure

  • Students follow a 4-year sandwich degree or a 3-year full-time programme. The programme can also be followed part-time.
  • At Level 1, basic concepts are introduced in modules on Cellular Biology, Cellular Processes, Human Physiology and Microbiology. Skills for Biosciences and Human Health and Disease modules provide general background skills, statistics, chemistry, IT and laboratory skills. These modules also include a programme introducing the biology of disease processes.
  • At Level 2, students continue to build on the options elected at level 1, choices include further study of biochemistry with modules of Metabolism and Molecular Biology. Modern molecular biology methods and their medical applications are introduced in Molecular Genetics, and Practical and Employability Skills investigates the major methods of laboratory investigation. The study of human physiology is continued in Physiological Function and Dysfunction, which also includes an introduction to the histology of normal and pathological tissues. The biology of disease causing micro-organisms is studied in Medical Microbiology.
  • The third year of study can be spent away from the University in an agreed work placement. (see below).
  • The final year (Level 3) contains modules of Medical Biochemistry, looking at the biochemical causes of disease, Infectious Disease Processes, which continues the study of medical microbiology and Immunology, which investigates the body's defence systems. In Cellular Pathology, Haematology and Serology the investigation of pathological tissue and of the blood is studied. In the final taught module the student can choose to continue the study of Medical Microbiology by taking Infectious Disease Control or of Immunology by taking Applied Immunology.
  • In the final Level 3 module you do an individual research project involving original self directed work. This may be laboratory based, or it may involve a library investigation.

Career opportunities

Many students go on to research degrees and to jobs in research institutes, hospitals, industrial and pharmaceutical laboratories and in pharmaceutical sales. Because the degree is broad based it is also an excellent qualification for a teaching career.

Support

The School of Health and Bioscience provides immediate contact with University support systems.

  • In your first year, you are allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree). You will see your Tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general.
  • Module leaders and programme leaders also give support on academic matters, and advice about other specialist help available through the University
  • The School also has a Help Desk to provide administrative assistance and advise how to get the right help.
  • Internet homepages are used by many staff to support their teaching and your learning.
  • Lecture and practical files, quizzes, mark summaries and much more is now available for several modules via UEL UELPlus Online Programme links.

Throughout the programme you will find a number of scheduled support activities devoted to specific aspects e.g. how to write your project report, or more general aspects such as careers.

Support for students on a University level includes:

Admission

For students entering with AS/A2 qualifications, the minimum requirement is 240 points at A2 level with a preferred minimum of 100 A2 points in Biology and Chemistry. We also accept Access to Science, Advanced GNVQ in Science at merit grade, and BTEC National Diploma in Science with a minimum of 6 modules at merit grade or higher. All students should also have a minimum of grade C at GCSE, or equivalent, in English language, mathematics and double science.
Applicants with overseas or alternative qualifications are considered on an individual basis. For mature students, credit may be given for relevant work experience. Direct entry to the second year of the programme is available for students with Higher National Certificate or Diploma in an appropriate area, or for those who have successfully completed study equivalent to level one at another University.
If you want to study Biomedical Sciences but have not achieved the right entry qualifications, why not start with our extended degree programme.

Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.

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