2021-22 Biomedical Sciences & Forensic Science Course Booklet

STUDY STUDY STUDY BIOMEDICAL BIOMEDICAL BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE && SCIENCE SCIENCE & FORENSIC FORENSIC SCIENCES FORENSIC

SCIENCES SCIENCES

atatABERTAY

ABERTAY UNIVERSITY at ABERTAY

UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY UK University of the Year for Teaching Quality*

DUNDEE, SCOTLAND

* The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021

University of the Year for Teaching Quality “Abertay has been instrumental in building the city of Dundee’s place as a global hub for computing and gaming, a perfect example of a university and business working together for the common good. Students recognise the excellence of teaching more widely across the university, placing it close to the top of the tree among universities across the UK for the second successive year. It achieves all this while at the same time being the most socially inclusive university in Scotland. Truly, a modern university.”

Alastair McCall Editor of The Sunday Times Good University Guide

COURSE DETAILS This booklet contains information for our Biomedical Science and Forensic Sciences degrees: • BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science • BSc (Hons) Forensic Sciences Choose to study Biomedical Science at Abertay University and you’ll learn the techniques you need to conduct vitally important scientific tests, which underpin the diagnosis and treatment of human disease.

This cutting-edge scientific analysis contributes greatly to the clinical outcomes of patients.

Forensic Sciences, on the other hand, will see you make use of our bespoke crime scenes (a mock bank branch and a family home) as you study three main areas: forensic science, chemistry and biology. It also dovetails modules from the Division of Law to teach you the knowledge required to help support the legal process.

Best of all, you’ll learn in cutting edge facilities at the UK’s Top University for Teaching Quality.

Did you know . . . ?

Our state-of-the-art science labs opened recently as part of a £3.5m facilities upgrade.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS In addition to being the top university in the UK for teaching quality, we’re also the most socially inclusive university in Scotland.

We have standard and minimum entry requirements, as we recognise some people may have faced extra challenges before applying to university.

Standard entry requirements BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Higher: BBBB | A-level: CCC | ILC (H): H3H3H3H3 International Baccalaureate: 28 | BTEC Extended Dip: MMM Please see abertay.ac.uk for a comprehensive list of entry requirements.

Essential subjects Biology or Human Biology at Higher and Chemistry at National 5 at C or better.

If you have other qualifications, please see abertay.ac.uk for more info.

Standard entry requirements BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

Higher: BBBB | A-level: CCC | ILC (H): H3H3H3H3 International Baccalaureate: 28 | BTEC Extended Dip: MMM Please see abertay.ac.uk for a comprehensive list of entry requirements.

Essential subjects One of the following: Biology, Human Biology, Physics or Chemistry.

If you have other qualifications, please see abertay.ac.uk for more info.

Minimum entry requirements If you have the potential and motivation to study at university, regardless of your background or personal circumstances, we welcome your application. We consider the background in which your academic grades have been achieved when making an offer.

We encourage you to submit an application, if you expect to receive passes in three Scottish Highers (grades A-C) and have either: • Been in care.

• Participated in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West or Aspire North.

• No family background of going to university.

• Attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university.

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Biomedical scientists are responsible for conducting vitally important scientific tests, which underpin the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. This cutting-edge scientific analysis contributes greatly to the clinical outcomes of patients.

We teach you how to explore the biochemical processes that occur in the human body. You’ll learn how the human body responds to disease, and how to use your knowledge to help identify diseases of all kinds.

Major subjects taught on the programme include biochemistry, bioethics, cell biology, genetics, haematology, immunology, microbiology, pathology, physiology, and public health.

Please note: After following a common pathway for two years, you’ll take either the Standard or the Applied programme route. The Applied route includes an 18-week placement and is particularly relevant for those keen to become a Biomedical Scientist in the NHS.

Accreditation: Both Standard and Applied routes are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). The Applied route is also approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Check out the full degree details here> abertay.ac.uk/B901

Career Paths • Biomedical Scientist • Analytical chemist • Biotechnologist • Clinical scientist (numerous fields) • Secondary school teaching

MODULES

These modules are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Year 1 Foundations of Chemistry Biology 1: Biology Principles and Practice Professional Studies 1 Foundations of Chemistry 2 Human Physiology Abertay 101 -Being Successful at Abertay MySuccess modules*

Year 2 Cell Biology and Immunology Medical Microbiology Medical Physiology Investigative Analytical Science Molecular Biology and Genetics Elective module**

Year 3 Clinical Biochemistry and Cellular Pathology Professional Studies 2 Clinical 2: Haematology and Transfusion Science Perspectives and Technologies in the Life Sciences Sector Applications Mini Projects Test Tube to Tablet

*MySuccess modules aim to introduce you to the expectations of university, successful student behaviours, growth mindset, your strengths, and your areas for development. **An elective module is a module outside of the main subject area.

Please see abertay. ac.uk/B901 for a full description of each module.

Year 4

Advanced Medical Genetics

Advanced Pathophysiology

Global Perspectives in Public Health Project Research Methods Honours Project

GETTING YOU LABORATORYREADY

The Biomedical Science programme has

very strong links with local industry. In

particular, laboratories at Ninewells Hospital (Europe’s

largest teaching hospital), Kings Cross Hospital, Perth

Royal Infirmary and Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.

Choose Your Path The degree’s professional accreditation means that graduates can apply for employment as biomedical scientists/trainee biomedical scientists within the NHS. Such posts are only open to those with an IBMS-accredited Honours degree in Biomedical Science. Many past graduates have taken this career path and, after gaining the Specialist Skills Diploma, have been eligible for promotion to Specialist Biomedical Scientist. With further progression, a Specialised Consultant post could be attained.

GRADUATE STORIE

Nicola Robson Specialist Biomedical Scientist | Pathology Department, NHS Tayside

Nicola Robson - BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science – Class of 2016 “The degree is delivered by a combination of academics and healthcare professionals, and because of this you get the best of both worlds.

With the academics, you are taught specifics in biology (for example, physiology, cell function and genetics) via lectures and lab practicals.

With the healthcare professionals, you are given an insight into their specialty (for example, pathology, haematology, microbiology etc.) whilst also being given real examples and experiences of working in a laboratory.”

ES Patrick Murray - BSc Biomedical Science - Class of 2013 “Abertay gave me the tools to get to where I needed to go. It was a very lab based degree, which is very useful in today’s market.

You can have all the qualifications in the world, but if you don’t have that experience not many people will be interested.

It gave me a good footing and good basic skills.”

Patrick Murray Laboratory Manager |VWR

BSc (Hons) Forensic Sciences Are you literate, numerate and analytical? Do you like to solve problems for fun? Are you naturally inquisitive with a passion for chemistry and biology? Put these traits to work during a Forensic Sciences degree that equips you with the knowledge required to help support the legal process.

Go beyond the police tape with this fascinating and highly practical degree.

Learn the techniques that underpin the recognition, identification, recovery, analysis and evaluation of information that can be used as evidence in a court of law.

It’s a hands-on degree, which allows you to analyse a variety of scenes in our purpose-built facilities, and learn physical and chemical analysis techniques in our state-of-the-art Career Paths laboratories: • Forensic scientist • Scenes of crime This vocational programme is broken down into three investigator main study areas – forensic science, chemistry and • Policing biology – and dovetails modules from the Division of • Analytical chemist Law to prepare you for a variety of workplace situations.

• Toxicologist Accreditation: This degree is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

Check out the full degree details here> abertay.ac.uk/F410

MODULES

These modules are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Year 1 Foundations of Chemistry 1

Introduction to Forensic Science, Practice and Techniques Biology 1: Biology Principles and Practice

Foundations of Chemistry 2 Human Physiology Abertay 101 - Being Successful at Abertay MySuccess modules*

Year 2 Forensic Psychology: Understanding Offending Behaviour

*MySuccess modules aim to introduce you to the expectations of university, successful student behaviours, growth mindset, your strengths, and your areas for development

Forensic Science: Quality, Regulation and the Law Forensic Human Identification Investigative Analytical Science

**An elective module is a module outside of the main subject area.

Molecular Biology and Genetics Elective module**

Year 3 Special Topics in Forensic Biology Forensic Chromatography and Spectroscopy Firearms, Fires and Explosions Forensic Trace Evidence Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology Scene Examination and Management

Please see

abertay.ac.uk/F410

for a full description

of each module.

Year 4 Forensic Applications of DNA Substances of Abuse Project Research Methods Interpretation and Presentation of Evidence Honours Project

CHOOSE YOUR PATH The Forensic Sciences degree also provides you with the skills and abilities to pursue alternative career paths, including: •

Developing diagnostics in the biotechnology industries

•

Quality assurance

•

Problem solving in public utilities

•

Developing protocols and procedures in the armed forces or government agencies

Many of our graduates have gone on to train as science teachers.

Industry Links We enjoy excellent relationships with a number of forensic laboratories.

Throughout the degree, you’ll hear guest lectures from representatives of organisations like the Scottish Police Authority. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), James Hutton Institute, and Forensic Access.

GRADUATE STORIE

Karim Abu Nour Dettori Product Development Scientist | Vascutek

Karim Abu Nour Dettori – BSc (Hons) Forensic Sciences – Class of 2014 “My degree at Abertay helped me improve my laboratory skills. I felt that the variety of different types lab work that we did have helped me tackle any issues that I’ve encountered at work.

The lecturers left a lasting impression on me. They always made themselves available to help out with any issues we had. They were always motivating us to do better and this really helped boost my confidence.”

ES Mel Smith – BSc (Hons) Forensic Sciences – Class of 2011 “If you’re nervous at all about student life and whether you’ve picked the right university or city, don’t be! Abertay is a great place to study and Dundee is a fun city to be in during those times.

My memories of Abertay itself will always be of its approachable, friendly staff and students from all walks of life – a real mixed bag!”

Mel Smith Bone Marrow Donor Programme | Singapore

5

REASONS

TO CHOOSE ABERTAY UNIVERSITY

1. Number 1 in the UK for teaching quality

Abertay was named UK University of the Year for Teaching Quality 2021 by the highly prestigious Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. Providing the definitive rankings for UK universities, the guide praised our small class sizes, integrated student support and facilitation of personalised learning.

2. We’re a UK top 10 university for student satisfaction That’s according to the National Student Survey 2020 and the Guardian Good University Guide 2021. The guide ranks universities based on the stuff

that’s really important to students like course satisfaction, teaching,

academic support and assessment and feedback.

3. We’re friendly and supportive

As a small university, you’ll benefit from smaller class sizes and find it easier to get to know your tutors and classmates.

Most of us need a helping hand at some time so we have a range of support services covering all aspects of university life be it, personal, financial or academic.

4. You’ll leave with a career – not just a degree

Did you know 95% of Abertay students are in work or further education within six months of graduating?

We’re a modern university focused on the kind of industry-relevant learning that’s going to land you a job after you graduate, with many of our degrees offering built-in work placements.

5. Our campus and location Aside from our facilities and award winning, recently refurbished library, our campus is in the heart of Dundee city centre. We’re close to shops, bars, cinemas and theatres and a short walk from the bus and train stations. Even better is that Dundee was recently named the ‘Best Place to Live’ in Scotland in the hotly anticipated Sunday Times awards and consistently ranks as one of the most affordable cities for students.

• Population of approximately 150,000 • Creative and hi-tech hub - full of creatives, collectives and digital pioneers • £1 billion Waterfront regeneration transforming the city along the River Tay • Home of the V&A Museum of Design, the only one outside of London • Named Scotland’s coolest city by The Wall Street Journal*

An ideal for home for students • Students make up 13% of the population, the highest concentration in Scotland • Campus is located in the city centre, sprinkled with coffee shops, bars and restaurants • A vibrant place with loads to do, things to watch, people to meet and and hidden gems to discover • Lots of local sport, live music yet surrounded by beautiful Scottish scenery

ABOUT DUNDEE

Scotland’s coolest city

GET TO US By rail Dundee train station is approximately a 10-minute walk from Abertay and provides regular, direct services to and from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. It takes just over an hour to get to each city from Dundee.

It takes just six hours to reach Dundee from London’s Kings Cross station. This service stops at various locations on the way, including Peterborough, Doncaster, York and Newcastle. There’s also an overnight sleeper service.

Aberdeen

Dundee Glasgow Edinburgh

Newcastle Belfast

By bus/coach Dundee’s bus station is just five minutes from our campus.

Scottish Citylink, National Express, Stagecoach Group and Megabus services regularly arrive in Dundee from major cities across the UK, including London. There’s also a handy return coach direct to and from Edinburgh airport from Dundee city centre.

Manchester

Dublin

Birmingham Cardiff

London

By air There are direct flights into Dundee Airport from the south of England and Northern Ireland, and we’re just over an hour away from international airports in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Find out more www.abertay.ac.uk Contact us Call or email our Student Recruitment Office, we’re happy to help.

T: +44 (0)1382 308080 E: sro@abertay.ac.uk

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