Biological Sciences subject booklet

BIOSCIENCES

WELCOME Welcome to the Biosciences suite of programmes at York St John University.

This subject grouping brings together Biomedical Science and Applied Biosciences with specialisms in: Medical Biochemistry; Cancer Biology or Bioinformatics.

The Applied Biosciences programmes build on the success of the Biomedical Science programme and broaden our portfolio of biology-based programmes.

Alongside studying key areas of Biology, you will focus your chosen specialism in Year 2 and 3 of your programme:

We are a vibrant team of teaching and research staff who interact closely with our students during and after their studies. All our degree programmes have a strong focus on practical, transferable and multidisciplinary skills. Vocationally relevant and varied assessments are embedded, enabling you to develop into a confident and competent scientist. You will develop your scientific knowledge and employability, enabling you to work in a wide variety of employment areas.

Applied Biosciences (Bioinformatics) builds a strong understanding of human biology and allows you to develop your data analysis, mathematics and statistics skills to collect, model and analyse biological data.

Biomedical Science is the study of human diseases, investigating their causes and effect on the normal structure and function of the human body. Biomedical scientists perform key roles in both the NHS and private healthcare services, using detailed scientific knowledge and excellent laboratory skills to diagnose patients.

93%

Applied Biosciences (Cancer Biology) focuses on the molecular and cellular changes associated with disease progression and tumour formation. You will investigate molecular mechanisms and pharmacological interventions for cancer.

Applied Biosciences (Medical Biochemistry) allows you to study in detail the functions and interactions between essential biological molecules, with a focus on investigating, analysing and treating biochemical disorders.

Dr Sue Jones Director of Biomedical Sciences

of 2019 Biomedical Science graduates were satisfied with their course.

(National Student Survey 2019)

I’ve always loved the idea of finding out how we function. Biomedical Science is about studying the complex little details about how our bodies work in healthy and diseased conditions. We are taught through interactive lectures, regular tutorials and frequent practical sessions. Any sort of practical work in the labs is exciting – putting theory into practice and coming out with a good result is always satisfying.

Not only is the course interesting, it can directly lead into a career as a biomedical scientist working for the NHS. But if I decided I didn’t want to go down that pathway, the skills taught can be used in a range of other professions and the degree itself is recognised as a strong foundation for plenty of other options.

So far my favourite modules have been Anatomy & Physiology, Clinical Biochemistry and Cellular Pathology. I love being able to study in detail aspects of our bodies that we all usually take for granted. It allows us to look at human life through a different lens.

The cohort is relatively small and it provides a comfortable atmosphere for learning where it’s ok to ask questions and you get plenty of interaction with the lectures.

The overall student experience is as good as anyone could ask for.

Ben Wildgoose Graduated in 2019 Now studying for a Physician Associate Masters Degree

OUR COURSES Applied Biosciences (Bioinformatics)*

Applied Biosciences (Medical Biochemistry)*

Bioinformatics is an emerging and exciting field of biology that utilises detailed understanding of biology alongside the analysis and interpretation of large data sets. In addition to studying extensive human biology content, you will develop your statistical, mathematical and computational skills to allow you to create, store and scrutinise complex data.

Medical Biochemistry builds on your understanding of normal metabolic pathways and physiology in health and offers new insights into how our biological systems change in response to a wide range of diseases. You will uncover the inherited and sporadic changes that cause highly prevalent diseases with high morbidity rates, including hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Applied Biosciences (Cancer Biology)* Cancer Biology builds on your knowledge and understanding of human biology, with a focus on the detailed molecular processes that underpin the metabolic and cellular changes associated with cancer. You will investigate the mechanisms of intra and inter-cellular signalling, tumour formation, disease progression and contemporary treatment strategies.

*Coming in 2020

Biomedical Science Biomedical Science is underpinned by studying the normal structure and functions of the human body and how these change in response to a variety of diseases. The tissue, cellular and molecular changes that result from infection, autoimmune or inherited disorders and leukaemia are some of the exciting topics you will explore.

LABORATORY FACILITIES The Biological Science laboratory facilities include: — Modern teaching laboratories — Bespoke scientific equipment for all practical classes — Specialist equipment for student research projects and staff research — Opportunities for students to further develop laboratory skills in additional supported open learning sessions

YOUR CAREER Graduates may find employment in diagnostic laboratories, universities or research organisations. Alternatively, graduates may go on to study higher degrees or training for teaching, medicine, dentistry or pharmacy.

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE If you study Biomedical Science you will be eligible to apply for year-long NHS (or industry) placement after Year 2 of the programme. Applicants will be offered placements after detailed consideration of each individual application. This will include reviewing your academic performance in Years 1 and 2. The selection process by the Placement Tutor will involve practitioners. You will also be required to have an interview with your chosen placement provider. If successful, you will then transfer to the four-year degree Biomedical Science (with placement) programme at the end of Year 2.

For Biomedical Science and all Applied Biosciences courses, we offer short placements at the University in May/June where you can take part in a research project with academic staff or support the technical staff, increasing your laboratory skills and experience. We can support students to organise a short placement at the end of Year 2 in a local industrial laboratory, for example at the Food and Environment Research Agency. Short internships or year-long external industrial placements might also be possible with local companies such as Covance or ACM Global.

At York St John University we’ve been changing lives through education since 1841. We have a long history of championing social justice and expanding opportunities. Our research and our teaching reflect this.

97% of York St John University graduates were in work or further study six months after graduation (DLHE 2017).

People from almost

60

different countries study at York St John University.

When you graduate you will become part of a global community who are proud to be part of the YSJ Family.

/YorkStJohnUniversity @YorkStJohn @YorkStJohn ADMISSIONS INFORMATION E: admissions@yorksj.ac.uk T: 01904 876598 www.yorksj.ac.uk

OVER 200 COURSES

to choose from Whatever you want to do, we’re here to help.

York is the safest city in the region for students The Complete University Guide (2017).

PLACEMENT YEARS Almost all of our Undergraduate courses can now be studied with a placement year in industry, giving you more real-world experience to boost your career.

STUDY ABROAD Most of our courses include the option to study abroad for a year or a semester without adding extra time to your degree. We have links with partner institutions all around the world.