Science
INTRODUCTION TO THE BIOMEDICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
THE BIOMEDICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES ARE CONCERNED WITH THE STUDY OF MANY DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF MODERN BIOLOGY FROM MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY TO ZOOLOGY AND ECOLOGY. EXCITING NEW DISCOVERIES ARE BEING MADE EVERY DAY RELATING TO HEALTH, DISEASE AND THE DIVERSITY OF LIFE. For example, genetic engineering is having a major impact on biology as a discipline and it has changed the way that we view all aspects of life. Techniques used in deciphering an organism’s genome can be applied to a variety of research areas in the biomedical and life sciences to help us better understand our environment. We recognise the importance of the practical aspects in the study of life processes, so you will have many opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the laboratory or in the field, as well as in the lecture theatre. Our Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle) also provides substantial resources to support your learning experience. The practical work-related learning offered on our courses allows students to gain work experience. Skills are transferable, offering a wide range of career choices. Within the broad framework of ‘Applied Bioscience’, it is possible to study a flexible package of modules that enable graduates to gain a wide range of skills and knowledge to equip them for careers in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, in hospitals, teaching, biological and biomedical research and in environmental industries. Marketing and administration positions are also open to graduates. Students will be given the opportunity to network with industry employers at the annual careers fair. The courses offered in biomedical and life sciences are based on a broad foundation that is delivered in Years 1 and 2. Lecturers support students throughout their studies and can offer a wealth of experience from a diverse range of research backgrounds including biodiversity, metabolomics, biomarkers for disease, muscle physiology, fish biology and rheumatoid arthritis. The range of likely titles available (subject to demand and timetabling constraints) is shown in the next column. There is potential to study at Hamilton and Paisley campuses for students wanting to specialise in a particular area. Study in a foreign partner university may also be possible.
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DEGREE TITLES • Applied Bioscience* • Applied Bioscience with Forensic Investigation* • Applied Bioscience and Zoology* • Applied Biomedical Science^ • Biomedical Science^ PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE Placement/Work-Related Learning To enable you to gain hands-on practical experience during your degree studies three options are available: • A sandwich placement which takes the form of a 9–12 month period of paid industrial experience between Years 3 and 4 of your degree. The placement selected will depend on your chosen specialism. Selection for placement is made on a competitive basis during Year 3 • A single or double work-related learning module in your third year of study • A 15-week placement in a hospital laboratory during your third year of study for students taking the Applied Biomedical Science degree Work-related learning modules are unpaid but receive academic credit. Students work between 1–4 days per week for a company during the second trimester of their third year of study. Students taking the Applied Biomedical Science degree are considered for the 15–week integrated work placement in an accredited hospital training laboratory at the start of their third year of study. Placements are allocated on a competitive basis. The integrated work placement receives academic credit and is equivalent to a trimester of academic study. For courses in the biomedical and life sciences see pages 182–186.
*These courses are professionally recognised by the Society of Biology. Upon graduation students are able to apply for Graduate membership of the Society. ^The Biomedical Science degree title is professionally accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. The Applied Biomedical Science title is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and is also accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, providing an effective entry to work in NHS laboratories.
“As a biologist, being able to study chemistry has been invaluable in the research I am involved with now. The emphasis at UWS was very much on developing practical research and building the skills we would require as future scientists. One of the most important aspects of my time spent at UWS was being encouraged to believe that with hard work anything was possible. After graduating from UWS, I continued my studies and undertook a PhD on the role of the immune system in prion diseases.” Karen Brown Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Roslin Institute of Edinburgh
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