Entry Requirements

  • Minimum 2 passes in A/L in Science stream (Biology & Chemistry) subjects or Foundation Course in Applied Science.
  • Age 18 plus at or near the date of entry,
  • Reasonable English ability

Duration : 18 months(Full time)

Awarding body : EDEXCEL

Intakes : February/ September

Lectures :Tuesday/ Wednesday/ Thursday

Progression :Entry to the Degree

Academic Year : 2011

Scholarships : Available

Biomedical Scientist

Job Description

Salary and Conditions

Entry Requirements

From : ww2.prospects.ac.uk


What we offer at the BMS?

  • Recommended text books and course materials will be provided for all modules
  • Regular lectures on each modular subject
  • Special writing skills workshops to support assignment writing
  • Approved tutors to supervise student performance
  • Wi-Fi Facility
  • State-of the –art facilities
  • Digital Library
  • Limited Number of students

BTEC - Higher National Diploma in Biomedical Science

BTEC HND in Biomedical Science is especially designed for anybody interested on science and its practical application, particularly in health care or related research. If you want to open up a the pathway leading to Doctor of Medicine (MD) from recognised universities around the globle , a degree in Biomedical Sciences comes to the picture. In the Biomedical Science programme, the student will study life processes (structure and function of the human body) to gain an understanding of health and the methods for diagnosing, analysing and treating diseases. Subjects covered in the Biomedical Science Degree programme is broadly similar to the pre-clinical components of a medical degree with the addition of Molecular Biology, Statistics, Information Technology, the Screening and Evaluation of New Drugs, Laboratory Management and Environmental Health.

What is Biomedical Science? Biomedical science is the application of biology-based science to medical use; be it research, health monitoring or treatment. A biomedical scientist (or biomedical doctor) is a scientist educated in the field of biological science, especially in the context of medicine. As 21st century medicine and healthcare becomes increasingly sophisticated, the demand grows for highly skilled biomedical scientists capable of performing and analysing a battery of technical procedures to screen, maintain and improve human health. Their role is to develop or improve treatments, vaccines, equipment, and techniques involving health care.

What is the use of a Biomedical Science degree? Biomedical Science is a continually changing, dynamic profession with long-term career prospects including management, research, education and specialised laboratory work. Most of the biomedical scientists around the globe, work in hospitals and medical research institutes to support the work of clinicians and general practitioners, but some are employed in public health (water, foodstuffs), veterinary laboratories (disease monitoring), blood banks, forensics, pharmaceuticals research /development and, of course, basic medical research.

Why study Biomedical Science? Sri Lankan Health sector undergoes certain expansions in recent years to uplift the health facilities in the country. Over the years, Sri Lanka has achieved major gains in maternal and child health services as well as controlling the spread of many communicable diseases. Due to increased life expectancy and changing disease patterns, Sri Lanka now faces a major challenge to provide the health services for non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cancers, heart diseases, and mental health disorders and injuries. The major obstacle for such expansions is due to the lack of Biomedical Scientists in this country. Enhancement of the health sector through applying novel diagnosing methods to identify the diseases and control the spreading of infectious disorders could play a vital role in enhancing the ailing of the health sector in this country.

Sri Lanka research infrastructure is at the forefront of new developments in medicine (especially with private health care providers) and underpins much of the delivery of medical and related training at university level. Many universities in the world offer Biomedical Science programmes to increase their scientific knowledge, and learn how to put it into practical use within medicine or related professions. Highly skilled Biomedical Scientists have an increasing demand in many countries around the globe to work at Universities, Research Institutes and the Health Sector. Therefore, Sri Lanka needs biomedical programmes at any level to fulfil the requirements of the country.


Programme Modules


Unit 1 - Cell Biology

This unit will enable the learner to appreciate the cell as the basic unit of life. Learners will have the opportunity to explore the structural features of cells, cellular diversity, and the growth and development of cells. The importance of the cell membrane in controlling the internal environment of the cell and in communication will be emphasised, and a study of the cell's internal organisation will be used to explain how cells can develop and perform specialist roles in multicellular organisms.

Unit 2 - Biochemistry

This unit provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of biochemistry. It examines the chemical characteristics of some major biological building block molecules and uses these to develop an understanding of the structure and functions of related biological macromolecules. The key features of principle metabolic pathways and their relationship to each other are introduced.

Unit 3 - Chemistry for Biology

This unit provides learners with an understanding of the chemical concepts that underpin many of the other units within the biological sciences. It is designed to cater for those learners who need the foundations of chemistry and includes enthalpy and equilibrium, organic chemistry, radioactive decay and bonding.

Unit 4 - Immunology

This unit is designed to extend the knowledge and understanding of normal body systems. This unit will provide the learner with an appreciation of the importance of the immune response, and will also include the basic mechanisms of immunity, the role of immune response in disease, and the study of components of the immune system using laboratory investigations.

Unit 5 - Human Physiology

This unit is designed to introduce the concept of homeostasis within the human body and the control systems engaged in the maintenance of the internal environment. It is intended that this unit builds on the core units such as Unit 1: Cell; Biology and Unit 2: Biochemistry. In each of these units the material covered will provide background information to support the understanding of cellular processes and homeostasis.

Unit 6 - Molecular Biology and Genetics

This unit will enable the learner to explain the cellular processes leading to the modification and inheritance of phenotype characteristics. The role of nucleic acids in directing protein synthesis and the regulation of these processes in vivo is introduced. Methods used to manipulate genetic material in vitro are covered. This technological approach is complemented by an investigation of classical genetics relevant to individuals and populations.

Unit 7 - Work-based Assignment

The learner should carry out the assignment in the workplace and the assignments should be set in an industrial context. This unit therefore differs from the project unit which should be based at the learners centre of learning. It is important that the learner has a suitably qualified industrial supervisor to co-ordinate with the academic supervisor in the planning stages, monitoring and collection of assessment evidence for the unit.

Unit 8 - Laboratory Techniques

This unit develops learners' practical skills in chemical and biochemical techniques and allows them to carry out practicals and evaluate and interpret the results. The experiments carried out will relate to various methods of analysis. Theoretical aspects of various techniques, which may not be available in the laboratory, will also be covered.

Unit 9 - Histology and Haematology

The aim of this unit is to investigate and evaluate the processes involved in histology and haematology. The unit will be achieved by practical experience wherever possible and is intended to develop the learner's understanding of cell biology, molecular genetics and applied biology. The subject matter will be treated broadly to serve as a base for further development.

Unit 10 - Medical Microbiology

The overall aim of this unit is to give the learner a broad grounding in the theory and practice of medical microbiology. Pathogenic microorganisms will be presented in context. For each of the major groups of pathogens the unit considers collection and transport of specimens, and isolation and identification of pathogens.

Unit 11 - Clinical Chemistry

Clinical chemistry is one of the four main disciplines in biomedical science, and is a major area of employment within the area of biochemistry. It is therefore the purpose if this unit to consider the major areas within this discipline at an appropriate level. The unit should provide learners with an understanding and appreciation of the importance of clinical chemistry within the healthcare system, and its uses in diagnostic pathology.

Unit 12 - Pharmacology

This unit covers the areas of pharmacology necessary for an appreciation of the rationale for drug action. Prior knowledge and an understanding of human physiology are essential. The unit includes receptor theory of drug action, pharmacokinetic principles, the immune system and the manipulation of its effects by drug action.

Unit 13 - Analysis of Scientific Information and Data

This unit is designed to introduce and or develop some of the mathematical and statistical techniques st commonly used to process scientific data. In the 21 century, much data processing is performed by computer. The importance of understanding how and in what circumstances to use individual mathematical and statistical techniques and the significance of the results obtained is not diminished by the availability of computational facilities.

Unit 14 - Pathology Laboratory Management

This unit will enable learners to gain an understanding of the principles and practice of managing a pathology laboratory, to include essential aspects of safety, information technology, administrative task and quality issues.

Unit 15 - Biology of Disease

The unit will provide a thorough grounding in the causes and consequences of damage to cells, increase understanding of the pathological effects of cellular injury, and explore the consequences of changes in external environment and disease on the physiology of the human body.

Unit 16 - Project

Much of the work within higher programmes in science is designed to develop appropriate knowledge and skills, and it consequently limited in scope for reasons of clarity and achievability. When in employment, scientists are frequently required to select and apply appropriate knowledge and skills to unfamiliar situations. Learners will have the opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills that they have acquired from other units in this specification by applying them to an extended individual study.

Career Opportunities

Since Biomedical Science is a continually changing and dynamic profession, it offers a fantastic variety of career opportunities with excellent promotion prospects including specialist laboratory work, expert and consultant roles, research, education and management.Once qualified, many biomedical scientists work in hospital laboratories to support the work of clinicians and general practitioners, "Biomedical Science is a continually changing, dynamic profession with long-term career prospects including management, research, education and specialised laboratory work. But if working in a hospital laboratory is not for you, there are many other avenues to explore. One of those is the field of Public Health and Community Medicine. The public health officers seek to improve health through the diagnosis, prevention and control of infections and communicable diseases and its scientists will test samples of drinking water, milk and foodstuffs to make sure they are fit for human consumption.

You may decide that you would prefer to work in forensic science, using the latest DNA profiling and forensic techniques to help identify and catch wanted criminals or you may work for the National Blood Authority, which provides support to hospital blood banks and the Blood Transfusion Service or you may working for the Medical Research Institute, where you would carry out research in the medical and biological sciences to help safeguard health and combat and control diseases.

Biomedical scientists are also employed in other roles such as the veterinary service, university laboratories, pharmaceutical and product manufacturers. If you prefer travelling, there is the opportunity for you to use your training and skills in healthcare posts and projects around the world. The skills of a biomedical scientist are highly sought after for international healthcare projects in hospitals, schools and universities. You may want to become involved in voluntary work in developing countries on behalf of international bodies such as the World Health Organisation, or Overseas Voluntary Services.

Transfer Opportunities

Students who successfully complete HND in Biomedical Science, can transfer to Northumbria University Biomedical Science Degree which is accredited by the Institute for Biomedical Science (IBMS). It provides the education and training required to become a Registered Biomedical Scientist.