BSc (Hons)Applied Biomedical Science Apprenticeship
Course overview
Biomedical science is an ever-growing career with new technologies and an expanding workforce. This apprenticeship will allow you to gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamental science behind the work that you do and allow you to develop a clear understanding of the major clinical disciplines.
This degree apprenticeship is focussed on you as the apprentice and has been developed with employers to ensure it meets the requirements of what you do every day. As part of this apprenticeship, you will complete a clinical laboratory placement and complete your Registration Portfolio, allowing you to receive your certificate of competence and register with the Healthcare and Professions Council (HCPC) with no further assessments needed.
Throughout the course you will develop a clearer understanding of how fundamental biological and chemical concepts apply to biomedicine. You will also learn more about the roles of different professionals throughout the patient pathway, as well as the importance of different tests to the final diagnostic outcome. You will be informed of up-to-date techniques through our practical programme and how they apply to your discipline.
In your final year you have the opportunity to undertake a clinical research project within your host laboratory. This will allow you to develop a line of research within your interests and discipline and of priority to your trust meaning you can have a beneficial input into the lab.
The course is extremely student focussed, and we ensure you will receive all of the skills and training to enable you to do well in your future career. You won’t only be taught the clinical and practical skills you need but also transferable skills allowing you to make clear judgements, communicate with various audience and troubleshoot laboratory issues with confidence. You will also develop skills related to industry specific programmes and technical skills in clinical writing, presentation and analysis.
Any questions?
Contact the apprenticeships team
Email:Â
For employers
Apprenticeships can add value at all levels of your business:
- Upskill your staff with industry relevant qualifications.
- Drive an increase in productivity.
- Promote long-term loyalty and reduce staff turnover.
- Reduce the cost of qualifications and training.
- Develop staff with a minimum of interruption to day-to-day operations.
- Offer genuine opportunities for personal development.
For apprentices
Here's what a higher or degree apprenticeship can offer you:
- A combination of on-the-job and academic study which is relevant and applied.
- A continued wage and contract of employment which includes all the same benefits as any employee.
- A higher or degree qualification which is recognised, transferrable and the same level as if achieved through traditional study routes.
- A debt free future with zero tuition fees. (Please note, as apprenticeships are funded by employers, apprentices are not eligible to apply for Student Loans Company loans)
- An opportunity to develop new skills and progress within your industry.
What does this course lead to?
Following completion of this course you will be able to register with the HCPC and become a qualified biomedical scientist. You will then be able to undertake a variety of roles within clinical or private practice as you further your knowledge and become more specialist.Â
Who is this course is for?
This apprenticeship is ideally suited to students who are already working within the NHS.Â
Facilities
This degree makes use of our range of biomedical science laboratories where you will complete all of your practical training using up-to-date equipment.
Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
Come to an open day
Fancy a sneak peek? Take a look around!
Meet the team
You'll be taught by a highly experienced team who have all worked in the field.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
What you'll study
Core modules
The Basis of Life
This module introduces you to the basic biochemistry and genetics that underpin life on Earth. You'll develop an understanding of the structures of key biological molecules and explain how molecular structure determines biological function, while also building knowledge of enzymes and enzyme kinetics, including their importance in biological systems. You'll then be introduced to the structure and function of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and how these relate to essential cellular processes. Throughout, you'll be equipped with early experience in laboratory practical skills, enabling you to perform simple biochemical and genetic experiments and analyse laboratory data.
Blood Science And The Microbial World
This module introduces you to key concepts in haematology and transfusion science, enabling you to understand factors affecting transfusion science. You'll develop your understanding of named haematological disorders, focusing on the basic features and mechanisms. You'll also learn about the basic processes essential to support microbial life and be provided with an understanding of simple pathogenic elements of different microbial groups, helping them understand how microorganisms survive, interact with hosts, and contribute to human health and disease. As an apprentice, you will have a further period of training after the main teaching block concludes which will centre on tasks relevant to your registration portfolio. These will be decided between the course team and the apprenticeship provider at the start of your course.
The Complexity of Life
In this module you'll be introduced to how humans are structured, from the basic cellular level through to full organ systems. You will develop knowledge of cell biology, including overall cell structure, key functional requirements for life, and the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. You'll also learn about higher order cellular processes and how these contribute to the formation of major organ systems, and how structure supports functional capabilities in the human body. Throughout, you'll gain practical experience in introductory laboratory techniques for assessing cell biological processes and evaluating bodily function and provided with early exposure to laboratory quality and safety practices, and the analysis of laboratory data.
Blood Science and Immunology
This module provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of haematology and immunology. You'll develop an understanding of basic haematology and common haematological disorders, with an emphasis on the basic features and underlying mechanisms. You'll also develop a detailed knowledge of the structure and function of the immune system, including innate and adaptive immunity, and how immune mechanisms support health or contribute to disease.
Successful apprentices will graduate with a:BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science
How you'll study
You will learn through a combination of directed learning, collaborative learning and guided learning. You will also make use of the University's online learning platform Solent Online Learning (SOL).How you'll be assessed
- Essays
- Poster presentations
- Case studies
- Lab reports
- Practical exams
- Written exams
- Individual presentations
- Group presentations
Students are assessed through a combination of academic assignments and occupational standards assessments. Coursework assignments can include presentations, essays, exams, case studies, practical assessments, and reflective accounts.
Apprentices area also expected to go through an end-point assessment within three months of completing the course.
Find out more
Fees and finance
Businesses with an annual payroll above £3million will be classed as a levy paying employer and will be able to use funds accrued in their digital apprenticeship service (DAS) account for payment of the training. Please contact us for guidance on fees if you are a non-levy employer which will cover at least 95% of the costs.
- The maximum funding drawdown for this course is: £27,000
Apprentices pay nothing towards their course fees
The course fees will be covered by your employer.
Optional Costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Earn while you learn
As an apprentice you'll earn while working and studying towards your degree.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Entry Requirements
To study for an apprenticeship, you must be employed by a sponsoring organisation. The specific entry requirements will be agreed with your employer.
Applicants should:
- Hold one Science A Level
or
- Have evidence of successful completion of L4 Healthcare Science Associate apprenticeship
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship offers a unique blend of work experience and academic study. Candidates on an apprenticeship will work a paid job while simultaneously working towards a relevant qualification in their chosen field.
Apprentices are employees with a contract of employment that must cover the duration of the programme being studied. Apprentices have guaranteed time from their employer to complete their studies, at a minimum of six hours a week, known as off-the-job training hours. The University will provide each apprentice with a tracker to ensure these off the job hours are logged to demonstrate compliance with this funding rule.
Higher degree apprenticeships
We offer a diverse range of higher and degree apprenticeships, some of which will include an additional qualification that will be studied within the Apprenticeship Standard, eg: HNC, BA or BSc. Our apprenticeships give employees the opportunity to upskill in their chosen field or retrain for a new career while working. Employers will see an increase in knowledge and skills, improved productivity, and a boost in the expertise of the workforce.
Solent is an experienced and well-established apprenticeship training provider, with qualification achievement rates significantly above the national average. We have a broad teaching team who combine industry experience with academic expertise, so you can be confident you're being taught by an expert. Throughout this programme, we'll help you develop your technical and managerial expertise, with sustainability and ethical practice being at the heart of what we offer.
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