Biomedical Sciences leading to MD (BSc Hons - Single)
UCAS code:
B900
Duration:
F/T 6 years
Start (Year of entry):
2012
F/T or P/T:
F/T
CAMPUS
North campus: Tower Building, Science Centre and UHSA, Antigua
COST
Please refer to the tuition fees outlined below
Overview
This unique course is offered by London Metropolitan University in conjunction with the University of Health Sciences Antigua (UHSA). Successful completion of this six year programme will enable students to graduate with a BSc Biomedical Science from London Metropolitan University and also an international MD qualification from UHSA.
The course gives graduates a solid foundation in the area of biomedical science and research and also a medical qualification in only six years. Biomedical Scientists identify disease and its causes, investigate and monitor pathological processes and treatment strategies and also engage in medical research. The core modules of this course examine the structure, functioning and analysis of bio-molecules, cells, tissues and body systems, together with training in non-technical skills.
The BSc Biomedical Science degree is accredited by the IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science) and the international MD from UHSA meets the entry criteria for undertaking accreditation exams in a number of different countries e.g. the PLAB in the UK and the USMLE in the USA.
Download the course brochure here
Faculty of Life Sciences
Course contents
You will study three levels, which correspond to three full-time academic years, each of 120 credits at London Metropolitan University. In addition, you attend three two-month summer schools in Antigua. The summer schools will build on the knowledge and skills that you have acquired at London Met during your BSc Biomedical Science course and, together with your fourth year in Antigua at UHSA, provide the extra material and skills that are necessary to meet the Basic Sciences requirement of medical training and will prepare you for your clinical rotation years after completing your BSc Biomedical Science. These three summer schools and the fourth year in Antigua are a compulsory part of the programme.
Level 1 modules at London Metropolitan University include:
- Cell Biology
- General Biochemistry
- General Chemistry
- General Microbiology
- Human Structure and Function
- Introduction to Data Analysis
- Molecular Biology and Genetics I
- Professional Studies (Biomedical Sciences)
Summer School modules at UHSA include:
- Gross Anatomy
- Cell Biology/Histology
- Patient, Doctor and Community
Level 2 modules at London Metropolitan University include:
- Haematology and Transfusion Science
- Immunology
- Metabolic Biochemistry
- Microbial Physiology
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology
- Project Preparation
Summer School modules at UHSA include:
- Human Physiology I
- Biochemistry
- Behavioral Science
- Patient, Doctor and Community
Level 3 modules at London Metropolitan University include:
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Developmental and Systems Pathology
- Medical Microbiology
- Project
Suggested optional modules include:
- Principals of Pharmacology
- Bio-analytical Techniques II
Summer School modules at UHSA include:
- Human Physiology II
- Medical Genetics
- Embryology
- Patient, Doctor and Community
Level 4
After successfully completing your BSc Biomedical Science degree with London Met with a minimum of a 2:1 degree classification, successful MD route students will then spend a further academic year in order to complete the Basic Sciences part of medical training, prior to starting their clinical rotations. Level 4 modules include:
- Neuroscience
- General Pathology
- Microbiology I
- Microbiology II
- Pharmacology
- Medical Jurisprudence
- Systemic Pathology
- Physical Diagnosis
- Introduction to Clinical Medicine
Assessment
During your studies you will undertake a variety of assessment techniques from self diagnostic testing, debates, group work, coursework, essays, and cumulative exams. Practical skills are summatively assessed through the coursework assignments, including those in the final Project module. Data handling skills are assessed by, practical reports, problem solving exercises, information abstracting and reviewing exercises, poster presentations, exams and seminar presentations.
Your basic science curriculum at UHSA is assessed by multiple choice examination and practical laboratory exams where indicated.
Careers
On completion of the six year programme you will be awarded an MD degree by UHSA. The course is designed to meet the academic and clinical placement requirements to practice medicine in any country. On achieving their MD, graduates would then need to individually take the licensing exam in order to be eligible to practice in a particular country. For example, in the UK you would need to take the General Medical Council exams known as PLAB, which is required by all MDs who study outside of the UK regardless of which country. In order to practice in the USA you would need to take the USLME. UHSA has graduates practicing medicine in these and other countries.
Graduates may also choose to use their skills and knowledge in Biomedical Science and find careers in hospital laboratories to support the work of clinicians and general practitioners, management, medical research, education and specialised laboratory work. The skills learnt are also applicable to public health (water, foodstuffs, disease surveillance), veterinary laboratories, blood banks, forensics, and pharmaceuticals development. Graduates' analytical, numerical and communication skills are also in demand in other careers such as accountancy, journalism, and marketing. The programme is also an excellent preparation for further research or study.
Professional accreditation/exemption
Students are eligible for Associate Membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science and Associate Membership of the Society of Biology. Graduates may take up a Biomedical Scientist trainee post leading to Biomedical Scientist Registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC), as well as a Student Membership of the IBMS and the Institute of Biology (IOB), an Associate Membership of the IBMS and a Graduate or Associate Membership of the IOB.
For those wishing to practice medicine you would need to undertake the accrediting exam of whichever country you wish to practice in, as described in 'Career opportunities' below.
Applying and entry
Sept full-time: apply through UCAS Sept part-time, Feb 2013 full/part-time: Apply direct to the University - contact Admissions for an application form.
In addition to the University’s standard entry requirements, you should also have GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above (or equivalent). You are normally expected to hold one of the following: at least 320 UCAS points from three A levels, including biology and chemistry; or at least 300 points from at least two A levels (Applied subjects) in science; or a BTEC National Diploma in Science with DDM and at least six merits in the final year, excluding common skills. Entry from appropriate Foundation or Access courses will also be considered. Applications are also welcomed from individuals with European and International qualifications.
Extended degree course
Applicants who do not fully meet the entry requirements may be eligible to begin a BSc Sciences Extended Degree leading to an award in Biomedical Sciences.
Interviews
Applicants who meet the academic requirements are invited for interview, which can also be carried out by telephone. The interview assesses their general motivation and commitment to training as a doctor, their knowledge about medical training, any relevant volunteer experience and their interest in relevant issues such as medical ethics. The interview is an essential part of the entry procedure. For further information about interviews please ensure you read our interview hints document.
Further information
Please contact the Admissions Office:
Tel: +44(0)20 7133 4200
Fax: +44(0)20 7133 2677
Email: admissions@londonmet.ac.uk
or for further academic questions, contact medicine@londonmet.ac.uk
This programme has recently (April 2011) been re-evaluated by the General Medical Council (GMC) of the UK and meets the current criteria for taking the licensing exams (PLAB) for practising medicine in the UK. For confirmation of this you can contact the GMC:
Tel: +44(0)161 924 6602
Email: gmc@gmc-uk.org
Tuition fees
As the course is taught in two different institutions fees need to be paid to both London Metropolitan and the University of Health Sciences Antigua (UHSA).
Fees for London Metropolitan are per year
UK and EU students full-time £7,600
UK/EU part-time (per 30 credit module) £1,900
International students full-time £10,000
International part-time (per 30 credit module) £2,500
Fee structure for The University of Health Sciences Antigua
Year 1 $10,000 US Dollars (plus around £3000 -£3,500 expenses for the intensive two month summer school which include accommodation, books, equipment, air fare, food and general living expenses).
Year 2 $10,000 US Dollars (plus around £3000 -£3,500 expenses for the intensive two month summer school which include accommodation, books, equipment, air fare, food and general living expenses).
Year 3 $10,000 US Dollars (plus around £3000 -£3,500 expenses for the intensive two month summer school which include accommodation, books, equipment, air fare, food and general living expenses)
Year 4 $10,000 US Dollars, plus living expenses for a year on Antigua to complete the Basic Sciences part of the MD. The living expenses will be approximately 5 times the expenses for the 2 month summer school.
Year 5 First Clinical Rotation Year: $25,200 US Dollars plus approximately the same in living expenses and insurance.
Year 6 Second Clinical Rotation Year: $25,200 US Dollars plus approximately the same in living expenses and insurance.
The clinical rotations will be taken whether in the USA or the UK.
The estimated fees to be paid to UHSA during the clinical years include the yearly UHSA tuition and the fees for the clinical rotations. The exact fees charged for clinical rotations will vary depending upon the clinical rotation site.