Biomedical Sciences leading to MD (BSc Hons - Single)

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.

Faculty of Life Sciences

Course contents

Three levels, each of 120 credits.

Year 1 topics include:

During this year you will gain a broad introduction to the Life Sciences covering key concepts including; Laboratory Skills, chemistry and biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology during which we introduction the key principles of biomedical science. A heavy emphasis is placed on developing the basic laboratory skills and data manipulations required by a budding biomedical scientist.

Summer School modules at UHSA include:

• Gross Anatomy
• Cell Biology/Histology
• Patient, Doctor and Community

Year 2 topics include:

In year 2 you will continue your studies in greater depth and begin to specialise. The introduction of a variety of biomedical science disciplines will be explored for example; biology of disease, infection and immunity, diagnostic techniques introducing core discipline areas such as blood science, infection and tissue science,fundamentals of pharmacology. During practical sessions, you will have hands-on experience of a wide range of research techniques which are widely used in current Life Science research including spectrophotometry, PCR, electrophoresis and ELISA. You are able to select a module for areas including parasitology, ethics for science, fundamentals of biotechnology.

Summer School modules at UHSA include:

• Human Physiology I
• Biochemistry
• Behavioral Science
• Patient, Doctor and Community

Year 3 topics include:

Final year topics include more in depth study of the major disciplines including advanced blood science, advanced tissue and infection science and systems pathology to draw together the aspect of your previous years of study. You can select a module from topics including Virology, Applied Immunology and Medical Genetics. You will undertake an independent in-depth research project of your choice in an area within of the School's varied research interests.

Summer School modules at UHSA include:

• Human Physiology II
• Medical Genetics
• Embryology
• Patient, Doctor and Community

Year 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 successful completion of the BSc Biomedical Science degree at London Metropolitan University and successful progress on the summer schools at UHSA students can progress into the final year of the Basic Sciences part of the MD programme, and on completion of this students undertake two years of clinical rotation. On successful completion of the full 6 year programme students will obtain an MD award from UHSA. The joint programme meets the eligibility criteria for a primary medical qualification taken outside of the UK by the General Medical Council and allows students to take the General Medical Council licensing exams, the PLAB, to enable them to practise as a medical doctor in the UK.

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.

“This course has given me the opportunity to become a doctor which I have always dreamed of. I am just finishing my final year at London Metropolitan Uni and I am excited about heading to Antigua for my final year of basic sciences at USHA and then clinical rotations in the UK.”

Applying and entry

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should also have GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above (or equivalent). Successful applicants are normally expected to achieve one of the following: a minimum of 320 points from three A levels, which must include a minimum B grade in Biology and Chemistry; or a BTEC National Diploma in Science with DDM and at least six merits in the final year, excluding common skills OR equivalent. Entry from appropriate Foundation or Access courses will also be considered. Applicants with Advanced Diploma qualifications should also achieve a minimum of 320 UCAS points from a completed Diploma, but must also meet the science entry requirements described above. You should take level 3 qualifications in Biology and Chemistry in addition to your Advanced Diploma. English Language Testing System (IELTS) standard level 6 (5.5 in each component) or equivalent. All successful applicants are also interviewed.

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

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

Fee structure for The University of Health Sciences Antigua