BI1S204 - Skills for Biomedical Scientists 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BI1S204
Module Title: Skills for Biomedical Scientists
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Science
Module Leader: Sioned Owen
Module Team: Aled Bryant
First Intended Intake: SEP 2022 Final Year of Intake: 2027
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100265 - biomedical sciences
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

On successful completion students will acquire a variety of key technical and analytical skills such as data and information handling, safe laboratory practice and basic biomedical techniques essential to being a biomedical scientist

This module is delivered through a combination of practical and theory sessions in order to explore the variety of roles biomedical scientists contribute to society and the transferable skills required to achieve this.

In engaging with the module, students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate Attributes:

Commercial Awareness: Behaviour 1, 2,3

Communication: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

Leadership: Behaviour 1, 2

Innovation and Enterprise: Behaviour 2, 3

Project Management: Behaviour 2, 3

Digital Literacy: Behaviour 1, 2

The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.

Content Summary

Topics covering biomedical skills will include but are not limited to:-

Basic numerical and chemical skills (concepts of accuracy and precision, units, molar and % solutions, dilutions)

Basic laboratory skills (weighing chemicals, using balances, making solutions, pH adjustment, using dispensers, pipetting, use of centrifuges, etc)

Health and safety (COSSH, microbiological, physical and chemical, human tissue act)?knowledge

Personal investigations to encourage consideration of the different roles of biomedical science in an applied context

Use of animals and humans in biomedical research and the ethics surrounding it

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Seminar 5
Tutorial 5
Practical classes and workshops 16
Independent Study 72
Directed Study 80
Problem / challenge based learning 10
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate performance of scientific calculations commonly used in laboratory settings.
LO2 Demonstrate the basic principles and application of techniques and an ability to apply this knowledge in accordance with risk assessments, health and safety and good laboratory practice.
LO3 Demonstrate knowledge of the regulatory framework, ethical considerations for animal and human tissues and trials, and implications for clinical roles of biomedical scientists in the UK

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 Individual presentation on a topical issue in biomedical science 5 N/A 20 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 1.Laboratory technical skills 2.Data analysis and interpretation 0 2400 60 No 40
Synchronous Online Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Online) 1 2 x Online written tests to assess mathematical, chemical and health and safety knowledge 30 N/A 20 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1
Portfolio 1
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Online) 1

Reading List

Basic bioscience laboratory techniques : a pocket guide / Philip Bonner and Alan Hargreaves.

Effective learning in the life sciences how students can achieve their full potential / edited by David J. Adams.

Essential Laboratory Skills for Biosciences

Mohammed Meah, Elizabeth Kebede-Westhead

Biomedical Sciences: Essential Laboratory Medicine

Raymond Iles (Editor), Suzanne Docherty (Editor)