6B011B - Preparing for Practice: Biomedical Science in Healthcare 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 6B011B
Module Title: Preparing for Practice: Biomedical Science in Healthcare
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Science
Faculty Sub Group: Biology and Chemistry
Module Leader: Sioned Owen
Module Team: Aaron Wall, Aled Bryant
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2032
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 30
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100265 - biomedical sciences
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2027
Valid To 31 Aug 2033

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are: 

  • Develop a systematic and critical understanding of advanced diagnostic techniques and laboratory practices, enabling students to evaluate complex data and support evidence-based decision-making in clinical contexts.  

  • To critically assess diagnostic methodologies, including their reliability, limitations, and sources of error, while applying quality assurance and quality control principles to understand their impact on patient outcomes.  

  • Foster professional readiness by developing reflective practice, communication skills, and critical awareness of the roles, responsibilities, and regulatory frameworks governing biomedical scientists in healthcare and research settings, including the National Health Service. 

Content Summary

This module supports your transition from undergraduate study to professional practice by developing a systematic and critical understanding of how biomedical scientists operate within complex healthcare environments. It focuses on the application and evaluation of advanced diagnostic techniques, enabling you to interpret and synthesise complex laboratory data to inform evidence-based decision-making in clinically relevant scenarios. 

Engaging with case-based and practice-focused learning students learn to critically evaluate diagnostic outcomes, assessing the reliability and limitations of methodologies and identifying sources of error within laboratory workflows. By emphasising the application of quality assurance and quality control processes, it provides an understanding of how laboratory practice directly influences patient outcomes by integrating advanced scientific knowledge with professional competencies. 

The module also has a strong emphasis on employability and professional readiness by developing your critical awareness of the roles, responsibilities, and professional standards expected of biomedical scientists working within organisations such as the National Health Service and clinical research settings. You will demonstrate reflective practice, professional judgement, and accountability in line with regulatory and governance frameworks and your ability to communicate complex scientific information to a range of audiences. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical Classes and Workshops 56
Digital Guided Learning 10.5
Independent Study? 133.5
Formative Assessment 40
Summative Assessment 60
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically apply and evaluate advanced diagnostic techniques, management and audit systems such as LIMs, and data to inform decision-making in complex laboratory scenarios
LO2 Demonstrate accountability, patient-centred practice and resilience by critically reflecting on the professional expectations of biomedical scientists and effectively communicating decisions whilst embedding leadership, confidentiality, consent, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion within laboratory and healthcare environments.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report The employer report is designed as an authentic, work-based assessment that requires students to apply advanced diagnostic knowledge to a realistic healthcare scenario. Framing the task for a manager within the National Health Service ensures students must translate complex biomedical data into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for a non-specialist but professionally informed audience. 0 1500 25 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Self-reflective Assessment The reflective professional portfolio enables students to demonstrate professional readiness, self-awareness, and accountability, which are essential at Level 6 and for entry into biomedical science careers. Through structured reflection, students critically evaluate their decision-making, performance, and development in relation to professional standards and regulatory frameworks. 0 6750 75 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report
Self-reflective Assessment

Reading List

Core Textbooks 

  • Clinical Laboratory Medicine 
    ? Comprehensive reference covering diagnostic disciplines, interpretation, and clinical relevance  

  • Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics 
    ? Core text for biochemical and molecular diagnostics, including instrumentation and data interpretation  

  • Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology 
    ? Essential for haematology principles, including immunophenotyping and diagnostic interpretation 

  • Molecular Diagnostics: Fundamentals, Methods and Clinical Applications 

  • Practical Flow Cytometry 

  • Histocompatibility Testing: A Practical Approach 

 

Key Academic Journals 

  • Nature Reviews Drug Discovery  

  • The Lancet  

  • Nature Biomedical Engineering  

  • Trends in Biotechnology