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Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences with Foundation Year

University Centre Leeds, Leeds City College

UCAS Code: CF12 | Foundation Degree - FD

University Centre Leeds, Leeds City College

UCAS Code: CF12 | Foundation Degree - FD

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

32

Typical offer: 32 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications).

About this course

Course option

3years

Full-time | 2025

Subject

Biomedical sciences

This course is for anyone who is interested in chemistry or biology and seeking a career in science, but does not have the qualifications for direct entry on to a science-based degree.

You can still learn about how the human body works; how vaccines protect us from disease; how to design and synthesise new drug molecules and more, while working with cutting-edge laboratory equipment.

You’ll also develop skills that will help you find work in a range of industries from NHS or government laboratories to private pharmaceutical companies.

This course combines knowledge across pharmacology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, biomaterials, and medicinal and organic chemistry.

As you progress through your foundation year, you’ll enhance your confidence with scientific practice and knowledge by studying biology and chemistry modules in addition to mathematics and academic skills.

Once you complete your Foundation Year, you’ll be eligible to progress on to the Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences Foundation Degree, when you will study specialist modules.

You’ll work with microbes, synthesise and analyse chemicals, and perhaps discover something new as you gain an understanding and appreciation of the chemistry and biochemistry of drug molecules: their design, synthesis and behaviour in the body.

You’ll develop an understanding of the science of human life, health and disease at the molecular, cellular, system, organismal and environmental level and learn about microbial processes and applications, including the opportunities for humans to exploit and benefit from these.

Modules

Modules may include:

Year 0 (Level 3)

Fundamentals of Biology (20 credits)
Further Biology (20 credits)
Fundamentals of Chemistry (20 credits)
Further Chemistry (20 credits)
Foundation Mathematics (20 credits)
Academic Skills (20 credits)

Year 1 (Level 4)

Students can choose any combination of optional modules. Choices are made for semester 1 at enrolment and for semester 2 after Christmas. Optional module will only be delivered if there is sufficient demand.

STEM Toolkit (20 credits)
Biomolecules and cells (20 credits)
Anatomy and Physiology (option) (20 credits)
Physical and Inorganic Chemistry (option) (20 credits)
Integrated Practical Skills (20 credits)
Data Analysis (20 credits)
Biochemistry (option) (20 credits)
Organic Chemistry (option) (20 credits)

Year 2 (Level 5)

Students can choose any combination of optional modules. In order to study Medicinal Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry, students must have studied at least one chemistry module at level 4. Choices are made for semester 1 at enrolment and for semester 2 after Christmas. Optional modules will only be delivered if there is sufficient demand.

Pharmacology and Therapeutics (20 credits)
Microbiology and Biotechnology (option) (20 credits)
Analytical Chemistry (option) (20 credits)
Work-Related Learning (20 credits)
Scientific Investigation (20 credits)
Immunology (option) (20 credits)
Genetics (option) (20 credits)
Medicinal Chemistry (option) (20 credits)
Biomaterials (option) (20 credits)

Assessment methods

There will be regular short practice assessment activities (in the form of quizzes and tests) with feedback provided to guide your progress and development. Pair and small group activities will be used in all modules, allowing you to improve communication and teamwork skills. You will give short oral and poster presentations to increase your confidence in speaking and presenting.

Modules will be formally assessed and graded through a range of methods, including traditional examinations, laboratory activities, problem-based group projects, oral and poster presentations, case-studies, research projects and essays.

This range of activities provides the opportunity for everyone to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that they have acquired throughout the course of their studies. The mix of practical and written assessments will provide evidence to employers of the level of laboratory skills and other abilities (such as teamwork, communication skills, ethical integrity, etc.), whilst also enabling you to demonstrate the theoretical knowledge and academic skills that you have developed.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

England
£6,600
per year
Northern Ireland
£6,600
per year
Republic of Ireland
£6,600
per year
Scotland
£6,600
per year
Wales
£6,600
per year

The Uni

Course location:

Mabgate

Department:

University Centre

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