University of Sunderland

Healthcare Science: Physiological Sciences/Life Sciences (Accredited by the Department of Health and Medical Education England)

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science: Physiological/Life Sciences is a route depending on which specialism you want to choose within BSc (Hons) Physiological Science or BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.

The programme aims to deliver Healthcare Science programmes which meet the Department of Health Modernising Scientific Careers (MSC) agenda (Modernising Scientific Careers. The UK Way Forward Gateway Reference: 13494) and deliver the defined curriculum and work based training for the Practitioner Training Programme (PTP). This will lead to Healthcare Science Practitioners with the expertise to be able to fulfil clearly defined technologically based roles in the delivery and technical reporting of quality assured tests, investigations and interventions for patients, on samples or equipment.

We offer two divisions and 6 specialisms within Healthcare Science. The physiological science routes builds on our BSc (Hons) Physiological Science programme and includes BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) and BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Audiology). The life science routes build on our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programme and includes four named awards in BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Blood Science / Cellular Science / Infection Science / Genetic Science).

All of these programmes are dependent on the availability of discipline specific unpaid clinical placements and set admissions requirements (see entry requirements section).  

The Physiological Sciences programme is about understanding how the human body functions from the level of the cell up to the whole body. This programme allows you to gain a thorough understanding of how the body functions and how cells, tissues and organs work together. The programme covers all of the systems of the whole body in health and disease but it also allows the students the option of studying the body from the level of cell biochemistry or genetics.

The Life Sciences programme aims to give a thorough grounding in the scientific investigation of human health and disease and produce graduates who are skilled and technically competent at a range of biomedical techniques and capable of expert analysis and interpretation.

A key feature of these programmes is the integrated nature of the work based training and students who meet academic and other criteria (including fitness to practice) will undertake significant amounts of time in the workplace. In the first year this would amount to 10 weeks, in the second year 15 weeks and third year 25 weeks. We work in partnership with employers in local hospitals / diagnostic services to provide opportunities clinical placements and a high standard of training.

The Physiological Science division is offered with two specialist areas of clinical physiology: Audiology; Cardiac physiology. Audiologists identify and assess hearing and/or balance disorders, recommending and providing appropriate rehabilitation and management of the disorder. Cardiac physiologists investigate the function of the heart to assist in diagnosing heart disease, for example by using electrocardiograph (ECG), echocardiographs or blood pressure monitoring.

The Life Science division is offered in four specialist areas relevant to pathology: Cellular Science, Blood Science, Genetic Science and Infection Science. Pathology is the analysis of patients’ specimens to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Cellular Sciences encompasses histology and cytology which enables the accurate diagnosis of disease (eg cancer) by the study of cells / tissue using a microscope. Blood Sciences includes the disciplines of biochemistry, blood transfusion, haematology and immunology. A full blood count is one of the most common tests requested by doctors and is a very useful indicator of the health of a patient. All blood must be cross-matched prior to transfusion to ensure it is compatible with a patient’s own blood so this is a key role to ensure patient safety.

Biochemists use a wide range of analytical tests to determine the biochemical mechanisms of the body in relation to disease (eg heart attacks, kidney failure, viral and bacterial infection, infertility, diabetics, high cholesterol, thyroid problems or monitoring drug levels etc) mostly through the analysis of body fluids such as blood or urine. Immunologists can aid in the diagnosis of allergy, immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. Genetic Science focuses on the areas of molecular genetics (diagnosis of inherited diseases) and cytogenetics (chromosomal disorders, diagnosis and prognosis of cancer). Infection Science covers the culture / identification of viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause disease, antibiotic sensitivity testing and infection control.

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Course Content

Level 1- BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science

Core modules:

• Human Physiology
• Cell Science
• Clinical and Professional Practice
• Infection and Immunity

BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) core modules plus:

• Introduction to Cardiovascular
• Respiratory and Sleep Science
• Introduction to Practice of Cardiovascular
• Respiratory and Sleep Science

BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Audiology) core modules plus:

• Applied Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology of Neurosensory Systems
• Applied Physics and Measurement

BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Life Science routes) core modules plus:

• Analysis and Measurement
• Biological Chemistry

Level 2

Core modules:

• Research Methods
• Pathophysiology and Therapeutics

Cardiac Physiology core modules:

• Pathophysiology of Common Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
• Instrumentation, Signal Processing and Imaging
• Research Methods
• Cardiac Physiology: ECG
• Cardiac Physiology: Blood Pressure
• Professional Practice and Work-base training in Physiological Sciences

Audiology core modules:

• Pathophysiology of Auditory and Vestibular Systems
• Applied Physiological Measurement and Instrumentation
• Research Methods
• Fundamental Principles of Audiological Assessment
• Processes of Audiological Rehabilitation
• Professional Practice and Work-base Training in Physiological Sciences

Life Science core modules:

• Analytical Science
• Cell Science 2
• Infection and Immunity 2
• Blood Science
• Work based learning in Life Sciences

Level 3 – Physiological Sciences core modules:

• Research Project in Physiological Sciences
• Professional Practice and Work base training  in Physiological Science 2

Audiology Core modules:

• Psycho/Social aspects of hearing loss
• Advanced Principles of Audiological Assessment

Plus one optional module:

• Introduction to Tinnitus
• Vestibular Assessment
• Paediatric Assessment
• Specialist Hearing Instruments

Cardiac Physiology core modules:

• Applying Cardiac Physiology I
• Applying Cardiac Physiology II
• Applying Cardiac Physiology III

Level 3 – Life Sciences core modules:

• Research Project in Healthcare Science
• Work based learning in Life Sciences

Blood Science core modules:

• Clinical Biochemistry
  Immunology
• Haematology with Blood Transfusion

Cellular Science core modules:

• Cellular Pathology
• Molecular Pathology

Plus one optional module:

• Immunology
• Human Genetics and Genomics

Genetic Science core modules:

• Molecular Pathology
• Human Genetics and Genomics

Plus one optional module:

• Cellular Pathology
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Haematology and Blood Transfusion

Infection Science core modules:

• Molecular Pathology
• Immunology
• Medical Microbiology

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Entry Requirements

Our typical offer will be 260 points from a minimum of 2 A levels/AVCEs or equivalent (e.g. 1 x AVCE double award) including Biology or Chemistry.

We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above which must include Mathematics and English Language or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication, Application of Number and Information Technology (or equivalent).

Additional Entry Requirements for BSc (Hons) Healthcare Sciences route:

If you want to specialise in Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology/Audiology) then you will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Physiological Science and if you want to specialise in Healthcare Science (Blood Science/Cellular Science/Infection Science/Genetic Science) then you will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.

In order to undertake the work-based training part of the Healthcare Science programme, students will have to have a satisfactory disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau, a medical check and be subject to interview by the hospital work placement provider. This selection process will be undertaken during the first year of the BSc (Hons) Physiological Sciences or BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programmes.

Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English are required to produce evidence of advanced competence in English. This will require an IELTS test score of 7.0 or equivalent, to comply with requirements from the Medical Education England Healthcare Science Programme Board.

Access Course: We would require successful completion of a Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Access programme and a minimum of GCSE grade C Mathematics and English Language (or that you have obtained the equivalent as part of your course).

Scottish Highers: Our typical offer is for 260 including Biology or Chemistry.

Irish Leaving Certificate: Our typical offer is for 260 including Biology or Chemistry.

Mature applicants: Please call the Student Helpline for advice on entry requirements and qualifications: 0191 515 3000. Please note that all non-standard mature applicants will be offered an interview.

International applicants: Please call the Student Helpline for advice on entry requirements and qualifications: +44 191 515 3000.

Log on here for more information on the BSc (Hons) Physiological Sciences.

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

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Teaching and Assessment

Teaching methods include lectures, practical work, seminars and other forms of group work. Assessment is by examination and continuous assessment of course work, through essays, multiple-choice tests, reports, oral and/or poster presentations.

Although the balance varies from module to module the overall split is roughly 40:60 between continuous assessment and examination.

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Work Experience

Work-based training is an integral part of the Healthcare Science programme and subject to training places being provided by the regional healthcare providers, consists of 10 weeks in the first year, 15 weeks in the second year and 25 weeks in the third year. These training places are unpaid.

The newly established Medical Education England Healthcare Science Programme Board will be approving the BSc Healthcare Science programmes during 2011. This board will play an important part in registering Healthcare Scientists so that they can be allowed to practice in the NHS.

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Career Opportunities

The specialist route prepares you for roles as a healthcare science practitioner within the NHS, obtaining diagnostic data from patients and working as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes doctors, nurses and radiographers. NHS salaries for staff working in healthcare science range from around £20,700 to £79,000 per year.

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Supplemental Information

Student Support

The programme team prides itself on the support given to students. Every student has a personal tutor and we integrate personal development planning into the programme. We work closely with careers to help students to articulate their graduate skills and attributes.

All students have access to excellent support services on campus, this includes our Student Liaison Officer, Health and Well-being and the Students' Union.

Healthcare Science graduates will have undertaken the Practitioner Training Programme which will be the recognised training route to be a healthcare scientist in the NHS. The newly established Medical Education England Healthcare Science Programme Board will be approving BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science programmes (visiting panel review May 2011 outcome: recommend accreditation).

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Facilities

We have invested £8.5 million in Phase 1 of the new Sciences Complex which opened in September 2010. This provides high quality teaching and learning facilities and social learning spaces for staff and students.

The building also includes multi-disciplinary science laboratories including new equipment for drug discovery, pharmaceuticals and health related sciences.

In 2011 a new integrated industry-standard Analytical Services Lab and scientific imaging suite opened. As well as the new Lab there is also an attractive landscaped public realm space as part of a new university square.

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Related Courses

• Biomedical Science

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