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Foundation Degree in Health and Medical Sciences

Foundation Degree in Health and Medical Sciences (Applied Blood and Tissues Pathway)

Year of entry: 2009

Type: Foundation Degree in Health and Medical Sciences

Modules: see Module listing (below)

About this course

Why choose this course?

This course is designed for staff working as assistants or technicians in NHS, private hospital or sub-contractor laboratories, in fields such as microbiology, immunology, haematology, chemical pathology, genetics, histopathology and cytology.

The course is ideal if you wish to gain a better understanding of the scientific theory underpinning your workplace activities. Throughout the programme you will be encouraged to focus on how the basic scientific principles apply to practice in your workplace.

What will you study?

The course is divided into 16 modules, each lasting between eight and ten weeks and run at set times. They normally start with a face-to-face day at St George's, University of London, after which you undertake online and distance learning activities. You will be expected to study for an average of 12—14 hours a week. To support this, employers are encouraged to allow learners the equivalent of one half day a week for study.

Module listing

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1

• Preparatory module

• The Healthcare Scientist and Patient Care

• Introduction to Biological Chemistry

• Cells and Tissues

• Introduction to Genetics

• Essential Haematology

• Essential Immunology

• Human Function

• Biology of Disease and the Principles of Pathology

• Year 2

• Work-based Reflective Portfolio

• Applied Molecular Genetics

• Biology of Disease: Clinical Pathology

• Transfusion Science

• Tissues and Transplantation

• Applied Microbiology

• Research Methods and Medical Ethics

Year 2

• Work-based Reflective Portfolio

Applied Molecular Genetics
Biology of Disease: Clinical Pathology
Transfusion Science
Tissues and Transplantation
Applied Microbiology
Research Methods and Medical Ethics

Entry Requirements

Typical offer: Normally five GCSEs and one A-level (or equivalent)

Course features

This part-time foundation degree has been created to help develop your career opportunities if you have the right abilities and work:

as an assistant/technician in an NHS, private hospital or sub-contractor lab; and
in a microbiology, haematology, chemical pathology, genetics, histopathology or cytology field.

It has been designed by a unique partnership of NHS employers and higher education establishments to create a qualification that is relevant to the healthcare science workplace.
The programme is taught at St George's, University of London and is divided into 16 modules.
Modules typically last for eight to ten weeks and are run at set times. They normally start with a face-to-face day and you then take part in online activities, which are structured over the period of the module.
The programme starts with a preparatory module, which:

introduces you to distance learning; and
equips you with the academic and ICT skills you need to be successful in your studies.

The whole programme, including a Return to Study module, is designed to be studied at a manageable rate, over a four-year period.
Participants are expected to study for an average of 12—14 hours a week. Employers are encouraged to allow learners the equivalent of a half-day a week for study to support this.
Distance-based e-learning is the main delivery method. This relates directly to the work-based learning element of the course.
Structured but flexible learning approaches are used, where you work on set tasks either in groups and individually. This can be in online or face-to-face learning situations.

Links with business and industry

The course has been designed by a unique partnership of NHS employers and higher education establishments to create a qualification that is relevant to the healthcare science workplace.

How to apply

For an application form please contact the Foundation Degree Office, email: fdadmiss@hscs.sgul.ac.uk