Healthcare Science Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship (BSc Hons Applied Biomedical Science)

Genetics and Immunology

This module expands on genetic concepts and introduces students to fundamental aspects of the immune system, covering molecules, cells, and interactions involved. Topics include the use of phenotypic traits for segregation and linkage studies, chromosome mapping, X-linked genes, patterns of inheritance, and the effects of chromosome structure changes. Students will explore genetic counselling, mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes, bacterial and viral genomes, immune system components, and various immune responses, providing a comprehensive understanding of genetics and immunology.

Human Physiology

This module introduces fundamental aspects of human physiology, focusing on key organ systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine systems, as well as the foundational process of homeostasis. It emphasises the development of essential skills in communication, IT, and data analysis. The acquired knowledge and skills provide a solid foundation for further studies in diverse fields, including biomedical science, microbiology, pharmacology, and physiology, covering topics such as blood composition, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, urinary and muscular systems, neuroendocrine systems, and thermoregulation.

Essential Topics in Healthcare Science (blended learning)

Today's Biomedical Scientist faces critical considerations in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. These include staying informed about current initiatives and policies like GIRFT and One Health, adapting to the integration of AI and evolving technology, exploring diverse career options and advancements, and understanding the principles and applications of Point of Care Testing (POCT) equipment in disease screening, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. Additionally, there is a need for expertise in applying POCT within patient pathways, ensuring Quality Assurance, and addressing key considerations when conducting testing outside the traditional laboratory setting.

Clinical Genetics and Immunology

This module covers the essential aspects of molecular biology and genetics, including the regulation of transcription and translation, identification of genetic mutations and their impact on disease, and the growing role of bioinformatics in healthcare. It explores immunopathological conditions, abnormal immune function, and the application of immunological and DNA techniques in disease screening, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The content encompasses topics such as DNA replication, gene expression, the genetic code, molecular methods for analysing chromosomes and proteins, and the ethical considerations associated with genetic testing.

Clinical and Public Health Microbiology (blended learning)

Cellular Pathology

This module explores the pathological basis of disease, demonstrating how histopathological and cytological techniques contribute to diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. It covers the histology of cells, tissues, and organ systems, addressing the pathology of various tissues and organ systems. Additionally, the module explains the principles and methods of preparing specimens for investigation, introduces immunohistochemistry and molecular methods for diagnosis, and delves into the epidemiology, aetiology, and classification of cancer, with an emphasis on future trends in cancer diagnostics and treatment based on histopathological assessment, particularly molecular diagnostics.

Clinical Biochemistry (blended learning)

This module investigates various disorders, covering clinical symptoms, biochemical and molecular defects, as well as detection, diagnosis, and treatment. It aims to foster the development of practical and communication skills, addressing topics such as plasma proteins, metabolic responses to injury, serum enzymes, myocardial infarction, liver and kidney diseases, hyperuricemia, thyroid metabolism, metabolic bone diseases, hyperglycaemia, diabetes mellitus, genetic disorders, and drug monitoring during treatment. The content provides a comprehensive understanding of diverse medical conditions and emphasizes the acquisition of essential skills for their management.

Professional Practice 2

Professional Practice 2 deepens understanding in key areas of Biomedical Practice, emphasizing Health and Safety, Patient Records, Data Handling, and enhancing professional communication skills. The module covers aspects such as verbal and non-verbal communication, considerations affecting communication, confidentiality, information governance, and the impact of pathology on patient care. It also explores professional relationships, the role of other professionals, and the structure of the NHS and social care, ensuring awareness of health and safety legislation and biological hazard groups.

Immunopharmacology (blended learning)

This module delves into the connections between cell division, death, and injury and their impact on systems and organs, focusing on pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of inflammation, hypersensitivity, and selected disorders such as asthma, cardiac and CNS inflammatory disorders, and cancer. It explores the effects and mechanisms of action of drugs, including novel drug targets, in addressing chronic disorders that significantly impact global health and the economy. The content delves into innate immunity, inflammatory pathways, cardiac inflammation, chronic heart disease, airway smooth muscle physiology, immune responses in allergic asthma, and the challenges and recent advances in cancer pharmacotherapy.

Infectious Diseases and their control (blended learning)

This blended learning module focuses on the global impact of infectious diseases, providing in-depth insights into their effects on individuals and populations. You'll explore the transmission of pathogens, their role in causing diseases, and strategies for prevention and control, including vaccines, antimicrobial agents, and public health approaches with ethical and global sustainability considerations. The laboratory sessions simulate diagnostic clinical microbiology scenarios, enhancing practical skills and linking the acquired knowledge to potential employability in providing causative organism identification and clinical advice to healthcare professionals.

Research Project

The Research Project equips final-year undergraduate students in biological sciences with essential research skills for independent study. It covers formulating research questions, conducting literature reviews, and practicing critical appraisal, along with practical techniques, scientific writing, referencing, and oral presentations. The module explores ethics, sustainability, and research-related issues, including design and implementation of capstone projects, statistical analysis, and presentation of findings, fostering an understanding of investigative principles and enabling students to plan, execute, and report on independent projects under staff supervision.

Haematology and Transfusion Practice (blended learning)

This module delves into the biological basis of blood-related diseases and the techniques used in their investigation, including clinical applications of blood products and components in transfusion laboratories. Students cover normal hemopoiesis, blood cell function, hemostasis, techniques in clinical haematology, coagulation, and transfusion laboratories, as well as various disorders, including malignancies and red cell disorders. Additionally, it explores genetic aspects, immune-mediated destruction of blood cells, and the role of histocompatibility antigens in transplantation.

Professional Practice 3 (including End-Point Assessment)

This final module builds on the professional aspects of the course, focusing on quality, professional knowledge, and preparation for End Point Assessment and HCPC registration. The module covers topics such as the role of the laboratory in disease diagnosis, quality management, non-analytical errors, Point of Care Testing (POCT), laboratory techniques, instrumentation, research and development, research technologies, and statistics. It guides students in developing their research project proposals and prepares them for the End Point Assessment.

Completing your Apprenticeship

To achieve the apprenticeship, all apprentices must complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA is an independent assessment that ascertains whether an apprentice is competent in their occupation.

Gateway

Gateway is the period of time between the end of the off-the-job training (practical period) and the beginning of the assessment period when EPA will take place.

At Gateway, the apprentice, employer and training provider will review the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours to determine whether they are ready to take their EPA. This is normally done at a Gateway review meeting which takes place near the end of the apprenticeship. At this meeting, all three parties will check that the mandatory aspects of the apprenticeship have been completed and that the apprentice is ready to take their final assessment(s).

Apprentices must meet the Gateway requirement set out in the assessment plan before taking their EPA.

End-Point Assessment

This apprenticeship is integrated. This means that the end-point assessment is administered by Nottingham Trent University and is usually linked to the academic award that apprentices study whilst in their off-the-job training period. The assessments are conducted by Independent End-Point Assessors who have been selected to assess apprentices against industry-specific competences. Details of the assessment elements can be found in the assessment plan.

There are three elements to this end-point assessment:

1. Readiness for practice test
2. Professional discussion
3. Research project, presentation and review

Successful apprentices will be eligible for registration on the Academy for Healthcare Science accredited register.