Program Overview

University Foundation in Life and Medical Sciences  Stage1 at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is designed to prepare you for entry to university-level program. During Stage 1 you will complete a range of modules relevant to your chosen degree, as well as modules concentrating on the skills that are vital for University level education such as Critical Thinking.

A Foundation pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold GCSE level qualifications)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
• Require additional English language training

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Progressing from Foundation

Stage 1 will be the first stage in the 4 stage process. Meaning that on successful completion of stage 1 you will seamlessly progress to stage 2, which is the first year of a bachelor’s degree. There is no need to reapply, you will simply just progress between each stage until you reach the final stage and graduate with a degree from Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

• Ever wondered how diseases occur? How genetic disorders lead to abnormalities? Or how microbes evade our immune system? As a Biomedical Science undergraduate, you’ll study the causes, diagnoses, and treatments of diseases like cancer, blood disorders, and infectious disease.  
• Be inspired to become a Biomedical Scientist contributing to patient diagnosis. In the UK, the term 'Biomedical Scientist' is a protected title used by professionals working within the pathology department of a hospital. Our course is accredited by the professional body; the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Studying our degree is the first step to becoming a registered Biomedical Scientist.  
• How will you get there with us? You will use our newly built labs to practise microbiological techniques and do blood analyses. You’ll also have exclusive access to IT rooms for your bioinformatics analyses. You will experience the healthcare setting in our clinical simulation suite. This is equipped with adult, child and baby mannequins, a realistic ICU, operating theatre setting and more.  
• You’ll be at the forefront of exploring exciting new areas in the biomedical field. Our course is designed to provide you with a solid-stepping stone for your scientific career. You may choose to help save lives as a registered Biomedical Scientist. Research in pharmaceutical companies or academic environments offer exciting opportunities for our graduates. You may decide to take a new direction such as business or teaching for example. You’ll have a wide range of options with your biomedical science degree.  
• Rest assured; we’ll be with you all the way. You will be guided by your personal tutor in gaining subject-specific skills in scientific writing, data interpretation and communication. In short, everything you need to know to succeed during your time at Herts. Lastly, you can take advantage of peer support in group workshops.

What's the course about?

• A big focus is how scientists use laboratory tests to support patient diagnosis. You will learn about the structure and function of tissues and organs in normal and disease states. You’ll link your expert knowledge of biology and chemistry to understand biochemical pathways and their influence in disease development. You’ll explore haematology, microbiology and blood transfusion techniques that form the basis of modern medical diagnostics. In other words, you will literally learn how to save lives.  
• We are proud of our TEF Gold rating, which recognises our excellent teaching and support. You have 20 hours of contact time, with lectures and workshops taking up about 6-10 hours per week.
• In your first year you’ll gain a solid foundation in topics such as genetics, how drugs work inside our bodies and how viruses and fungi are formed. Your first year is shared with other degrees in biosciences. You may find you enjoy subjects explored further on the Molecular Biology pathway for example. Our shared first year gives you the opportunity to consider your bioscience pathway before committing. We believe in flexibility.
• In your second year, you’ll specialise even more. You will study areas of Pathology; Biochemistry, Blood Transfusion, Cytology, Genetics, Haematology, Histopathology, Immunology, and Microbiology. Patient case studies allow you to apply theory from each area. You will analyse the different methods of research on diseases and treatment options. Building your skills as a researcher is developed through our Bioscience Research Methods module.
• In your final year you’ll find that you have grown to love certain topics and now you have the chance to delve further. Final year is the chance to bring knowledge of subjects studied together. The final year project shows how you can answer a research question independently working with a member of our subject specialist staff.