To ensure you have the best possible chance of success in the Medical Science course, you will need grades 5 or above in Science, Mathematics and English. The most important requirement is that you possess a drive to learn about the biological basis, research, diagnosis and management of medical problems. There is also a mathematical aspect to the course, particularly in terms of data analysis.

During your studies you will develop the skills to perform investigations in our state of the art laboratories, you will learn how to examine health data to identify trends in disease, diagnose conditions through the mathematical analysis of physiological data, and use biomedical equipment to perform and evaluate physiological tests.

The content of this Medical Science qualification has been supported by universities in terms of providing general scientific understanding that will enable students to access Higher Education.

This course is ideal for students who are taking additional level 3 courses in science, sport, and health and social care, and who are intending to progress to careers or further study in areas such as:

– Biomedical Science

– Life Sciences

– Healthcare roles (nursing, physiotherapy, midwifery etc.)

This course is assessed by 6 units. 2 are externally assessed written examinations, 1 is a practical task completed in the lab, then externally assessed. External assessments are set and marked by WJEC. The remaining 3 are internally assessed units and are marked by the teacher, then moderated by WJEC.

A grade (A-E) in each unit will be awarded a certain number of points. At the end of the course, these points will be totalled to provide an overall mark for the course, ranging from A* to E.

The course is made up of 6 units. You will study 3 units in the first year, 3 in the second year.

In the first year, you will study:

1. Human Health and Disease

   • Fundamentals of cell biology and genetics, structure and function of human body systems, the variety of factors influencing disease.

2. Physiological Measurement Techniques

   • Application of physiological measurement tests to the function of various systems in the body, identification of readings outside of the normal range, limitations of diagnostic tests.

3. Medical Science Research Methods

   • The basis of medical research, delivered via a hands-on approach.

In the second year, you will study:

4. Medicines and Treatment of Disease

   • Pharmacology of treatment and drug delivery mechanisms, the impact of treatments on patient quality of life, the biomedical perspective on cancer.

5. Clinical Laboratory Techniques

   • The practical and safety considerations of conducting biomedical procedures in the laboratory.

6. Medical Case Study

   • Synoptic application of all course content to a specific medical case study, set by the exam board. The basis, diagnosis, research, treatment and practical assessment of a medical case.

QMC’s superb Science Laboratories are extremely well equipped. You will need a number of course booklets and practical equipment but everything you require will be provided.

Medical scientists have a firm understanding of systems in the body, both at the anatomical and molecular level, and this course is designed to provide that foundation for progression to related careers. The Medical Science course makes use of varied, theoretical and practical teaching to enable students to visualise and apply ideas to the diagnosis and treatment of disease, analysis of health data in the individual and population, the methodology of medical research and the most relevant healthcare problems facing society. Students should expect to develop a firm understanding of the biology of humans, the pathology of disease, and the complex roles carried out by multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.