A transnational degree from two world class universities
The aim of the Integrative Biomedical Sciences degree programme is to produce future leaders in the discipline of Biomedical Sciences. The combined expertise of teachers and researchers from the partner institutions and the newly established joint research institute provides a faculty that brings best practice in teaching and research from across the world. This transnational educational interaction provides a highly fertile environment for the development and growth of the next generation of biomedical scientists. All aspects of the degree programme have been jointly designed and will be jointly delivered through collaborative interactions between staff from the three institutions. The opportunities to share new cutting-edge research and innovative teaching and learning practice highlights the benefits of embedding this undergraduate degree programme within an internationally respected research environment. The integrated design of the degree curriculum draws on internationally recognised teaching and research strengths and aims to foster a recognition of the global significance of research to the development of medicine and good health.
The first and second years of the BSc in Integrative Biomedical Sciences provide a firm grounding in the knowledge, understanding and skills required in specialist disciplines of immunology, infectious diseases, genetics, biochemistry, neuroscience, pharmacology, physiology and reproductive biology.
In Years 3 and 4, the programme focuses on exploring selected disciplines in depth and providing research training in state of the art research laboratories.
Embedding undergraduate teaching within an internationally recognised research environment provides opportunities for students to be taught by world-leading scientists and to engage in work in our research groups.
The Integrative Biomedical degree will be taught entirely in English by staff from Zhejiang University, the University of Edinburgh and the ZJU-UoE Institute.
Year 1 - Key concepts in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences
The first year provides abroad-based knowledge and understanding of the range of biomedical sciences, as a foundation for progressive specialisation in subsequent years of programme. It aims to promote a positive and inquisitive attitude to science and medicine while promoting independent, self-motivated learning.
Integrative Biomedical Sciences 1
This course will develop a foundational core biological knowledge and understanding (e.g. chemical, cellular and genetic basis of life) that emphasises the importance of biology in the context of a biomedical background (function of body systems in health and disease e.g. cardiovascular system, nervous system etc.). IBMS1 will inspire students by introducing biomedical themes of global importance delivered through lectures/seminars and supported by extensive small group sessions including facilitated discussions and tutorials led by academic staff.
Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology 1
This course will further develop foundational cellular and molecular knowledge. Cells are the basic units of life and this course introduces and investigates what we know about their structure, function and behaviour and how they form the fundamental basis of life.
Global Challenges
This inspiring interdisciplinary course is based on a series of high-profile lectures given by prominent members of staff from the University of Edinburgh, Zhejiang University and guest lecturers. The course will develop your knowledge of the major global challenges (environmental, health and technology, socio-economic) that confront society.
In addition to the courses above, in year 1 you will also study some courses in Chemistry and Mathematics.
Year 2 - Foundational understanding of Biomedical Sciences and its importance to medicine and health
Courses in the second year employ an integrated approach, analysing the contribution of knowledge from a range of disciplines to addressing key biomedical problems. Knowledge derived from analysis of, for example, the development, anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of selected body systems will be used to impart understanding of the processes and mechanisms that underlie dysfunction and disease. Investigating how this knowledge can be used to drive research forwards towards new treatments provides clear indications of the translation of biomedical research into clinical practice.
These courses include:
· Integrated Function of Body Systems 2
· Applied Biomedical Sciences 2
· Microorganisms and Immunity 2
· Biomedical Genetics 2
· Building an Organism 2
Year 3 - Developing biomedical knowledge through experiment
In year 3, the individual student’s curriculum will be made up of three compulsory components,
· Integrative Biomedical Sciences 3,
· Human Disease: From Clinic to Research 1
· Human Disease: From Clinic to Research 2,
Incorporated into these courses will be laboratory rotations allowing students to experience a number of different research environments.
In addition, students will choose two of the following elective courses. These investigate more deeply how knowledge in specific disciplines is gained.
· Principles of Neuroscience 3
· Molecular Biology of Health and Disease 3
· Essential Medical Microbiology 3
· Physiology and Pharmacology of Drug Action 3
Year 4 - Research in practice
The final year of the programme places students at the cutting edge of modern biomedical research. Students will employ the knowledge and skills derived from earlier years to engage in research practice. Student will have the opportunity to undertake a major research project in association with one of the research groups contributing to the degree programme.
The compulsory Integrative Biomedical Sciences 4 core course will challenge students to discuss and critically analyse high-profile contemporary issues in Biomedical Sciences. This course will direct attention to exploring the scientific basis of important and recent medical advances while placing them in the context of their value for improving health and quality of life.
Students will also select two of the following elective courses that investigate specialist areas of biomedical research. Examples of these courses are:
· Cancer Biology and Medicine
· Inflammatory Diseases
· Stem cells and Regenerative Medicine
· Infectious Disease and Global Health
· Metabolic disorders
· Molecular and Genetic Medicine
· Neuroscience
All courses listed above are indicate and may be subject to change.