Bachelor's Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Science

Study programme code BACBIOING

ECTS credits 180

Admission requirements Completion of general upper secondary education or its equivalent. Additional prerequisites: R1/(S1+S2) and one of the subjects FYS1 or KJE1 or BIO1

Recommended previous knowledge One year of Biology (Biology 1) and Chemistry (Chemistry 1) from upper secondary school.

General description and profile of the programme The Bachelor Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Science complies with the National Curriculum Regulations for Biomedical Laboratory Science Education and the Regulations for Biomedical Laboratory Science Education issued by the Ministry of Education and Research on 1 December 2005. The Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Science Degree is awarded on successful completion of the study programme, and provides the basis for applying for authorisation as a Biomedical Labioratory Scientist in accordance with the Health Personnel Act of 1 January 2001, §48. The study programme will be continually updated with regard to national and international developments in the discipline, keep pace with future developments in the field and stay in dialogue with the profession. The structure of the study programme is described below, with a table showing the structure of the study plan. In the table, some of the course names have been abbreviated, or are only given as a course code. For more information, please see the description of each individual course.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes On completion of the Bachelor Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Science, students shall have developed a holistic combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes required to meet current needs for services in the field. be well qualified, responsible and reflective Biomedical Laboratory Scientists. This means that the students shall: be able to understand and use methodology and equipment used in medical laboratories. have acquired medical, methodological and technological knowledge, so that they are able to assess the reliability of test results. have sufficient knowledge of the possibilities, limitations and possible sources of error inherent in different methods be able to make assessments based on the application of theoretical and practical knowledge have developed an ability to reflect ethically, and a critical analytical approach to their own work and the tasks and responsibilities of their profession be able to meet patients respectfully with empathy and take care of them in test-taking situations have developed an ability to cooperate with patients, colleagues and other professions have acquired an understanding of the place of medical laboratory technology in the national health service understand the importance of personal quality assurance have the necessary competence to continually update their personal knowledge base and proceed to graduate-level studies

Teaching methods The programme is comprised of topics from three major academic areas, namely natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities, and medical laboratory practice. The programme is organised in a manner designed to provide students first with a foundation in natural sciences before continuing on to the final three subject areas. Practical instruction will take place in the medical laboratories located at the public hospital in Kristiansand (external practice) as well as in the teaching and research laboratories at Agder University College (internal practice). Project work will be completed by students at the programme's conclusion. Working and instructional forms lead to an integration of the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to practice the profession of Biomedical Laboratory Science. Working methods are the following: lectures, demonstrations, excursions, literary studies, group work, seminars, project work, independent study and oral/written presentations. There will be an increase in the workload with relation to student activities and forms of study during the course of the programme, which consequently requires a high level of student involvement in activities. They must also be able to work both independently and as part of a team. The practical part of the programme will provide students with the foundation necessary for the practical application of theoretical knowledge. Furthermore, it will provide the skill level necessary for collaborating with professional colleagues and other health-related personnel, and to assume independent duty schedules after training at the appropriate workplaces. The practical part of the course includes planning, executing, reporting and presenting Biomedical Laboratory Science related assignments.

Assessment methods Assessment methods are designed to provide both the university college and students with information regarding their academic progress, including the acquisition of knowledge, skills and positive attitudes. Furthermore, these methods will assure the students' acquisition of the necessary qualifications for practicing the profession as well as contributing to the students' active participation during the learning process. Assessment methods include: written examination oral examination assessment of laboratory work laboratory projects project reports assessment of other mandatory exercises assessment of conversations held with either individual students or groups of students Students are to be assessed during the programme's practical section with the grades of Pass/Fail. Students will be informed in writing if there is any doubt regarding assessment approval. Assessment methods are listed in the separate course descriptions.

Student exchange Students may spend up to one semester at a foreign university and take courses there as part of the Bachelor's programme at University of Agder.

Requirements for continuing in the study programme A minimum of 40 credits must be passed before the students can go further in the programme. All the credits in the first year must be passed to start in the third year.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies Most Biomedical Laboratory Science graduates are employed in medical laboratories in public hospitals. There are also good employment opportunities in research laboratories, private analytical laboratories, medical firms and pharmaceutical companies. A degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science may also be used as a basis for pursuing further education towards a Master's degree in related disciplines at the university level.

Qualification awarded Bachelor programme in Biomedical Laboratory Science.

Other information Students who do not attend the first laboratory exercise may lose their place if the department is not notified of a valid reason for their absence. Students who do not take the examination in a specified subject after completing its laboratory course/field work/seminar reports will be credited for only that section of the course. However, students may take the examination in this same subject at a later date.

Contact person Study Coordinator Vigdis Landsverk