Now, more than ever, the knowledge underpinning biomedical science has taken the world by storm. People often ask, “How does the COVID-19 virus spread? How does the infection affect our body?” These questions highlight the significance of understanding the association between humans and pathogens, and our immune system. Biomedical scientists are racing against time to comprehend the extent of disease outcomes and provide sensitive and specific diagnostic tests to curb the pandemic. 
The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), UK defines biomedical science as a ‘…biology and chemistry-related discipline used mostly in healthcare laboratories to identify, research, monitor and treat diseases’. An immensely extensive subject, it is a dynamic science that constantly breaches the frontiers of modern medicine. With a biomedical science degree in hand, competent graduates are sought after in medical laboratories, research institutes, pharmaceutical industries, and specialist laboratories such as fertility labs. Biomedical scientists may also consider forensic science as another exciting field, incorporating applications of scientific methods to solve crimes. Aside from professions involving laboratory work, inspiring careers awaiting these graduates include the medical underwriter (who drafts policies for personal healthcare insurance), and product, technical, or application specialists. The IMU BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science is a three-year programme and one of the select few in Malaysia accredited by the IBMS, the leading professional body for scientists and students in the field of biomedical science globally. Having completed a curriculum mapped to international standards, all graduates with an IBMS-accredited degree are eligible to apply for registration as a biomedical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK upon completion the IBMS Certificate of Competence training portfolio. Accreditation also provides eligibility for the Institution to become a member of HUCBMS (Heads of University Centres of Biomedical Science). Applicants may choose to obtain a Biomedical Science degree at the IMU, or select a credit transfer track to complete their studies at one of three partner universities – University of Newcastle (Australia), University of Otago (New Zealand), or the University of Strathclyde (UoS) (Scotland). An attractive 1+1+2 articulation has been recently introduced, whereby SPM-leavers* can now commence with the Foundation in Science (FIS) IMU programme (1 year), followed by 1 year of the IMU Biomedical Science undergraduate programme at IMU, before completing another 2 years at the UoS to obtain the Strathclyde BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree. Also inked in the Memorandum of Understanding with the UoS is the prospect for IMU Biomedical Science (BMS) graduates to gain direct entry into the Strathclyde MSc Forensic Science in a 3+1* years’ articulation pathway. BMS graduates will spend only 1 year in Strathclyde to complete their Master’s degree on a 15% studentship of the published fee. The UoS MSc Forensic Science is the longest running MSc Forensic Science course in the UK and is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Graduates of Strathclyde forensic science form a global network of highly-respected positions in criminology. Forensic practitioners and professional scientists provide input into the programme, and students participate actively in practical crime scene and courtroom exercises.
| About University of Strathclyde |
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| A recipient of the Times Higher Education UK University of the Year 2019 award, the University of Strathclyde excels as one of the top 20 UK universities for research. Nestled in the cultural melting pot of vibrant Glasgow, Scotland, UoS was also named the Scottish University of the Year 2020 by the Sunday Times Good University Guide, as well as the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for higher and further education. The institute also prides itself as an awardee of the QS 5-star rating. |
Indeed, this fruitful collaboration between universities offering internationally-accredited biomedical science degrees provides a platform for graduates to build rewarding careers in the global arena.
* O-Levels/equivalent is also accepted as entry requirements, based on their eligibility
Written by Dr Lim Chooi Ling
