News release: Science in the front line

Abstract

While the world is currently gripped with the fear of terror-induced infectious disease, a new emphasis has been thrown onto the importance of Biomedical Science. Even without the current political climate graduates of a group of new courses at the University of Central Lancashire could find themselves at the cutting edge of laboratory analysis and medical research, carrying out some of the painstaking and detailed work required for cures of illnesses like cancer and AIDS. Screening programmes, tissue sampling and blood testing are all part and parcel of the work done by Biomedical Scientists, whose work it is to analyse, interpret and diagnose in Hospital and Public Health Laboratories throughout the country. The new BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences benefits from the expertise and experience of health professionals already working in the field, who will have a practical input into the course and will carry out teaching roles as visiting lecturers. This ensures that the students graduating from the course are equipped with current, practical skills reflecting the importance of the discipline in the many areas of biomedical science.
A further attractive option is the opportunity for students to take up a one-year placement, especially valuable for those seeking to become registered by the Council for Professionals Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM).
The University of Central Lancashire is to be the local centre for Biomedical Sciences in the northwest serving hospitals, which include Preston, Lancaster, Blackpool, Blackburn and Chorley, but will also equip students to work in the PHLS, toxicological and forensic laboratmies. It encompasses several specialist areas and students can choose from Haematology; Transfusion Science; Immunology; Clinical Chemistry; Virology; Histopathology; and Cytology.
Students interested in taking up a career in Biomedical Science can get futther infonnation from Dr Phil Rohe1ts, Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Central Lancashire, Tel: 01772 893510
NR445MD
29 October 2001
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