IMU BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Programme Obtains International Accreditation from IBMS, UK

The IMU Bachelor of Science (Hons) Biomedical Science programme has recently obtained a prestigious accreditation from the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), UK. Accreditation by the IBMS is an international recognition by the profession of the achievement of quality standards for delivering BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programmes. 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 of 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). Currently, only three other universities offering Biomedical Science undergraduate programmes in Malaysia have been accredited by the IBMS. Three IBMS panelists from the United Kingdom visited the IMU campus on October 2016 to ascertain the quality of the programme and teaching-learning resources of the University. The accreditation guidelines are based on curriculum design, content and organisation, teaching, learning and assessment, student progression and achievement, student support and guidance, learning resources, research, and quality management and enhancement.

The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is dedicated to the promotion, development and delivery of excellence in biomedical science. We support our members through training, education and professional development, setting quality standards and supporting our profession. Our relationship with universities is very important to the work of the IBMS and the value they have for our degree accreditation process is crucial in ensuring the future of our profession. Through our degree accreditation process we have an opportunity to encourage students, who I regard as the lifeblood of our profession, to join our 20,000 strong network of other students, biomedical science professionals, and pharmaceutical/diagnostic companies working at all levels in biomedical science. The knowledge and skills learned at university and in placement laboratories lay the foundation for future study, development, research and leadership. Our desire is for students to take advantage of the knowledge and development, support, recognition and networks that IBMS membership offers to advance their career and demonstrate their expertise. We would like students to see that by engaging with the IBMS they can open up professional and personal opportunities that benefit themselves and the wider community.

Alan Wainwright, IBMS Executive Head of Education

‘The IBMS is an international professional body for biomedical scientists, and has been accrediting Bachelors’ and Masters’ level biomedical science programmes in the UK and internationally for over thirty years. It is indeed a significant achievement by the Biomedical Science programme in IMU to obtain recognition by such a reputable organisation such as the IBMS attesting the quality of our curriculum.’

Prof Winnie Chee, Dean, School of Health Sciences

‘Graduating with an IBMS-accredited degree is of tremendous value, especially to us students, as it defines the level of standards held in IMU’s Biomedical Science degree. Now that we are better recognised and accepted internationally, we have more study and job opportunities in well-known universities and institutes. Apart from that, considering the number of local students graduating with the same degree, this accreditation differentiates us from the rest.’

Hossein Jahedi, BM1/15 (Semester 3) Biomedical Science student

An IBMS-accredited degree accords the following advantages:

International recognition

Recognition of high standards and good practice via evaluation from academics at leading institutions around the world, and the achievement of a benchmark standard of education

Peer Review

• Advances professional practice to benefit healthcare services and professions related to biomedical science • Facilitates peer recognition of education and best practice and the dissemination of information through education and employer networks • Provides expertise to support development of appropriate education and training

Curriculum Development

• Ensures curriculum content is both current and anticipatory of future change, and develop specific knowledge and competence that underpins biomedical science • Ensures qualification is fit for purpose as an academic qualification acceptable for statutory regulation

Graduate employability

• Enhanced opportunities for graduates to be employed in the UK and worldwide (upon registration with the Health and Care Professions Council) • The degree award meets education requirements for professional body membership

Networking and Collaboration

• Strengthens links between the professional body, education providers employers and students • Provides eligibility for the higher education institution to become a member of HUCBMS (Heads of University Centres of Biomedical Science)