Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Verbal expression and comprehension (understanding)

What do I need to be able to do?

Understand and respond to verbal communication.
This will assist you when participating in tutorial discussions and practicing your professional communication during practical classes.

Verbally communicate clear instructions and explanations in a time responsive way.
In the laboratory environment, verbal communication is the primary source of communication between you, fellow students, tutors, demonstrators and academics.  Clear communication assists with completing laboratory tasks safely.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Additional time allowances for comprehension and expression may be available to you for on-campus and laboratory learning activities.

Social communication

Social Communication refers to the capacity to understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as: eye contact, gestures, facial expression, speaking volume, tone of voice, proximity and verbal turn-taking. 

What do I need to be able to do?

Recognise, interpret, use and respond to non-verbal communication appropriately during on-campus and laboratory learning activities to build relationships, display understanding and acknowledgement of others.

In the laboratory environment, tasks which require the use of social communication abilities include:

• identifying  and using gestures, verbal turn-taking and proximity when sharing workload and equipment with fellow students
• responding  to laboratory users with open body language, eye contact and facial expressions to demonstrate understanding.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.  

Consideration will be given to the use of non-verbal communication appropriate to your disability or condition for example, if you have a vision or hearing impairment, you may rely more on using either auditory or visual means of social communication.

Reading

What do I need to be able to do?

Read and understand a range of written material in differing forms from a variety of sources such as: on screen material, academic reference material and /or handwritten notes.

In the laboratory environment, essential information is communicated in written form.  Tasks which require reading skills include: 

• Reading  and understanding instructions in safety data sheets and protocols
• Reading and comprehending laboratory records and reports

The ability to read, understand and interpret written information is fundamental to working in a laboratory environment in a safe way.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus and laboratory learning activities.

Writing (Written Language)

N.B. This refers not to the physical act of writing but rather to the written content.

What do I need to be able to do?

Produce coherent written communication appropriate to on-campus and laboratory settings. 

In the laboratory environment, tasks which require clear, concise, accurate and time-efficient writing include: 

• Recording laboratory results in a log book
• Writing laboratory reports

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus and laboratory learning activities.

Number Skills (Numeracy)

Numeracy is the ability to understand and work with numbers. Basic numeracy skills consist of comprehending fundamental mathematics like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

What do I need to be able to do?

Interpret and correctly apply numerical data, measurements and formulae in a time-efficient way when completing on-campus and laboratory activities. 

In the laboratory environment, tasks which require the use of number skills include:

• Providing accurate measurements and calculations of chemicals and drugs for laboratory testing
• Recording accurate measurements and numerical data in laboratory records. 

NB: The ramifications for laboratory safety of miscalculations are significant

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your numeracy for on-campus and laboratory learning activities.

What do I need to be able to do?

Correctly use and apply knowledge of theory and research during on-campus learning and laboratory activities 

In the laboratory environment, tasks which require these cognitive skills include:

• conceptualising and using knowledge of academic material when completing laboratory exercises such as making a solution of specified concentration within a specific time frame
• planning and organising multiple, sequential, laboratory tasks so they can be completed safely and in a timely way

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use assistive technology and strategies such as rest breaks to support your memory, planning and organisation in the on campus and laboratory learning environment.

Vision

Visual acuity refers to the extent to which a person can see or interpret visual information. This may also include colour vision.

What do I need to be able to do?

In the laboratory environment, tasks which require vision include: 

• Identifying correct equipment and ensuring accurate functioning of equipment
• Observing changes during sample testing using a microscope, or a flat plate with multiple "wells" used as small test tubes
• Accurately identifying non electronic written information i.e., chemical and sample labels

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

The use of assistive technology to enhance vision will be considered. Glasses and other visual aids can be used in the laboratory environment.

If you have been deemed legally blind or have a medical condition that may impact your vision, it is recommended that you discuss your condition with Equitable Learning Service. 

Any adjustments considered should not compromise your safety or the safety of others.

i.e. The ability to undertake precise coordinated movements of the hands.

What do I need to be able to do?

During on-campus and laboratory learning activities tasks will involve: pushing, pressing, turning, pinching, grasping, shaking and manipulating equipment.

In the laboratory environment, tasks which require fine motor abilities include:

• using small measuring equipment such as pipettes
• manipulating small dials on equipment such as microscopes
• conducting microbiological techniques such as preparing cultures and applying small volume samples  on to gels 

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Adjustments will be considered in relation to your individual circumstances and physical capacities. Any adjustments considered should not compromise your safety or the safety of others.