UNIVERSITI PERUBATAN ANTARABANGSA

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

MALAYSIA

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Biomedical Science Programme

BBS2364
Practical Attachment - The Apprentice
(6 credits)

Semester 6

2017

Module Guide
TITLE: PRACTICAL ATTACHMENT – THE APPRENTICE
COURSE CODE: BBS2364
LEVEL: SEMESTER 6
PROGRAMME: BSc (Hons) Biomed Sci

CONTENT SYNOPSIS

This module introduces the student to practical “hands-on experience” in a biomedical

science-based industry. This module aims to develop practical skills and expertise
specific to the disciplines of the Biomedical Science programme of the student, and to
prepare them to perform effectively in the work-based setting. The student is expected to
apply the knowledge and practical experience gained during the previous semesters while
learning in the work-place environment and will observe and perform laboratory
procedures under the supervision of the on-site supervisor at each site of
attachment. We encourage our students to be “proactive” in their learning under
the supervision of the on-site supervisor.

The practical attachment will be on a programme lasting a total of twelve weeks (10 April
– 8 July 2017) at the end which the student will produce a logbook and written report
detailing the attachment experience. Details of the students’ assignments are provided in
the appendices.

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this module are to:

1. develop knowledge, skills and attitude relating to the professional responsibilities

of the biomedical scientist.
2. inculcate the appreciation and application of evidence based medicine in research
and clinical diagnostics.
3. impart awareness on the importance of adhering to standard operating procedures
(SOP) and measures for total quality management (TQM).
4. inculcate the habit of good laboratory practice, especially in handling dangerous
or hazardous materials/waste (chemical, physical, biological and radioactive).
5. further develop knowledge and skill in relation to IT- assisted computerized data
handling and communication of data, taking into account data protection,
confidentiality and ethics as relevant.
6. develop awareness of laboratory management and administration.
7. develop an appreciation of interpersonal and collaborative skills that promote
personal growth and development through working in teams.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the period of study, the trainee should be able to:

1. perform laboratory procedures and handle/operate laboratory equipment correctly

and accurately while adhering to good laboratory practice and standard operating
procedures, especially in handling dangerous or hazardous materials/waste.
2. interpret laboratory results and communicate, as appropriate, to peers and
supervisors, while observing confidentiality and ethics.
3. appreciate the importance of ethics and confidentiality relating to
research/ clinical/ laboratory data and of adhering to SOP and TQM.
4. identify areas wherein the efficacy of laboratory equipment or technique might fail
and to adopt corrective measures as relevant.
5. communicate and reflect on his/her own work experience through a written report.

LEARNING HOURS

Practical attachment 450 hours

Total 450 hours

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS

Practical attachment 450 hours

Total Contact Hours 450 hours*

*These are the minimum required contact hours. Please comply with the working hours
of the institute/laboratory.

ASSESSMENTS:
Logbook 30%
Assessment by external supervisor 10%
Written report 60%

Students who fail this module are required to resubmit the logbook and written report for
assessment. Students who fail in the resubmission will have to repeat the Apprenticeship and
resubmit for the third and final time.

The trainee is required to maintain a log book to enter the specified daily activities. This will
be examined and signed by the assigned on-site supervisor at the relevant place of
attachment.

Portfolio

Where relevant the trainee will also be required to maintain a portfolio of the various learning
activities.

MODULE LEADER: Dr. Lim Chooi Ling

ASSOCIATED LECTURERS: Nominated visiting lecturers to be determined

STUDENTS’ ASSIGNMENTS & LABORATORY DETAILS

Students’ assignments to partner laboratories will be finalised and the details of their
respective laboratory addresses and on-site supervisors will be provided. Student details
have been forwarded to the HR departments of each laboratory. Please familiarise with
the laboratory details relevant to you. Students are expected to contact their on-site
supervisors prior to starting and to report for duty on the stipulated date at their site of
attachment in accordance with local office timings.

Your supervisors will be:

 an external supervisor, usually the researcher/lab manager in the area of practice

 you undertake, and 
 an internal supervisor, who is a member of the University teaching staff. 

Their roles will be as follows:

 The external supervisor facilitates and supervises your placement activities,

monitors your progress, and provides an assessment report at the end of the
 rotation. 
 The internal supervisor monitors your progress, helps resolve administrative
difficulties, and jointly assesses your progress. 
Your role:

As a self-directed learner and professional, it is your responsibility to cover the areas

specified in each rotation. Take the initiative to ensure that your rotations progress well
and are completed within the allocated time. If you fall behind, notify your supervisor
quickly and together work out a plan to get back on track.

ACCOMMODATION

Students who require accommodation during their period of attachment are reminded that
it is the responsibility of the student to make appropriate arrangements in advance of the
commencement of the attachment. Our medical partners are unable to provide
accommodation. Students who require assistance in finding accommodation should
contact Student Affairs at the BJ campus for further guidance.

ASSESSMENT
Each phase of the practical attachment will be assessed via the submission of a report by
the student to IMU Academic Services (60%), the attachment logbook (30%), the on-site
supervisor’s assessment of the student’s performance (10%). The deadline for submission
of reports will be one week from the completion of the attachment.

A. Student Report (60%)

Your report should NOT exceed 5 typed A4 pages. Writing more will not gain you extra
marks. Try to use subheadings in your report where appropriate. The report should be
structured as follows;

1. Information: Student’s details, laboratory details and on-site supervisors details

2. Objectives: State the internship objectives clearly
3. Content:
a. Background of the organisation
b. Description of activities carried out during the internship
c. Discussion of contributions of the internship training in relation to Biomedical
Science
d. Whether the objectives of the internship training have been achieved
4. Reflection: Comment upon the value you attribute to this experience
5. References: Vancouver referencing format

B. Logbook (30%)

Student activity is evaluated by an internal (university) supervisor in part using the

student’s Logbook (as provided in Appendix 1) of:

 Daily activity: Learning issues, needs and goals, and action taken to meet these
goals. Students are encouraged to attach additional notes of their findings during
submission of the Logbook. This Logbook is used to evaluate student activity and
running of placements. 

 Reflective learning: As a reflective learner, students will think about how they
would utilise the new knowledge in future activities. Record and reflect on daily
learning by using the Logbook. 

Students are reminded that these logbooks will be assessed and should be carefully
maintained. The logbooks and completed on-site supervisor questionnaires should be
handed in to Academic Services department immediately following completion of the
attachment period.

C. End-of-internship external supervisor evaluation [10%]

Student is assessed at the end of attachment by external supervisor. The Assessment Form
to be completed by the on-site supervisor is provided in Appendix 2.

CODE OF CONDUCT
We would like to remind every student that they must adhere to a general code of conduct
relating to their behaviour during their attachment as outlined below. In addition, they
will need to familiarise themselves with local institutional rules and policies which will
be provided by their on-site supervisor. We remind students that they are representing not
only themselves but the IMU as well.

 All students are expected to conduct themselves in a reasonable manner and not
to cause harm or offence to colleagues or members of the public. In particular,
students must be appropriately and decently dressed at all times during their period
of attachment. 

 Students are expected to adopt good conduct and to emulate professional
behaviour at all times. 

 Students shall abide by all the rules and regulations of the laboratory and host
institution to which they are attached. 

 Students shall treat the buildings, environment, laboratory equipment and support
facilities with due care and respect. Any student responsible for the deliberate
damage to property shall be held accountable. 

 Taking photographs or visual recordings of the laboratory and its equipment is
forbidden unless otherwise stated by the laboratory management. 

 Students shall not smoke on the premises of the laboratory to which they are
attached. 

 Students shall report themselves to their laboratory supervisors according to the
agreed hours with punctuality and responsibility. All absenteeism and lateness
should be communicated to their supervisors accordingly. 

 Leave taken during the duration of attachment should be formally applied in
advance through the module and programme coordinator. The approved leave
should then be communicated to the laboratory supervisors and HR
representatives in the respective laboratory for their approval and notification. 

 In the event of illness and inability to attend the training, a medical certificate
(MC) should be obtained from a clinic or hospital stating clearly the date and
number of days absent. The student should then produce the MC, accompanied by
a formal letter stating the cause of absenteeism, to the module coordinator after
the attachment. 

 For students working in diagnostic pathology laboratories, strict patient
confidentiality must be maintained and patient information whatsoever should not
be divulged to any unauthorised person. Where patient information is used in
reports, care shall be taken to maintain patient anonymity. 

  Students shall wherever follow all regulations relating to good laboratory practice,
hygiene and infection control. 

 Students will show courtesy with regard to the use of mobile phones and personal
listening devices in accordance with the regulations of the laboratory to which they
are attached. 

ACCIDENTS & EMERGENCIES

In case of an accident or emergency, students are reminded to familiarise themselves

with the accident and emergency procedures of the host laboratory/institution.

CONTACTS

Module coordinator: Dr Lim Chooi Ling (chooi_linglim@imu.edu.my)

 Appendix 1: Logbook Template

Date/Rotation

Today’s activities:

Techniques/test performed today:

Principles behind the technique/test:

A significant experience/observation today:

Summary of lesson learnt: feelings and thoughts about the experience/observation:

Additional learning needs from this experience/observation and my plan to achieve the learning:

Meaningful interactions with staff/research team (external supervisor, peers):

 Appendix 2
BSc. (Hons) Biomedical Science Practical Attachment
Assessment of Student

Student Name: Student ID:

Period of internship training:

Please rate the student’s performance in the areas outlined by circling the appropriate scale

1 Very poor 2 Poor 3 Satisfactory 4 Good 5 Excellent

Relevant / Useful Knowledge

1. The student’s attendance record and general punctuality 1 2 3 4 5

2. The student’s appreciation and respect for the general and 1 2 3 4 5

specific rules of your laboratory and institution
3. The student’s behaviour towards other laboratory staff and 1 2 3 4 5
work colleagues
4. The student’s understanding of the biological principles 1 2 3 4 5
behind the methodology applied in the laboratory
5. The student’s willingness to listen and learn laboratory 1 2 3 4 5
procedures
6. The student’s ability to work with precision, skill and safety 1 2 3 4 5
7. The student’s ability to communicate with other laboratory 1 2 3 4 5
staff
8. The student’s knowledge of the application of lab 1 2 3 4 5
procedures
9. The student’s ability to work as part of a team 1 2 3 4 5
10. The student’s awareness and respect for institutional 1 2 3 4 5
confidentiality matters

YES / NO
Appearance and compliance with dress code

*TOTAL

/ 10 %
Comments & Recommendations:

Comments on the IMU intern:

I would hire an IMU graduate in the future: YES NO

Recommendations to IMU Career Services to better prepare interns:

Name of external supervisor:

Date :

Signature :

Designation :

* Please leave the Total ( /10%) unfilled. The IMU Academic Services Department will calculate the
total percentage based on your ratings.