Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) drafted

Program Overview

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The Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) Undergraduate Course at Nottingham Trent University is a three-year full-time or four-year sandwich program that focuses on studying the human body in health and disease, including the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases and complex health problems such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. The program provides practical experience through the use of industry-standard equipment, work placements, and hands-on laboratory sessions, preparing students for a successful career in the field.

Program Outline

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What you’ll study

During your time at NTU, you’ll be studying the key aspects of disease, disease prevention and complex health issues such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. The course covers all the major areas of biomedical science including cellular pathology, clinical biochemistry and immunology. You’ll be able to recognise common illnesses and disorders through their key symptoms, use state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques such as histopathology, blood counts and clinical biochemical analysis to confirm the diagnosis, and even suggest suitable treatments.

You’ll also gain an understanding of the underlying principles of biochemistry, molecular biology and physiology which will lay the foundations for your biomedical science knowledge.

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Learn a new language

Alongside your study, you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.

Year One

Year Two

Optional placement year

Final year

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Introduction to Biochemistry

Study the key aspects of macromolecules, cell structure and function, and inter-relationships in both practical and theoretical contexts.

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Practical Techniques for Biology

Considers the principles of experimental design, data collection and analysis, including techniques in centrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis, microscopy and radiobiology.

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Genetics and Immunology

Develops genetic concepts and introduces basic aspects of the immune system, including the molecules, cells and interactions involved.

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Introduction to Microbiology

Study various groups of microbes, their function and roles, and consider the importance of the microbial world, the biology of micro-organisms, and medical, environmental and industrial microbiology.

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Living Systems

Introduces levels of biological organisation from molecules to cells and ecosystems, providing a platform for knowledge and skills

upon which other modules are developed.

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Human Physiology

Introduces the physiology of human organ systems (respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular, urinary, endocrine and muscular) and examines the process of homeostasis.

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Biomedical Science in Practice

Learn about key disciplines and current research topics in biomedical science as well as aspects of professional practice which

form an important part of your preparation for employment.

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Metabolism and its Control

Explore the central pathways of oxidative catabolism and anabolism of carbohydrates and fats in eukaryotic cells, and cover the biochemical basis of cellular signal transduction.

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Biomolecular Structure and Function

Learn about the functions of polymerases, binding proteins, helicases, ligases, topoisomerases and chromosomes in D replication as well as R polymerases.

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Immunopharmacology

Considers disordered cellular and tissue physiology resulting from disease and drugs that can treat those diseases. You’ll develop an understanding of health and common illnesses.

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Clinical Biochemistry

Study a variety of disorders and learn about their clinical symptoms, biochemical and molecular defects, detection, diagnosis and treatment.

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Clinical and Public Health Microbiology

Learn the principles and applications of diagnostic and analytical microbiology in the monitoring and control of diseases caused by microbes.

Optional year-long work placement.  If you are not taking a placement, you will progress directly to your final year in year three.

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Research Project

Learn practical research techniques, including a review of scientific writing and critical appraisals of published work, as well as oral presentations and plagiarism.

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Immunology and Virology

Explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunology, analysing immune responses to infectious agents and cancer, and review the principles of vaccination.

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Haematology and Transfusion Practice

Study the biological basis of diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs, and the principles of the techniques used in their investigation.

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Cellular Pathology

You’ll explore the key topics in cellular pathology, with particular relevance to current medical and diagnostic practice. Apply your specialist knowledge to critically analyse data and information. This will include an appreciation of the laboratory role in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, alongside the fundamental issues associated with modern laboratory.

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Infectious Diseases and their Control

Covers the significance of infectious diseases in human medicine and looks at mechanisms of control of pathogenic microbes and how they can be used in prevention and treatment.

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How you’re taught

You will typically study six modules in Year One and Two. Each module involves substantial amounts of practical work, in addition to around 20

one-hour lectures. In your final year, you’ll study five modules and a research project. You will also take part in regular seminars and tutorials to support you with your studies.

Hands-on learning

The course is very practical and you’ll be spending lots of time in our industry-standard laboratories. This is because we believe the amount of time you spend getting hands-on experience in a laboratory is very important to prepare you for the world of work.

You’ll get to use our industry-standard equipment right from the very start of your course including haematology and clinical chemistry analysers, as used in NHS testing laboratories.  You’ll get to know how a professional lab works and how to follow laboratory processes and protocols used in industry – all valuable skills to have before you graduate.

We have a focus on using digital skills to support you in your practice sessions. For example, you might do an online simulation of the experiment you are going to perform in the lab. This will get you familiar with the techniques and protocols so you can be confident and really make the most of your time in our labs.

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Contact hours

Year 1 - lectures/seminars/workshops (23%) and independent study (77%)

Year 2 -  lectures/seminars/workshops (21%) and independent study (79%)

Year 3 - lectures/seminars/workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)

A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study

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Research informed teaching

Our research is tackling real-world issues – and the people working on this research will be teaching you. It also informs the subjects you’ll be studying with us so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 99% of NTU’s Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

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Careers and employability

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Your career development

Our recent graduates have secured roles at companies including:

NHS

Nottingham Emergency Medical Services

Nuffield Health

GlaxoSmithKline

They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:

Registered Biomedical Scientist

Health Advisor

Secondary Science Teacher

Stop Smoking Adviser

Bowel Cancer Screening Officer

Information Analyst

Many also choose to undertake further study on one of our Masters-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees.

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

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Excellent placement opportunities

NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.

On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.

Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including the NHS, Pfizer and Public Health England. They secured varied roles such as Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Regulatory Officers and Clinical Operations Placement Assistants.

You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.

If your placement is in an IBMS-approved laboratory you’ll be able to complete your training portfolio as part of your registration with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Find out more about work placements.