BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Foundation Year

Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (with integrated foundation year)

Course Overview

Biomedical science is the study of the health and diseases of the human body to improve health. Because biomedical scientists need a wide range of knowledge and skills, you'll study a wide range of modules on our biomedical sciences degree course.

You will get an in-depth understanding of the complex science behind the cause, consequence, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses. You will learn how science can be applied to clinical practice and research, ultimately to make a difference to human lives through the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

By putting your lab coat on you will put theory into practice in our brand-new laboratories, getting a sound knowledge of cellular pathology, genetics, the human immune system, and biochemical pathways. We’ll delve deep into blood sciences and clinical biochemistry on this biomedical sciences degree, giving you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of diagnostic approaches, researching clinical markers, screening techniques and the role biomedical scientists can play in saving lives and improving health.

Our degree is accredited with the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Degrees accredited by the IBMS, ensure you are studying a programme that will give you the right background, knowledge, and skills to move forward to train to become a biomedical scientist on successful completion of your degree.

On this course you will...

• Your first year will give you a firm foundation in the scientific, intellectual and investigative skills and knowledge needed to progress to the BSc Biomedical Science degree course.
• Be assigned a personal tutor who will not just be your academic point of contact on the course but will, along with our careers service, help you to consider the wide range of jobs and further study options a degree in biomedical science can give you.
• Be involved with other science students on other courses to get a wider appreciation of the biological sciences in an industrial, academic, economic, and social context.
• Get time in labs to conduct experiments and procedures planned for you. But also learn to plan and carry out your own experiments independently with support and guidance.
• Gain an appreciation of the advances at the forefront of biomedical science.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Carlisle - Fusehill Street
• Institute: Institute of Science and Environment
• UCAS Code: C911
• Delivery Style: Blended
• Course Duration: Full-time: 4 Years
• Study Options: Biomedical Sciences
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: BSc (Hons)

Minimum entry requirements

• 48 UCAS Tariff points
• GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Biology or Combined Science at grade 4/C or above.

Tuition fees

• £9,535 - UK (2025-2026)
• £14,900 - International (2025-2026)

Related Courses

• BSc (Hons) - Biomedical Science
• BSc (Hons) - Environmental Science

Course Structure

What you will learn

Throughout the integrated foundation year you will have the opportunity to develop your professional skills by developing key soft skills such as communication, team working, self-management and organisation.

You will get an in-depth understanding of the complex science behind the cause, consequence, diagnosis and treatment of disease. You’ll learn how science can be applied to clinical practice and research, ultimately to make a difference to human lives through diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Our brand new laboratories will support you in getting a sound knowledge of cellular pathology, molecular genetics, the human immune system and biochemical pathways.

We’ll delve deep into blood sciences and the immune system, giving you the opportunity to also expand your knowledge in the fields such as clinical biochemistry researching clinical markers, screening techniques and diagnostic approaches.

Year one

• Essential University Skills 1
• Essential University Skills 2
• Essential Biology
• Scientific Investigation
• Essential Chemistry
• Environmental Sciences

Year two

• Introductory Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Introductory Immunology and Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Practical Laboratory Science

Year three

• Exploring Research
• Human Genetics
• Infection and Immunity
• Medical Microbiology
• Pharmacology and Physiology
• Cellular and Molecular Pathology

Year four

• Integrated Biomedical Science
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Haematology and Transfusion Science
• Dissertation
• Parasitology (Optional)
• Toxicology (Optional)
• Advanced Genetics (Optional)

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

During the integrated foundation year you will be taught with students on a range of Science programmes, you will be working in groups and teams to achieve solutions to set problems, researching case studies and delivering events.

Each module is led by a module leader which is the lead tutor with over-arching responsibility for that module. However, one of the strengths of this programme is our team-taught approach to delivery, you may be taught on a module by more than one tutor.

How you will be assessed

In your foundation year, you will undertake a range of assessments including written assignments, reports and essays, oral presentations and poster presentations, portfolios and set exercises such as undertaking individual research.

Within a balanced scheme, assessment methods will include:

• Word exams
• Time-constrained coursework
• Short note class tests
• Laboratory reports
• Computer-based assessments, online work
• Problem solving exercises (both of a practical and written format)
• Critical analysis of case studies oral, audio-visual and poster presentations
• Dissertations
• Peer and self-assessment
• Group work
• Practical skills tests

Qualifications

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs: GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Biology or Combined Science at grade 4/C or above.
• A-levels: A to include Biology or Applied Science.
• T-levels: P (D or E) T Levels Healthcare Science; Health and Science are accepted for entry to this course.
• Access to HE: 45 Credits at Pass – Science based.
• CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: D - Science based.
• OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: PPP - to include Biology or Applied Science.
• Scottish Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points to include Biology or Applied Science.
• Irish LC Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points to include Biology or Applied Science.

Fair Admissions

When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.

Selection Criteria

As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to Biomedical Sciences. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this course and reflect upon any experience you have gained.

Contextual Admissions

Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed. Qualifications and grades are important, but they are considered alongside other information that helps universities to identify potential and widen access to university level study.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• £9,535 - UK (2025-2026)
• £14,900 - International (2025-2026)

Funding

Fees as stated for integrated foundation year. Then, standard undergraduate tuition fees for years 2-4.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

• Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.
• Stationery: Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

Biomedical science is the study of the health and diseases of the human body to improve health. The program aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the complex science behind the cause, consequence, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses. Students will learn how science can be applied to clinical practice and research, ultimately to make a difference to human lives through the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

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Outline:

The BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (with integrated foundation year) program is a four-year full-time program.

• Year 1 (Integrated Foundation Year):
• Essential University Skills 1: Develops academic and professional skills required for effective learning and successful progression through the degree program.
• Essential University Skills 2: Expands learning in research, writing structure, reflective learning, and presenting research.
• Essential Biology: Develops knowledge and understanding of fundamental biology principles essential for further study.
• Scientific Investigation: Explores protocols associated with scientific investigation.
• Essential Chemistry: Develops knowledge and understanding of fundamental chemistry principles essential for further study.
• Environmental Sciences: Introduces field-based skills and interdisciplinary content relating Human Ecology to Toxicology, Public Health, Epidemiology, and Parasitology.
• Year 2:
• Introductory Biochemistry: Studies macromolecules, cell structure, function, and interrelationships, and the processes and components of life at the molecular level.
• Cell Biology: Studies interactions between molecules and systems in the eukaryotic cell to understand how cells control division and differentiation to form specialized tissues.
• Anatomy and Physiology: Provides an understanding and appreciation of basic human anatomy and physiology, with a focus on the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
• Introductory Immunology and Microbiology: Introduces microbial groups, their structure, function, and roles, and considers the importance of the microbial world, the biology of microorganisms, and their potential in industry.
• Molecular Biology: Provides an understanding of the basic concepts of genetics and genetic analysis, and the fundamental processes of inheritance and mutation, and their relation to disease onset and susceptibility.
• Practical Laboratory Science: Provides students with elementary laboratory and research skills needed for advanced modules.
• Year 3:
• Exploring Research: Develops skills to conceive, design, conduct, and interpret scientific research.
• Human Genetics: Encompasses the organization of the human genome, the basis of genetic variation, and the relationship between mutations in or near genes and disease phenotype manifestation.
• Infection and Immunity: Considers recent developments in the study of immunological and infectious diseases.
• Medical Microbiology: Studies the biology of major pathogens, their host interaction, virulence factors, and means for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Pharmacology and Physiology: Provides detailed knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology of major body systems, and the molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitters' regulation of cell physiology.
• Cellular and Molecular Pathology: Explores the role of molecular and cellular based diagnosis in a range of pathological conditions.
• Year 4:
• Bioethics: Examines social and ethical issues in bioscience and provides knowledge of current public policy concerning governance and regulation of developing technology.
• Clinical Biochemistry: Discusses the principles of clinical biochemistry in relation to the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease.
• Haematology and Transfusion Science: Investigates the elements that constitute blood, the differences between the normal and diseased state, technology used in the identification of key blood components, and the importance of transfusion science.
• Dissertation: Enables students to undertake an independent research project on a topic of their choice, developing research skills and gaining experience in project management.
• Parasitology (Optional): Studies major human and veterinary eukaryotic pathogens in detail.
• Toxicology (Optional): Develops knowledge of toxicology principles and understanding of the effects of toxic chemicals on the body and the environment.
• Advanced Genetics (Optional): Discusses the application of molecular genetics to clinical diagnostics, microbial biotechnology, forensic science, and disease treatment, and provides an overview of current biotechnological advances.

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Assessment:

• Foundation Year: Written assignments, reports, essays, oral presentations, poster presentations, portfolios, and set exercises.
There is a strong emphasis on formative assessment in all modules.
• Degree: Online tests, time-constrained coursework, short note class tests, laboratory reports, computer-based assessments, online work, problem-solving exercises, critical analysis of case studies, oral, audio-visual and poster presentations, dissertations, peer and self-assessment, group work, and practical skills tests.

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Teaching:

• Students will be taught with students on a range of Science programmes and will be working in groups and teams to achieve solutions to set problems, researching case studies, and delivering events.
• Each module is led by a module leader with over-arching responsibility for the module.
• The program utilizes a team-taught approach, with topics taught by subject specialists and different delivery styles.
• The program of teaching and learning is designed to enable students to demonstrate the attainment of the stated learning outcomes of the program, with assessment strategies aligned with these outcomes.
• Students will be supported in a progressive acquisition of subject knowledge and skills, gradually advancing towards more independent learning while developing a reflective approach to personal progress.
• Learning, teaching, and assessment are designed to engage students in enriching, enjoyable, and intellectually stimulating experiences.

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Careers:

The program provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and the advancement of modern medicine. This includes roles such as:

• Biomedical Scientist
• Research Scientist
• Healthcare Professional

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Other:

• The program emphasizes the development of key soft skills such as communication, team working, self-management, and organization throughout the integrated foundation year.
• Students will have the opportunity to be involved with other science students on other courses to gain a wider appreciation of the biosciences in an industrial, academic, economic, and social context.
• Students will gain an appreciation of the advances at the forefront of biomedical sciences.
• Students will be assigned a personal tutor who will be their academic point of contact and will help them, along with the careers service, to consider the wide range of jobs and further study options available after completing the program.
• Students will get time in labs to conduct experiments and procedures planned for them and learn to plan and carry out their own experiments independently with support and guidance.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• Tuition Fees
2024 - 2025 £9,250 - UK £13,575 - International
• The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.
• Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year.
The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.