Applied Biomedical Science

Program Overview

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Applied Biomedical Science, BSc Hons

Our degree in applied biomedical science provides academic, professional, and laboratory skills to prepare you for careers in the NHS Biomedical Science sector.

Overview

• Ranked 3rd across the Biosciences subject in Biology and Biomedical Science in the UK, The Guardian University Guide (2025)
• Our degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), meaning it meets the quality standards set by the IBMS
• Fantastic placement opportunities to train in an NHS laboratory for a year
• The course provides a foundation in human disease, with a focus on real-life clinical case studies to enhance your understanding
• This course is taught at our Medway Campus in Chatham Maritime, Kent.

Entry Requirements

• 104 UCAS Tariff points which must include one of the following:
  • A level: Biology at grade C.
  • BTEC National: Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
  • A level and BTEC National: Extended Certificate in Applied Science and A Level Biology at grade C.
  • International Baccalaureate: 26 points overall including Higher Level Biology at grade 5.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma: Science.
  • T Level: Science (Laboratory sciences)Grade: Merit

Course Structure

Year 1

• Exploring Biomedical Science (30 credits)
• Concepts in Science (30 credits)
• Practical Skills for Science (30 credits)
• Skills for Tomorrow’s Scientists (30 credits)

Year 2

• Cellular and Molecular Pathology (Level 5) (15 credits)
• Physiological Systems and Regulation (15 credits)
• Metabolism and Disease (15 credits)
• Bioanalytical Techniques (15 credits)
• Genetics (15 credits)
• Infection and Immunity (15 credits)
• Haematology I (15 credits)
• Research and Professional Skills in Life Science (15 credits)

Year 3

• Work Placement Module (For students taking Sandwich Year option)

Year 4

• Project (Life Sciences) (30 credits)
• Advanced and Clinical Immunology (15 credits)
• Medical Microbiology (15 credits)
• Medical Biochemistry (15 credits)
• Haematology and Blood transfusion Science (II) (15 credits)
• Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options:
  • Pathophysiology of Disease (15 credits)
  • Cancer Biology and Therapeutics (15 credits)
  • Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology (15 credits)
  • Stem Cells (15 credits)
  • Neuropharmacology for Biomedical Science (15 credits)
• Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options:
  • Science Internship Course (15 credits)
  • Employability and Governance (15 credits)

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees:
  • Home: £9,535
  • International: £17,500
• Other costs:
  • Safety equipment: Science students are provided with lab coat and safety glasses free of charge. You'll be expected to pay for prescription safety glasses (approx. £90+) if you choose to purchase them.
  • Field trips: The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to complete your course.
  • Professional memberships: The standard professional memberships attached to accredited courses are covered by your tuition fees. You are welcome to take up additional professional memberships at your own cost.
  • Resources: Course texts and other study resources are available from the Drill Hall Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies. You also receive an allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.

Careers and Placements

• Will I have a work placement?: Students go to a range of companies and organisations of varying sizes for their placements, including large multi-national firms, government agencies, the NHS and small to medium sized companies engaged in research, analytical services and manufacturing.
• How long is my placement?: Students can undertake a summer placement for between 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months which can be related to a credit rated course at level 6, or can be undertaken for work experience, acknowledged by a Certificate of Industrial Experience. Students are also encouraged to apply for sandwich placements lasting between 9-12 months which sit between the second and third year of the degree.
• What are the financial arrangements?: The Faculty expectation is that students are as far as possible treated like other employees of the company or organisation. It is expected that students on sandwich placements will be paid throughout their time with the company. In some cases, students on summer placements have had expenses only covered by the company. Students on sandwich placements are required to pay a reduced fee to the University for their placement year.
• What sort of careers do graduates pursue?: You will acquire the necessary academic, professional and laboratory skills for current and future employment as a Biomedical Scientist in medical diagnostic and research environments.
• Are internships available?: Interns can gain valuable employment experience within the faculty – subject to resources. Personal tutors will be able to advise students on where to access course internships.
• Do you provide employability services?: We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. We have an Employer Partnerships Manager developing relationships with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities. Other members of the team focus on helping students to develop their knowledge of job markets, production of effective CVs, cover letters and application forms, understanding HR selection processes, preparing final year students for graduate job applications and applying for placements. Visit our Employability & Careers Service pages.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

Our degree in applied biomedical science provides academic, professional, and laboratory skills to prepare you for careers in the NHS Biomedical Science sector. You will initially register on our Biomedical Science degree. During your second year, you can make a formal application for a hospital placement, which will include a training placement in an NHS lab. If you are successful, you will progress onto this BSc Applied Biomedical Science to complete the course. As well as a firm grounding in biomedical science, you will gain a range of transferable skills, from problem solving to case study analysis. The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. Graduates who have been issued with the IBMS Certificate of Competence will also be able to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

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Outline:

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Year 1

• Introduction to Biomedical Science (15 credits): This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of biomedical science, covering topics such as the history of the discipline, ethical considerations, and the role of biomedical scientists in healthcare.
• Biochemistry 2 (15 credits): This module builds upon the knowledge gained in Biochemistry 1, exploring more advanced topics such as protein structure and function, gene expression, and metabolic regulation.
• Basic Chemistry for Life Science (15 credits): This module provides a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry relevant to life sciences, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions.
• Practical and Academic Skills (30 credits): This module develops students' practical and academic skills, including laboratory techniques, scientific writing, and data analysis.

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Year 2

• Cellular and Molecular Pathology (Level 5) (15 credits): This module explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying disease, covering topics such as cell injury, inflammation, and cancer.
• Physiological Systems and Regulation (15 credits): This module examines the physiology of the major organ systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems, focusing on their regulation and integration.
• Metabolism and Disease (15 credits): This module explores the role of metabolism in health and disease, covering topics such as metabolic disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and the impact of lifestyle factors on metabolism.
• Bioanalytical Techniques (15 credits): This module introduces students to a range of bioanalytical techniques used in biomedical science, including chromatography, electrophoresis, and spectroscopy.
• Infection and Immunity (15 credits): This module explores the mechanisms of infection and the body's immune response, covering topics such as pathogens, immune cells, and vaccines.
• Research and Professional Skills in Life Science (15 credits): This module develops students' research and professional skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.

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Year 3

• Work Placement Module (For students taking Sandwich Year option): This module provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in an NHS laboratory setting.

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Year 4

• Project (Life Sciences) (30 credits): This module allows students to undertake an independent research project in a biomedical science area of their choice.
• Advanced and Clinical Immunology (15 credits): This module explores advanced topics in immunology, including the immune system's role in disease, autoimmune disorders, and transplantation.
• Medical Microbiology (15 credits): This module covers the principles of medical microbiology, including the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
• Medical Biochemistry (15 credits): This module explores the biochemical basis of disease, covering topics such as metabolic disorders, genetic diseases, and drug metabolism.
• Haematology and Blood transfusion Science (II) (15 credits): This module builds upon the knowledge gained in Haematology I, exploring advanced topics such as blood transfusion, haematological malignancies, and laboratory diagnostics.

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Optional Modules:

• Pathophysiology of Disease (15 credits): This module explores the mechanisms underlying disease, focusing on the physiological changes that occur in different disease states.
• Stem Cells (15 credits): This module examines the biology of stem cells, their potential applications in medicine, and the ethical considerations surrounding their use.

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Other Optional Modules:

• Science Internship Course (15 credits): This module provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a science-related internship.
• Employability and Governance (15 credits): This module develops students' employability skills, including CV writing, interview techniques, and professional networking.

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Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of assessment methods depending on the modules chosen. These may include:

• Coursework: Coursework assignments, such as essays, reports, and presentations, allow students to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems.
• Laboratory Reports: Laboratory reports are used to assess students' practical skills and their ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
• Presentations: Presentations allow students to demonstrate their communication skills and their ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Portfolio: Some modules may require students to compile a portfolio of their work, which can include essays, reports, presentations, and laboratory reports.

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Teaching:

You will benefit from a dedicated and experienced team of staff comprising distinguished research active academic scientists working together with administrative and technical personnel. The vast majority of courses in science are also supplemented by external industrial experts who come to give guest lectures and presentations on the latest developments in industry. These specialists come from leading multinational pharmaceutical companies.

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Careers:

You will acquire the necessary academic, professional and laboratory skills for current and future employment as a Biomedical Scientist in medical diagnostic and research environments.

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Other:

The course provides a foundation in human disease. You will focus on real-life clinical case studies to enhance your understanding.

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Home Fees

• Full time: £9,250
• Part-time: N/A
• Distance Learning: N/A

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International fees

• Full time: £17,000
• Part-time: N/A
• Distance Learning: N/A