BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Overview

Biomedical science, although well established as a scientific discipline, is also a rapidly advancing subject constantly striving towards improving human health and creating a need for highly skilled biomedical scientists.

This course gives you a broad understanding of the scientific investigation of human health and disease. It covers the key aspects and principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, and physiology and their application to the causes and management of disease.

Your learning is supported by our research teams, who are at the forefront of biomedical research and contribute to all aspects of teaching, both lab and non-lab based.

In second year, students do have the option of undertaking 'Volunteering and Employability'. This can include an element of work placement.

You'll gain the skills and knowledge to develop a career in biomedical science or progress to postgraduate study.

Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as Part-time)

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

B941

Placement:

Yes

Study Abroad:

Yes

Course details

As well as developing an understanding of the scientific investigation of human health and disease, you will gain more specific knowledge of disease processes from the study of clinical laboratory specialities, such as cellular pathology, clinical biochemistry, immunology, genetics, and medical microbiology.

This enables a biomedical scientist to understand the science of the causes, consequences, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

You’ll be equipped with the skills necessary to plan and perform a research project for publication and be aware of the need for good laboratory practice, health and safety, and legal and ethical considerations.

You’ll have the flexibility to study different areas of biology and tailor the course to your own interests. You'll also benefit from studying in the heart of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside which is rich in biodiversity.

The applied nature of this course encourages the development of skills that make you more employable including problem-solving, research, team working, communication, and IT. As well as specialist analytical and numerical skills, you will be able to collect biological data and communicate scientific information.

How you’ll be taught

You will learn through a variety of different methods, including lectures, tutorials, field studies, and laboratory classes.

More than two-thirds of our permanent academic staff are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy, reflecting their dedication and formal training in teaching undergraduate students. Together with our accreditation by The Royal Society of Biology - which is your assurance of the quality and relevance of our course to the needs of employers - this is your assurance of the up-to-date knowledge of our teaching staff and guarantee of a supportive learning environment.

Assessments

A variety of assessment methods are used, including examination, assignments, and practical assessments. These are balanced across the Programme to provide a challenging assessment experience, which allows you to do your best.

Work placement

In second year, students do have the option of undertaking 'Volunteering and Employability'. This can include an element of work placement.

Placement and Study Abroad opportunities are subject to UK and Scottish Government health and travel advice.

Study abroad

Erasmus and International Student Exchange Programs opportunities are available in the second and third year of study for one or two trimesters.

Placement and Study Abroad opportunities are subject to UK and Scottish Government health and travel advice.

Popular modules

Year 1

Foundation in Science
Life on Earth
Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
Scientific Enquiry
Introductory Microbiology
Cell Biology

Year 2

Genes and Inheritance
Biochemistry
Applied Microbiology
Symbiosis
Physiology, Adaptation and Disease
Option module

Year 3

Research Methods
Molecular Biology of the Cell
Immunology
Infection and Immunity
Molecular Medicine
Pathobiology and Therapeutics

Year 4

Professional Practice
Research methods in Biomedicine
Trends in Biomedical Sciences
Project (60 credits)

ACCREDITED BY

The Royal Society of Biology

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Year 1

Minimum Year 1

SQA Higher: Standard Entry Requirement: BBBB including Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BBCC including Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
A Level: BCC including Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Applied Science.
BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3: Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.
BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level: Minimum grades DM (Distinction, Merit) in a related subject. A Level grade C
Irish Leaving Certificate: Grades H2/H2/H3/H3 including a Science subject (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
International Baccalaureate Diploma: Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 including a Science (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at minimum grade 5.

Year 2

Minimum Year 2

SQA Advanced Higher: BBC to include Biology
A Level: BBB to include Biology
HNC: Pass HNC in a related subject* with B in the graded unit. *Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Applied Science, Applied Bioscience, Wildlife and Conservation Management

Year 3

Minimum Year 3

HND: Pass in a related subject* with Grades BB at SCQF Level 8 in the graded units. *Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Applied Science, Wildlife and Conservation Management

English language

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Admissions policies

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances, and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees for 2024/25

Students from Scotland: £1,820
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,250
Overseas and EU: £19,340

Careers

What can you do with a Biomedical Science Degree?

By studying Biomedical Science at Edinburgh Napier University, you will learn how this discipline informs the improvement of human health on a global scale. You will become technically competent in a range of key skills required of a biomedical science graduate. You will carry out extensive practical learning in the laboratory, becoming a team player with excellent communication skills, while gaining in-depth knowledge of scientific investigation in relation to human health and disease. You could work within biomedical science or go into further study or perhaps take a teacher education programme. If you are interested in studying the latest developments in human health and disease, then this may be the right course for you.

Gaining a degree in Biomedical Science gives you discipline-specific knowledge and skills, but it is not restrictive. You will gain a range of highly desirable transferable (meta) skills, including communication, numeracy, computer literacy, and data analysis, which are valued by employers within, but also outside the Life Science sector.

What does a Biomedical science graduate do?

There are a broad range of employment options, ranging from working in a laboratory, either in industry, the NHS or academia, where you could be involved in exciting exploratory research, diagnostics or product development. You could be involved in analysis of big data and bioinformatics to inform precision medicine. Graduates also find careers in the Life Sciences sector, which are non-laboratory based, such as journalism, sales, policy work, communications, quality assurance, working for charities, and public engagement.

Tasks you might carry out within your role include:

Research and Development in industry, healthcare or academia
Analysis of big data and bioinformatics
Development and manufacturing, such as stem cells and therapeutics
Sales and marketing
Advising on government environmental and public health policies
Project management
Regulatory roles, quality control/quality assurance

Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

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