Biomedical Science/Applied Biomedical Science

Program Overview

Biomedical Science/Applied Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

This Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) degree aims to give you valuable hands-on experience in the fascinating field of biomedical science. It prepares you for a rewarding career in healthcare, research or industry.

Key Features

• Well-equipped suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience using industry-standard techniques.
• Support applying for placements in laboratory and industrial settings to gain crucial real-world experience.
• Focus on student-centred teaching in which you devise and carry out your own laboratory experiments so that you can demonstrate your ability to work independently and solve problems to future employers.
• Taught by experienced academic staff who have a range of hospital and research laboratory experience, bringing their expertise into their teaching.
• To practice as a biomedical scientist, you must hold an IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science) accredited degree and also be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will be enrolled on our Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) course: if you undertake a 12-month placement between your second and third years, in an approved laboratory and complete a training portfolio, you will then be transferred on to the Applied Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) course for your final year of study. The academic content of both courses is the same, however, those on the Applied Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) course are eligible to apply for HCPC registration and biomedical scientist roles upon graduation (additional costs and eligibility criteria may apply).

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

• The degree is currently accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) for the 2024/25 intake.
• Applied Biomedical Science is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
• This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology up to and including September 2028 entry for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).

Course Structure

Year One

• Human Physiology: Homeostasis and Health (20 credits)
• Genetics, Heredity and Evolution (20 credits)
• Structure, Function and Analysis of Biomolecules (20 credits)
• Cell Communication, Structure, and Function (20 credits)
• The Microbial World (20 credits)
• Applied Techniques in Biology (20 credits)

Year Two

• Genetic Basis of Disease (20 credits)
• Infectious Disease and Immune Defence (20 credits)
• Haematology and Blood Disorders (20 credits)
• Cellular Basis of Disease (20 credits)
• Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders (20 credits)
• Biomedical Science Professional Practice (20 credits)

Placement Year

• Professional Experience Sandwich Year (Approved Biomedical Science laboratory with IBMS portfolio completion) (0 credits)
• Professional Experience Sandwich Year (0 credits)

Final Year

• Medical Microbiology and Virology (20 credits)
• Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology (20 credits)
• Cancer Biology (20 credits)
• Clinical Haematology and Transfusion Science (20 credits)
• Research Design in Biomedical Science (20 credits)
• Independent Project in Biomedical Science (20 credits)

Entry Requirements

• UK: 120 UCAS points, A level BBB to include Biology, BTEC DDM in a Biological Science subject, International Baccalaureate 32 points to include 5 points in Biology at Higher Level.
• International: IELTS 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area).
• Other qualifications and experience: The university recognises a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact the Admissions Team.

Fees and Funding

• UK: £9,535 per year, EU: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary, International: £18,300 per year.
• If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the university will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2025/26.

Facilities

• This course is taught predominantly in the Alison Gingell Building where you will benefit from the outstanding facilities, including our biomedical science SuperLab.
• The SuperLab can hold up to 250 students at one time and has equipment that allows you to gain skills and experience with techniques and equipment that you will encounter in your graduate careers.
• Analytical Chemistry suite and Physiology suite are also available.

Careers and Opportunities

• This course aims to enable you to develop knowledge, skills and competence to prepare you for a variety of careers in biomedical and biological science, or for other graduate level roles.
• Possible employment destinations include hospital, public health and other diagnostic providers, clinical sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, cancer research, microbiology, genetics and genomics laboratories.
• You may choose to continue your studies to MSc or PhD level to develop your specialist knowledge and research skills, or consider graduate entry to medicine or dentistry, Physicians Associate or teaching qualifications.