BSc (Honours) Biomedicine and Health Science

Course summary

The BSc (Hons) Biomedicine and Health Science degree provides you with a sound understanding of the fundamentals of life science and how novel therapies are developed. You will focus on both non-pharmacological interventions and those that are dependent on the biotechnology revolution. You will appreciate the majority of new therapies are based on recombinant DNA technology – plus modified cellular and bespoke therapies.

How you learn

Our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

On this course you’ll apply your learning through activities that give you a deep understanding of the field. Central to the course is the development of the ability to analyse, comprehend, and communicate biomedicine and health-related knowledge.

You will be taught by academics who are specialists in their respective fields. You'll be able to apply your knowledge through engaging in-class activities, problem-solving, and discussions alongside your peers. With hands-on laboratory experiences, you will be introduced to real world problems, developing your critical thinking, a deep understanding of the scientific process and valuable skills for professional settings.

You learn through:

In person teaching in face-to-face seminars, tutorials and lectures
Practical hands-on laboratory experiences using up to date, industry standard equipment
Independent study
Online support tutorials
Small group academic advisor sessions
Placements, which give the opportunity use what you have learned
Capstone independent research projects to bring all your learning together

Key themes

Initially, you will learn fundamental life science in semester one and apply this knowledge in depth in laboratory sessions, and apply fundamentals to more applied modules such as Human Reproduction and Endocrinology, and Epidemiology and Public health in semester 2. You will complete Observed Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and laboratory diagnosis of patients in an applied project.

In following years you’ll cover fundamentals in molecular and cellular biochemistry, and apply this to practical labs and an applied biotechnology project. In following years you’ll cover fundamentals in molecular and cellular biochemistry, and apply this to practical labs and an applied biotechnology project. In your final year, you’ll also learn about cutting-edge therapies and non-pharmacological interventions, and complete an independent project in our teaching labs. – or multiple projects if you continue on the MSCi route within our research centre.

Course support

With a dedicated team of passionate experts, we’re committed to providing you with all the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in industry or research careers. Supported by our experienced teaching staff and technicians, you’ll learn in small groups, gain confidence, enhance your technical skills, and create lasting friendships.

You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with other students, staff members and professionals in their field of study and research. This gives you the chance to learn from those who have experience and knowledge in your chosen field.

Applied learning

Live projects and electives

You’ll gain valuable experience in providing a practical perspective of the encounters commonly faced by scientists in the healthcare sector.

In mini-projects you’ll develop experimental design and planning abilities, as well as building confidence in practical skills. These projects lead to a more independent extended research project during the final BSc year, with further advanced projects being undertaken if you continue for an additional MSci year.

The capstone independent research projects encompass various areas – from independent laboratory research into current biomedicine and health science topics, to bioinformatics and big data, computational modelling and simulations, systematic reviews, educational development, and science communication. These are a great platform for you to showcase your learning and expertise.

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

You can apply for placements in a wide range of institutions, including the NHS, schools and colleges, industry and medical research. If you can’t commit to a year, it’s also possible to work for a shorter amount of time on placement – such as during the summer – which can still contribute to your degree. If you’re doing your work placement in another European country there may be funding available via the Turing scheme.

You can access various support activities, resources, employer events and opportunities to help you make the most of your work experience opportunities during your degree.

Well-known organisations students have worked with in the past include:

Agilent Technologies (in technical sales)
University research laboratories
Sheffield Clinical Trials Centre (as a clinical trials assistant)
Contract research organisations such as Labcorp

Modules

Year 1

Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists (20 credits)
Epidemiology And Public Health (20 credits)
Fundamentals Of Life Sciences (40 credits)
Human Reproduction And Endocrinology (20 credits)
Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists (20 credits)

Year 2

Applying Professional Skills For Scientists (20 credits)
Developing Professional Skills For Scientists (20 credits)
Immunology And Microbiology (20 credits)
Molecular And Cellular Biochemistry (40 credits)
Physiology Of Health And Disease (20 credits)

Year 3

Undergraduate Sandwich Placement Applied Professional Diploma (no credits)

Final year

Advanced Professional Skills For Scientists (20 credits)
Advanced Therapeutics And Personalised Medicine (20 credits)
Human Nutrition And Health (20 credits)
Research Project (40 credits)

Elective modules

Advanced Genetics (20 credits)
Applications Of Data Science (20 credits)
Applied Biochemistry (20 credits)
Neurobiology And Neurophysiology (20 credits)
Pharmacology (20 credits)

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in:

Laboratory research
University technician roles
Laboratory science
The pharmaceutical industry
Contract research organisations
Academic research or a PhD
Data analysis
Clinical science in the NHS
School technician roles
Clinical trials

You could also progress onto postgraduate teaching or medicine courses – or pre-registration health courses such as Radiotherapy and Oncology, Radiology, Dietetics and Physician’s Associate.

Equipment and facilities

In our teaching labs, you will find up-to-date equipment of industry-standard as well as cutting-edge research equipment. You’ll have access to modern, industry-standard laboratory spaces containing:

Cell culture facilities
Clinical biochemistry
Flow cytometry
Fluorescence microscopy
Exercise physiology analysis
Histology and histopathology
Molecular biology and biotechnology facilities including Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Entry requirements

UCAS points: 112-120
A levels: BBB-BBC including at least 32 points in Biology
BTEC: DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science to include suitable biology modules
GCSE: English Language or Literature at grade C or 4, Maths at grade C or 4
Access: an Access to HE Diploma from a relevant QAA-recognised Access to HE course which has mainly biology and chemistry related modules
IELTS: 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent

Fees and funding

Home students: £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)
International students: £17,155 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)

Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs
Additional costs for Biosciences and Chemistry (PDF, 131.3KB)

BSc (Honours) Biomedicine and Health Science

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