Program Overview

BSc (Honours)/MSci Biomedical Science

Course summary

This BSc Biomedical Science course, accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, will build your practical and digital skills to prepare you for a career as a graduate scientist. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of biomedical science and how to apply your knowledge to medicine, research and the wider scientific industry.

How you learn

On this course you’ll be taught by biomedical science experts – all our staff are research active and most have a history in industry. Your learning will be linked to departmental research themes, ensuring the course content is at the forefront of science.

You’ll get hands-on with industry-standard laboratory equipment and take part in in-class activities, problem solving and group discussions. You’ll work with other students on practical projects, as well as independently using digital tools to analyse data.

You’ll also have opportunities to undertake research, from clinical specialisms to bioanalytical projects.

Modules

Year 1

• Biomedical Science In Practice (40 credits)
  • Module Aim: The aims of this module are to provide an introduction to biomedical science and principles of bioanalytical science.
  • Indicative content: The role of the pathology service in the NHS and the relevant regulatory and professional bodies e.g. HCPC and IBMS.
• Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists (20 credits)
  • This module develops the fundamental professional and practical skills you’ll need as a scientist.
  • You’ll study topics such as: Identifying and using appropriate information sources and technologies, The application of mathematics to scientific data, Effective communication, Consideration of ethical issues around the mini project, Awareness and development of employability, Fundamental practical training, Creativity and problem solving.
• Fundamentals Of Biomedical Science (40 credits)
  • This module develops your knowledge and understanding of the core biomedical science concepts – including the fundamental processes of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology and genetics.
  • You’ll study topics such as: The function of biological molecules including DNA, RNA and proteins, The biochemistry of processes which govern cell function, The cell as the fundamental unit of life, The structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, Microorganism structure, physiology, biochemistry and classification, Human structure, function, neurological and hormonal control, Our component parts and major systems, Embryology and the structure of normal cells and tissues, Haematology and regulation of normal haemostasis, Genetic structure and function of genes.
• Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists (20 credits)
  • This module introduces the fundamental professional and practical skills you’ll need as a scientist, within a programme of seminars, workshops, tutorials and practical classes.
  • You’ll study topics such as: Appropriate information sources and technologies, The application of mathematics to scientific data, Introduction to professional ethics, Introduction to global science issues, Introduction to sustainability and the UN Sustainability Goals, Effective communication, Awareness and development of employability, Fundamental practical training.

Year 2

• Applying Professional Skills For Scientists (20 credits)
  • This module enables you to apply your lab, practical and professional skills – demonstrating strong scientific practice and the employability qualities you’ll need as a scientific graduate.
  • You’ll apply learning and skills to: Technical activities, experimental design and project management, Sustainability and sustainable lab practice within practical design, The use of appropriate information sources and technologies, Effective communication, presenting and written communications, Processes in accountability, time management and decision making, Applications of mathematical and statistical techniques, Usage of information technology for the range of scientific activities, Data handling and manipulation of large and complex data sets, Data application to bioinformatics.
• Developing Professional Skills For Scientists (20 credits)
  • This module enables you to apply your practical and professional skills to demonstrate strong scientific practice and the employability qualities you’ll need as a scientific graduate.
  • You’ll apply skills and learning such as: Ethical considerations and technical activities, Experimental design and project management, Use of appropriate information sources and technologies, Effective communication, presenting and written communications, Processes in accountability, time management and decision making, Sustainability and sustainable lab practice within practical design, Mathematical and statistical techniques.
• Disease, Diagnostics, And Therapeutics (40 credits)
  • This module develops your understanding of the pathobiology and underlying biology of selected disease conditions – and the key laboratory diagnostic techniques used in their investigation – together with targeted therapeutics and related pharmacology.
  • You’ll study topics such as: Terminology and epidemiology of disease, Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying disease, Sample collection and preparation of cells and tissues, Electrophoresis, chromatography and centrifugation, Routine methods in clinical biochemistry, Near-patient / point of care testing, Therapeutic drug monitoring, Immunological techniques used in diagnosis, Clinical molecular and cytogenetic methods, Mass spectrometry and spectroscopy.
• Genes To Proteins, Biochemistry In Action (20 credits)
  • This module develops an appreciation, understanding and application of molecular biology and biochemistry concepts and techniques.
  • You’ll study topic such as: Nucleic acids and recombinant DNA technology, Trans-membranes signalling and communication, Enzyme kinetics and catalytic and regulatory strategies, Metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and nitrogen containing compounds, Genetic information, chromosome structure and genomes, DNA replication and repair, Transcription, RNA processing and transcriptional regulation, Protein localisation, detection, modifications and targeting, Clinical and pharmacogenetics.
• Immunology And Microbiology (20 credits)
  • Module Aim: This module aims to provide students with knowledge of the immune system, its components and functions, and to broaden their knowledge of viral, prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms.
  • Indicative content: Innate and adaptive immunity, Cells of the immune system, Lymphoid tissues and organs, Soluble factors: antibodies, cytokines etc., Key systems: complement, the MHC complex, Measurement of the effectors of the immune system, Antigen recognition, lymphocyte and complement activation, Inflammation, Antibody-mediated and cell-mediated effector mechanisms, Vaccination and immunotherapy, HIV, Pathogenic mechanisms of microorganisms, Bacterial, protozoal, viral and fungal infections, Virulence, treatment, pathogenicity, epidemiology, transmission cycles, environmental survival strategies, commensalism, Infectious disease diagnosis, Hospital-acquired infections/infection control including drug-resistance, Bacterial genetics, Food, water and Environmental health, Sexually transmitted diseases, Antibiotic resistance.

Year 3

• Undergraduate Sandwich Placement Applied Professional Diploma (credits -)
  • Module aim: The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).
  • Indicative Content: In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
• Advanced Professional Skills For Scientists (20 credits)
  • Module Aim: To support students to develop, evidence, reflect on and improve their employment skills within the context of their career aspirations, the work-place and their own scientific discipline.
  • Indicative content: Employment and further study opportunities for Biosciences & Chemistry graduates both in scientific and non-scientific settings, Oral and written communication of employability skills.
• Blood Sciences (20 credits)
  • This module provides understanding of clinical biochemistry, haematology – including transfusion science and clinical immunology – plus experience of problem solving and applying up-to-date knowledge of analytical techniques and diagnostic procedures.
  • You’ll study topics such as: Major body and organ systems, The regulation of normal haemostasis, Normal white blood cells and red blood cell abnormalities, Screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring, Abnormal immune function, Neoplastic diseases and transplantation reactions, Blood groups, anomalies and antibody screening, Immune-mediated destruction of blood cells, Blood components and patient blood management, Transfusion and possible adverse effects.
• Cellular Pathology And Infection (20 credits)
  • This module studies disease and pathological process at a deeper level, considering the role of the pathology laboratory in assessing the utility of diagnostic tests.
  • You’ll study topics such as: Pathology and investigation of cancer, Pathogenic virulence mechanisms of microorganisms, Environmental reservoirs of infection, Public health and infection control, Antimicrobial and antiviral therapies, Immunotherapy, transplantation and transfusion, Histocompatibility antigens in transplantation, Clinical genetics, ethics and pre-natal testing, Objective assessment of diagnostic tests, Common diseases and lifestyle.
• Research Project (40 credits)
  • Module Aim: The module aims to expand students’ ability to independently follow a research strategy, undertake critical assessment of data obtained and to extend and apply professional and personal skills required for the planning and implementation of a research activity.
  • Indicative content: Projects will be allocated a project from a pool of topics related to academic staff’s research and professional interests.

Elective modules

• Advanced Genetics (20 credits)
  • This module expands your knowledge of genetic concepts.
  • You’ll study topics such as: Genes, chromosomes and heredity, DNA structure, replication and organisation, Gene expression and its regulation, Genetics of organisms and populations.
• Advanced Therapeutics And Personalised Medicine (20 credits)
  • This module develops your understanding of how novel biological therapies and cellular therapies are designed and used clinically, and how advanced DNA sequencing approaches support personalised medicine approaches.
  • You’ll study topics such as: The genetic basis of diseases, including cancer, Next generation sequencing technologies, Targeted sequencing approaches, Liquid biopsies and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), Assessing minimal residual disease and therapy responses, Cancer vaccines, Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T cell therapy (CAR-T), Therapeutic outcomes of the 100K genomes study, Ex vivo gene therapy, Therapeutic antibodies and biologic therapies.
• Applications Of Data Science (20 credits)
  • This module introduces big data and how data sets can be exploited to extract meaningful insights.
  • You’ll study topics such as: Application of coding to biosciences and chemistry, Bioinformatics tools, Analysis of data from systems biology, Statistical analysis of large data.
• Applied Biochemistry (20 credits)
  • This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the structure, function and regulation of biological molecules and pathways, with a focus on their practical applications in research, biotechnology and medicine.
  • You’ll study topics such as: New and developing biochemical techniques, Applications to health, sustainability and climate change, Synthesis of proteins and biomolecules, Genetic manipulation using biochemical techniques, Modification of organisms through cloned genes, Altering the biological properties of proteins, Investigating biomolecular and genomic function, Transcriptional and translational regulation, Signalling pathways in cell biology, Metabolic pathways leading to systems biology, High resolution cellular imaging.
• Human Nutrition And Health (20 credits)
  • This module develops your understanding of how dietary components contribute to maintaining life, health and disease prevention.
  • You’ll study topics such as: Dietary changes through the ages, Macronutrients and micronutrients, Sources and requirements, Digestion, absorption and biological roles, Energy balance, activity and energy requirements, Assessment of Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), Processes for energy metabolism, Control of body weight, appetite and food intake, Diets for weight loss.
• Neurobiology And Neurophysiology (20 credits)
  • This module provides in-depth understanding of neuroscience, neurophysiology and neurobiology, including an awareness of the impact of new technologies and concepts which can be translated to other body systems.
  • You’ll study topics such as: Brain anatomy and physiology, Action potential, synapses and postsynaptic responses, Functional systems (e.g. limbic system), Neurotransmitters and receptors, Neuroplasticity, Specific areas and pathways, Aging brain, Advances in diagnostic techniques, Therapies for neurological and other diseases.
• Pharmacology (20 credits)
  • This module reviews the basic pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic concepts of drug action, creating an awareness of the impact of new technologies and concepts on the discovery and development of pharmacological agents.
  • You’ll study topics such as: How drugs act in general and at a molecular level, Drug specificity and selectivity, Drug receptors, enzymes, channels and transporters, Types of drugs, Quantitative analysis of drug actions, Drug administration and absorption, Drug distribution, metabolism and elimination, Therapeutic use of drugs, Personalised medicine and precision medical science, Development of drugs from discovery to market.

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in:

• Hospital pathology laboratories
• Academic research
• The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry
• Medical-related disciplines
• Clinical trials research
• Scientific sales and marketing
• Postgraduate study options, including MSc, MRes, PhD and PGCE
• Teaching

Equipment and facilities

You’ll have access to various collaborative and independent learning spaces, and a large suite of high-quality laboratories. You’ll use the same industry-standard equipment and software that you’ll be using in your career.

On this course you work with:

• Analytical tools such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography equipment.
• Our award-winning cell culture suites with laminar flow hoods and incubators.
• High-powered fluorescent and confocal microscopes for cell and tissue analysis.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction equipment.
• If you transfer to the MSci route, you’ll work alongside PhD students and scientists in our Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, with access to a range of cutting-edge facilities.

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: 120-128
• A levels: Including 32 points in Biology or equivalent BTEC national qualifications in Applied Science to include suitable biology modules.
• BTEC: Extended Diploma in Applied Science (please list units on your application).
• GCSE: English Language or English 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, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
• English language: IELTS score of 7.0 (or equivalent) with no less than 6.5 in each skill.

Fees and funding

• Home students: Tuition fees for 2026/27 are not yet confirmed. Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year).
• International students: Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £18,000 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year).