Program Overview

Overview of Biomedicine with Research Placement BSc(Hons)

The Biomedicine with Research Placement BSc(Hons) degree is designed to prepare students for an exciting career in the biomedical sciences. With advanced accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology, this course equips students with the ability to delve into how bodily functions at a cellular, tissue, and whole-body level change due to diseases, consider how biomedicine assists with healthy ageing, and explore the biology of common and rare genetic disorders, as well as infectious diseases in temperate and tropical climates.

Course Details

• The course has a modular structure that allows students to follow their own interests.
• In the final year, students will have the opportunity to undertake an extended research project in the laboratory with expert supervision.
• The course aims to develop students' technical and scientific competence along with their deductive, analytical, and communication skills.

Year 1 Modules

• Research Skills: This module provides the requisite background skills for successful completion of an Honours Degree in Biology, including literacy, numeracy, and use of IT.
• Molecular and Cellular Biology: This module considers genetic analyses in a number of systems, including Mendelian genetics, linkage, and pedigree analysis.
• Biochemistry 1: This module gives a basic account of the structure and function of biological macromolecules, particularly proteins, and is illustrated by reference to such molecules as haemoglobin.
• Physiology 1: Structure and Function: This module covers all the major organs of the body together with models of normal and abnormal bodily function, with emphasis on the concept of homeostasis.
• Medical Pharmacology: This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of pharmacology, including the four main types of regulatory proteins and the physical processes of drug absorption and distribution.
• The World of Microbes: This module aims to introduce students to the full range of microbial life and the techniques used to study microorganisms.

Year 2 Modules

• Research Skills 2: This module further develops general research skills, including writing, presentations, using statistical analysis, and elements relevant to final year research projects.
• Molecular Biology: This module seeks to give students an understanding of the essential processes involved in information storage and use in living cells, together with the modern methods of molecular biology used to analyse genes and their expression.
• Cell Biology: This module will extend and develop students' understanding and knowledge of cell biology, with a particular focus on how cells communicate and the importance of this for multicellularity.
• Physiology 2: Control and Integration: This module builds on the basic physiology studied in the first year, considering the organisation and regulatory roles of the nervous system and their interaction.
• Infectious Diseases and Therapeutics: This module introduces students to a range of pathogens responsible for major and emerging infectious diseases globally, outlining how pathogen biology influences pathology and transmission of disease.

Year 3 - Research Placement Year

• The Research Placement allows students to experience working in an active research environment and to undertake their own independent supervised research project.
• The placement can be undertaken in a research lab within the University, another Institute, or within industry in the UK or internationally.

Final Year Modules

• Research Project: The aim is to give students experience in conducting a piece of independent, hypothesis-driven, biological research, or research into biology education.
• Medical Genetics: This module covers the use of molecular genetic and cytogenetic techniques to delineate the cause and treatment of disease and illnesses, delivering an introduction to genetic counselling.
• Immunology and Infection: This module provides a comprehensive overview of adaptive and innate immunity, detailing discussion for a broad range of parasites, bacterial pathogens, and viruses.
• Mechanisms and Pathology of Cancer and other Chronic Diseases: This module provides the opportunity for students to learn about a range of different chronic diseases that can affect human health and quality of life.

Option Modules

• Practical Skills in Clinical Pathology and Biochemistry: This module introduces students to cellular pathology, the microscopic examination of normal and abnormal cells, and tissues for indicators of disease.
• Current Topics in Molecular Life Sciences: This module introduces and explores contemporary methods used in molecular life sciences, investigating technical aspects underpinning genome engineering and large-scale “omics” projects.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this course can consider a wide range of career options in areas such as medical research, the NHS, molecular sciences, medical genetics, pharmaceuticals, developing scientific patents, medical sales or marketing, medical writing, and teaching.

Fees and Finance

• The maximum fees for UK-based students on undergraduate courses in 2025/26 will be £9,535 per year for full-time students.
• Tuition fees will cover the cost of study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, and examinations.

Accreditations and Professional Links

• This course has advanced accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology.
• Students will be eligible for undergraduate membership of the Biochemical Society and The Physiological Society (UK), and upon successful graduation, eligible to apply for one year associate membership of the Royal Society of Biology.