Biomedical Science (with Foundation Year)

Biomedical scientists play a crucial role in advancing our knowledge when it comes to diagnosing, preventing, and curing disease. This degree sets you up to make a significant contribution to scientific progression in the field through applied learning, practical experience and employment-focused skill development. You start with the foundation sciences that underpin much of modern medicine before exploring rapidly advancing areas such as biotechnology and vaccine development.

Course accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS).

On graduation, you can apply for NHS trainee biomedical scientist positions where you will develop your skills further to obtain the Health and Care Professions Council’s (HCPC) portfolio accreditation to register as a biomedical scientist who meets the industry’s strict requirements.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Recently built STEM building with specialist labs, bespoke teaching spaces and group study hubs.

• High-spec cell culture lab and analytical science suite.

• HPLC, FTIR and GC-MS machines alongside facilities for qPCR and protein purification, for cutting-edge biotech experiments.

Career-powered links

Our Life Sciences Liaison Board works with industry professionals across the pharma-biotech, health and food sectors, including Glaxo Smith Kline, Life Science Group and GrowPura. Our collaboration within the sector help you establish links and gain valuable work experience.

Your student experience

Our focus on real-world applications and practical-based learning prepares you for fulfilling employment in this specialist field.

Keep up to date with the latest developments in the field thanks to our strong links to industry partners.

Learn from our research-active academics, highly qualified individuals contributing to progress in sectors such as cancer pathways and medicine development.

Expand your career prospects by developing widely transferable workplace skills, from statistical techniques and scientific communication to independent research and critical thinking.

Get involved in interactive masterclasses and workshops from leading experts including Rothamsted Research; Glaxo Smith Kline; MSD Merck; and the UK Health Security Agency.

Gain additional lab-work experience via the Student Skills Lab scheme where you can try out techniques for real-world applications, under the guidance of recent graduates.

Take part in field trips to prominent industry and R&D settings.

Build your network of professional contacts at our annual STEM Careers Expo.

Course Modules

Year 1
Microbiology and biochemistry – Study the diversity of micro-organisms using techniques such as light microscopy, histological preparation and chromatography. Human anatomy and physiology – Explore the interconnected nature of the body’s systems. Cell biology – Examine the structure and organisation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using microscopy. Molecular genetics – Develop your understanding of molecular genetics, with a focus on cell division and genetic inheritance. Skills in biomedical science – Build a range of key study skills including analysis, presentation of data and basic lab techniques. Chemistry – Gain a foundation in areas such as atomic structure, interaction between molecules and thermodynamics.

Year 2
Skills in science – Build confidence in key skills like experimental design, lab safety, data analysis, finding sources and writing proposals. Medical physiology – Learn about body systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, neurology and gastrointestinal.  Human metabolism – Explore how metabolic pathways work together to meet the body’s needs. Immunology – Understand the importance of the immune system and its role in protecting against pathogens and diseases. Medical microbiology – Study the role of micro-organisms in human disease. Haematology and transfusion science – How blood works and the key role it plays in diagnosing and treating illness. Genetics – Explore how genetic and metabolic systems interact in cells and learn techniques used to study molecular genetics. Cellular pathology – Develop practical skills for handling and analysing biological samples such as tissue biopsies or cheek swabs.

Year 3
Biomedical science research project – Plan, design and complete a piece of research in an area of interest relevant to the course. Applications of microbiology – The impact of micro-organisms in health and disease, including the origins of disease-causing microbes, their transmission and control. Clinical biochemistry – Gain skills in investigating clinical samples and understand how testing helps with diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. Applications of immunology – Study emerging immunotherapy strategies – including antibody drugs – that prevent diseases developing or progressing. Biology of disease – Examine the physiological processes underlying specific diseases and their clinical signs. Molecular biology – How the molecules of living matter operate and interact to create life.

Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate at the point of publication on the UCAS website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Biomedical Science, Institute of