Biomedicine

The BSc Biomedicine focuses on the vital link between basic science and advances in the understanding and treatment of human health and disease. On this course, you will complete a substantial research project in the areas of molecular, cell and integrative biology, and will be provided with in-depth knowledge of the theoretical background of these topics. You will be well equipped for a wide range of careers within the biological sciences and associated fields allied to medicine.

Why choose this course?

• The BSc Biomedicine is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, a status recognised by employers, bringing opportunities for paid internships.

• Taught by internationally recognised researchers, you will gain an academic grounding in modern medicine and explore biomedical research.

• You will develop the technical, intellectual and social skills needed for careers in research, medicine, teaching, and the wider application of scientific knowledge in the workplace.

• By choosing certain modules, you can finish with a BSc Biomedicine and Public Health.

What you will learn

The BSc Biomedicine covers a range of disciplines including biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry, drugs and drug discovery, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology and physiology, with emphasis on how these relate to public health.

Whilst enabling development of knowledge of the scientific principles that underpin these key subject areas, this course enables you to gain substantial practical and analytical skills through extensive laboratory experience. Both elements are highly sought after by employers in the biomedical and health sectors.

How you will learn

You will be taught in live face-to-face lectures and classroom activities combined with practical sessions, tutorials and problem-solving classes. The final year of the course is dedicated to the pursuit of a laboratory-based project providing an opportunity for novel research.

You can study this course full- or part-time. You can also choose your own timetable for the core/compulsory modules selecting whether to study them in the daytime or in the evening.

Foundation Year

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

Highlights

• Birkbeck provides state-of-the-art, specialist laboratories and facilities for studying biological sciences in the heart of academic London.

• In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK.

• You will be taught by internationally distinguished experts who work with governments and institutions around the globe to extend the boundaries of knowledge.

• Working in close collaboration with the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, a joint institute between Birkbeck and UCL, we are recognised for the excellence and international impact of our research.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this BSc Biomedicine, you will have developed an array of transferable skills, including:

• laboratory skills, including microscopy, DNA manipulation, protein handling, microbiology aseptic technique, developing mutagenesis and gene cloning pipelines

• the ability to analyse and critically evaluate data and complex ideas

• the ability to work independently in a laboratory environment

• team-building and creativity to drive scientific innovation

• oral and written communication skills to communicate with a wide range of audiences.

Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields, including:

• academia

• laboratory-based research

• healthcare-related roles

• microbiology

• clinical coding.

Course modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

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

• Royal Society of Biology