Biomedical Science (with a placement year)

Biomedical scientists are leading the fight against disease and their work touches on the lives of virtually everyone in the UK.

Whether analysing blood samples, examining tissues at molecular level or monitoring the effects of a major virus, biomedical scientists’ results provide the basis for 70% of all diagnoses within the NHS.

Now’s your chance to make a difference by joining the experts winning the battle against national and global health challenges.

From day one on the course, you’ll be treated as a University scientist and will be part of our research community. We won’t just get you to study Biomedical Science – you’ll be doing it for real.

You could be working with real human cancer tissue to gain first-hand experience of what it’s like to be a cancer scientist. After learning how to culture the cells, you’ll apply a particular treatment.

You could also be investigating actual pathogens like E. coli or exploring how probiotics can help people lead healthier lives. Through your degree, you’ll be generating new knowledge for science.

On successful completion of your study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.

Course Modules

Year One: Fundamental Biochemistry and the Molecules of Life; Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems; Introduction to Genetics, Genomics and Molecular Mechanisms; Introductory Microbiology and Host Responses; The Practitioner Scientist 1

Year Two: Applied and Clinical Microbiology; Clinical Biochemistry, Metabolism and Endocrine Systems; Haematology, Immunology and Transfusion Science; Molecular and Cellular Pathology; The Practitioner Scientist 2

Year Three: Placement

Year Four: Advanced Topics in Biomedical Science; Integrated Laboratory Medicine; Research Project; The Professional Scientist

Every module includes formative assessment opportunities, providing feedback that helps you develop your knowledge, skills and confidence before completing final summative assessments. These opportunities are designed to support your progress and help you perform at your best.

Our assessments reflect the diverse ways scientists communicate, analyse information and solve problems in professional practice. Depending on the module, you may complete scientific articles, laboratory reports, professional portfolios, case-based discussions, presentations, research posters, data analysis tasks, viva-style assessments, business cases, science communication activities and independent research projects, alongside practical and written examinations.

Many assessments are based on authentic scientific and clinical scenarios, requiring you to interpret data, evaluate evidence, communicate findings and make evidence-based decisions. This approach ensures that assessment is not simply a measure of learning, but an opportunity to develop the professional, analytical and communication skills that are highly valued by employers across healthcare, research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and the wider life sciences sector.