Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences with Foundation Year

Are you passionate about biology and chemistry, especially relating to human health? Explore the fascinating world of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences with this practical degree.

You’ll gain extensive hands-on experience with laboratory-based learning and a wide array of industry-standard equipment and benefit from a small-group teaching environment, giving you the personalised attention and support to succeed.

You will have a lot of flexibility over how you organise your time as full-time students are only required to attend the University Centre for 2 days per week.

This degree is particularly appealing if you love practical work and are keen to develop skills to become highly employable in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.

Your initial Foundation Year will ensure you develop a solid foundation to build your knowledge and expertise in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

You’ll gain essential knowledge in bioscience, life sciences, and chemistry, coupled with a solid foundation in laboratory skills. Throughout the degree, you'll engage with the core aspects of biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics, and immunology while enhancing your expertise in data analysis, scientific investigation, and research skills.

This course will enhance your ability to analyse and interpret scientific data using cutting-edge techniques typically reserved for postgraduates or researchers at traditional universities.

You'll gain hands-on experience applying laboratory skills in real-world settings, working with advanced equipment such as spectrometers, chromatography instruments, and molecular analysis software.

Additionally, you'll develop strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with peers and industry professionals, including expertise in presentation, teamwork, and project management. Through guest lectures, company visits, and work-related learning modules, you'll gain a clear understanding of industry expectations.

The course also focuses on building essential core competencies, including numeracy, problem-solving, time management, and independent research—key skills for pursuing a scientific career or further study.

Course Modules

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2025/26 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Modules may include:

Year 0 (Foundation Year)

• Fundamentals of Biology**– Mandatory (20 credits)**

• Further Biology**– Mandatory (20 credits)**

• Fundamentals of Chemistry**– Mandatory (20 credits)**

• Further Chemistry**– Mandatory (20 credits)**

• Foundation Mathematics**– Mandatory (20 credits)**

• Academic Skills**– Mandatory (20 credits)**

Year 1

• STEM Toolkit - Mandatory (20 credits)

• Biomolecules and Cells - Mandatory (20 credits)

• Anatomy and Physiology - Elective (20 credits)

• Physical and Inorganic Chemistry - Elective (20 credits)

• Integrated Practical Skills- Mandatory (20 credits)

• Data Analysis - Mandatory (20 credits)

• Biochemistry - Elective (20 credits)

• Organic Chemistry - Elective (20 credits)

Year 2

• Pharmacology and Therapeutics - Mandatory (20 credits)

• Microbiology and Biotechnology - Elective (20 credits)

• Analytical Chemistry - Elective (20 credits)

• Work-Related Learning - Mandatory (20 credits)

• Scientific Investigation - Mandatory (20 credits)

• Immunology - Elective (20 credits)

• Genetics - Elective (20 credits)

• Medicinal Chemistry - Elective (20 credits)

Year 3

• Undergraduate Research Project - Mandatory (40 credits)

• Research Skills - Mandatory (20 credits)

• Genetic Mechanisms of Disease - Elective (20 credits)

• Drug Synthesis - Elective (20 credits)

• Recombinant Technology - Elective (20 credits)

• Microbial Pathology - Elective (20 credits)

• Pharmaceutical Analysis - Elective (20 credits)

• Natural Product Preparation - Elective (20 credits)

The course features a blend of regular practical assessments, including quizzes and tests, laboratory reports, presentations, case studies, and a small number of examinations. Practical assessments will allow you to showcase your lab skills and knowledge, while group projects and research reports will develop your teamwork and academic writing capabilities. Feedback throughout the degree will support your growth and help prepare you for a career in modern science.