Biomedical Sciences

Degrees: BSc, MSci

Biomedical Sciences is concerned with the fundamental sciences which underpin modern medical, health and laboratory practice, combining the approaches of a number of disciplines including human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, immunology, microbiology and pharmacology to understand the causes, diagnosis and treatment of human disease.

What will I study?

In the first two years you will study general science and biology courses. In second year, you will be introduced to the study of proteins, nucleic acids and energy metabolism. In addition, you will be able to choose from a wide range of other courses.

If you progress to Honours you will study drug-receptor interactions and drug development; muscle and nerve biochemistry; cell cycle, signalling and cancer; immunology; metabolism in health and disease; endocrinology; molecular genetics, genomics and gene expression; DNA structure and repair; proteins; forensic toxicology; membranes; and biomedical physics.

In fourth year you will choose from a range of specialised advanced courses. You will also undertake an original research project under the supervision of a researcher.

How will I learn?

Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, small group tutorials, seminars and lab work.

Special features

• You may be eligible to take a one-year work placement as an integral part of this degree programme, registering for an MSci degree in Biomedical Sciences. The placement year is normally spent doing research in industry or some other organisation in the UK or abroad.
• You will have the opportunity to run your own experiments, collate and analyse your data and report results.

Note

This programme is not accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science; however if you wish to pursue a career where accreditation is required you are able to take the necessary top-up qualifications post-graduation.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

• Highers: ABBB, preferably with two science subjects*
• A-levels: ABB, preferably with two science subjects*
  
• IB: 32 points including three science subjects**

* Updated 1 September 2009
** Updated 5 November 2009

What are my career prospects?

Career possibilities include management roles in the health care or pharmaceutical industries where a broad understanding of the biomedical sciences is an asset; teaching biological subjects at schools, colleges or universities; or undertaking fundamental research.

Find out more

• About the Faculties of Science
• Departmental information: Biomedical & Life Sciences: Undergraduate School: Biomedical Sciences

How to apply

If you are seeking full-time entry, you must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). There is an application fee for this service.

• Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college.
• Contact UCAS on 0870 112 2200.

For further details, see: Undergraduate study: How to apply