Program Overview
The BSc Biomedical Sciences with Foundation program provides a foundation year before integrating students into a three-year Biomedical Sciences program. Students delve into human biology, diseases, and the body's defense mechanisms while developing practical skills in cellular, molecular, and biochemical techniques. They benefit from industry placements, paid vacation studentships, and cutting-edge facilities, and the program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, leading to diverse career prospects.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Study BSc Biomedical Sciences with Foundation and learn about the inner workings of the human body and take part in world-class research through this strongly practical course. Our BSc Biomedical Sciences with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course. All of our lecturers are involved in research and you will be taught by experts in their fields. In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of our students said that teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things. You will learn about the systems that underpin all living organisms from a cellular, tissue, organ and whole body perspective. From this basis, you will study the diseases that affect each area and the mechanisms that the body uses to combat them. The flexible nature of the course will then allow you to pick specialist modules that match your interests. You will also have the chance to carry out a year-long industrial placement or a paid vacation studentship in order to gain valuable work and research experience. During your final year will have the chance to spend 11 weeks working in a lab on a biomedical research project. Past projects have investigated coronary heart disease, gene therapy for muscular dystrophies, and the role of cell movement in the spread of cancer. Our new £60m Health and Life Sciences building will open in 2020. As the new home of the School of Biological Sciences, it will offer state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories, seminar rooms, and plenty of study and social space, including a café. The building will also house the Cole Museum of Zoology. The collection, featuring over 3,500 natural history specimens, provides a fantastic resource for biological scientists and the wider community.
Outline:
Year 1
- Foundation Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics Foundation
- Foundation in Academic Skills
Year 2
- Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life
- Fundamentals of Microbiology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- Human Pathology
Year 3
- Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Research and Professional Skills
- Haematology and Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Genetics
Year 4
- Research Project
Careers:
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and establish a profile of key skills that bioscience employers can recognise in accredited graduates, including technical and transferable skills. You could work in pharmaceutical or academic laboratories, scientific publishing or clinical trials. You may also decide to study for higher research degrees or commence a medical, dentistry or veterinary degree course. Overall, 93.2% of graduates from the School of Biological Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21, includes all School of Biological Sciences responders).
Other:
- You will have the opportunity to carry out a year-long industrial placement between your third and final year. Student in previous years have worked at Diamond Light Source, Public Health England, GSK, and Covance. You can also choose to spend a year abroad, typically carrying out research in an academic laboratory.
- You will have the opportunity to undertake paid vacation studentships funded by organisations such as the Wellcome Trust. These can take place over six weeks during the summer break, or be carried out part-time over a longer period. During studentships you will typically work on a set project and benefit from valuable training in techniques, experimental design and the interpretation of data.
- Additionally, you can choose to take a work placement module.
- Our department has a dedicated academic in charge of placements, who can provide you with advice and support.
- New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250
- New international students: £27,650
- EU student fees With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
