Programme summary for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
See what one of our Biomedical Sciences graduates thought of his study in the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience.
About the programme
Biomedical scientists carry out the complex and diverse investigations required in modern hospital pathology laboratories. They provide the scientific information required for effective diagnosis and treatment. This IBMS accredited programme provides the academic requirements to enable graduates to apply for registration as a biomedical scientist. Full registration requires completion of an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio whilst employed as a trainee in an IBMS approved training laboratory. Students taking a sandwich placement can complete part of the Training Portfolio in the sandwich year
Programme structure
- Students follow a 4-year sandwich degree programme or a 3-year full-time programme. The programme can also be followed part-time.
- At Level 1 biochemistry, cell biology, physiology and microbiology are introduced in modules on Cellular Biology, Cellular Processes, Human Physiology and Microbiology. Skills for Biosciences and Human Health and Disease modules provide general background skills, statistics, chemistry, IT and laboratory skills. These modules also include an introduction to the biology of disease processes.
- At Level 2, students continue the study of biochemistry with modules of Metabolism and Molecular Biology. Modern molecular biology methods and their medical applications are introduced in Molecular Genetics, and Practical and Employability investigates the major methods of laboratory investigation. The study of human physiology is continued in Physiological Function and Dysfunction, which also includes an introduction to the histology of normal and pathological tissues. The biology of disease-causing micro-organisms is studied in Medical Microbiology.
- The third year of study can be spent away from the University in an agreed work placement. (see below).
- The final year (Level 3) contains modules of Medical Biochemistry, looking at the biochemical causes of disease, including cancer and arterial disease, Infectious Disease Processes, which continues the study of medical microbiology and Immunology, which investigates the body’s defence systems. In Cellular Pathology and Haematology you will learn to identify normal and pathological tissue under the microscope and will study blood and the diseases of the blood. In the final taught module, Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Science, you will continue the study of the medically important aspects of immunology together with a study of blood storage and transfusion.
- In the final third year module you do an individual research project involving original self directed work. This may be laboratory based, or it may involve a library investigation, but in either case it will involve the generation and assessment of data.
Career opportunities
The programme is designed to provide the academic background required to become a State Registered biomedical scientist working in the NHS or a related area, and is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences.
Support
The School of Health and Bioscience provides immediate contact with University support systems.
- In your first year, you are allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree). You will see your Tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general.
- Module leaders and Degree pathway leaders also give support on academic matters, and advice about other specialist help available through the University.
- The School of Health and Biosciences office has a Help Desk to advise how to get the right assistance.
- Internet homepages are used by many staff to support their teaching and your learning.
- Lecture and practical files, quizzes, mark summaries and much more is now available for several modules via UEL Plus links
Throughout the programme you will find a number of scheduled support activities devoted to specific aspects e.g. how to write your project report, or more general aspects such as careers.
Support for students on a University level includes:
- Libraries and Learning Resource Centres
- Careers advice and information
- Counselling and Advice for practical problems
- Health Centre with a nurse regularly on duty
- Language tuition
- Dyslexia support
- Accommodation
Admission
For students entering with AS/A2 qualifications, the minimum requirement is 240 points at A2 level with a preferred minimum of 100 A2 points in Biology and Chemistry. We also accept Access to Science, Advanced GNVQ in Science at merit grade, and BTEC National Diploma in Science with a minimum of 6 units at merit grade or higher. All students should also have a minimum of grade C at GCSE, or equivalent, in English language, mathematics and double science.
Applicants with overseas or alternative qualifications are considered on an individual basis. For mature students, credit may be given for relevant work experience.
Direct entry to the second year of the programme is available for students with Higher National Certificate or Diploma in an appropriate area, or for those who have successfully completed study equivalent to level one at another University.
If you want to study Biomedical Sciences but have not achieved the right entry qualifications, why not start with our extended degree programme.
Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.
In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.
Key facts
You can start many programmes in either September or February and applications are simple to make. Click below to:
Apply online Biomedical Sciences (BSc (Hons))
