BSc in Biomedical Science

Course outline 

A Biomedical Science degree offers a springboard for graduates to work within the NHS and many health-related institutions.

It is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). This ensures that a high quality degree is delivered, which equips students with the professional skills and knowledge necessary for suitable employment in biomedical science.

We currently offer a three-year full-time route and a four–year option which includes a one-year hospital placement in the third year. Both routes are fully accredited by the IBMS.

Jump to:

• Subject guide & modules
• Learning, teaching & assessment
• Placement year
• Professional accreditation
• Career prospects
• Personal development
• Facilities & equipment
• Teaching staff
• Further information

Subject guide & modules

Biomedical Science students study up to eleven modules each year equating to 120 credits.  Each module comprises approximately 100 learning hours which includes lectures, tutorials, practical classes, directed student-centred learning and preparation for coursework assignments and examinations. 

Year 1

• Microbiology - provides the student with an introduction to bacterial physiology, pathogenicity, infectious diseases and clinical microbiology

• Parasitology - provides the student with knowledge on basic aspects of human parasites, e.g. malaria, and medically important worms and protozoa
• Biochemistry and Techniques - provides the student with an overview of the structure of biological macromolecules and the small molecules from which they are assembled
• Physiology - provides students with a theoretical and practical approach to the physiology of nerves and the nervous system, muscle, brain, endocrine glands, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, blood, kidneys, gastro-intestinal tract and digestion
• Inheritance and Population Genetics - examines the modes of inheritance of the gene. This module also introduces students to some of the underlying principles of population genetics
• Development and Human Anatomy - reviews the principles and foundation elements of embryology and the study of human anatomy
• Cell Biology - provides a basic introduction to cellular components and processes involved in the birth, life and death of cells
• Molecular Biology - provides students with a basic introduction to the nature, properties, structure, function and replication of genes
• Introductory Immunology - provides the student with an understanding of the immune system as an integrated system of tissues, cells and molecules.  This module also explores the cellular and molecular basis of immunity and examines how these may be controlled
• Biomedical Key Skills - comprises a series of academic tutorials with a personal tutor and a series of workshops (and external lectures) on Biomedical Science and career management.  This module also provides the student with an opportunity to develop core skills including communication, numerical and IT skills and explores the importance of team work, self analysis and problem solving

Year 2

• Microbial Pathogenesis - explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying microbial pathogenesis and methods of clinical intervention
• Metabolism - provides the student with an understanding of major pathways of intermediary metabolism and their integration and regulation
• Biomedical Technology - provides an insight into the importance of biotechnology and commercial biology including fermentation, large scale microbial culture, antibiotic production and tissue culture
• Nutrition and Dietetics - provides the student with the basic concepts in human nutrition and dietetics including macronutrients, obesity, vitamins and minerals, food allergy and diabetes
• Endocrinology - provides a detailed study of the endocrine system, extending and developing information covered in earlier parts of the course
• Human Physiology - provides a detailed study of the mechanisms and processes through which the body achieves and maintains homeostasis
• Molecular Pathology - examines some of the molecular mechanisms involved in cell growth, differentiation, maturation and senescence
• Immunology II: provides the student with an understanding of the immune system as an integrated system of tissues, cells and molecules
• Biomedical Key Skills II: focusses on personal and professional development, group work, scientific communication and preparation for the placement year

Year 3 - Optional placement year
See placement year section or find out more about the Aston placement year.

Final Year

• Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease - provides a comprehensive view of the pathogenesis and diagnosis of infectious disease within the community and hospital setting

• Food Microbiology - provides a study of the relationship between food and health including the scientific, technical and manufacturing factors which influence food quality and safety

• Haematology / Transfusion Science - provides an in depth study of pathophysiology of haematological disorders

• Cellular Pathology - provides students with a comprehensive overview of the current practice of diagnostic cellular pathology and histological techniques

• Medical Biochemistry - provides a detailed study of the application of chemical and biochemical methods to the study of disease

• Biological Basis of Human Disease - considers the basic biological principles underlying the development of diseases in humans including obesity, cancer, motor neurone diseases, growth disorders, disease of the heart, liver, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys

• Biomedical Research Project - provides the student with the opportunity to undertake a laboratory-based research project under the supervision of an academic member of staff 

• Applied Molecular Biology - provides in-depth explanations of genetic engineering techniques and their applications

• Immunology III: builds on information learnt in the first and second years

• Biomedical Key Skills III: reviews the structure and function of the NHS, including people, places and funding

Learning, teaching & assessment

We use a range of assessment methods, although the typical methods are coursework and an end of year examination.  Exams generally take the form of an unseen essay, short answer and multiple choice questions.  Coursework assessments take many forms and could include essays, reports of individual and group practical assignments, oral presentations and laboratory reports.  We specifically encourage team working in some assignments in which there will be peer assessments where you will assess the contribution of your colleagues and vice-versa.

Placement year

The clinical placement takes place between the second and final academic years in a hospital laboratory.  It allows students to complete the IBMS training portfolio in the third year of the degree course, and to present this to the IBMS for the award of a Certificate of Competence.

Please note that students who enter placements in the NHS may be required to pay for CRB checks and occupational health checks.

Find out more about placement years in the Life & Health Sciences.

Watch a short video featuring a Biomedical Science student who has benefitted from our placement scheme.

Professional accreditation

After the four-year sandwich degree, graduates with an IBMS Certificate of Competence are eligible to apply to the Health Professions Council (HPC) for registration as biomedical scientists .

If students undertake the three-year full-time degree, but subsequently wish to practice as HPC-registered biomedical scientists, they will have to complete:

• The IBMS training and registration portfolio in an approved clinical laboratory, and
• Achieve a Certificate of Competence awarded by the IBMS.  

Career prospects

Graduates in Biomedical Science leave the University equipped with the essential knowledge and skills required for a variety of career opportunities.  Whilst many Biomedical Science graduates choose to undertake careers as registered biomedical scientists within the NHS, others will choose to use their degree in health-related careers including research, pharmaceutics, medical journalism, teaching, medical sales and marketing.

Personal development

Graduates in Biomedical Science will leave university equipped with key skills including:

Fundamental laboratory techniques, record keeping, project development, management, critical analysis, communication (written/oral), presentation, team working, report development, IT, problem solving and debating

Facilities & equipment

• Modern lecture and tutorial rooms, equipped with, whiteboards and overhead projection facilities
• Modern laboratories with up-to-date equipment and overhead projection facilities for demonstration purposes
• 130-seater computer laboratory equipped with Pentium workstations linked to a network of servers
• Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) using Blackboard 8 software to support learning
• Learning resources – such as up to date key texts, scientific journals and E-journals and databases, CD-ROMs and media publications.

Teaching staff

• Dr Peter J Hanson, Programme Director
• Dr Tony Worthington, Admissions Tutor

Further information

Email us
0121 204 4101