Biomedical Science BSc(Hons)

Overview

This course offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the human body in health and disease. Students develop expertise in normal human function and the development of diseases at molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and whole organism level. Combined with a detailed understanding of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases, graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills that support research and professional practice in biomedical sciences.

Course duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: 5 years
With placement year 4 years

UCAS code B940
Course content

Course structure

Full-time students can opt for a one-year supervised work placement in a hospital or research laboratory, dependent on individual career plans. Placement in an appropriate clinical laboratory can allow completion of the IBMS Certificate of Competence Registration Portfolio providing eligibility for registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health Professions Council.

Areas of study

Year 1 provides a foundation in cell biology, biochemistry and physiology. Biomedical laboratory techniques are introduced and practical skills are integrated with subject knowledge.
During year 2, specialised modules in human physiology, biochemistry and immunology, together with molecular cell biology, genetics and microbiology, develop your understanding of pathological processes from molecular to whole organism level.
In the final year the course becomes more clinically focussed on the disciplines of blood sciences, histopathology, clinical microbiology and applied immunology. In addition, you will undertake a research project designed to challenge your independent problem solving abilities and develop your research skills in one of the schools current specialist research areas. To enable you to focus on your future career, you can also choose specialist option modules throughout the course, especially in the final year.

Syllabus

Year 1
Introductory Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Introduction to Microbiology
Practical Skills in Biosciences
Introduction to Biomedical Science
Maths Skills
Genes and Inheritance
Human Physiology
Introduction to Statistics
Options
Biology of Reproduction
Introduction to Chemical and Molecular Sciences
Fundamental Chemical and Molecular Sciences
Evolutionary Biology
Basic Pharmacology
Year 2
Human Physiology
Molecular Cell Pathobiology
Microbiology and Immunology
Nutrition and Metabolism
Fundamentals of Analytical
Chemistry
Statistics for Epidemiology
Genetics
Biology Professional and Career Development
Options
Forensic Biology
Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology
Community Participation and Development
Year 3
Medical Genetics
Blood Sciences
Cell Pathology and Special Topics
Clinical and Applied Immunology
Clinical Microbiology
Project
Options:
Neuroscience
Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
Pharmacogenomics
Diet and Disease
Case studies in Environmental Pollution Zoonoses
Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements
individual offers may vary
A-levels:
ABB including biology or chemistry. (Both biology and chemistry at AS-level.)
BTEC
DDD.
International Baccalaureate:
34 points, specified subjects.
Access to HE Diploma
pass (at least 45 credits at level 3), with 24 credits at merit or above. Must include 12 credits in biology.
GCSE (minimum grade C) or Access Equivalent
at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.
Foundation degree/HND
may enable you to start the course in year 2.
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and at least 5.5 in the other three elements.
Location

Location Moulsecoomb
Career opportunities

A number of graduates follow a career in biomedical science as part of the NHS pathology team, providing an essential diagnostic service. Other career destinations include biotechnology and pharmaceutical research and development, and forensic and scientific civil services, along with teaching and education. Many also progress to postgraduate study at masters and doctorate level before beginning a career in industrial or academic research.

Visit the careers centre website.

Fees and costs

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.

To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.

Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

BSc Hons Biomedical Science	[P3EG020]
UK/EU (Full Time)	9,000 GBP
Island Students (Full Time)	9,000 GBP
International (Full Time)	12,900 GBP
BSc Hons Biomedical Science (Intercalated)	[P3EG020]
UK/EU (Full Time)	9,000 GBP
Island Students (Full Time)	9,000 GBP
International (Full Time)	12,900 GBP

More details
Guaranteed interview

Biomedical Sciences BSc(Hons) and Masters Degree in Pharmacy students who might ultimately wish to study medicine are guaranteed an interview with Brighton & Sussex Medical School if you meet the specified conditions.
Find out more...

Modular study

The School offers the flexibility of studying cross course modules within the school and in conjunction with the School of Environment and Technology. These modules can be optional to your course choice or taken part time as part of our Continuing Professional Development programmes.
Placements

We offer placements, advice and support to students wishing to take a 'sandwich year ' to gain fundamental skills and knowledge in a work based placement.

There are a number of benefits to student placements:
- You can apply the knowledge of your degree subject in a real-life working situation.
- The knowledge gained from your time in a professional environment informs your final year project work and academic study.
- You will develop contacts that could lead to an offer of a permanent position by your employer on graduation.
- Placements are usually salaried. This may help you to manage your finances for your current and final year.
- Successful completion of professional training is recognised on your degree certificate when you graduate, offering additional evidence to employers of your competency and experience.
- You will have gained some first-hand experience of the recruitment and interview process, which will increase your confidence when you next interview.
- You get the opportunity to enjoy a different way of living for up to a year.
Student views

Nina Holling

I moved to England from Germany in 2005, and after working as a health care assistant, started my degree in biomedical sciences in 2006. I went to several open days before deciding on a University, and made my decision to come to Brighton based on the excellent laboratory facilities.

During my degree, I was positively surprised by the amount of practical laboratory classes taught. The practical skills gained are not only important for students wanting to become biomedical scientists, but have broader applications for students thinking about going into postgraduate degrees or research.

Living in Brighton for the last 5 years, I have truly fallen in love with the city and the freethinking Brighton lifestyle. I have grown very fond of the University and staff working here, and have remained at the University studying for a PhD in microbiology.