University of Brighton
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Biomedical Science
BSc(Hons)

  • Course summary and entry requirements

    Course duration Help

    Full-time: 3 years

    Part-time: 5 years

    Sandwich: 4 years

    UCAS code B940

    Professional accreditation

    The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) for honours graduates who wish to qualify in biomedical science and become a member of the institute. Undergraduates are entitled to free membership of the institute during their studies.

    About the course

    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.

    Typical entry requirements Help

    The entry requirements listed here are for students starting their course in 2013. Individual offers may vary

    A-levels:
    ABB including biology or chemistry. (Both biology and chemistry at AS-level.) Applicants with only two full A-levels or a double award will be considered on an individual basis.

    ND/C (Level 3):
    DDM.

    International Baccalaureate:
    34 points, specified subjects.

    QAA-approved access course:
    acceptable, subject-specific units.

    GCSE (minimum grade C):
    at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.

    Foundation degree/HND
    direct to year 2.

    For non-native speakers of English:
    IELTS 6.0 overall, 6.0 in writing.

  • 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

    You can view the programme specification for this course as a PDF file by clicking on the link below:

    Programme Specification

  • 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 and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

    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.

    What's included in the fee?

    When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

    You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

    Our website www.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)12,500 GBP
    BSc Hons Biomedical Science (Intercalated)  [P3EG020]
    UK/EU (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    Island Students (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    International (Full Time)12,500 GBP

  • Location

    Location Help Moulsecoomb

    Located to the north of Brighton city centre, the Moulsecoomb campus offers students an excellent learning environment and a wide range of facilities. It is the largest of our five campuses with over 8,000 students.

    View campus maps and directions

    Living in Brighton

    Brighton’s rich mix of historic architecture, lively arts scene, varied shopping and cosmopolitan community make it a vibrant, enjoyable place to live. It is no wonder that many Brighton graduates choose to stay here.

    Social scene

    Alongside the traditional seaside attractions, Brighton is famed for its exciting social scene with a wide choice of pubs, clubs and restaurants.

    Music event on the beach

    Arts

    The highlight of the city’s cultural year is the Brighton Festival. The event is held each May and is England’s biggest arts festival, which showcases arts and performance from around the world. Brighton is also home to the UK’s oldest working cinema, the Duke of York’s, which shows alternative and mainstream films. The city is also well known for its exciting music scene and hosts The Great Escape music festival.

    Burning the Clocks winter solstice festival

    Sports

    Whether you take your sport seriously or just want to keep fit, Brighton offers all kinds of sports opportunities and facilities, on and off campus. You can also make the most of the location, and play volleyball, basketball and windsurfing down by the beach. The seafront is also the finishing point for the famous London – Brighton bicycle ride and the quirky veteran car run.

    Playing volleyball on the seafront

  • Staff profiles

    Biomedical Science

    Jacqueline Elsom

    As course leader it's my job to make sure the course remains relevant, creative and student focused enabling students to reach theirpotential and have varied and successful careers.

    I am also leader of the Bioscience Education Group which brings together both staff and students to discuss and diseminate information relating to teaching and learning thus contributing to and maintaining teaching excellence in the school.

  • Student views

    Biomedical Science

    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.

  • 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 service website.

  • More...

    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. 

Biomedical Sciences video

Application process
Book your open day place
Find out more

01273 642090
Email pabsschooloffice@brighton.ac.uk

If you are an international student, contact us on:

+44 (0) 207 250 6749
international@brighton.ac.uk

 

Visit the school that delivers this course

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