Biomedical Science BSc(Hons) (with integrated foundation year)

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Why choose an integrated foundation year?  

This integrated, preparatory course is suitable for applicants with a wide range of backgrounds and qualifications who, for a variety of reasons, may not feel ready to begin study at undergraduate level. This may apply to mature students who have had a break from education and may have vocational experience in addition to academic qualifications. Students who do not have the subject-appropriate A-levels or equivalent qualifications for the undergraduate course may also benefit.

Course structure 

Our course provides a strong foundation in clinically related subjects such as the blood sciences, cell pathology microbiology, human physiology and pharmacology.

These subjects are supported by studies in fundamental scientific disciplines such as cell and molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry.

You will learn through lectures, fieldwork, group work, practical classes and independent study. Assessment involves the use of essays, exams, presentations, practical exercises and communication exercises, which vary between different modules.

Foundation year 

During your foundation year you’ll be introduced to key concepts in biology, chemistry and data handling to prepare you for study at undergraduate level. You’ll also develop your skills in problem solving, analysis and communication.

Modules

• Foundation Biology
• Foundation Chemistry
• Data Handling
• Study Skills

Year 1 

You will learn the foundations of biomedical science and be introduced to lab techniques used in professional practice.

Modules

• Essential Skills for Bioscientists

  This module introduces the principles of the scientific method and a variety of study and communication skills that you’ll need during your degree. You’ll develop mathematical and statistical skills and apply them in the context of bioscientific data presentation and interpretation.

• Introduction to Genetics and Molecular Biology

  This module will provide you with a conceptual and procedural understanding of the modern evolutionary synthesis of natural selection, Mendelian inheritance and population genetics culminating in the emergence of modern molecular biology. The recognition of DNA as the archetypical material responsible for information transfer, the discovery of the mechanisms of information flow in biological systems (eg transcription and translation) and the development and application of modern recombinant DNA techniques are also studied.

• Introduction to Biochemistry and Bioanalytical Techniques

  This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and the principle techniques used in biochemical analysis. You will learn about the different classes of biochemical compounds and the structure and function of the macromolecules that are created from them. The structure and function of enzymes will be covered, along with the principle metabolic pathways. You’ll also explore the theory and practical use of the most commonly used biochemical techniques.

• Introduction to Human Physiology

  This module will introduce you to human physiology. You'll explore anatomical structure, function, the principle of homeostasis, and neurological and hormonal control of the human body, its component parts and major systems, with appropriate examples of disease pathophysiology.

• Introduction to Infection Science

  This module will introduce to microorganisms and the components of the immune system. You will also learn about the main laboratory techniques used to grow and identify microorganisms and to detect and identify components of the immune system. Programmes which screen healthy people for disease will also be investigated.

• Introduction to Biomedical Science

  The module introduces the biomedical science profession in the UK, including the organisation of subject-specific disciplines and the professional and regulatory structures. This will be set in the context of a broad perspective of biology of disease and techniques used in laboratory investigation in the pathology disciplines. There will be a focus on principles underlying laboratory techniques in haematology and clinical biochemistry to investigate disease.

Year 2

You will build on knowledge gained in your first year, broaden your research and professional development skills, and explore topics that include diet and exercise, infection and immunity, human physiology, molecular cell biology, genetics and genomics, human biochemistry and metabolism.

Modules

• Research Skills and Professional Development
• Diet and Exercise in Health
• Infection and Immunity
• Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Genomics
• Intermediate Human Physiology
• Human Biochemistry and Metabolism

Placement year

You have the option of a year’s paid placement after your second year where you will spend a year working in a professional environment. It’s a great way to build on the skills you have developed on your course and to gain new ones. Our placements team can help you to find the job for you and you will also have the support of one of our lecturers while on placement. 

An optional placement year in an accredited NHS training lab allows you to work towards the IBMS Certificate of Competence and the Registration Training Portfolio.

Other placement opportunities prepare you for work in a range of scientific areas and postgraduate research.

Our students have secured placements in organisations such as GlaxoSmithKline, Public Health England and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Final year

The focus is more on the clinical aspects of biomedical science, including blood sciences, cellular pathology, clinical immunology and microbiology, and innovations in bioscience research. You will undertake a project linked with one of our research groups.

Modules

• Blood Sciences
• Cellular Pathology
• Innovations in Bioscience Research
• Clinical Immunology and Microbiology
• Biology Experimental Project

Staff profile

Dr Louise MacKenzie, course leader

I teach on the Biomedical Science course, which covers human biology, pathophysiology and diagnostics used to help guide NHS hospitals to treat patients. The areas I teach on are mostly the biochemistry and pharmacology aspects that help towards your understanding of Biochemistry and Blood Sciences.

A great deal of time is spent learning laboratory skills. The practical’s cover a great deal of topics, it's an opportunity to put theory into practice and experience what it is like to work in a laboratory environment. We have great contacts at the local hospital, and you will have guest speakers come and talk about Biomedicine from a range of backgrounds.

I run projects for third years, which involves trying new drugs on pancreatic cells that release insulin. Other projects that I run involve hospital data from patients who have had COVID-19.

I love working with the students, since I want to share my love for my research and for science generally. Seeing the penny drop and individuals suddenly understanding some new concept is always wonderful to see. Having a good discussion with students in the lecture hall or labs is always something I look forward to.

My favourite place to be in Sussex is standing in the sea at Seaford, where you can see the Seven Sisters and enjoy swimming in the cold water.

Find out more about Dr MacKenzie

Course fees

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2024–25.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• About the university’s fees by checking our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

Campus where this course is taught

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