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.

Top reasons to choose this course 

• Foundation year that opens up opportunities if you don’t hold the required qualifications for the BSc(Hons), are changing career or returning to study. 
• Progress to a degree dual-accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and the Royal Society of Biology. 
• Specialist facilities such as atomic force microscopes, microbiology lab, molecular biology lab and genomics/ proteomics facility for analysis of cell genes and proteins. 
• Employability and research built in from year one.
• Guest lectures from professionals.
• Gain work experience on placement.

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

  This module introduces the key biological concepts that will inform and underpin your understanding of biological systems and processes. You will become familiar with the scientific terminology and methodologies needed to study biosciences at undergraduate level, covering topics in human and environmental biology including molecules, cell biology, anatomy, physiology, evolution and ecological processes. 

• Foundation Study Skills

  This module focuses on the skills needed to study a biological, pharmaceutical or chemistry degree, for example testing by experiment and evaluating the results, key laboratory techniques and safe practice in the lab. You will also develop transferable skills like time management, effective essay writing, locating sources of information and presentation and communication skills.

• Foundation Chemistry

  This module introduces the key concepts in chemistry, covering physical, organic and inorganic chemistry and enabling you to become familiar with lab work, relevant theories, terminology and practices. This will prepare you to study science subjects such as biosciences and pharmaceutical sciences at undergraduate level. 

• Data Handling for Science

  This module introduces the mathematical, statistical and data handling skills that you need for undergraduate study in biological and chemical sciences, and pharmacy. You will explore key principles and methods and carry out analysis on a range of information, helping you develop skills in problem-solving, analysis and evaluation within defined criteria. 

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 learn to apply them in the context of bioscientific data presentation and interpretation.

• Fundamentals in Genetics and Evolution

  Genetics is fundamental to understanding life sciences. In this module you will gain an understanding of how information is stored and inherited in living organisms. You will consider genetics from the perspectives of DNA structure, gene expression, genome replication, heredity, genes in populations and evolution. You’ll also be introduced to DNA-based laboratory techniques. 

• Introduction to Biochemistry

  This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and pharmacology, as well as the principle techniques used in biochemical analysis. You will learn about 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 will 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 Sciences

  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.

• Fundamentals in Blood Sciences

  This module introduces biomedical science as a profession. You will explore areas of blood sciences which include haematology, coagulation, blood transfusion and clinical biochemistry. Working through and interpreting case studies will enable you to develop essential biomedical science knowledge and skills.

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

• Infection and Immunity

  This module will give you a detailed knowledge and understanding of the key concepts in immunology and microbiology. There will be a strong emphasis on laboratory investigation and the techniques used to detect components of the immune system and identify microorganisms. You will investigate the diversity, distribution and biology of microorganisms and their effects on host organisms as well as the components of the immune system and the normal immune response.

• Intermediate Blood Sciences

  This module aims to deepen your knowledge of clinical biochemistry, haematology, haemostasis and blood transfusion. It features topics including endocrinology, haematinics, coagulation and blood transfusion medicine, equipping you to distinguish disorders in these systems through laboratory techniques and lectures. You will study investigative techniques and skills in differential diagnosis to prepare you for the next academic level.

• Clinical Genetics and Molecular Biology

  This module introduces you to the molecular basis of clinical phenotypes and explores how this knowledge informs methods of detecting, screening and predicting clinical outcomes. The content will cover areas including DNA mutation, inheritance patterns and pharmacogenomics, and you will gain an insight into how the consideration of ethics and risk plays a part in clinical genetics.

• Intermediate Human Physiology

  This module will deepen the knowledge and understanding of physiology you gained in Introduction to Human Physiology. You will learn how physiological systems integrate in practical applications, with examples such as body fluid balance (digestive and renal systems), exercise physiology (cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal) and temperature regulation (integumentary and cardiovascular). The module will provide you with the depth of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology to support detailed studies in the clinical laboratory specialities.

• Human Biochemistry, Metabolism and Pharmacology

  The emphasis of this module is on human biochemistry, pharmacology and the metabolism of the healthy human body. You will learn about cell cycle control and cancer, intracellular signalling cascades and mechanisms of cell death; intermediate pharmacology (drug mechanism of action, dose response and drug adverse reactions) enveloping pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; endocrinology; and the interrelationships of different metabolic pathways operating in various organs in regulating these processes.

• Research Skills and Professional Development

  This module will enable you to develop the skills and knowledge required to improve your graduate career opportunities. You’ll grow your understanding of the role of experimental design in the data collection stage of a laboratory investigation and enhance your skills in the analysis of such data. You will also gain investigative, reflective, communication, self-presentation and digital literacy skills relevant to career planning and development.

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 gain new ones. Our placements team can help you find the job 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
• Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Final year

The focus in your final year 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

• Advanced Diagnostics in Blood Science

  Building on the Fundamentals in Blood Sciences module, this aims to further develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills in applying the results of clinical laboratory tests to detect and distinguish between a variety of acquired and inherited disorders. You will cover specific areas of blood science, including routine and specialist clinical biochemistry investigations; disorders of haemostasis; transfusion medicine and clinical governance; and lymphoid and myeloid dysplasia.

• Cellular Pathology

  This Cellular Pathology module will give you an understanding of the major pathological changes in diseases from the molecular and cellular level, and the principles and application of related diagnostic techniques. It will provide a research evidence-based knowledge of selected pathological conditions by exploring examples of disease processes. Areas covered include inflammation, loss of cell cycle control, infertility and IVF, and molecular diagnostic techniques.

• Bioscience Research Project

  In this module you will demonstrate core research skills in an independent and original scientific investigation by undertaking a data-generating project. You will learn about literature searching and retrieval; approaches to reviewing a topic for investigation; identifying research problems; designing a scientific investigation; ethical issues; working safely in the laboratory; methods of data analysis; and how to present project reports. At the end, you will submit a final project report and present a summary of the project in poster form.

• Clinical Microbiology and Immunology

  In this module you will investigate the pathology and epidemiology of infectious and immunological diseases and how they can be diagnosed clinically and in the laboratory. You will also explore the means available to limit the spread of infections in global environments (epidemics and pandemics) and local environments (hospital outbreaks, individuals), including vaccines, antimicrobials and vector control, as well as the interactions between microorganisms and the immune system in the origin and development of infectious diseases.

• Innovations in Bioscience Research

  In this module you will explore contemporary issues in bioscience research, develop your understanding of key research priorities and learn to critically evaluate key literature within the field. Staff will give lectures on their areas of research specialisation which might include microbiology and musculoskeletal physiology, biomedical device application and the biology of ageing.

Staff profile

Dr Nigel Brissett, course leader

“I am a protein biochemist. My research explores the structural and molecular biology of protein/DNA interactions with a specific focus on the DNA damage response.

“I like to draw on examples of my own and colleague’s research experience when teaching students. This allows me to present my subject matter in relevant research-focused context. I am also a great believer in engaging students in conversation to address misconceptions and highlight potentially difficult concepts.

“Currently, I teach a variety of material ranging from protein biochemistry to metabolic processes across different degree courses.” 

Find out more about Dr Nigel Brissett.

Course fees

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

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

• Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

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