BSc and MBiomedSci in Biomedical Science
As an undergraduate in BMS you'll study for our BSc or MBiomedSci Biomedical Science degrees. These courses give you a thorough understanding of the human body's development, structure and function. We provide a welcoming academic environment with approachable personal tutors and highly effective student support. Students rate it among the best in the UK.
Why study these degrees?
Biomedical sciences are concerned with the understanding of our bodies and our ability to control them during health and disease. Breakthroughs in biomedical sciences now regularly feature in the news, from radical new treatments for cancer patients to controversial advances in reproductive technologies.
Our degrees are designed for those with a strong general interest in modern biology who want to study at the forefront of the discipline. They provide a thorough background to the subject from the level of the gene up to the integration of whole body systems. There's also the opportunity to work with world-class scientists doing research into the development and function of various cells, systems and individuals, in both health and disease.
You'll cover subject areas such as anatomy, cancer, cell biology, developmental genetics, functional genomics, neuroscience, physiology and stem cells. In your third year (BSc) and third and fourth years (MBiomedSci) you'll be able to specialise in the areas that interest you most.
Flexibility and choice
Our course provides a broad range of traditional and cutting-edge research driven modules. Your first two years of the course comprise all core (compulsory) lecture and practical modules, as a result there is room for significant choice in subsequent years. We aim to teach the latest approaches in contemporary biological research. As such, module choices can vary each year.
The Study Information section on our Key Information Set provides detailed information on the breakdown of teaching methods, assessment, the classification of degrees we have recently awarded and highlights our low drop out rate.
JACS Code: B900
JACS Code: B909
Course structure - overview of years 1-4
First Year
Provides the basic theory and practice that underpins biomedicine, including cell and molecular biology, genetics, physiology, anatomy, developmental biology, neuroscience and systems biology. Tutorials are designed to encourage generic skills such as literature searching, critical analysis, presentation skills and teamwork. Core lecture and practical modules include:
Core lectures
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Core practicals
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Second Year
Contains more detailed experiences of laboratory work, including human anatomical dissection classes, and lecture topics based on developments in current biomedical research. Tutorials continue to develop generic skills including written, numeric, analytic and oral presentation skills. Core lecture and practical modules include:
Core lectures
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Core practicals
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*Please note these two modules include supervised human dissection undertaken by the student.
At the end of your second year you will also have the chance to study abroad, take a year out gaining subject-related work experience in industry, or apply for summer placements in research laboratories within the department.
Study abroad | Year in industry and summer vacation projects
Third Year
We expect more critical thinking, better understanding of the knowledge base and increased independent learning from students. Assessments include written essays, course work and various presentations.
This year gives you an opportunity to specialise in defined routes of study that cover particular areas of interest such as medical sciences, physiology with pharmacology, neuroscience and developmental and cell biology. Study at this level is based on our understanding of current research. Teaching methods include lectures, research based practical classes and seminars. All students complete an in depth literature review of a research area, and there is the opportunity for students to complete a project in a research laboratory supervised by a member of staff.
Choice of routes
Students choose modules from a variety of routes that reflect the research interests of the department and include the following areas:
Physiology with Pharmacology routeThis route allows students to focus on human physiology and pathophysiology, working from the level of the gene, protein, cell and organ to the whole body. Modules also cover the effects of drugs on physiological function in health and disease. Typical core modules:
Examples of optional modules:
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Neuroscience routeThis route allows students to focus on the development and function of the human nervous system. Modules cover the role of genes and proteins in neuronal growth and differentiation, and also their role in neuronal signalling and function. Typical core modules:
Examples of optional modules:
Please note module choices can vary slightly each year. |
Developmental and Cell Biology routeThis route allows students to focus on the development of the human body and the role cellular and molecular mechanisms play in this process. Modules cover areas such as cell-cell signalling and the regulation of gene expression. Typical core modules:
Examples of optional modules:
Please note module choices can vary slightly each year. |
Medical Science routeThis route allows students to gain a broad understanding of biomedical science. Modules cover both developmental and functional aspects of the subject, and also advanced anatomical dissection. Typical core modules:
Examples of optional modules:
Please note module choices can vary slightly each year. |
These specialist routes cover recent advances in biosciences. They are therefore reviewed and updated on a regular basis, and change in response to new advances and developments in biomedical research.
Fourth Year
This year gives you the opportunity to develop your critical thinking, research skills and understanding of the knowledge base in your specialist area, and you will be expected to demonstrate more advanced independent learning. Assessments include written essays, research reports, course work and various presentations. Teaching methods include an extended project in a research laboratory, lectures and seminars. You'll also explore areas such as ethics, the law and the public understanding of science.
Current level 1, 2 and 3 modules (information on level 4 modules coming soon). Please note that module choices can vary each year. We are also currently reviewing our module structure at level 2 and 3 and anticipate some changes, although the content will be similar.