The University of Sheffield
Department of Biomedical Science

BSc in Biomedical Science

BSc in Biomedical Science

As an undergraduate in BMS you'll study for our BSc Biomedical Science degree. This three-year course gives 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 this degree?

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.

This degree is designed for those with a strong general interest in modern biology who want to study at the forefront of the discipline. It provides 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 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 at your final year. We aim to teach the latest approaches in contemporary biological research. As such, module choices can vary each year.

UCAS University Code: BMSU02
JACS Code: B900

Course structure - overview of years 1-3

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
  • Neuroscience&
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Pathobiology
  • Physiology and Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology
Core practicals
  • Laboratory Skills in Biomedical Science
  • Introduction to the Study of Organ Systems

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
  • Anatomy of the Human Nervous System
  • Cellular Homeostasis
  • Differentiation
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Signalling
  • Comparative and Developmental Neurobiology
  • Control of the Internal Environment
  • Reproduction and Endocrinology
  • Mechanisms of Drug Action.
Core practicals
  • Anatomy of the Human Body*
  • Anatomy of the Head*
  • Physiology and Pharmacology

*Please note these two modules include supervised human dissection undertaken by the student.

At the end oy 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.

Your final 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 an extended project in a research laboratory supervised by a member of staff.

The following link will take you to our current level 3 modules. 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. Current BMS modules

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 route

This 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:

  • Molecular physiology of ion channels and disease
  • Pharmacological techniques
  • Membrane receptors
  • Epithelial physiology

Examples of optional modules:

  • Biological basis of brain disease: neurodegeneration
  • Cancer biology
  • Stem cell biology
  • Modelling human disease

Please note module choices can vary slightly each year.

Neuroscience route

This 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:

  • Molecular physiology of ion channels and disease
  • Autonomic nervous system
  • Techniques in neuroscience
  • Developmental neurobiology

Examples of optional modules:

  • The kidney in health and disease
  • Membrane trafficking
  • Cancer biology
  • Nuclear structure and function

Please note module choices can vary slightly each year.

Developmental and Cell Biology route

This 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:

  • Stem cell biology
  • Modelling human disease
  • Practical cell biology
  • Membrane trafficking

Examples of optional modules:

  • Human tissues
  • Membrane receptors
  • Autonomic nervous system
  • Biological basis of brain disease: neurodegeneration

Please note module choices can vary slightly each year.

Medical Science route

This 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:

  • Aspects of facial development
  • Cancer biology
  • Membrane receptors
  • Development of the limbs

Examples of optional modules:

  • Autonomic nervous system
  • Epithelial physiology
  • Human tissues
  • Stem cell biology

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.

The following link will take you to our current level 1, 2 and 3 modules.  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.