Biomedical Science – (B.Sc.)

Contents

Aims

You may enter a code for a preferred final-year specialism purely to indicate your area of interest. You do not, however, have to detail any particular specialism, and this may change during your course as your interests develop. If you do not have a preference, please use the C900 Biomedical Science code instead. In any case, the degree you are awarded will be a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science. Please only enter ONE code for this course.

The first year provides an understanding of the normal structure and function of cells, tissues, organs and organisms, and introduces the techniques and procedures available for their investigation.

In the second year, the emphasis shifts towards disease processes, the influences of disease-producing agents on structure and function, the sites for therapeutic intervention, and diagnostic methods including DNA technologies.

In the final year you spend at least half your time specialising in one of the major options described below. You will also complete a substantial research project.

* Cancer Biology examines the molecular and genetic basis of cancer, and explores current and developing anti-cancer treatments.
* Medical Biochemistry examines the molecular mechanisms that alter the biochemical functioning of cells and lead directly to disease.
* Medical Cell Biology explores the field of cell biology, examining the differences and similarities between cell types, but with a particular emphasis on the cells which make up the skin
* Medical Microbiology examines the basis of microbial pathogenicity. It also covers the ways in which pathogens can be identified and isolated, public health issues and the means used to treat infectious disease.
* Pharmacology investigates how drugs and toxic substances interact with cells and tissues, both healthy and diseased, and examines critically the techniques available for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of such responses.

Career Outcome

Our graduate employment record is excellent, with 87.5% of 2009 graduates in employment or further education (PhD, Master’s or PGCE, for example) just six months after graduating.

You can apply your specialist skills and knowledge towards research in either medical or industrial research organisations (such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies), or universities. Openings exist in the NHS, public health, pathology laboratories, forensic science laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry, food manufacture, etc.

The scientific knowledge and skills you will acquire during the course can also be a useful basis for a career in television/radio; teaching; technical and scientific writing; clinical trials; drug registration, patenting or monitoring; medical publishing; other information services, etc.

Placements Available?

Students on the Biomedical Science course will, at the end of their second year, normally have the opportunity to gain 12 months of practical experience, as a paid employee of an approved organisation such as a hospital, research or industrial laboratory. The placement year should significantly enhance your graduate employment opportunities.

Students on the Applied Biomedical Science course will complete a 12-month sandwich placement as described above.