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BSc (Hons) - Biomedical Sciences (with integrated foundation year)

Have alternative qualifications or don't quite meet our entry criteria? Our introductory year will develop your skills and confidence in a supportive, dynamic environment to progress to our undergraduate biomedical sciences degree.

Your natural inquisitive personality and fascination for the science behind clinical practice will help you to become a biomedical scientist, carving out a career in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and the advancement of modern medicine.

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Course Overview

Biomedical science is the study of the health and diseases of the human body to improve health. Because biomedical scientists need a wide range of knowledge and skills, you'll study a wide range of modules on our biomedical sciences degree course.

You will get an in-depth understanding of the complex science behind the cause, consequence, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses. You will learn how science can be applied to clinical practice and research, ultimately to make a difference to human lives through the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

By putting your lab coat on you will put theory into practice in our brand-new laboratories, getting a sound knowledge of cellular pathology, genetics, the human immune system, and biochemical pathways. We’ll delve deep into blood sciences and clinical biochemistry on this biomedical sciences degree, giving you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of diagnostic approaches, researching clinical markers, screening techniques and the role biomedical scientists can play in saving lives and improving health.

On this course you will...

  • Your first year will give you a firm foundation in the scientific, intellectual and investigative skills and knowledge needed to progress to the BSc Biomedical Sciences degree course.
  • Be assigned a personal tutor who will not just be your academic point of contact on the course but will, along with our careers service, help you to consider the wide range of jobs and further study options a degree in biomed can give you.
  • Have the opportunity to be involved with other science students on other courses to get a wider appreciation of the biosciences in an industrial, academic, economic, and social context.
  • Get time in labs to conduct experiments and procedures planned for you. But also learn to plan and carry out your own experiments independently with support and guidance.
  • Gain an appreciation of the advances at the forefront of biomedical sciences.
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Course Structure

What you will learn

Throughout the integrated foundation year you will have the opportunity to develop your professional skills by developing key soft skills such as communication, team working, self-management and organisation.

You will get an in-depth understanding of the complex science behind the cause, consequence, diagnosis and treatment of disease. You’ll learn how science can be applied to clinical practice and research, ultimately to make a difference to human lives through diagnosis and treatment of disease. Our brand new laboratories will support you in getting a sound knowledge of cellular pathology, molecular genetics, the human immune system and biochemical pathways.

We’ll delve deep into blood sciences and the immune system, giving you the opportunity to also expand your knowledge in the fields such as clinical biochemistry researching clinical markers, screening techniques and diagnostic approaches.

Year one
  • Essential University Skills 1
    This module develops your academic and professional skills required for effective learning and successful progression through your chosen honours degree programme and beyond.
  • Essential University Skills 2
    You will expand your learning in the areas of research, writing structure and reflective learning. You will also gain skills in presenting research to an audience and in reflecting on your development throughout your integration foundation year.
  • Essential Biology
    To develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of biology, essential to further study in your chosen field.
  • Scientific Investigation
    To explore the protocols associated with scientific investigation.
  • Essential Chemistry
    To develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry, essential to further study in your chosen field.
  • Environmental Sciences
    Introduces field-based skills akin to the natural sciences with interdisciplinary content which relates Human Ecology to Toxicology, Public Health, Epidemiology and Parasitology. Giving you a good foundation in the basic principles required for your degree.
Year two
  • Introductory Biochemistry
    Within this module the key aspects of macromolecules, cell structure, function and interrelationships and the processes and components that make up life at the molecular level shall be studied.
  • Cell Biology
    Studies the interactions between molecules and systems in the eukaryotic cell with a view to understanding the ways in which cells both control division and differentiation to form specialised tissues.
  • Anatomy and Physiology
    This module will provide students with an understanding and appreciation of basic human anatomy and physiology with particular focus on the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
  • Introductory Immunology and Microbiology
    Introduces the various groups of microbes, their generalised structure, function and roles and consider the importance of the microbial world, the biology of micro-organisms and their potential in industry.
  • Molecular Biology
    To provide an understanding of the basic concepts of genetics and genetic analysis alongside an understanding of the fundamental processes of inheritance and mutation, and how these are related to disease onset and susceptibility.
  • Practical Laboratory Science
    To provide students in the Biological Sciences with the elementary laboratory and research skills required to pursue subsequent advanced modules.
Year three
  • Exploring Research
    This module will help to provide you with the skills required to conceive, design, conduct and interpret scientific research. You will be guided in developing your ability to evaluate a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and when it is appropriate to use them.
  • Human Genetics
    Encompasses the organisation of the human genome the basis of genetic variation, relationship between mutations in or near genes and the manifestation of disease phenotype.
  • Infection and Immunity
    Considers recent developments in the study of immunological and infectious diseases. You will learn about recognition of microbes by the specific immune system, and how the immune system protects against different pathogens.
  • Medical Microbiology
    Biology of major pathogens, their host interaction, virulence factors and means for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. You will study the mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity, starting with transmission and entry into the host, progressing through adhesion and invasion, to host response.
  • Pharmacology and Physiology
    Provides students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology of the major body systems and an understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which neurotransmitters for example are capable of regulating the physiology of cells.
  • Cellular and Molecular Pathology
    Looks at the role of molecular and cellular based diagnosis in a range of pathological conditions.An overview of key processes involved in diagnosis will be covered in particular the mechanism of fixation with particular reference to autolysis and putrefaction.
Year four
  • Bioethics
    Provides an opportunity to examine social and ethical issues in bioscience and gain knowledge in current public policy concerning governance and regulation of developing technology.
  • Clinical Biochemistry
    To discuss the principles of clinical biochemistry in relation to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease.
  • Haematology and Transfusion Science
    This module aims to investigate the elements that constitute blood and the observed differences between the normal and diseased state. Technology utilised in the identification of key blood components will be studied as will the importance of transfusion science.
  • Dissertation
    To enable you to undertake an independent piece of in depth research into a topic of your choice. This module provides you with an opportunity to develop your research skills and gain valuable experience in project management.
  • Parasitology (Optional)
    To advance knowledge of key concepts in parasitology by studying in detail major human and veterinary eukaryotic pathogens.
  • Toxicology (Optional)
    To develop your knowledge of the principles of toxicology and enable you to gain an in-depth understanding of the effects of toxic chemicals on the body and the environment.
  • Advanced Genetics (Optional)
    This module will discuss the application of molecular genetics to clinical diagnostics, microbial biotechnology, forensic science and disease treatment as well as providing an overview of current biotechnological advances.

Attend an Open Day at Cumbria

An Open Day is your opportunity to explore one of 5 campuses, meet your lecturers, and find out how the University of Cumbria could become your new home.

Take the next step towards achieving your dreams.
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