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BSc (Hons) - Biomedical Science

Fascinated by the intricate science behind human health, disease, and development of life-saving medical therapies? Aspiring to become a critical member of a frontline medical team, making a significant impact on patient care? Eager to contribute to groundbreaking research and drive innovation that can enhance the well-being of our society? Our biomedical science degree will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to thrive as a biomedical scientist and make a meaningful and lasting difference in the world of healthcare.

A biomedical science degree offers diverse career paths in research laboratories, pharmaceutical industries, healthcare settings, government agencies, or academia. You could also proceed to apply to Study Medicine at the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine.

Our degree is accredited with the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Degrees accredited by the IBMS, ensure you are studying a programme that will give you the right background, knowledge, and skills to move forward to train to become a biomedical scientist on successful completion of your degree. Degree accreditation means that your programme covers all elements of knowledge and skills that satisfy the QAA benchmark statements for Biomedical Science degrees. Our programme provides flexibility to explore varied areas of biology such as cell and molecular biology, clinical biochemistry, haematology, immunology, genetics, and medical microbiology.

You’ll learn in our modern industry-standard teaching and specialist laboratories and be educated by passionate scientists and researchers. Through practical sessions, you’ll develop essential laboratory techniques, learn to analyse complex data, and gain valuable research experience to succeed.

We also have close partnerships with local hospitals to provide opportunities for work experience, clinical expert talks, visits and early intelligence about job opportunities.

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Accredited by:

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IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science)

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 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 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...

  • Develop an enthusiasm for biomedical sciences and be involved in stimulating and hands-on learning opportunities.
  • 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.
  • Be introduced to a network of employers to gain a real-world insight, find work experience opportunities and learn more about the plethora of doors that this course can unlock.
  • Gain a knowledge and skills base from which will help you move towards a career in biomedical sciences or postgraduate study.
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Course Structure

What you will learn

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
  • 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 two
  • 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 three
  • Integrated Biomedical Science
    Brings together the contribution of different laboratory and non-laboratory specialities in the investigation of diseases.
  • 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 module
    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.

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