This is a diverse course that covers most areas of human biology, including the study of viruses, bacteria and other life forms which can affect the human body. They are fast-paced, hands-on programmes where students are often taught by lecturers from a variety of backgrounds including research scientists and medics.

The course will give undergraduates an understanding of the various aspects of modern pathology and biomedical laboratory work, and the complex and diverse investigations that require an in-depth scientific knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology. Courses are designed to teach students the biology of disease, including modern concepts, and applications of biomedical science in the research, diagnosis and treatment of clinical disorders.

Holding a qualification in this subject is valuable and suitable for anyone interested in career in hospital laboratories, scientific research or further study. Many biomedical science graduates are employed in fields relating to research and teaching, and are in demand by a wide range of employers in areas such as the health service, pharmaceutical industry, veterinary science, medical research, food science, public health and forensic science.

A student who successfully completes the degree course and then obtains an appropriate level of experience, can ultimately apply for registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC).

Biomedical science degree course overview

Students are taught using a mixture of lectures, practical laboratory classes and small-group tutorials that cover the whole range of biomedical sciences. They will obtain the theoretical and practical skills required to prepare them for the various careers within biomedical science. They will gain those transferable skills and qualities needed for employment in situations requiring the exercise of professionalism, independent thought and personal responsibility. On a more practical side, students will learn how to perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, and learn how to undertake and generate test results that are part of reports which are accurate, timely and relevant to clinical staff.

Typical course modules and areas of study on a biomedical science degree

  • Molecular Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Processes
  • Infectious Disease Control
  • Elements of life
  • Human sciences
  • Medical Microbiology and Immunology
  • Cellular Pathology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Good Lab practice
  • Parasites & Pathogens
  • Human Physiology
  • Haematology & Transfusion
  • Histology & Histochemistry
  • Medical Genetics
  • Drug Development
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Diagnostc Cellular Pathology
  • Cell biology and developmental genetics
  • Fundamentals of neurobiology
  • Nutrition and whole body metabolism.

Students will learn about

  • The routine maintenance and repairs of medical equipment.
  • Organising and prioritising daily work schedules.
  • Infection control policies and procedures.
  • Analysing cultures grown from samples.
  • Identifying blood groups.
  • Interpreting results for and liaising with medical staff.
  • Processing of biomedical specimens to contribute to the diagnosis.
  • The treatment and monitoring of diseases.
  • Investigating pathological processes.
  • Health & Safety procedures.
  • Good laboratory practice.
  • Data protection legislation.
  • Carry out risk assessments.

Students will learn how to

  • Work unsupervised in a medical environment.
  • Act independently, promptly, and efficiently in response to emergency and unpredictable situations.
  • Take all reasonable care to minimise the likelihood of healthcare-associated infections.
  • Write clear and effective reports.
  • Work as part of a team.
  • Have a methodical approach to problems.
  • Pay attention to detail.
  • Work in a laboratory.
  • Measures and monitor the quality of laboratory investigations.
  • Uses scientific judgements based upon laboratory results.
  • Interpret tests and makes decisions based upon the tests results.
  • Follow safety policies and procedures.
  • Keep up to date with current scientific and technical developments.
  • Maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases.

 

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