The standard of teaching at Surrey is very good and the lectures are always interesting. Plus, the labs are really modern and are a good place to work.
In response to the changing face of medical and biomedical education, and the increasing need for professionally skilled graduates, we offer you an innovative Biomedical Science degree.
We have a long-standing reputation for excellence in both teaching and research in the field of biological sciences, and this flexible degree builds on the strengths of well-established programmes. The programme is designed to allow you to progress onto many different career routes and qualifies you for a number of postgraduate paths.
Our Biomedical Science programme has been designed to satisfy the requirements of the Institute of Biomedical Science. This is the professional body for biomedical scientists in the UK and ensures that the programme covers the topics required for this career. These topics also align closely with those in the medical science field. We offer modules covering all the traditional medically related subjects, such as biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology and microbiology. We will also provide you with practical training in clinically relevant techniques, such as urine testing and blood counts.
This programme allows you to pursue the subjects essential to your particular degree, but at the same time offers you the flexibility to study other subjects of interest. Our modular structure provides a broad range of skills in your first year that ensures a solid foundation on which to build for your specialisation in the final year. The strong practical emphasis of our Biomedical Science degree programme will add to your portfolio of transferable skills, increasing employability in the numerous career paths that will be available to you, such as working as a biomedical scientist within the NHS pathology services, in medical research, in the pharmaceutical industry or in teaching.
In Year 1, you will acquire a broad basic knowledge and practical skills. The programme has the flexibility to accommodate students with and without A-level Chemistry, to bring every student’s knowledge to the standard necessary for Year 2. You will study modules in Microbiology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Cell Biology, each of which will include a range of practicals. There is an opportunity to study one of seven modern languages if you wish.
Modules include:
During Year 2, you will study compulsory modules in subjects such as Physiology, Immunology, and Pathology and Medicine.
Modules include:
We encourage you to take advantage of our prestigious Professional Training placement programme. Our experienced Professional Training tutors will help you to choose between, and apply to, a strictly vetted selection of impressive placements in the pharmaceutical industry, hospitals and academia. You have the opportunity to apply for placements both in the UK and in other countries such as Finland and the USA. Regular placements include Harvard University and Cornell University.
In Year 3, you will study compulsory modules including Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology, Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapeutics, and Pathogenesis of Infectious Diseases. The largest single component of the year is the research project, carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff. This will give you the opportunity to explore a research area that you are especially interested in and develop specialised lab-based skills and experience.
Subjects of recent projects include genetic disorders, cancer genetics, the biochemistry of addiction, understanding meningitis, human virology, food poisoning and respiratory infection.
Modules include:
The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredits this degree programme.
You will be encouraged to take advantage of the excellent Professional Training provision that we offer. Our experienced Professional Training tutors will help you to choose between, and apply to, a strictly vetted selection of excellent placements in the pharmaceutical industry, hospitals and academia. You have the opportunity to apply for placements both in the UK and in other countries such as Finland and the USA. Regular placements include Harvard University and Cornell University.
Most of our placements are paid, and to ensure that your Professional Training placement year is successful, you will get on average three tutor visits during the year. If you wish to prepare an HCPC registration portfolio, there are a limited number of accredited placements available during the Professional Training year.
We offer a modular degree based on a structured programme of advanced study, which allows you to pursue the subjects essential to your particular degree, but at the same time offers you the flexibility to study other subjects of interest.
During your first year, about a third of your time is spent in laboratory practicals. In your second year, this decreases to around a quarter of your time. In your final year, you will conduct your own scientific research project, usually in one of our state-of-the-art research laboratories
Each module is assessed individually and credits are awarded for the successful completion of each one. Assessment is by a combination of examination and/or coursework. Credits are then accumulated towards the award of Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Honours.
The laboratories in which you will undertake practical work have been recently refurbished and are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and audiovisual equipment. Our commitment to the development of your practical skills means that you will spend a great deal of time utilising these facilities. For your research project in Year 3, you will work within our research laboratories alongside active and internationally recognised researchers.
Biomedical Science graduates can follow a number of diverse career paths. The programme was developed to allow you to obtain a professional qualification to pursue a career as a biomedical scientist in the NHS, a path that now offers excellent career prospects. It also provides an in-depth science degree in its own right that can lead to further study and research for a higher degree.
In addition, some of our graduates decide to pursue a medical career by applying for entrance onto a medical programme.
Biomedical Science graduates have typically gone on to become, for example, postgraduate researchers or biomedical scientists within the NHS. Many have entered the related pharmaceutical industry, and some have gained entry to medical and dental programmes.
You will be allocated a personal tutor to guide you through the programme and to advise on option and career choices, helping you get the most from your studies with us.
Come to one of our Open Days, when you can tour the campus, speak to students and academic staff, see our student accommodation and ask as many questions as you like. In the meantime, order a personal prospectus – tailored to only include the subjects that interest you.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent). Two science/mathematics A-levels, one of which must be Chemistry or Biology
Offers are normally made in terms of grades. Suitable candidates may be invited to an Applicant Day. During the visit to the University the candidate can find out more about the programme and meet staff and students.
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill (or equivalent).
We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
| Award | Course Length | Professional Training | UCAS code | KIS code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | 3 years | B900 | View KIS data set | |
| BSc (Hons) | 4 years | B900 | View KIS data set |
We offer a range of bursaries, scholarships and other financial support.
See course information for students applying to start in September 2013.
Kathryn Moll, BSc Biomedical Science, talks about her Professional Training placement year at IDBS.
Phone: +44 (0)1483 681 681
