BSc (Hons) or MSci (Hons) — 2027 entry Biomedical Science
Open up career opportunities from drug development to diagnosing diseases, public health to graduate-entry medicine, with our IBMS-accredited Biomedical Science degree. On this highly practical course, you’ll combine lab work and analytical skills with communication and data science.
* Placement year fees: Approximately 20% of UK full-time fees of the academic year
Why choose this course?
On our Biomedical Science course, you’ll study physiology, pharmacology and pathology, learning techniques to help diagnose infectious diseases, model outbreaks, understand the genetic basis for cancer, and more. By putting human life under the microscope, you’ll discover how to help improve health, individually and as a society.
Get hands-on from the start – you’ll complete your first practical in your first week and spend much of your time in our Innovation for Health Learning Lab developing the research skills that employers want.
Build skills to open up careers in science and beyond – from the Skills for Success module in your first year onwards, you’ll be supported to develop capabilities in scientific communication, data analysis and teamwork, preparing you for career paths from the NHS to business.
Gain real-world experience on a professional placement – you could spend a year in industry, working in a role such as lab research assistant, trainee biomedical scientist, clinical trials scientist or research microbiologist.
Conduct independent research on meaningful projects – your final-year project will focus on a topic that really matters, demonstrating your skills at every stage: conducting the experiments, data analysis and presentation, under expert supervision. Opt for an integrated masters year to complete advanced research and clinical training and set yourself up for research career.
Lay the foundations for a career in medicine – our Biomedical Science degree is a recognised route to a graduate-entry Medicine course, like the four-year BMBS at Surrey.
Our course has been accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) for over 20 years, ensuring you can graduate with the knowledge and skills you need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and become a biomedical scientist.
We’re preparing you for the future by integrating AI into every course, building digital skills, confidence and creativity that employers value in tomorrow’s workplace.
In your first year, you’ll study topics that are fundamental to biomedical science, including bacteriology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, human physiology, microbiology and physiology, ensuring you have a solid foundation upon which to build the rest of your degree.
During your second year, you will build on what you have learnt in your first year, and explore topics with a greater clinical focus, such as pathology, molecular biology, clinical biochemistry, and pharmacology.
In your third year, you’ll select modules that explore topics such as advanced pharmacology, circadian rhythms, immunology, systems biology and toxicology. You’ll study these alongside compulsory modules investigating cancer pathogenesis and treatment, the epidemiology of infectious diseases, our immune system and immunohaematological diseases. You’ll also get the opportunity to work alongside a supervisor to conduct your own scientific research project, performing experiments and critically evaluating data and literature.
If you have chosen to do an integrated masters, you will complete an additional clinical and research-focused year of study that includes an advanced research project and training in scientific management and analytical skills. This will provide additional preparation for a research career in industry or academia.
Professional recognition
BSc (Hons) - Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
MSci (Hons) - Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
Foundation year
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, you might still be able to apply for this degree with a Biosciences Foundation Year. This is an extra year of study to develop your skills and make it easier for you to get started at university. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree.
To see what modules you’ll be studying, refer to the foundation tab in the 'course structure' section.
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Please note: Thefull module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course is available in the relevant programme specification.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff.
New for 2026 entry: At Surrey, we want you to be a future-ready graduate. That’s why all our courses will offer at least one module that integrates and teaches AI tools in discipline-specific ways. You’ll develop the digital skills that employers are looking for and get comfortable with the tech of the future.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to microorganisms, to the main cellular processes they perform and to how their activities affect humans and the environment. The students learn about microorganisms that cause disease as well as those who have properties we exploit for the benefit of society. Finally through laboratory practical exercises, the students learn and practice a range of basic microbiological techniques, which are essential for the cultivation and study of microorganisms. This module provides students with key skills and a basic broad knowledge of microbiology; a fundamental discipline required for future endeavors in the fields of infectious disease, biotechnology, biomedical science, biological science and other medically-related fields.
This module introduces students to the structures within a cell and their functions, including an understanding of the processes by which cells divide and die. The module then considers how cell structure and function can be adapted to specialise cells for particular purposes, and begins to consider how different types of cell are able to interact with one another and their environment in order to form higher order structures such as tissues and organs. Overarching these themes are four practical classes which illustrate the way in which cells and tissues can be studied.
This module aims to begin the students on a journey to facilitate the communication and passion for their subject, enabling them to develop and refine communication skills for further study. The students are guided through the development of key employability skills such as literature querying, critical reading and referencing, towards the discovery of a range of highly of high profile topic for their own research. Working in groups, students choose a topic which constitute the focus of their assessment, and learn to leverage on team work and personal resilience. Through the production of a group presentation and an individual summary, students develop important competences in the science communication field which strengthen their employability and academic proficiency.
The purpose of this module is to give a broad introduction to the essential concepts of molecular biology and genetics that are critical to any undergraduate programme in biosciences. We will cover the central dogma of biology: how information is passed from DNA to RNA to protein, and how it is inherited throughout generations. We will examine how genomes are organized and the structure of a gene, initially focusing on prokaryotes. We will discuss the details of DNA replication, transcription and translation and examine some of the key concepts in gene regulation. Students will also be introduced to laboratory and bioinformatic techniques essential for the study of molecular biology. They will also hone their skills in scientific writing through the production of a laboratory report and short essay.
This module aims to introduce students from all backgrounds to the principles of regulation of homeostasis. It provides a foundational knowledge to which principles can be applied in the control of several model systems to maintain homeostasis. The content builds upon content from Cell Biology and Biochemistry in semester 1 of level 4 and this essential knowledge is utilised in multiple modules at levels 5 and 6. Students will develop their practical skills in a number of scenarios, including exercise physiology, use of digital technologies to determine and monitor physiological outputs relating to model systems covered in the content. Laboratory skills are further developed from semester 1, data analysis and use of graphing software is cemented using lab derived data.
This is a practical module, the aim of which, is to equip students with the critical technical skills used in bacteriology and to familiarize them with key diagnostic tests that are relevant to students on BSc programmes in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology and Biochemistry. This module builds upon critical concepts and practical techniques covered in BMS1026, and introduces students to a range of medically and environmentally globally important bacteria, and is a key module for the microbiology programme.
This module aims to introduce students from all backgrounds to the biological molecules that are essential to life. It provides a foundational knowledge of their structures and functions alongside when, where and how they are generated and broken down. The content builds up alongside content from Cell Biology and Physiology modules at this level to help you understand how these can be utilised at a cellular and organismal level and the conditions under which they are regulated. This provides an essential base upon which knowledge is utilised in multiple modules at levels 5 and 6. You will develop your awareness of the need for safety procedures, equipment and organisation in the laboratory, alongside the equipment that is needed to determine how processes in the module content occur and what conditions will affect these. You will learn to analyse data using appropriate software including a basic level of computer coding. Laboratory skills are build up throughout the module across both semesters, supporting you to become more independent, plan your experiments and be critical of your work and results, reflecting on how the results may change with refinements to the competency and type of experimental methods.
This Molecular biology/genetics module builds up on its first-year sister module BMS1047. The key difference from BMS1047 is that it focusses on eukaryotic molecular biology and techniques to evaluate various molecular biology processes, including more genome-wide aspects, and the significance of molecular biology mechanisms in the real world, for e.g., in cancer. Another key difference is that this module covers molecular biology in greater depth, in particular the regulatory aspects of molecular biology. Overall, you will develop oral and written communication skills in molecular biology and genetics and will be able to appreciate the differences between the eukaryotic and prokaryotic molecular systems. Lectures are covered in a block of the following six themes. Advanced human genetics/genomics à The lectures will cover the human genome, natural genetics variations, sequencing genes and genomes, the genotype-phenotype map to include Mendelian genetics/genetic diseases, the transmission of information, and the concept of recombination. Eukaryotic DNA replication à Packaging of DNA, its organization on chromosomes and alignment with the cell cycle (telomeres, crossing over/recombinant). Enzymes needed for DNA replication with a reflection of BMS1047, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, and techniques to study replication. Eukaryotic DNA transcription à Eukaryotic Cis and trans elements in transcription, post-transcription modifications of transcripts and molecular biology methods to study/quantify transcripts, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, enhancer/mediator complex, cDNA synthesis. control of transcription. Post-transcriptional regulation à Molecular mechanisms of splicing, polyadenylation (mechanisms); Cytoplasmic events: RNA export, localization, regulation by lnc/miRNAs, RNA decay. Eukaryotic mRNA translation à Eukaryotic regulation, global and specific regulation of transcription. Techniques to study Eukaryotic translation. regulation of translation by the proteasome. Application of human genetic inheritance and gene expression in cancer, errors in DNA replication & their correction. Practical componentà RNA extraction & quantification, reverse transcription and RT-PCR followed by electrophoresis.
This module aims to build upon the principles of feedback and basic systems covered at level 4. In this module we go into greater depth about the homeostatic control through the use of nervous, endocrine and other control mechanisms. Students will build upon biochemical principles of receptors and second messengers as key components of feedback mechanisms, applying this to whole-body regulation. Investigation and integration of multiple systems and their response to the same mediator is an essential part of this module. Students will develop their oral and written communication skills within a scientific discipline, enabling them to explain & extrapolate both theoretical knowledge & perform data analysis.
This module is designed to develop an understanding of concepts of bacteriology, protozoology mycology, and virology, with a particular emphasis on pathogenic microbes. Each lecture or group of lectures studies a particular group of microbes. These pathogens are chosen as representative on the basis of their biological characteristics, and also from a global perspective. The module also includes tutorial discussions and laboratory practical classes to further develop deeper understanding and broader application of the topics included in this module. Laboratory sessions will aid your understanding of the theory and enable development of practical and employability skills.
This module aims to build upon the fundamental biochemical principles covered at Level 4 (BMS1066/1067), focussing on the biochemical principles of regulation of intermediary metabolism (carbohydrates and lipids) in health and disease. The module will also build on the importance of cell membranes and intracellular signaling pathways in regulating metabolic feedback mechanisms. Investigation of the biochemical basis of metabolic disorders, with a primary focus on Diabetes mellitus, is an essential part of this module. Students will further develop their scientific and digital technology literacy and communication skills, enabling them to generate protein structure using AI-driven software and evaluate protein structure-function relationships in the context of health and disease.
This module is designed to introduce the structure and function of the nervous system in animals and humans.Students will develop an advanced understanding of selected aspects of the nervous system and brain function.The module focuses on providing information across different levels of explanation, including single molecules, cellular, neuronal networks and complex behaviours. Students will develop their skills in understanding and synthesising scientific knowledge by presenting published neuroscientific results in video, poster, or essay format.
The purpose of this module is to provide a conceptual understanding of the key principles of human immunology, including the immune response to infection and foreign antigens. Such an understanding is crucial in many other parts of the programme, including the pathogenicity of infectious disease, oncology and pharmacology. It is a prerequisite for modules at FHEQ level 6 including BMS3054 (Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology), BMS3102 (Advanced Topics in Cellular and Molecular Immunology) and BMS3104 (Applied Immunology).
The purpose of the module is to introduce the subject of Pharmacology. They will apply their knowledge of Biochemistry and Physiology to understand the mechanism of action of key current drugs. With a particular focus on the following systems: cardiovascular, neurological, anti-inflammatory, -infectives and -cancer. Students will also consider how the body deals with drugs, namely absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME).
The Module will cover a range of topics that will address analytical techniques in research and clinical laboratories, as well as addressing data analysis and statistics.
This module addresses the essential need for students to understand the concepts of the pathogenesis of major human diseases and provides students with important background knowledge to understand clinical (or analytical) medicine. The contents of this module bridge basic science with the pathology of human disease and medical science including the understanding of the principles of major organ diseases in the human body.
Students must choose one optional module in semester 1
Year 3 - BSc (Hons)
Semester 1
Core
A series of lectures covering the immunopathology, symptoms, treatment and diagnostic tests for range of clinically relevant diseases in the area of immunology and immunohaematology will be delivered by internal and external experts in the field thus aligning with the United Nation's sustainability development goal 3: Good health and wellbeing. This will include clinical immunology consultants, Biomedical Scientists and research active experts with the chance for students to interact with active practitioners in the field, highlighting employability prospects.. The focus of the coursework is on clinical case studies and is undertaken primarily as group work with a proportion of the marks based on individual and group work contribution assessment thus building resourcefulness and resilience. The coursework culminates in an oral presentation which builds on several empl.oyability skills.
The purpose of this module is for students to propose potential pharmacotherapeutic targets for conditions of their choice. Here the academic staff introduce a signaling pathway, group of receptors, channels, enzymes, they also provide some case studies of areas of targeting. Students then take this knowledge and build on it and through their own research propose a target.
The module provides a description and demonstration of how the application of the principles of microbial and biochemical sciences, studied elsewhere in the programme, can be used in the discovery, production, and manufacture of commercially important products for the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries, with examples and case studies and an intensive experimental section. The principles of genetic and physiological deregulation and overexpression of metabolic products that are discussed in the module build upon the analysis of metabolic pathways (studied in L4 and L5 Biochemistry modules) and the study of microbial diversity, metabolism and function (studied in L4 and L5 Microbiology modules), and complement concepts covered in the Level 6 modules BMS3092 Advanced Technologies in Gene Expression and BMS3070 Systems Biology: Genes in Action. The principles of biomedical and bioveterinary microbial product discovery, over-production and applications are compared to those of other microbial products (food, bioenergy, and (bio)chemical industries).
Systems Biology is widely accepted as a major future direction of biological research. The ethos of Systems Biology is to generate, analyse, and integrate multiple data sets for understanding and modelling a biological system. We want to know the components (molecules) of the system, how they work/interact together, and, ideally, have some quantitation: the abundance of a particular component and/or the rates of action/interaction. Due to technological advances within molecular biology, we are now able to obtain quantitative information about molecules within a biological system on both small and large scales. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the basic concepts of Systems Biology for health and disease. The module includes subjects relevant to prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems and is thus suitable for all bioscience students. Learning methods include: lectures, seminars, computer practical sessions, article discussion, workshops, and research and problem solving during both lectures and computer-based investigations.
Students will integrate what they have learnt in the previous modules, using their knowledge on Microbiology (BMS1026), Practical and Biomedical Bacteriology (BMS1035) and Medical Microbiology (BMS2085) The study of microbiology often involves learning about the properties of single species, but in nature microbes rarely exist in isolation and are instead part of a rich and diverse ecosystem. Together with their ability to communicate via chemical signalling, the world of microbes reveals interesting complexities with relevance to health and disease, and biotechnology.
Microbes can be categorised and studied according to a number of characteristics such as their physiology; pathogenicity, and cellular interaction with hosts. This module builds on those themes already covered on the bioscience programmes in dealing with the spread of microbes through populations, and features of host and vector populations that influence this spread.
Gives the student a broad understanding of cancer as an umbrella term for a complex set of different diseases unified by common cellular mechanisms. Students will examine the biological processes underlying cancer and develop an appreciation of a range of clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The emphasis is on human studies and clinical data, with animal studies and cancer-relevant pre-clinical models also presented.Students will also explore the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cancer research and clinical practice, including its application in areas such as histopathological analysis, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic decision-making. Emphasis will be placed on the critical evaluation and ethical use of AI tools, including considerations of bias, data integrity, transparency, and responsible academic practice.This module fits well within a biomedical sciences program.
The Neuroscience module is following the Neuroscience FHEQ Level 5 which provided the bases in Neuroscience. This second module will run over one semester and will provide students with a comprehensive research-led overview of several current hot topics in Neuroscience built around 4 intricate topics: neuroendocrinology, sleep, neuroplasticity and brain disorders. Emphasis will be placed on integration of knowledge from the different areas presented in the lectures. In addition, evaluation of skills for understanding, synthesis/analysis and interpretation and presentation of scientific data will be addressed throughout all research-led lectures and assessments.
The Biological Rhythms module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive, research-led overview of current topics in Biological Rhythms, with an emphasis on mammalian Chronobiology. The module builds on critical evaluation skills developed in previous modules, including appraisal and interpretation of scientific literature and evaluating current gaps in our knowledge. The module is delivered as a mix of lectures, online content, several tutorials and drop-in sessions in which knowledge is integrated and evaluated. The summative assessments of this module consists of a mid-module in-class test and a final exam, in which students apply skills in interpreting current knowledge, subject-specific concepts and methods gained in the module to develop forward-looking views that apply and validate research insights in real world conditions.
The purpose of this module is to give students a clear view of how and where genetics is used in the ‘real world’. This module will build on the basics of molecular biology and genetics taught in Levels 4 and 5, and will expect students to utilise this prior knowledge and content given in lectures and in the problem-based learning assessments. This module requires application of understanding and problem solving skills.
Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology is the science of safety: It is the study of how exogenous chemicals enter and are disposed of by the body, and the effects that they can have on the organ systems of the body. Toxicology is designed to minimise the risk of harm to humans from exposure to any of the thousands of chemicals that we use every day. In this module, we will look at the basic mechanisms of how chemicals may cause harm to living organisms. We will look at a number of examples of target organ toxicity with reference to how drugs/xenobiotics are processed by the body. We will examine the mathematical patterns of drug administration and excretion and learn to explain these and determine their meaning, these concepts will be brought together through a series of case study workshops where mathematical data will be handled and examined.
This module will explore advanced themes of virology research in the 21st century. Grounded in the specialties of our research-active virologists, this module will equip the students with the knowledge required to understand virus:host interactions at the cellular, host and systems level and the skills to critically evaluate virology research findings. This will build on and enhance the knowledge acquired at level 4 and 5 on general microbiology and virology and complement the global overview of human pathogens explored within the Immunology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases modules at level 6.
The final year research project develops practical, analytical, literature sourcing and presentation skills that have been acquired during the typical undergraduate degree programme. The projects provided as part of this module reflect topics and modes of research that are undertaken in the School of Biosciences based of the expertise of our academic staff and hence cover a wide variety of the United Nation¿s Sustainability Development Goals around health, the environment and hunger. Modes of research include laboratory-based; in silico; computational; fieldwork, data-analysis, and grant proposals.Research project allocations are usually made based on students¿ indication of their preferred projects from a catalogue provided at the start of the academic year.Students should liaise regularly with their supervisor(s) throughout the academic year as they progress with the research, building their independence as a researcher by searching for information, planning experiments/analysis approaches or formulating grant proposals, analysing data, drawing up conclusions and developing oral and written communication skills: all of which will help them develop employability competencies and skills.Students are expected undertake a critical review of the literature of their topic through literature searches and the use of bibliographic databases, which will help them to develop resourcefulness. Students will build up resilience by directly investigating a scientific question/hypothesis that may include designing their own approach or experimental plan (with support from the supervisor(s)) to investigate the question/hypothesis.The use of statistical software and other digital platforms/specialist analytical software for literature searching/meta-analysis etc will help students increase their digital capability. During any practical or skills development sessions, students will learn how to work in a laboratory, the value of resources, how to work in a laboratory environment and best practice to be sustainable, all of which will help them develop responsibility and global and cultural capabilitiesThe final sign-off for passing the Practical Skills Record is also incorporated into this module.
Students must choose two optional modules in Semester 1 and one optional module in semester 2.
Year 1 - BSc (Hons) with placement
Semester 1
Compulsory
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to microorganisms, to the main cellular processes they perform and to how their activities affect humans and the environment. The students learn about microorganisms that cause disease as well as those who have properties we exploit for the benefit of society. Finally through laboratory practical exercises, the students learn and practice a range of basic microbiological techniques, which are essential for the cultivation and study of microorganisms. This module provides students with key skills and a basic broad knowledge of microbiology; a fundamental discipline required for future endeavors in the fields of infectious disease, biotechnology, biomedical science, biological science and other medically-related fields.
This module introduces students to the structures within a cell and their functions, including an understanding of the processes by which cells divide and die. The module then considers how cell structure and function can be adapted to specialise cells for particular purposes, and begins to consider how different types of cell are able to interact with one another and their environment in order to form higher order structures such as tissues and organs. Overarching these themes are four practical classes which illustrate the way in which cells and tissues can be studied.
This module aims to begin the students on a journey to facilitate the communication and passion for their subject, enabling them to develop and refine communication skills for further study. The students are guided through the development of key employability skills such as literature querying, critical reading and referencing, towards the discovery of a range of highly of high profile topic for their own research. Working in groups, students choose a topic which constitute the focus of their assessment, and learn to leverage on team work and personal resilience. Through the production of a group presentation and an individual summary, students develop important competences in the science communication field which strengthen their employability and academic proficiency.
The purpose of this module is to give a broad introduction to the essential concepts of molecular biology and genetics that are critical to any undergraduate programme in biosciences. We will cover the central dogma of biology: how information is passed from DNA to RNA to protein, and how it is inherited throughout generations. We will examine how genomes are organized and the structure of a gene, initially focusing on prokaryotes. We will discuss the details of DNA replication, transcription and translation and examine some of the key concepts in gene regulation. Students will also be introduced to laboratory and bioinformatic techniques essential for the study of molecular biology. They will also hone their skills in scientific writing through the production of a laboratory report and short essay.
This module aims to introduce students from all backgrounds to the principles of regulation of homeostasis. It provides a foundational knowledge to which principles can be applied in the control of several model systems to maintain homeostasis. The content builds upon content from Cell Biology and Biochemistry in semester 1 of level 4 and this essential knowledge is utilised in multiple modules at levels 5 and 6. Students will develop their practical skills in a number of scenarios, including exercise physiology, use of digital technologies to determine and monitor physiological outputs relating to model systems covered in the content. Laboratory skills are further developed from semester 1, data analysis and use of graphing software is cemented using lab derived data.
This is a practical module, the aim of which, is to equip students with the critical technical skills used in bacteriology and to familiarize them with key diagnostic tests that are relevant to students on BSc programmes in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology and Biochemistry. This module builds upon critical concepts and practical techniques covered in BMS1026, and introduces students to a range of medically and environmentally globally important bacteria, and is a key module for the microbiology programme.
This module aims to introduce students from all backgrounds to the biological molecules that are essential to life. It provides a foundational knowledge of their structures and functions alongside when, where and how they are generated and broken down. The content builds up alongside content from Cell Biology and Physiology modules at this level to help you understand how these can be utilised at a cellular and organismal level and the conditions under which they are regulated. This provides an essential base upon which knowledge is utilised in multiple modules at levels 5 and 6. You will develop your awareness of the need for safety procedures, equipment and organisation in the laboratory, alongside the equipment that is needed to determine how processes in the module content occur and what conditions will affect these. You will learn to analyse data using appropriate software including a basic level of computer coding. Laboratory skills are build up throughout the module across both semesters, supporting you to become more independent, plan your experiments and be critical of your work and results, reflecting on how the results may change with refinements to the competency and type of experimental methods.
This Molecular biology/genetics module builds up on its first-year sister module BMS1047. The key difference from BMS1047 is that it focusses on eukaryotic molecular biology and techniques to evaluate various molecular biology processes, including more genome-wide aspects, and the significance of molecular biology mechanisms in the real world, for e.g., in cancer. Another key difference is that this module covers molecular biology in greater depth, in particular the regulatory aspects of molecular biology. Overall, you will develop oral and written communication skills in molecular biology and genetics and will be able to appreciate the differences between the eukaryotic and prokaryotic molecular systems. Lectures are covered in a block of the following six themes. Advanced human genetics/genomics à The lectures will cover the human genome, natural genetics variations, sequencing genes and genomes, the genotype-phenotype map to include Mendelian genetics/genetic diseases, the transmission of information, and the concept of recombination. Eukaryotic DNA replication à Packaging of DNA, its organization on chromosomes and alignment with the cell cycle (telomeres, crossing over/recombinant). Enzymes needed for DNA replication with a reflection of BMS1047, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, and techniques to study replication. Eukaryotic DNA transcription à Eukaryotic Cis and trans elements in transcription, post-transcription modifications of transcripts and molecular biology methods to study/quantify transcripts, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, enhancer/mediator complex, cDNA synthesis. control of transcription. Post-transcriptional regulation à Molecular mechanisms of splicing, polyadenylation (mechanisms); Cytoplasmic events: RNA export, localization, regulation by lnc/miRNAs, RNA decay. Eukaryotic mRNA translation à Eukaryotic regulation, global and specific regulation of transcription. Techniques to study Eukaryotic translation. regulation of translation by the proteasome. Application of human genetic inheritance and gene expression in cancer, errors in DNA replication & their correction. Practical componentà RNA extraction & quantification, reverse transcription and RT-PCR followed by electrophoresis.
This module aims to build upon the principles of feedback and basic systems covered at level 4. In this module we go into greater depth about the homeostatic control through the use of nervous, endocrine and other control mechanisms. Students will build upon biochemical principles of receptors and second messengers as key components of feedback mechanisms, applying this to whole-body regulation. Investigation and integration of multiple systems and their response to the same mediator is an essential part of this module. Students will develop their oral and written communication skills within a scientific discipline, enabling them to explain & extrapolate both theoretical knowledge & perform data analysis.
This module is designed to develop an understanding of concepts of bacteriology, protozoology mycology, and virology, with a particular emphasis on pathogenic microbes. Each lecture or group of lectures studies a particular group of microbes. These pathogens are chosen as representative on the basis of their biological characteristics, and also from a global perspective. The module also includes tutorial discussions and laboratory practical classes to further develop deeper understanding and broader application of the topics included in this module. Laboratory sessions will aid your understanding of the theory and enable development of practical and employability skills.
This module aims to build upon the fundamental biochemical principles covered at Level 4 (BMS1066/1067), focussing on the biochemical principles of regulation of intermediary metabolism (carbohydrates and lipids) in health and disease. The module will also build on the importance of cell membranes and intracellular signaling pathways in regulating metabolic feedback mechanisms. Investigation of the biochemical basis of metabolic disorders, with a primary focus on Diabetes mellitus, is an essential part of this module. Students will further develop their scientific and digital technology literacy and communication skills, enabling them to generate protein structure using AI-driven software and evaluate protein structure-function relationships in the context of health and disease.
This module is designed to introduce the structure and function of the nervous system in animals and humans.Students will develop an advanced understanding of selected aspects of the nervous system and brain function.The module focuses on providing information across different levels of explanation, including single molecules, cellular, neuronal networks and complex behaviours. Students will develop their skills in understanding and synthesising scientific knowledge by presenting published neuroscientific results in video, poster, or essay format.
The purpose of this module is to provide a conceptual understanding of the key principles of human immunology, including the immune response to infection and foreign antigens. Such an understanding is crucial in many other parts of the programme, including the pathogenicity of infectious disease, oncology and pharmacology. It is a prerequisite for modules at FHEQ level 6 including BMS3054 (Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology), BMS3102 (Advanced Topics in Cellular and Molecular Immunology) and BMS3104 (Applied Immunology).
The purpose of the module is to introduce the subject of Pharmacology. They will apply their knowledge of Biochemistry and Physiology to understand the mechanism of action of key current drugs. With a particular focus on the following systems: cardiovascular, neurological, anti-inflammatory, -infectives and -cancer. Students will also consider how the body deals with drugs, namely absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME).
The Module will cover a range of topics that will address analytical techniques in research and clinical laboratories, as well as addressing data analysis and statistics.
This module addresses the essential need for students to understand the concepts of the pathogenesis of major human diseases and provides students with important background knowledge to understand clinical (or analytical) medicine. The contents of this module bridge basic science with the pathology of human disease and medical science including the understanding of the principles of major organ diseases in the human body.
Module selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Students must choose one optional module in semester 1
Year 3 - BSc (Hons) with placement
Semester 1
Core
A series of lectures covering the immunopathology, symptoms, treatment and diagnostic tests for range of clinically relevant diseases in the area of immunology and immunohaematology will be delivered by internal and external experts in the field thus aligning with the United Nation's sustainability development goal 3: Good health and wellbeing. This will include clinical immunology consultants, Biomedical Scientists and research active experts with the chance for students to interact with active practitioners in the field, highlighting employability prospects.. The focus of the coursework is on clinical case studies and is undertaken primarily as group work with a proportion of the marks based on individual and group work contribution assessment thus building resourcefulness and resilience. The coursework culminates in an oral presentation which builds on several empl.oyability skills.
The purpose of this module is for students to propose potential pharmacotherapeutic targets for conditions of their choice. Here the academic staff introduce a signaling pathway, group of receptors, channels, enzymes, they also provide some case studies of areas of targeting. Students then take this knowledge and build on it and through their own research propose a target.
The module provides a description and demonstration of how the application of the principles of microbial and biochemical sciences, studied elsewhere in the programme, can be used in the discovery, production, and manufacture of commercially important products for the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries, with examples and case studies and an intensive experimental section. The principles of genetic and physiological deregulation and overexpression of metabolic products that are discussed in the module build upon the analysis of metabolic pathways (studied in L4 and L5 Biochemistry modules) and the study of microbial diversity, metabolism and function (studied in L4 and L5 Microbiology modules), and complement concepts covered in the Level 6 modules BMS3092 Advanced Technologies in Gene Expression and BMS3070 Systems Biology: Genes in Action. The principles of biomedical and bioveterinary microbial product discovery, over-production and applications are compared to those of other microbial products (food, bioenergy, and (bio)chemical industries).
Systems Biology is widely accepted as a major future direction of biological research. The ethos of Systems Biology is to generate, analyse, and integrate multiple data sets for understanding and modelling a biological system. We want to know the components (molecules) of the system, how they work/interact together, and, ideally, have some quantitation: the abundance of a particular component and/or the rates of action/interaction. Due to technological advances within molecular biology, we are now able to obtain quantitative information about molecules within a biological system on both small and large scales. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the basic concepts of Systems Biology for health and disease. The module includes subjects relevant to prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems and is thus suitable for all bioscience students. Learning methods include: lectures, seminars, computer practical sessions, article discussion, workshops, and research and problem solving during both lectures and computer-based investigations.
Students will integrate what they have learnt in the previous modules, using their knowledge on Microbiology (BMS1026), Practical and Biomedical Bacteriology (BMS1035) and Medical Microbiology (BMS2085) The study of microbiology often involves learning about the properties of single species, but in nature microbes rarely exist in isolation and are instead part of a rich and diverse ecosystem. Together with their ability to communicate via chemical signalling, the world of microbes reveals interesting complexities with relevance to health and disease, and biotechnology.
Microbes can be categorised and studied according to a number of characteristics such as their physiology; pathogenicity, and cellular interaction with hosts. This module builds on those themes already covered on the bioscience programmes in dealing with the spread of microbes through populations, and features of host and vector populations that influence this spread.
Gives the student a broad understanding of cancer as an umbrella term for a complex set of different diseases unified by common cellular mechanisms. Students will examine the biological processes underlying cancer and develop an appreciation of a range of clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The emphasis is on human studies and clinical data, with animal studies and cancer-relevant pre-clinical models also presented.Students will also explore the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cancer research and clinical practice, including its application in areas such as histopathological analysis, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic decision-making. Emphasis will be placed on the critical evaluation and ethical use of AI tools, including considerations of bias, data integrity, transparency, and responsible academic practice.This module fits well within a biomedical sciences program.
The Neuroscience module is following the Neuroscience FHEQ Level 5 which provided the bases in Neuroscience. This second module will run over one semester and will provide students with a comprehensive research-led overview of several current hot topics in Neuroscience built around 4 intricate topics: neuroendocrinology, sleep, neuroplasticity and brain disorders. Emphasis will be placed on integration of knowledge from the different areas presented in the lectures. In addition, evaluation of skills for understanding, synthesis/analysis and interpretation and presentation of scientific data will be addressed throughout all research-led lectures and assessments.
The Biological Rhythms module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive, research-led overview of current topics in Biological Rhythms, with an emphasis on mammalian Chronobiology. The module builds on critical evaluation skills developed in previous modules, including appraisal and interpretation of scientific literature and evaluating current gaps in our knowledge. The module is delivered as a mix of lectures, online content, several tutorials and drop-in sessions in which knowledge is integrated and evaluated. The summative assessments of this module consists of a mid-module in-class test and a final exam, in which students apply skills in interpreting current knowledge, subject-specific concepts and methods gained in the module to develop forward-looking views that apply and validate research insights in real world conditions.
The purpose of this module is to give students a clear view of how and where genetics is used in the ‘real world’. This module will build on the basics of molecular biology and genetics taught in Levels 4 and 5, and will expect students to utilise this prior knowledge and content given in lectures and in the problem-based learning assessments. This module requires application of understanding and problem solving skills.
Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology is the science of safety: It is the study of how exogenous chemicals enter and are disposed of by the body, and the effects that they can have on the organ systems of the body. Toxicology is designed to minimise the risk of harm to humans from exposure to any of the thousands of chemicals that we use every day. In this module, we will look at the basic mechanisms of how chemicals may cause harm to living organisms. We will look at a number of examples of target organ toxicity with reference to how drugs/xenobiotics are processed by the body. We will examine the mathematical patterns of drug administration and excretion and learn to explain these and determine their meaning, these concepts will be brought together through a series of case study workshops where mathematical data will be handled and examined.
This module will explore advanced themes of virology research in the 21st century. Grounded in the specialties of our research-active virologists, this module will equip the students with the knowledge required to understand virus:host interactions at the cellular, host and systems level and the skills to critically evaluate virology research findings. This will build on and enhance the knowledge acquired at level 4 and 5 on general microbiology and virology and complement the global overview of human pathogens explored within the Immunology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases modules at level 6.
The final year research project develops practical, analytical, literature sourcing and presentation skills that have been acquired during the typical undergraduate degree programme. The projects provided as part of this module reflect topics and modes of research that are undertaken in the School of Biosciences based of the expertise of our academic staff and hence cover a wide variety of the United Nation¿s Sustainability Development Goals around health, the environment and hunger. Modes of research include laboratory-based; in silico; computational; fieldwork, data-analysis, and grant proposals.Research project allocations are usually made based on students¿ indication of their preferred projects from a catalogue provided at the start of the academic year.Students should liaise regularly with their supervisor(s) throughout the academic year as they progress with the research, building their independence as a researcher by searching for information, planning experiments/analysis approaches or formulating grant proposals, analysing data, drawing up conclusions and developing oral and written communication skills: all of which will help them develop employability competencies and skills.Students are expected undertake a critical review of the literature of their topic through literature searches and the use of bibliographic databases, which will help them to develop resourcefulness. Students will build up resilience by directly investigating a scientific question/hypothesis that may include designing their own approach or experimental plan (with support from the supervisor(s)) to investigate the question/hypothesis.The use of statistical software and other digital platforms/specialist analytical software for literature searching/meta-analysis etc will help students increase their digital capability. During any practical or skills development sessions, students will learn how to work in a laboratory, the value of resources, how to work in a laboratory environment and best practice to be sustainable, all of which will help them develop responsibility and global and cultural capabilitiesThe final sign-off for passing the Practical Skills Record is also incorporated into this module.
Module selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Students must choose two optional modules in Semester 1 and one optional module in semester 2.
Professional Training Year (PTY)
Semester 1 & 2
Core
Students have the option to undertake a work placement, study exchange abroad, or work/study exchange combination. This module supports students' development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment in diverse global contexts. The module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning, and is a process that involves self-reflection, documented via the creation of a personal record, planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal objectives. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement/study exchange, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement/study exchange experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written and presentation skills.
This year-long module is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and capabilities that students will require to succeed during undergraduate study. During the foundation year, students will explore fascinating processes of life, from evolutionary genetics and cells to organ systems, through to human impact on ecosystems. Students will also study topics in chemistry and mathematics, the principles that underpin biological sciences. Students will have many opportunities to put theory into practice through laboratory sessions and fieldwork. Students will enhance their digital fluency by engaging with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and methodologies relevant to the Biosciences. They will be equipped to practically apply AI-driven approaches in modern biological research, while critically evaluating the ethical implications, limitations, and reliability of AI-generated data in scientific inquiry and professional practice. Academic skills development is embedded throughout the strands and encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning. In addition to lectures and tutorials, learning takes place in the format of debates, lab and field work, problem-based scenarios, and skills-based workshops. Subject-specific content is designed to integrate, such that students apply chemistry skills in biological contexts, for example. Employability skills are coordinated through portfolio activities and reflective tasks, students will interrogate their future discipline and explore academic literature in their field of interest. The module aims to broaden students' perceived scope of the biosciences.Resilience is built into this module through the strong formative challenges that are present for all coursework. Challenges are set that allow students to make mistakes and learn from them. This feeds into reflective activities that invite students to develop their academic processes, so they are best able to cope with the challenges ahead. Finally, the module takes a strong approach to team-working; learners regularly work with the same small group of peers and this work is directly assessed. Learning about their various peers and how to adapt to working effectively develops students' cultural awareness and is a key employability skill.
For further information relating to FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6, including learning outcomes, aims and module information please view the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.
BSc (Hons) with foundation year and placement
Semester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This year-long module is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and capabilities that students will require to succeed during undergraduate study. During the foundation year, students will explore fascinating processes of life, from evolutionary genetics and cells to organ systems, through to human impact on ecosystems. Students will also study topics in chemistry and mathematics, the principles that underpin biological sciences. Students will have many opportunities to put theory into practice through laboratory sessions and fieldwork. Students will enhance their digital fluency by engaging with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and methodologies relevant to the Biosciences. They will be equipped to practically apply AI-driven approaches in modern biological research, while critically evaluating the ethical implications, limitations, and reliability of AI-generated data in scientific inquiry and professional practice. Academic skills development is embedded throughout the strands and encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning. In addition to lectures and tutorials, learning takes place in the format of debates, lab and field work, problem-based scenarios, and skills-based workshops. Subject-specific content is designed to integrate, such that students apply chemistry skills in biological contexts, for example. Employability skills are coordinated through portfolio activities and reflective tasks, students will interrogate their future discipline and explore academic literature in their field of interest. The module aims to broaden students' perceived scope of the biosciences.Resilience is built into this module through the strong formative challenges that are present for all coursework. Challenges are set that allow students to make mistakes and learn from them. This feeds into reflective activities that invite students to develop their academic processes, so they are best able to cope with the challenges ahead. Finally, the module takes a strong approach to team-working; learners regularly work with the same small group of peers and this work is directly assessed. Learning about their various peers and how to adapt to working effectively develops students' cultural awareness and is a key employability skill.
Module selection for Foundation (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 3
For further information relating to FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 and the professional training year, including learning outcomes, aims and module information please view the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.
Year 1 - MSci (Hons)
Semester 1
Compulsory
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to microorganisms, to the main cellular processes they perform and to how their activities affect humans and the environment. The students learn about microorganisms that cause disease as well as those who have properties we exploit for the benefit of society. Finally through laboratory practical exercises, the students learn and practice a range of basic microbiological techniques, which are essential for the cultivation and study of microorganisms. This module provides students with key skills and a basic broad knowledge of microbiology; a fundamental discipline required for future endeavors in the fields of infectious disease, biotechnology, biomedical science, biological science and other medically-related fields.
This module introduces students to the structures within a cell and their functions, including an understanding of the processes by which cells divide and die. The module then considers how cell structure and function can be adapted to specialise cells for particular purposes, and begins to consider how different types of cell are able to interact with one another and their environment in order to form higher order structures such as tissues and organs. Overarching these themes are four practical classes which illustrate the way in which cells and tissues can be studied.
This module aims to begin the students on a journey to facilitate the communication and passion for their subject, enabling them to develop and refine communication skills for further study. The students are guided through the development of key employability skills such as literature querying, critical reading and referencing, towards the discovery of a range of highly of high profile topic for their own research. Working in groups, students choose a topic which constitute the focus of their assessment, and learn to leverage on team work and personal resilience. Through the production of a group presentation and an individual summary, students develop important competences in the science communication field which strengthen their employability and academic proficiency.
The purpose of this module is to give a broad introduction to the essential concepts of molecular biology and genetics that are critical to any undergraduate programme in biosciences. We will cover the central dogma of biology: how information is passed from DNA to RNA to protein, and how it is inherited throughout generations. We will examine how genomes are organized and the structure of a gene, initially focusing on prokaryotes. We will discuss the details of DNA replication, transcription and translation and examine some of the key concepts in gene regulation. Students will also be introduced to laboratory and bioinformatic techniques essential for the study of molecular biology. They will also hone their skills in scientific writing through the production of a laboratory report and short essay.
This module aims to introduce students from all backgrounds to the principles of regulation of homeostasis. It provides a foundational knowledge to which principles can be applied in the control of several model systems to maintain homeostasis. The content builds upon content from Cell Biology and Biochemistry in semester 1 of level 4 and this essential knowledge is utilised in multiple modules at levels 5 and 6. Students will develop their practical skills in a number of scenarios, including exercise physiology, use of digital technologies to determine and monitor physiological outputs relating to model systems covered in the content. Laboratory skills are further developed from semester 1, data analysis and use of graphing software is cemented using lab derived data.
This is a practical module, the aim of which, is to equip students with the critical technical skills used in bacteriology and to familiarize them with key diagnostic tests that are relevant to students on BSc programmes in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology and Biochemistry. This module builds upon critical concepts and practical techniques covered in BMS1026, and introduces students to a range of medically and environmentally globally important bacteria, and is a key module for the microbiology programme.
This module aims to introduce students from all backgrounds to the biological molecules that are essential to life. It provides a foundational knowledge of their structures and functions alongside when, where and how they are generated and broken down. The content builds up alongside content from Cell Biology and Physiology modules at this level to help you understand how these can be utilised at a cellular and organismal level and the conditions under which they are regulated. This provides an essential base upon which knowledge is utilised in multiple modules at levels 5 and 6. You will develop your awareness of the need for safety procedures, equipment and organisation in the laboratory, alongside the equipment that is needed to determine how processes in the module content occur and what conditions will affect these. You will learn to analyse data using appropriate software including a basic level of computer coding. Laboratory skills are build up throughout the module across both semesters, supporting you to become more independent, plan your experiments and be critical of your work and results, reflecting on how the results may change with refinements to the competency and type of experimental methods.
This Molecular biology/genetics module builds up on its first-year sister module BMS1047. The key difference from BMS1047 is that it focusses on eukaryotic molecular biology and techniques to evaluate various molecular biology processes, including more genome-wide aspects, and the significance of molecular biology mechanisms in the real world, for e.g., in cancer. Another key difference is that this module covers molecular biology in greater depth, in particular the regulatory aspects of molecular biology. Overall, you will develop oral and written communication skills in molecular biology and genetics and will be able to appreciate the differences between the eukaryotic and prokaryotic molecular systems. Lectures are covered in a block of the following six themes. Advanced human genetics/genomics à The lectures will cover the human genome, natural genetics variations, sequencing genes and genomes, the genotype-phenotype map to include Mendelian genetics/genetic diseases, the transmission of information, and the concept of recombination. Eukaryotic DNA replication à Packaging of DNA, its organization on chromosomes and alignment with the cell cycle (telomeres, crossing over/recombinant). Enzymes needed for DNA replication with a reflection of BMS1047, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, and techniques to study replication. Eukaryotic DNA transcription à Eukaryotic Cis and trans elements in transcription, post-transcription modifications of transcripts and molecular biology methods to study/quantify transcripts, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, enhancer/mediator complex, cDNA synthesis. control of transcription. Post-transcriptional regulation à Molecular mechanisms of splicing, polyadenylation (mechanisms); Cytoplasmic events: RNA export, localization, regulation by lnc/miRNAs, RNA decay. Eukaryotic mRNA translation à Eukaryotic regulation, global and specific regulation of transcription. Techniques to study Eukaryotic translation. regulation of translation by the proteasome. Application of human genetic inheritance and gene expression in cancer, errors in DNA replication & their correction. Practical componentà RNA extraction & quantification, reverse transcription and RT-PCR followed by electrophoresis.
This module aims to build upon the principles of feedback and basic systems covered at level 4. In this module we go into greater depth about the homeostatic control through the use of nervous, endocrine and other control mechanisms. Students will build upon biochemical principles of receptors and second messengers as key components of feedback mechanisms, applying this to whole-body regulation. Investigation and integration of multiple systems and their response to the same mediator is an essential part of this module. Students will develop their oral and written communication skills within a scientific discipline, enabling them to explain & extrapolate both theoretical knowledge & perform data analysis.
This module is designed to develop an understanding of concepts of bacteriology, protozoology mycology, and virology, with a particular emphasis on pathogenic microbes. Each lecture or group of lectures studies a particular group of microbes. These pathogens are chosen as representative on the basis of their biological characteristics, and also from a global perspective. The module also includes tutorial discussions and laboratory practical classes to further develop deeper understanding and broader application of the topics included in this module. Laboratory sessions will aid your understanding of the theory and enable development of practical and employability skills.
This module aims to build upon the fundamental biochemical principles covered at Level 4 (BMS1066/1067), focussing on the biochemical principles of regulation of intermediary metabolism (carbohydrates and lipids) in health and disease. The module will also build on the importance of cell membranes and intracellular signaling pathways in regulating metabolic feedback mechanisms. Investigation of the biochemical basis of metabolic disorders, with a primary focus on Diabetes mellitus, is an essential part of this module. Students will further develop their scientific and digital technology literacy and communication skills, enabling them to generate protein structure using AI-driven software and evaluate protein structure-function relationships in the context of health and disease.
This module is designed to introduce the structure and function of the nervous system in animals and humans.Students will develop an advanced understanding of selected aspects of the nervous system and brain function.The module focuses on providing information across different levels of explanation, including single molecules, cellular, neuronal networks and complex behaviours. Students will develop their skills in understanding and synthesising scientific knowledge by presenting published neuroscientific results in video, poster, or essay format.
The purpose of this module is to provide a conceptual understanding of the key principles of human immunology, including the immune response to infection and foreign antigens. Such an understanding is crucial in many other parts of the programme, including the pathogenicity of infectious disease, oncology and pharmacology. It is a prerequisite for modules at FHEQ level 6 including BMS3054 (Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology), BMS3102 (Advanced Topics in Cellular and Molecular Immunology) and BMS3104 (Applied Immunology).
The purpose of the module is to introduce the subject of Pharmacology. They will apply their knowledge of Biochemistry and Physiology to understand the mechanism of action of key current drugs. With a particular focus on the following systems: cardiovascular, neurological, anti-inflammatory, -infectives and -cancer. Students will also consider how the body deals with drugs, namely absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME).
The Module will cover a range of topics that will address analytical techniques in research and clinical laboratories, as well as addressing data analysis and statistics.
This module addresses the essential need for students to understand the concepts of the pathogenesis of major human diseases and provides students with important background knowledge to understand clinical (or analytical) medicine. The contents of this module bridge basic science with the pathology of human disease and medical science including the understanding of the principles of major organ diseases in the human body.
Students must choose one optional module in semester 1
Year 3 - MSci (Hons)
Semester 1
Core
A series of lectures covering the immunopathology, symptoms, treatment and diagnostic tests for range of clinically relevant diseases in the area of immunology and immunohaematology will be delivered by internal and external experts in the field thus aligning with the United Nation's sustainability development goal 3: Good health and wellbeing. This will include clinical immunology consultants, Biomedical Scientists and research active experts with the chance for students to interact with active practitioners in the field, highlighting employability prospects.. The focus of the coursework is on clinical case studies and is undertaken primarily as group work with a proportion of the marks based on individual and group work contribution assessment thus building resourcefulness and resilience. The coursework culminates in an oral presentation which builds on several empl.oyability skills.
The purpose of this module is for students to propose potential pharmacotherapeutic targets for conditions of their choice. Here the academic staff introduce a signaling pathway, group of receptors, channels, enzymes, they also provide some case studies of areas of targeting. Students then take this knowledge and build on it and through their own research propose a target.
The module provides a description and demonstration of how the application of the principles of microbial and biochemical sciences, studied elsewhere in the programme, can be used in the discovery, production, and manufacture of commercially important products for the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries, with examples and case studies and an intensive experimental section. The principles of genetic and physiological deregulation and overexpression of metabolic products that are discussed in the module build upon the analysis of metabolic pathways (studied in L4 and L5 Biochemistry modules) and the study of microbial diversity, metabolism and function (studied in L4 and L5 Microbiology modules), and complement concepts covered in the Level 6 modules BMS3092 Advanced Technologies in Gene Expression and BMS3070 Systems Biology: Genes in Action. The principles of biomedical and bioveterinary microbial product discovery, over-production and applications are compared to those of other microbial products (food, bioenergy, and (bio)chemical industries).
Systems Biology is widely accepted as a major future direction of biological research. The ethos of Systems Biology is to generate, analyse, and integrate multiple data sets for understanding and modelling a biological system. We want to know the components (molecules) of the system, how they work/interact together, and, ideally, have some quantitation: the abundance of a particular component and/or the rates of action/interaction. Due to technological advances within molecular biology, we are now able to obtain quantitative information about molecules within a biological system on both small and large scales. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the basic concepts of Systems Biology for health and disease. The module includes subjects relevant to prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems and is thus suitable for all bioscience students. Learning methods include: lectures, seminars, computer practical sessions, article discussion, workshops, and research and problem solving during both lectures and computer-based investigations.
Students will integrate what they have learnt in the previous modules, using their knowledge on Microbiology (BMS1026), Practical and Biomedical Bacteriology (BMS1035) and Medical Microbiology (BMS2085) The study of microbiology often involves learning about the properties of single species, but in nature microbes rarely exist in isolation and are instead part of a rich and diverse ecosystem. Together with their ability to communicate via chemical signalling, the world of microbes reveals interesting complexities with relevance to health and disease, and biotechnology.
Microbes can be categorised and studied according to a number of characteristics such as their physiology; pathogenicity, and cellular interaction with hosts. This module builds on those themes already covered on the bioscience programmes in dealing with the spread of microbes through populations, and features of host and vector populations that influence this spread.
Gives the student a broad understanding of cancer as an umbrella term for a complex set of different diseases unified by common cellular mechanisms. Students will examine the biological processes underlying cancer and develop an appreciation of a range of clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The emphasis is on human studies and clinical data, with animal studies and cancer-relevant pre-clinical models also presented.Students will also explore the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cancer research and clinical practice, including its application in areas such as histopathological analysis, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic decision-making. Emphasis will be placed on the critical evaluation and ethical use of AI tools, including considerations of bias, data integrity, transparency, and responsible academic practice.This module fits well within a biomedical sciences program.
The Neuroscience module is following the Neuroscience FHEQ Level 5 which provided the bases in Neuroscience. This second module will run over one semester and will provide students with a comprehensive research-led overview of several current hot topics in Neuroscience built around 4 intricate topics: neuroendocrinology, sleep, neuroplasticity and brain disorders. Emphasis will be placed on integration of knowledge from the different areas presented in the lectures. In addition, evaluation of skills for understanding, synthesis/analysis and interpretation and presentation of scientific data will be addressed throughout all research-led lectures and assessments.
The purpose of this module is to give students a clear view of how and where genetics is used in the ‘real world’. This module will build on the basics of molecular biology and genetics taught in Levels 4 and 5, and will expect students to utilise this prior knowledge and content given in lectures and in the problem-based learning assessments. This module requires application of understanding and problem solving skills.
Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology is the science of safety: It is the study of how exogenous chemicals enter and are disposed of by the body, and the effects that they can have on the organ systems of the body. Toxicology is designed to minimise the risk of harm to humans from exposure to any of the thousands of chemicals that we use every day. In this module, we will look at the basic mechanisms of how chemicals may cause harm to living organisms. We will look at a number of examples of target organ toxicity with reference to how drugs/xenobiotics are processed by the body. We will examine the mathematical patterns of drug administration and excretion and learn to explain these and determine their meaning, these concepts will be brought together through a series of case study workshops where mathematical data will be handled and examined.
The Biological Rhythms module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive, research-led overview of current topics in Biological Rhythms, with an emphasis on mammalian Chronobiology. The module builds on critical evaluation skills developed in previous modules, including appraisal and interpretation of scientific literature and evaluating current gaps in our knowledge. The module is delivered as a mix of lectures, online content, several tutorials and drop-in sessions in which knowledge is integrated and evaluated. The summative assessments of this module consists of a mid-module in-class test and a final exam, in which students apply skills in interpreting current knowledge, subject-specific concepts and methods gained in the module to develop forward-looking views that apply and validate research insights in real world conditions.
This module will explore advanced themes of virology research in the 21st century. Grounded in the specialties of our research-active virologists, this module will equip the students with the knowledge required to understand virus:host interactions at the cellular, host and systems level and the skills to critically evaluate virology research findings. This will build on and enhance the knowledge acquired at level 4 and 5 on general microbiology and virology and complement the global overview of human pathogens explored within the Immunology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases modules at level 6.
The final year research project develops practical, analytical, literature sourcing and presentation skills that have been acquired during the typical undergraduate degree programme. The projects provided as part of this module reflect topics and modes of research that are undertaken in the School of Biosciences based of the expertise of our academic staff and hence cover a wide variety of the United Nation¿s Sustainability Development Goals around health, the environment and hunger. Modes of research include laboratory-based; in silico; computational; fieldwork, data-analysis, and grant proposals.Research project allocations are usually made based on students¿ indication of their preferred projects from a catalogue provided at the start of the academic year.Students should liaise regularly with their supervisor(s) throughout the academic year as they progress with the research, building their independence as a researcher by searching for information, planning experiments/analysis approaches or formulating grant proposals, analysing data, drawing up conclusions and developing oral and written communication skills: all of which will help them develop employability competencies and skills.Students are expected undertake a critical review of the literature of their topic through literature searches and the use of bibliographic databases, which will help them to develop resourcefulness. Students will build up resilience by directly investigating a scientific question/hypothesis that may include designing their own approach or experimental plan (with support from the supervisor(s)) to investigate the question/hypothesis.The use of statistical software and other digital platforms/specialist analytical software for literature searching/meta-analysis etc will help students increase their digital capability. During any practical or skills development sessions, students will learn how to work in a laboratory, the value of resources, how to work in a laboratory environment and best practice to be sustainable, all of which will help them develop responsibility and global and cultural capabilitiesThe final sign-off for passing the Practical Skills Record is also incorporated into this module.
Students must choose two optional modules in Semester 1 and one optional module in Semester 2.
Year 4 - MSci (Hons)
Semester 1
Compulsory
In this module, students will work in teams and individually to evaluate and propose approaches to authentic, real-world, scenarios in biomedical research. The students will work with the academic facilitator to understand the basis of the research problem. The students will propose a critical experimental plan, incorporating a range of appropriate biochemical techniques. It is expected that the work will include details of cell lines or experimental models used, how experiments will be controlled, replicated, and evaluated, and which statistical models would be appropriate for the methods under discussion. We will keep a critical and evaluative research record of both team and individual efforts and students will have consolidation weeks to reflect on their experimental proposals and critically improve their work with our feedback. This module will require integration of knowledge you developed in the first 3 years of your program. In general, the module will help build valuable skills towards the Research Dissertation or Advanced Research Project Modules in this final year, as well as help you navigate challenges and scientific problems in your future workplace.
This module is designed to cover the pathogenesis aspects of a broad range of diseases that affect cells; tissues, and organs. Emphasis is placed on pathological conditions (both cancer and non-cancer disease) which are prevalent in various societies and cultures, and different genders, how these diseases emerge at molecular levels and what type of anomalies they cause together with the clinical challenge to detect and treat them. You will familiarise themselves with various clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques, together with research that aims to improve your understanding of these diseases at the cellular and molecular level and their diagnoses. This will be vital in developing critical thinking about disease aetiology, their progression and how they can be targeted through novel therapies. A range of transferrable and professional skills are included in the module, including pathological evaluation, and the use of reference ranges in identifying abnormal results. Expert lecturers (both clinically trained and basic scientists) will cover detailed case studies of different diseases, with assessments designed to encourage independent further study of diseases not covered in the main lecture Programme. This blend of lectures from expert clinicians/non-clinicians supplemented by highly focused tutorials will ensure that you not only develop an advanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the emergence of diseases but are able to assess, appraise, criticize, and formulate hypotheses on how to develop next generation of highly effective precision medicine-based treatment approaches for disease diagnosis and treatment. This module complements other modules at level 7, namely Molecular Medicine and Infectious diseases and provides an excellent synergy in developing critical thinking on disease diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutics.
The ability to appraise scientific literature and to communicate ideas is an academic and professional skill required across many areas of the biosciences. Journal clubs are convened in research and clinical environments and are used by professionals to continue to update knowledge of their disciplines and to maintain competencies as scientists; educators, and clinicians. The ability to distil and critique literature into a short review is also an important skill for the ongoing development of professionals in this area. By Level 7, students will already have a sound understanding of the importance of valid scientific information, and the role of the peer-review process in assuring rigour and integrity. This module develops skills in critical appraisal of scientific literature through a journal club whereby recent publications across a representative range of biomedical science disciplines are discussed in regular sessions facilitated by research students; post-doctoral, and academic staff. A literature review of an appropriate biomedical topic will further develop approaches to using online databases and selecting appropriate publications, together with writing skills. The progress of this piece of work is supported by one-to-one tutorials.
This is an introductory course on bioinformatics and data science aimed at medical and life sciences undergraduate and postgraduade students that did not have previous exposure to quantitative methodologies. There are no pre-requisites in terms of advanced algebra, calculus, probability theory, statistics or computer programming. Computer programming (coding) and data science are salient skills needed for securing academic and industry jobs. Worldwide, the bioinformatics job market has experienced robust growth over the last decade. In the UK, there is chronic deficit of bioinformaticians as documented by the government's "Full review of the Shortage Occupation List" Bioinformatics and Data Science underlies many academic disciplines and score highly among the most useful skills you will learn in your degree. In the Life and Health Sciences, Bioinformatics and Data Science is essential for epidemiologists, geneticists, biologists, and biomedical scientists to convert research questions into testable statistical models, and to produce interpretable, reproducible, and valid results. This module introduces both facets of study design and data analysis with the aim of enabling graduate students to independently make scientific investigations in a coherent and reproducible way, and to apply notions of causality, statistical inference, and artificial intelligence. It also provides practical hands-on experience conducting computational genomics and gene expression analyses, two bioinformatics skills in high demand worldwide
This module provides in-depth training in laboratory investigation and the associated skills that are at the heart of Level 7 studies: the aim of the program is to allow students to “develop critical and analytical skills such that they can identify problems, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, acquire and interpret data and draw conclusions.” These are implicit in the successful completion of a research project. Students are involved in the projects from their inception and may also continue with their Level 6 dissertation project provided that there is scope to create new hypotheses and avoid overlap with previous work – work to be assessed in this module must be completely distinct from any work assessed as part of Level 6 modules. During the extended research project students perform much of the work independently (although under academic supervision for guidance and support). The project will normally be laboratory based – alternatives include data analysis projects; bioinformatics, and in silico projects. They must contain a substantial proportion of original work and generate original data sets. Surveys, repetition of other work, or evaluation of test kits or other established procedures are not, in themselves, sufficient, although they may form the starting point for an acceptable project. The Advanced Research Project is designed to build upon undergraduate experience and to further develop research skills that enhance student employability within the Biomedical Sciences. Students will develop independent experimental design and critical data analysis skills and learn to present their results in both written and verbal formats. Students will acquire data analysis skills that will enhance their digital capabilities. They will gain experience of modern statistical analysis software and up-to-date digital bioinformatics tools. Projects could also include the development and application of coding such as R and Python for data analysis. Projects provided by academic research-active staff will reflect current state-of-the-art research being performed within the School, which is aligned with current global and cultural challenges in providing sustained lifelong health. Overall, the module is designed to provide our Biomedical Science MSci graduates with the scientific and research resourcefulness and resilience that will equip them with the necessary skills and experience for successful careers in Biomedical Science.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to microorganisms, to the main cellular processes they perform and to how their activities affect humans and the environment. The students learn about microorganisms that cause disease as well as those who have properties we exploit for the benefit of society. Finally through laboratory practical exercises, the students learn and practice a range of basic microbiological techniques, which are essential for the cultivation and study of microorganisms. This module provides students with key skills and a basic broad knowledge of microbiology; a fundamental discipline required for future endeavors in the fields of infectious disease, biotechnology, biomedical science, biological science and other medically-related fields.
This module introduces students to the structures within a cell and their functions, including an understanding of the processes by which cells divide and die. The module then considers how cell structure and function can be adapted to specialise cells for particular purposes, and begins to consider how different types of cell are able to interact with one another and their environment in order to form higher order structures such as tissues and organs. Overarching these themes are four practical classes which illustrate the way in which cells and tissues can be studied.
This module aims to begin the students on a journey to facilitate the communication and passion for their subject, enabling them to develop and refine communication skills for further study. The students are guided through the development of key employability skills such as literature querying, critical reading and referencing, towards the discovery of a range of highly of high profile topic for their own research. Working in groups, students choose a topic which constitute the focus of their assessment, and learn to leverage on team work and personal resilience. Through the production of a group presentation and an individual summary, students develop important competences in the science communication field which strengthen their employability and academic proficiency.
The purpose of this module is to give a broad introduction to the essential concepts of molecular biology and genetics that are critical to any undergraduate programme in biosciences. We will cover the central dogma of biology: how information is passed from DNA to RNA to protein, and how it is inherited throughout generations. We will examine how genomes are organized and the structure of a gene, initially focusing on prokaryotes. We will discuss the details of DNA replication, transcription and translation and examine some of the key concepts in gene regulation. Students will also be introduced to laboratory and bioinformatic techniques essential for the study of molecular biology. They will also hone their skills in scientific writing through the production of a laboratory report and short essay.
This module aims to introduce students from all backgrounds to the principles of regulation of homeostasis. It provides a foundational knowledge to which principles can be applied in the control of several model systems to maintain homeostasis. The content builds upon content from Cell Biology and Biochemistry in semester 1 of level 4 and this essential knowledge is utilised in multiple modules at levels 5 and 6. Students will develop their practical skills in a number of scenarios, including exercise physiology, use of digital technologies to determine and monitor physiological outputs relating to model systems covered in the content. Laboratory skills are further developed from semester 1, data analysis and use of graphing software is cemented using lab derived data.
This is a practical module, the aim of which, is to equip students with the critical technical skills used in bacteriology and to familiarize them with key diagnostic tests that are relevant to students on BSc programmes in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology and Biochemistry. This module builds upon critical concepts and practical techniques covered in BMS1026, and introduces students to a range of medically and environmentally globally important bacteria, and is a key module for the microbiology programme.
This module aims to introduce students from all backgrounds to the biological molecules that are essential to life. It provides a foundational knowledge of their structures and functions alongside when, where and how they are generated and broken down. The content builds up alongside content from Cell Biology and Physiology modules at this level to help you understand how these can be utilised at a cellular and organismal level and the conditions under which they are regulated. This provides an essential base upon which knowledge is utilised in multiple modules at levels 5 and 6. You will develop your awareness of the need for safety procedures, equipment and organisation in the laboratory, alongside the equipment that is needed to determine how processes in the module content occur and what conditions will affect these. You will learn to analyse data using appropriate software including a basic level of computer coding. Laboratory skills are build up throughout the module across both semesters, supporting you to become more independent, plan your experiments and be critical of your work and results, reflecting on how the results may change with refinements to the competency and type of experimental methods.
This Molecular biology/genetics module builds up on its first-year sister module BMS1047. The key difference from BMS1047 is that it focusses on eukaryotic molecular biology and techniques to evaluate various molecular biology processes, including more genome-wide aspects, and the significance of molecular biology mechanisms in the real world, for e.g., in cancer. Another key difference is that this module covers molecular biology in greater depth, in particular the regulatory aspects of molecular biology. Overall, you will develop oral and written communication skills in molecular biology and genetics and will be able to appreciate the differences between the eukaryotic and prokaryotic molecular systems. Lectures are covered in a block of the following six themes. Advanced human genetics/genomics à The lectures will cover the human genome, natural genetics variations, sequencing genes and genomes, the genotype-phenotype map to include Mendelian genetics/genetic diseases, the transmission of information, and the concept of recombination. Eukaryotic DNA replication à Packaging of DNA, its organization on chromosomes and alignment with the cell cycle (telomeres, crossing over/recombinant). Enzymes needed for DNA replication with a reflection of BMS1047, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, and techniques to study replication. Eukaryotic DNA transcription à Eukaryotic Cis and trans elements in transcription, post-transcription modifications of transcripts and molecular biology methods to study/quantify transcripts, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, enhancer/mediator complex, cDNA synthesis. control of transcription. Post-transcriptional regulation à Molecular mechanisms of splicing, polyadenylation (mechanisms); Cytoplasmic events: RNA export, localization, regulation by lnc/miRNAs, RNA decay. Eukaryotic mRNA translation à Eukaryotic regulation, global and specific regulation of transcription. Techniques to study Eukaryotic translation. regulation of translation by the proteasome. Application of human genetic inheritance and gene expression in cancer, errors in DNA replication & their correction. Practical componentà RNA extraction & quantification, reverse transcription and RT-PCR followed by electrophoresis.
This module aims to build upon the principles of feedback and basic systems covered at level 4. In this module we go into greater depth about the homeostatic control through the use of nervous, endocrine and other control mechanisms. Students will build upon biochemical principles of receptors and second messengers as key components of feedback mechanisms, applying this to whole-body regulation. Investigation and integration of multiple systems and their response to the same mediator is an essential part of this module. Students will develop their oral and written communication skills within a scientific discipline, enabling them to explain & extrapolate both theoretical knowledge & perform data analysis.
This module is designed to develop an understanding of concepts of bacteriology, protozoology mycology, and virology, with a particular emphasis on pathogenic microbes. Each lecture or group of lectures studies a particular group of microbes. These pathogens are chosen as representative on the basis of their biological characteristics, and also from a global perspective. The module also includes tutorial discussions and laboratory practical classes to further develop deeper understanding and broader application of the topics included in this module. Laboratory sessions will aid your understanding of the theory and enable development of practical and employability skills.
This module aims to build upon the fundamental biochemical principles covered at Level 4 (BMS1066/1067), focussing on the biochemical principles of regulation of intermediary metabolism (carbohydrates and lipids) in health and disease. The module will also build on the importance of cell membranes and intracellular signaling pathways in regulating metabolic feedback mechanisms. Investigation of the biochemical basis of metabolic disorders, with a primary focus on Diabetes mellitus, is an essential part of this module. Students will further develop their scientific and digital technology literacy and communication skills, enabling them to generate protein structure using AI-driven software and evaluate protein structure-function relationships in the context of health and disease.
This module is designed to introduce the structure and function of the nervous system in animals and humans.Students will develop an advanced understanding of selected aspects of the nervous system and brain function.The module focuses on providing information across different levels of explanation, including single molecules, cellular, neuronal networks and complex behaviours. Students will develop their skills in understanding and synthesising scientific knowledge by presenting published neuroscientific results in video, poster, or essay format.
The purpose of this module is to provide a conceptual understanding of the key principles of human immunology, including the immune response to infection and foreign antigens. Such an understanding is crucial in many other parts of the programme, including the pathogenicity of infectious disease, oncology and pharmacology. It is a prerequisite for modules at FHEQ level 6 including BMS3054 (Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology), BMS3102 (Advanced Topics in Cellular and Molecular Immunology) and BMS3104 (Applied Immunology).
The purpose of the module is to introduce the subject of Pharmacology. They will apply their knowledge of Biochemistry and Physiology to understand the mechanism of action of key current drugs. With a particular focus on the following systems: cardiovascular, neurological, anti-inflammatory, -infectives and -cancer. Students will also consider how the body deals with drugs, namely absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME).
The Module will cover a range of topics that will address analytical techniques in research and clinical laboratories, as well as addressing data analysis and statistics.
This module addresses the essential need for students to understand the concepts of the pathogenesis of major human diseases and provides students with important background knowledge to understand clinical (or analytical) medicine. The contents of this module bridge basic science with the pathology of human disease and medical science including the understanding of the principles of major organ diseases in the human body.
Module selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Students must choose one optional module in semester 1
Year 3 - MSci (Hons) with placement
Semester 1
Core
A series of lectures covering the immunopathology, symptoms, treatment and diagnostic tests for range of clinically relevant diseases in the area of immunology and immunohaematology will be delivered by internal and external experts in the field thus aligning with the United Nation's sustainability development goal 3: Good health and wellbeing. This will include clinical immunology consultants, Biomedical Scientists and research active experts with the chance for students to interact with active practitioners in the field, highlighting employability prospects.. The focus of the coursework is on clinical case studies and is undertaken primarily as group work with a proportion of the marks based on individual and group work contribution assessment thus building resourcefulness and resilience. The coursework culminates in an oral presentation which builds on several empl.oyability skills.
The purpose of this module is for students to propose potential pharmacotherapeutic targets for conditions of their choice. Here the academic staff introduce a signaling pathway, group of receptors, channels, enzymes, they also provide some case studies of areas of targeting. Students then take this knowledge and build on it and through their own research propose a target.
The module provides a description and demonstration of how the application of the principles of microbial and biochemical sciences, studied elsewhere in the programme, can be used in the discovery, production, and manufacture of commercially important products for the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries, with examples and case studies and an intensive experimental section. The principles of genetic and physiological deregulation and overexpression of metabolic products that are discussed in the module build upon the analysis of metabolic pathways (studied in L4 and L5 Biochemistry modules) and the study of microbial diversity, metabolism and function (studied in L4 and L5 Microbiology modules), and complement concepts covered in the Level 6 modules BMS3092 Advanced Technologies in Gene Expression and BMS3070 Systems Biology: Genes in Action. The principles of biomedical and bioveterinary microbial product discovery, over-production and applications are compared to those of other microbial products (food, bioenergy, and (bio)chemical industries).
Systems Biology is widely accepted as a major future direction of biological research. The ethos of Systems Biology is to generate, analyse, and integrate multiple data sets for understanding and modelling a biological system. We want to know the components (molecules) of the system, how they work/interact together, and, ideally, have some quantitation: the abundance of a particular component and/or the rates of action/interaction. Due to technological advances within molecular biology, we are now able to obtain quantitative information about molecules within a biological system on both small and large scales. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the basic concepts of Systems Biology for health and disease. The module includes subjects relevant to prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems and is thus suitable for all bioscience students. Learning methods include: lectures, seminars, computer practical sessions, article discussion, workshops, and research and problem solving during both lectures and computer-based investigations.
Students will integrate what they have learnt in the previous modules, using their knowledge on Microbiology (BMS1026), Practical and Biomedical Bacteriology (BMS1035) and Medical Microbiology (BMS2085) The study of microbiology often involves learning about the properties of single species, but in nature microbes rarely exist in isolation and are instead part of a rich and diverse ecosystem. Together with their ability to communicate via chemical signalling, the world of microbes reveals interesting complexities with relevance to health and disease, and biotechnology.
Microbes can be categorised and studied according to a number of characteristics such as their physiology; pathogenicity, and cellular interaction with hosts. This module builds on those themes already covered on the bioscience programmes in dealing with the spread of microbes through populations, and features of host and vector populations that influence this spread.
Gives the student a broad understanding of cancer as an umbrella term for a complex set of different diseases unified by common cellular mechanisms. Students will examine the biological processes underlying cancer and develop an appreciation of a range of clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The emphasis is on human studies and clinical data, with animal studies and cancer-relevant pre-clinical models also presented.Students will also explore the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cancer research and clinical practice, including its application in areas such as histopathological analysis, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic decision-making. Emphasis will be placed on the critical evaluation and ethical use of AI tools, including considerations of bias, data integrity, transparency, and responsible academic practice.This module fits well within a biomedical sciences program.
The Neuroscience module is following the Neuroscience FHEQ Level 5 which provided the bases in Neuroscience. This second module will run over one semester and will provide students with a comprehensive research-led overview of several current hot topics in Neuroscience built around 4 intricate topics: neuroendocrinology, sleep, neuroplasticity and brain disorders. Emphasis will be placed on integration of knowledge from the different areas presented in the lectures. In addition, evaluation of skills for understanding, synthesis/analysis and interpretation and presentation of scientific data will be addressed throughout all research-led lectures and assessments.
The purpose of this module is to give students a clear view of how and where genetics is used in the ‘real world’. This module will build on the basics of molecular biology and genetics taught in Levels 4 and 5, and will expect students to utilise this prior knowledge and content given in lectures and in the problem-based learning assessments. This module requires application of understanding and problem solving skills.
Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology is the science of safety: It is the study of how exogenous chemicals enter and are disposed of by the body, and the effects that they can have on the organ systems of the body. Toxicology is designed to minimise the risk of harm to humans from exposure to any of the thousands of chemicals that we use every day. In this module, we will look at the basic mechanisms of how chemicals may cause harm to living organisms. We will look at a number of examples of target organ toxicity with reference to how drugs/xenobiotics are processed by the body. We will examine the mathematical patterns of drug administration and excretion and learn to explain these and determine their meaning, these concepts will be brought together through a series of case study workshops where mathematical data will be handled and examined.
The Biological Rhythms module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive, research-led overview of current topics in Biological Rhythms, with an emphasis on mammalian Chronobiology. The module builds on critical evaluation skills developed in previous modules, including appraisal and interpretation of scientific literature and evaluating current gaps in our knowledge. The module is delivered as a mix of lectures, online content, several tutorials and drop-in sessions in which knowledge is integrated and evaluated. The summative assessments of this module consists of a mid-module in-class test and a final exam, in which students apply skills in interpreting current knowledge, subject-specific concepts and methods gained in the module to develop forward-looking views that apply and validate research insights in real world conditions.
This module will explore advanced themes of virology research in the 21st century. Grounded in the specialties of our research-active virologists, this module will equip the students with the knowledge required to understand virus:host interactions at the cellular, host and systems level and the skills to critically evaluate virology research findings. This will build on and enhance the knowledge acquired at level 4 and 5 on general microbiology and virology and complement the global overview of human pathogens explored within the Immunology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases modules at level 6.
The final year research project develops practical, analytical, literature sourcing and presentation skills that have been acquired during the typical undergraduate degree programme. The projects provided as part of this module reflect topics and modes of research that are undertaken in the School of Biosciences based of the expertise of our academic staff and hence cover a wide variety of the United Nation¿s Sustainability Development Goals around health, the environment and hunger. Modes of research include laboratory-based; in silico; computational; fieldwork, data-analysis, and grant proposals.Research project allocations are usually made based on students¿ indication of their preferred projects from a catalogue provided at the start of the academic year.Students should liaise regularly with their supervisor(s) throughout the academic year as they progress with the research, building their independence as a researcher by searching for information, planning experiments/analysis approaches or formulating grant proposals, analysing data, drawing up conclusions and developing oral and written communication skills: all of which will help them develop employability competencies and skills.Students are expected undertake a critical review of the literature of their topic through literature searches and the use of bibliographic databases, which will help them to develop resourcefulness. Students will build up resilience by directly investigating a scientific question/hypothesis that may include designing their own approach or experimental plan (with support from the supervisor(s)) to investigate the question/hypothesis.The use of statistical software and other digital platforms/specialist analytical software for literature searching/meta-analysis etc will help students increase their digital capability. During any practical or skills development sessions, students will learn how to work in a laboratory, the value of resources, how to work in a laboratory environment and best practice to be sustainable, all of which will help them develop responsibility and global and cultural capabilitiesThe final sign-off for passing the Practical Skills Record is also incorporated into this module.
Module selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Students must choose two optional modules in Semester 1 and one optional module in Semester 2.
Professional Training Year (PTY)
Semester 1 & 2
Core
Students have the option to undertake a work placement, study exchange abroad, or work/study exchange combination. This module supports students' development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment in diverse global contexts. The module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning, and is a process that involves self-reflection, documented via the creation of a personal record, planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal objectives. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement/study exchange, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement/study exchange experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written and presentation skills.
In this module, students will work in teams and individually to evaluate and propose approaches to authentic, real-world, scenarios in biomedical research. The students will work with the academic facilitator to understand the basis of the research problem. The students will propose a critical experimental plan, incorporating a range of appropriate biochemical techniques. It is expected that the work will include details of cell lines or experimental models used, how experiments will be controlled, replicated, and evaluated, and which statistical models would be appropriate for the methods under discussion. We will keep a critical and evaluative research record of both team and individual efforts and students will have consolidation weeks to reflect on their experimental proposals and critically improve their work with our feedback. This module will require integration of knowledge you developed in the first 3 years of your program. In general, the module will help build valuable skills towards the Research Dissertation or Advanced Research Project Modules in this final year, as well as help you navigate challenges and scientific problems in your future workplace.
This module is designed to cover the pathogenesis aspects of a broad range of diseases that affect cells; tissues, and organs. Emphasis is placed on pathological conditions (both cancer and non-cancer disease) which are prevalent in various societies and cultures, and different genders, how these diseases emerge at molecular levels and what type of anomalies they cause together with the clinical challenge to detect and treat them. You will familiarise themselves with various clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques, together with research that aims to improve your understanding of these diseases at the cellular and molecular level and their diagnoses. This will be vital in developing critical thinking about disease aetiology, their progression and how they can be targeted through novel therapies. A range of transferrable and professional skills are included in the module, including pathological evaluation, and the use of reference ranges in identifying abnormal results. Expert lecturers (both clinically trained and basic scientists) will cover detailed case studies of different diseases, with assessments designed to encourage independent further study of diseases not covered in the main lecture Programme. This blend of lectures from expert clinicians/non-clinicians supplemented by highly focused tutorials will ensure that you not only develop an advanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the emergence of diseases but are able to assess, appraise, criticize, and formulate hypotheses on how to develop next generation of highly effective precision medicine-based treatment approaches for disease diagnosis and treatment. This module complements other modules at level 7, namely Molecular Medicine and Infectious diseases and provides an excellent synergy in developing critical thinking on disease diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutics.
The ability to appraise scientific literature and to communicate ideas is an academic and professional skill required across many areas of the biosciences. Journal clubs are convened in research and clinical environments and are used by professionals to continue to update knowledge of their disciplines and to maintain competencies as scientists; educators, and clinicians. The ability to distil and critique literature into a short review is also an important skill for the ongoing development of professionals in this area. By Level 7, students will already have a sound understanding of the importance of valid scientific information, and the role of the peer-review process in assuring rigour and integrity. This module develops skills in critical appraisal of scientific literature through a journal club whereby recent publications across a representative range of biomedical science disciplines are discussed in regular sessions facilitated by research students; post-doctoral, and academic staff. A literature review of an appropriate biomedical topic will further develop approaches to using online databases and selecting appropriate publications, together with writing skills. The progress of this piece of work is supported by one-to-one tutorials.
This is an introductory course on bioinformatics and data science aimed at medical and life sciences undergraduate and postgraduade students that did not have previous exposure to quantitative methodologies. There are no pre-requisites in terms of advanced algebra, calculus, probability theory, statistics or computer programming. Computer programming (coding) and data science are salient skills needed for securing academic and industry jobs. Worldwide, the bioinformatics job market has experienced robust growth over the last decade. In the UK, there is chronic deficit of bioinformaticians as documented by the government's "Full review of the Shortage Occupation List" Bioinformatics and Data Science underlies many academic disciplines and score highly among the most useful skills you will learn in your degree. In the Life and Health Sciences, Bioinformatics and Data Science is essential for epidemiologists, geneticists, biologists, and biomedical scientists to convert research questions into testable statistical models, and to produce interpretable, reproducible, and valid results. This module introduces both facets of study design and data analysis with the aim of enabling graduate students to independently make scientific investigations in a coherent and reproducible way, and to apply notions of causality, statistical inference, and artificial intelligence. It also provides practical hands-on experience conducting computational genomics and gene expression analyses, two bioinformatics skills in high demand worldwide
This module provides in-depth training in laboratory investigation and the associated skills that are at the heart of Level 7 studies: the aim of the program is to allow students to “develop critical and analytical skills such that they can identify problems, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, acquire and interpret data and draw conclusions.” These are implicit in the successful completion of a research project. Students are involved in the projects from their inception and may also continue with their Level 6 dissertation project provided that there is scope to create new hypotheses and avoid overlap with previous work – work to be assessed in this module must be completely distinct from any work assessed as part of Level 6 modules. During the extended research project students perform much of the work independently (although under academic supervision for guidance and support). The project will normally be laboratory based – alternatives include data analysis projects; bioinformatics, and in silico projects. They must contain a substantial proportion of original work and generate original data sets. Surveys, repetition of other work, or evaluation of test kits or other established procedures are not, in themselves, sufficient, although they may form the starting point for an acceptable project. The Advanced Research Project is designed to build upon undergraduate experience and to further develop research skills that enhance student employability within the Biomedical Sciences. Students will develop independent experimental design and critical data analysis skills and learn to present their results in both written and verbal formats. Students will acquire data analysis skills that will enhance their digital capabilities. They will gain experience of modern statistical analysis software and up-to-date digital bioinformatics tools. Projects could also include the development and application of coding such as R and Python for data analysis. Projects provided by academic research-active staff will reflect current state-of-the-art research being performed within the School, which is aligned with current global and cultural challenges in providing sustained lifelong health. Overall, the module is designed to provide our Biomedical Science MSci graduates with the scientific and research resourcefulness and resilience that will equip them with the necessary skills and experience for successful careers in Biomedical Science.
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including:
Data analysis exercises
Essays
Examinations
Practical write-ups
Presentations.
For a full breakdown of modular assessments, please see the module table (above).
General course information
Contact hours
You will spend a significant part of your first year in laboratory-based practicals. This will be around a quarter of your total contact time throughout your second year.
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable during Welcome Week. In later semesters, at least one week before the start of the semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
94%
Employability
Of our biosciences graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2026, HESA)
This course is designed to prepare for you for a career in a wide variety of sectors including research, healthcare, academia and industry. On successful completion of your studies, you’ll have the academic requirements needed to register for the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio as a route to becoming an HCPC-registered biomedical scientist.
With a Biomedical Science degree you could take a role such as:
Biomedical scientist
Clinical research associate
Clinical trial coordinator
Data scientist
Drug safety specialist
Laboratory analyst.
Our alumni can be found in hospital, academic and industrial research laboratories around the world, with recent graduates working for:
AstraZeneca
Cancer Research UK
Great Ormond Street Hospital
Queen Mary University of London
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
University of Oxford.
Many students also use this course to apply for further study including masters and PhD programmes, and graduate dentistry and medicine programmes.
Our School of Medicine offers a four-year graduate-entry Medicine BMBS course. You’ll have access to our state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Centre and our new Centre for Anatomical and Surgical Education (CASE) and gain extensive experience in clinical placements with our partner NHS trusts and primary care providers. On successful completion of the course, you will have the academic requirements to begin practising as a foundation doctor in the UK or abroad.
You’ll benefit from hands-on learning in our £12.5 million Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory, where you will conduct experiments and follow scientific protocols.
The Laboratory is fitted with the latest industry equipment which you’ll use to conduct a full range of experiments. You’ll complete your first practical within your first two weeks.
The time you spend in our facilities will give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with biomedical science methodology and develop the practical laboratory experience that’s essential in a research career and valued by a wide range of employers.
In your final year, depending on your research project, you may also get to our dissertation laboratory.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language (1/2) 6 or English Language 3 (7) and Mathematics 6.
BSc (Hons):
QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit - 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit.
Required subjects: 15 credits in Biology or Chemistry and 15 credits in another science subject.
MSci (Hons):
QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall including 39 at Distinction and 6 at Merit.
Required subjects: 15 credits in Biology or Chemistry and 15 credits in another science subject.
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall including 21 at Distinction, 3 at Merit and 21 at Pass.
Required subjects: modules must be in relevant subjects.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C).
BSc (Hons):
AABBB-ABBBB
Required subjects: Biology or Chemistry and another science or mathematics subject.
MSci (Hons):
AAABB
Required subjects: Biology or Chemistry and another science or mathematics subject.
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
BBBCC
Required subjects: a science subject.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at grade C (Scottish National 5).
BSc (Hons):
Pass overall with ABB-BBB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels.
Required subjects: A-level Biology or Chemistry and an A-level in another science or mathematics subject.
MSci (Hons):
Pass overall AAB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels.
Required subjects: A-level Biology or Chemistry and an A-level in another science or mathematics subject.
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
Pass overall with CCC from a combination of the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels.
Required subjects: an A-level in a science subject.
A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants taking the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C).
BSc (Hons):
Distinction overall, with C in the Core Component.
Required subjects: Science.
MSci (Hons):
N/A
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
Pass overall, with D in the Core Component.
Required subjects: Science.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C).
Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer for this programme, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects.
Applicants can only receive one grade reduction from the published grades, an EPQ grade reduction can’t be applied in addition to other grade reductions made through other schemes such as Contextual Admissions or In2Surrey.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
International Foundation Year
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements for this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
If you are a suitable candidate you may be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Contextual offers
Did you know eligible students receive support through their application to Surrey, which could include a grade reduction on offer?
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all undergraduate courses.
Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule.
Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be during October to November of each academic year).
50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices. Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis cannot pay fees by instalment.
Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
Additional costs
Safety equipment and/or uniform: £24 – equipment pack (includes laboratory coat, laboratory glasses, laboratory books, pen and bag). You are responsible for the costs associated with maintaining/washing/replacing any equipment.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
We have thousands of placement providers to choose from, most of which offer pay. So, become one of our many students who have had their lives and career choices transformed.
Statistics
Placement Statistics
92%
of students who did a placement entered into graduate level employment*
80%
of placements are paid, with 60% paying between £18,000 - £30,000
48%
of our students have been offered a graduate role from their placement provider**
*Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA
**Professional training year returners survey 2024
Biomedical science placements
You can choose to work for a range of employers, including pharmaceutical companies, NHS hospitals and academic institutions, to practise and enhance your skills.
We offer placements in IBMS-approved laboratories, which means that, once the placement is completed, you can register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a biomedical scientist.
Previous students have gained placements with:
AstraZeneca UK
Birkbeck–UCL Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology
Deloitte
GSK
Sanofi
Syngenta
Synnovis
UK Health Security Agency
UK NHS trusts and pathology services.
We also have an extensive number of partner institutions that offer placements exclusively to Surrey students, giving you access to research laboratories across the world. Explore your options via our search tool and find out more about our current partner universities and organisations.
You can also develop your transferrable skills by working in other fields, such as scientific communications, marketing, and data analysis.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University. But we offer support and guidance throughout the process, with access to a vacancy site of placement opportunities.
"I had a fantastic time during my placement at AstraZeneca. I developed invaluable professional and scientific skills, and it inspired me to pursue a career in biopharmaceutical research and development."
Studying at Surrey opens a world of opportunity. Take advantage of our study and work abroad partnerships, explore the world, and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
The opportunities abroad vary depending on the course, but options include study exchanges, work/research placements, summer programmes, and recent graduate internships. Financial support is available through various grants and bursaries, as well as Student Finance.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With 140+ opportunities in 36+ different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone. Explore your options via our search tool and find out more about our current partner universities and organisations.
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
We provide these terms and conditions at the offer stage. You will be asked to accept these when you accept the offer made to you. You will be provided with these terms and conditions again at registration by way of reminder.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate; some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
