BSc (Hons)
Biomedical Science
Study the latest diagnostic techniques
Course Overview
Why take this course?
Learn about health and disease by utilising the disciplines of molecular biology, histology, microbiology, immunology, haematology and biochemistry.
You will be trained in scientific techniques and technologies while building a comprehensive understanding of the biology of disease. Ultimately you will be able to conduct your own robust biomedical investigations and research.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Opt to join one of our internationally-recognised research groups and complete a final-year project
- Use our modern laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning
- Apply to the Erasmus exchange scheme which involves a summer research placement at a European university
What opportunities might it lead to?
Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), our graduates are scientists in training and possess many transferable skills, which opens up a range of careers to them. Alternatively, many choose to enrol on MSc and PhD programmes to continue pursuing the academic interests developed throughout their undergraduate studies.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
- scientific research
- teaching
- scientific writing and the media
- pharmaceutics
- instrumentation
- further study at medical school
I chose this course because of my love and passion for studying science, human anatomy and physiology and my dream to contribute greatly to our healthcare system.
Finbarr Bassuah, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science student
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- B940
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Entry
- BBB from 3 A levels to include Biology plus one other pure Science subject or Mathematics. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5. Other qualifications
- Fees
15/16 entry: UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £9,000 p/a*
15/16 entry: International full-time students: £13,100 p/a***Please note that the tuition fee may be subject to annual increase.
**Please note that the tuition fee is subject to annual increase.- Contact
- science.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 5550 - Department
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
- Programme specification
Subject:
Health Sciences and Social Work
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- The clinical and real-life learning approach that will equip you for your chosen career
- Our simulated environments that mean you’ll gain and practise the skills you’ll need before entering the workplace
- Approachable lecturers, many of whom are teacher practitioners
Visit us
Find out more
Structure & Teaching
Year one
A general introduction to university-level education and to the systems of the body and the diseases that affect them.
Core units in this year include:
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology
- Cells to Systems
- Pathological Sciences One
- Introduction to Laboratory Research
- Graduate Skills and Careers
- Laboratory Skills
Year two
In this year you will build on your knowledge, including a greater in-depth approach to the different biological disciplines.
Core units in this year include:
- Research Methods
- Applied Human Physiology
- Biomedical Toolbox
- Scientific Basis of Disease
- Pathological Sciences Two
Options to choose from in this year include:
- Development: How Form and Function Changes
- Language
- Health Effects of Nutrition and Exercise
- Protein Science
Year three
In your final year you will obtain an in-depth view of the body's systems and how they are affected in both health and disease:
Core units in this year include:
- Integrated Pathology
- Genetic Basis of Disease
- Pathological Sciences Three
- Research Project
Options to choose from in this year include:
- Clinical Research in Integrated Medicine
- Genes and Development
- Work-Based Learning
Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical laboratory work and guided reading. Our academic staff have expertise in clinical practice and research, and we provide a student-centred approach to teaching, with all units fully supported by online lecture and study materials.
How are you assessed?
On this course there is a balance of formal examinations and coursework assessment. Exams take place at the end of the academic year, whereas you will be expected to complete a range coursework throughout the year. Here’s how we assess your work:
- essays
- laboratory reports
- workshops
- poster presentations
- group work
- measures of practical competence
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Facilities & Features
Laboratories
Biomedical sciences is one of the University’s strongest areas of research
Specialist Software and Scientific Equipment
We have an outstanding array of microscopy facilities
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
Laboratories
Biomedical sciences is one of the University’s strongest areas of research with high-quality facilities to match. Here is a taste of what we have to offer:
- a formulation and drug-delivery lab
- chemical synthesis facilities
- molecular modelling facilities
Specialist Software and Scientific Equipment
We have an outstanding array of microscopy facilities and excellent analytical instrumentation facilities in our labs, including:
- confocal, electron and fluorescence microscopes
- live cell imaging
- spectroscopy equipment
- chromatography instruments
- an NMR machine
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
This course gives you the opportunity to use simulation, case studies and other forms of work-related learning to emulate professional practice – great preparation for when you graduate.
Many of our graduates begin careers in the pharmaceutical industry in areas such as production, marketing, analytical services, drug information and medical licensing. Others continue with postgraduate study in a range of biomedical disciplines or begin study at medical school.
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- researchers/research assistants
- NHS biomedical and clinical scientists
- medical writers
- teachers
- medical representatives
Work experience
At the final stage of your course, you’ll carry out a laboratory-based project with the opportunity to compete for a limited number of industry-based projects and Erasmus placements. Such opportunities help to develop your skills in laboratory research and confident presentation of scientific findings. This can be an important foundation if you intend to carry on postgraduate studies or research. It is also a great way to gain first-hand experience of industrial and professional environments.
If you are lucky enough to secure an Erasmus placement – ask anyone who has taken a study/work abroad programme and they will tell you that it was one of the best experiences of their university life. Living abroad is the best way to learn a new language or improve existing skills. This fun and challenging experience will not only improve your ability to communicate with a range of people, but you will become more adaptable and resilient – qualities that will undoubtedly make you stand out to future employers.
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 88 per cent of our 2013 graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Visit us
Our general University Open Days, before you apply, have now finished - but don't worry, most applicants will receive an invitation to a Department Open Day from February to April. There are also other options for visiting us....
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more