B940 BSc Biomedical Sciences (3 yrs)
Investigating potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, finding the causes of cystic fibrosis, improving our understanding of cancer – just a few of the vital areas where biomedical science is making a difference today.
Biomedical scientists study the mechanisms of life and the underlying causes of disease, and seek to develop and improve treatments for populations of patients.
Our Biomedical Sciences degree is one of our most flexible programmes, allowing you to combine interests in biochemistry, physiology, neuroscience, cell biology, genetics and pharmacology. The emphasis is on the science that underpins and advances clinical practice, rather than the technical basis of routine laboratory tests. Human disease is studied at all levels, from genetic mutations through organ degeneration, such as the brain in Alzheimer’s disease, up to whole-body metabolic disorders like diabetes. The programme offers an ideal preparation for a graduate career in medicine, clinicallyrelated professions or a career in clinical or medical research.
Our staff are involved in research in the molecular basis of disease, oncology, developmental biology, neurophysiology, epilepsy, brain damage and recovery relating to stroke, and we have exceptionally good research facilities which you will be able to access during your third year project.
Career opportunities
Business, legal or management roles in health care and health and safety
Clinical research organisations running clinical trials and survey
Graduate entry to medical school
Graduate assistant role to physicians or other health professionals
Laboratory science in NGOs and voluntary services overseas
Laboratory scientist in forensic, pathology, veterinary, toxicology or haematology laboratory
Research in academic, pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors
Science writer or journalist in biological and biomedical topics
Teaching science nationally and internationally
Key facts
Flexible, interdisciplinary programme, with opportunity to choose options from other disciplines alongside core modules
Excellent reputation for teaching and internationally acclaimed research
Solid foundation for graduate entry to medicine.
Michelle Joyner, BSc Biomedical Sciences, mature student“My third year project was in microbiology, researching the bacteria which are predominantly responsible for causing lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Now I’m really passionate about learning more about parasitic infections, which affect whole populations in third world countries.”
Typical entry requirements
GCSEs:
UK applicants should have grades A-C in English, Mathematics and Science.
A Levels:
Three A-level passes, excluding General Studies, are required:
- If offering 2 or 3 science A levels: Grades ABB from 3 A levels.
- If offering one science A level (Chemistry): Grades AAB with grade A in Chemistry.
For exceptional students with a single science A level plus two additional non-science subjects, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will require an interview.
Chemistry must be offered at A-level, at either grade B with at least one other A-level science subject, or grade A for applicants with a single A-level science subject. Other science subjects considered include Biology or Human Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Environmental Science and Geology.
IB:
32 points, 16 at higher level including two higher level science subjects; Chemistry 6 points at higher level.
Other applicants:
Applicants with alternative UK or EU qualifications, international applicants and those interested in part-time study should first refer to the general entry requirements.
Selection process:
Intake: 110
Average applicants per place: 8
Selection is normally based on actual or predicted grades plus the reference and personal statement on your UCAS application. Exceptionally we may ask you to come for an interview before making an offer.
Visit our International Office website or the NARIC website for further information on qualifications.
Typical course content
To be able to take certain optional modules in Years 2 or 3, you may need to have passed specified modules previously.
Year 1
In addition to the compulsory units below, you will take two level one modules of Chemistry CHEM1002 Chemistry for Biological Scientists I and CHEM1007 Chemistry for Biological Scientists II.
Semester One
Compulsory:
- BIOL1007
- The molecular basis of life I
- BIOL1011
- Foundations of physiology I
- BIOL1020
- Bioanalysis
Semester Two
Compulsory:
Year 2
In addition to the compulsory modules, you will take two optional modules in each semester normally taken from the choices below including a free elective from any other discipline.
Semester One
Compulsory:
- BIOL2010
- The flow of genetic information
- BIOL2014
- Neuroscience
Optional:
- BIOL2003
- Animal reproduction and development
- BIOL2012
- Exploring proteins
- BIOL2016
- Pharmacology A
- BIOL2006
- Integrated animal behaviour
- BIOL2008
- Quantitative methods in biological and environmental science
Semester Two
Compulsory:
- BIOL2011
- Molecular cell biology
- BIOL2022
- Immunology, infection and inflammation
Optional:
- BIOL2013
- Molecular biology
- BIOL2017
- Pharmacology B
- BIOL2018
- Comparative physiology and biochemistry
Year 3
In addition to the modules listed below, in Year 3 you will also take one of the following compulsory combinations:
- In-depth research project (BIOL3034) or
- Literature research project (BIOL3031) and second literature research project (BIOL3032) or
- Short research project (BIOL3050) and literature research project (BIOL3032)
You can take up to two optional modules in each semester normally taken from the choices below including a free elective from any other discipline.
Semester One
Compulsory:
- BIOL3014
- Molecular cell biology
Optional:
- BIOL3012
- Cell membranes
- BIOL3015
- Genes and genetic diseases
- BIOL3021
- Cellular and molecular neuroscience
- BIOL3026
- Pathophysiology of the lung
- BIOL3027
- Selective toxicity
- BIOL3037
- Immunology
- BIOL3043
- Cellular and molecular pathology
- BIOL3054
- Nutrition in health and disease
Semester Two
Compulsory:
Optional:
- BIOL3017
- Molecular basis of disease
- BIOL3013
- Molecular recognition
- BIOL3018
- Molecular pharmacology
- BIOL3020
- Systems neuroscience
- BIOL3025
- Neuropharmacology of CNS disorders
- BIOL3044
- Maternal, fetal and neonatal physiology
- BIOL3048
- Neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases
- BIOL3052
- Biotechnology and therapeutics
- BIOL3055
- Hot topics in nutrition and health
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide).
The academic year
Eight modular units are taken each academic year, four in semester one and four in semester two. A unit normally consists of two lectures a week plus a three-hour practical on alternate weeks. Practicals and other components of in-course assessment make up 25% of your final mark for the year. We also provide workshops and pastoral tutorials in which you can get specific help on the content of your lectures. Each week students therefore attend eight 45-minute lectures, an average of two 2 to 3 hour practical classes and may also attend a small group tutorial, which should take up to two hours to prepare.
Examinations are held in the two weeks after each semester, in January and June. The marks for the first year do not count towards the final degree classification, but you do have to gain an overall pass in your first year. Currently the second year counts 35% towards the degree and the third year 65%.
The tutorial system
Every student is assigned a personal tutor when they start their university degree. Your course tutor changes every semester, but your personal tutor will stay the same throughout your time here. Your personal tutor will meet you when you enrol, and you will see him/her three or four times a term in the first year, for academic as well as pastoral support. He or she is accessible throughout your time in Southampton.
Research
Our research is relevant to your undergraduate course because you will be taught by people who are experts in their area of research. This is especially important for science subjects, where knowledge is advancing rapidly. This is particularly true for your final year.
In your third year, you have the opportunity to do an individual research project in one of our research laboratories. You will use equipment bought for current research, and do a project designed to further your understanding of your topic.
Administration
We have our own team of administrators who act as a point of contact for day-to-day advice and information for undergraduate students. They are also responsible for collecting assignments and issuing the documents and forms which are required during your period of study.
Programme leader: Dr Karen Lillycrop
| Programme | UCAS/JACS Code | Programme length |
|---|---|---|
| BSc Biochemistry | C700 | 3 years |
| BSc Pharmacology | B210 | 3 years |
| BSc Biochemistry/Biomedical/Pharmacology with Foundation Year | CB71 | 4 years |