About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: C980
- Applications: UCAS
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: Normally 320 minimum
- Department: Applied Sciences
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: Three years full-time; four years sandwich
- Delivery: Part-time, full-time, sandwich
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Dr Carolyn Paul
Introduction
Features of the Biomedical Sciences course include:
- studies in the biology of disease.
- a range of module choices to suit your subject interests.
- placements in research labs and pharmaceutical companies both home and abroad
- research projects using state-of-the-art equipment.
- accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (www.ibms.org) and those graduating with honours are entitled to claim Licentiate Membership of the Institute.
- can be used to support an application for mature entry to medical school.
- a Graduate Development Programme which supports key skills and employability throughout the degree.
The course is designed for those interested in taking a hands-on approach to studying biology of disease, including relevant work experience in a supported placement.
You will select a variety of modules to study at an advanced level, working at the cutting edge of biomedical sciences using state-of-the-art equipment and learning support materials.
In Years 1 and 2, you will focus on modern biomedicine together with experimental design and data handling. Optional subject modules in Year 2 underpin the sandwich year and final year studies. Many of the modules are common to the other bioscience degrees, allowing you great flexibility in finalising the subjects you take on.
The University has also introduced a new BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science (Life Science) degree and a BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science (Physiological Science) degree. These degrees provide an integrated training placement route. Graduation with a BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) degree will enable you to apply to the Health Professions Council (HPC) for registration as a Biomedical Scientist to work within the NHS (www.hpc-uk.org).
Student's view
Andy, a 3rd year Biomedical Science student talks about the opportunities presented to him in his studies.
Structure
Teaching and learning
The Department of Applied Sciences is evolving a culture of student-centred learning, supported by learning packages and a web-based Virtual Learning Environment. Guided independent learning is encouraged and a framework is provided through lectures, seminars and tutorials. Practical classes are very important in supporting learning with both laboratory and computer-based sessions. In the final year, you will carry out an independent research project to seek new biomedical knowledge. Your research project will be undertaken with a tutor supervisor and may be carried out alongside his/her research team.
Your tutors are all engaged in research and other scholarly activity, working across the range of disciplines encompassed by biomedical sciences. They will support your learning and encourage you to develop as a biomedical scientist.
Assessment
The range of assessment methods includes both traditional approaches, such as essays and reports, and group tasks and presentations. You will work closely with students in your group and will be supported by both student advisers and a tutor. Overall, assessment is through both coursework and examinations.
Special Features
Professional accreditation
The BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS). Those graduating with honours are entitled to claim Licentiate Membership of the Institute.
Placements
The placement year allows you to gain valuable work experience and training in a specialised area of biomedical sciences. Students compete for placements by interview with major employers in the pharmaceutical or health care industry (such as Glaxo-Welcome, ICI, Novartis), government laboratories (for instance CAMR, Porton Down) and various university research centres. Many students choose to spend their year overseas, for example in the USA, Malaysia, Germany or Switzerland. The sandwich placement year equips graduates for future employment in biomedical sciences.
Study facilities
Laboratories are very well-equipped with a wide range of modern equipment, including specialist laboratories for histology, haematology and biochemistry housing kit for molecular biology, cell culture suites to support immunology, virology and microbiology and an extensive range of machines to measure human performance physiology. There are extensive facilities for microscopy, with an electron microscopy suite.
Careers/further study
As a science graduate you will find many career choices are open to you. Some seventy per cent of our graduates follow careers in biomedical sciences; in particular research and development work in the pharmaceutical and health care sectors.
Some graduates have used the BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science degree to successfully support their applications for mature entry to medicine degrees.
Many graduates choose further study, including MPhil/PhD research degrees or taught Master's courses. In addition to laboratory-based jobs, you may be engaged in management, marketing or other support areas. Some will use their science degree to follow careers in business, the media, law or the public sector.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read how Sara's experience of mentoring others helped her career choices.
Find out how Amanda progressed onto a medical degree.
Useful links
UWE - careers in science
Guardian - what to do with a degree in biosciences
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: Normally 320 minimum
- GCSE: English Language, Mathematics and Double Science at grade C or above.
- A-level subjects: Grade C or above in Biology or Chemistry, plus a pass in another science subject.
- Specific subjects: Biology, Chemistry
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of 15 level 3 credits at merit in Biology or Chemistry, and an additional 15 credits at merit in another Science subject; achievement of Level 2 credits giving GCSE equivalence in English Language, Mathematics and Science
- Baccalaureate IB: 27
Advice on typical offers
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about
entry requirements.
How to apply
Please see the general information about
applications.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011