Biomedical Sciences BSc

University of Nottingham

Course overview

This flexible course focuses on optimising health and performance throughout life, developing your problem-solving abilities to critically analyse and address real-world biomedical challenges, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing for all at all ages.

Youll study various disciplines of biomedical sciences including anatomy, genetics, pharmacology, immunology, and biochemistry, all taught by experts at the forefront of their fields and drawing on the latest innovations and developments.

Ensuring youre fully prepared for a career in health and disease, youll also acquire skills essential for collaboration including professional behaviour, teamwork and communication. Our course will also help you understand the ethical considerations and responsibilities associated with biomedical research, emphasising sustainability and societal impact.

Year one of your studies will focus on building your core discipline knowledge, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, cell biology and pathology, while looking at emerging and important topics in science and society. Youll commence basic laboratory skills training as well as practical human physiology measurements such as nerve conduction testing and spirometry. Youll also learn core academic skills including academic communication, study skills, digital skills, team working and experimental design and statistics.

In year two youll advance your knowledge of core disciplines and be introduced to immunology, microbiology and genetics, as well as a focus on the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system throughout life. You will further your key skills including in digital and data analysis. Optional modules will allow you to focus on areas of interest to you.

Year three will see you undertake a year-long research project, which can include lab-based, bioinformatics, data analysis and systematic review/audit projects. Youll develop your skills of scientific enquiry, literature review, experimental design, critical analysis and more. Youll also gain an in-depth consideration of contemporary issues in science and how it interacts with wider society, as well as continuing to design your own learning through optional modules.

Careers overview

Biomedical Sciences is crucial for advancing medical knowledge, improving diagnostic and developing new treatments to improve human health. It also plays a crucial role in public health, epidemiology and medical innovation.

During your degree, as well as gaining subject-specific knowledge you will also be equipped with essential attributes, knowledge and skills for a range of scientific and non-scientific careers. These include interprofessional skills, critical thinking, communication, teamwork and leadership.

These skills are reinforced through hands-on experiences such as the capstone project and the opportunity for a summer placement during your degree. You also have the chance to gain international experience through study abroad programmes - previous students have studied at the University of Melbourne, the University of Hong Kong and Kyoto University, Japan.

Companies where our students have been on placement before include GSK, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, Procter & Gamble, Notts County and Nottingham Forest. These industry connections help prepare you for careers in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, research and business sectors.