Biomedical Sciences (with a year in industry) BSc (Hons)

Biomedical Science looks at how the human body works, in both a healthy and diseased state. It also examines the body from the molecular level up to full body systems.

They are the sciences that support medicine and research. They help us understand the ways in which we can prevent and treat disease.

Why you should study this biomedical sciences course

Studying a BSc Biomedical Sciences degree can prepare you for a wide range of careers. For example, these could be in research, industry, healthcare, or academia.

You could work as a biomedical scientist in a research lab, or you could work in a healthcare setting. You could also work in the growing pharmaceutical industry, or go into teaching. You could also study a biomedical sciences degree as the first step towards a medical degree.

Flexibility is at the centre of our life sciences degrees. There is a shared curriculum in the first two years of our undergraduate courses. This lets you try a range of different areas, before focussing on the areas that interest you the most. They include:

• Biomedical Sciences
• Biological Sciences
• Biochemical Sciences
• Plant Sciences
• Bioinformatics.

This all helps you develop a wide range of knowledge and skills.

In later years you then choose from a range of modules in specialist areas you want to focus on. You may also be able to change to a different life sciences degree, such as neuroscience or pharmacology.

This course also allows you to spend a year working in industry. An example of this could be working in a commercial laboratory.

This year-long placement will help you get real-world skills and improve your CV. It also presents you with the opportunity to network and build relationships. This will positively impact your career after graduation.

What you will learn on this course

You start by learning key theories of biology. This takes you from the molecular level right up to full body systems and beyond.

In years one and two you'll explore core areas such as:

• genetics
• cell biology
• biological organisation
• molecular mechanisms and processes.

You'll develop your practical skills, including lab skills, data analysis, and experiment design.

In later years you'll focus on more detailed aspects of biomedical science. These include systems physiology and therapeutic approaches to the treatment of diseases. You'll have more space to choose modules in areas that interest you, including:

• cancer pharmacology and treatment
• developmental biology
• heart and circulation
• immunology
• neuroanatomy and neurodegenerative disorders
• sensory and motor neuroscience
• science communication.

The year in industry happens after year three of the main BSc degree. We'll support you to find a suitable placement. However, if a placement is not found, you can transfer to the standard four year BSc course.

Once your return to the final year of your BSc degree, you'll take part in a research project. This could be in one of the areas of world-class research taking place in our School of Life Sciences.

The benefits of studying biomedical sciences with us

In Life Sciences we do all we can to boost your career opportunities and give you the experience you need. This includes:

• giving you core skills in data analysis and lab safety
• offering a range of lab-based research traineeships or industry internships
• giving you options to study abroad for either a semester or a full year
• opportunities to take an extra year working in industry.

The Royal Society of Biology has accredited this biology degree. This means you get a solid foundation in biological science knowledge and key skills. It also means you are ready to address the needs of employers. This degree is not accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS).

With the right qualifications you may be able to get advanced entry into the second year of this Biomedical Sciences degree. This would reduce the time and cost of your degree.

The work of our world-leading life sciences researchers shapes what we teach and how we teach it. This means you'll get a good understanding of the fundamentals of the field. It also means that you will learn the latest advances and be well-prepared for life after your degree.

You can apply to work on your final year Honours project in one of our research labs here in Dundee. You'll get experience of working on real-world projects, trying to solve global problems.

We also have a wide range of other Life Sciences degrees to choose from.

This degree is not accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences.