Biomedical Science

You'll be taught human biology, exploring how the body and cells work, before moving on to learn about disease and pathology. Research skills are core to this Biomedical Science degree, and you'll develop practical laboratory skills as well as communication, teamworking and problem-solving skills, ensuring you'll graduate ready for the workplace or further study.

Year one
You'll be introduced to the essentials of anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology as well as cell biology and genetics. We focus on practical sessions to reinforce theoretical knowledge in the different areas, and help you develop confidence in key practical lab skills. You'll also gain a foundation in academic writing, data collection, analysis and communication.

Year two
You'll work on a team project with a focus on research and how to design and conduct experiments to address a scientific question. You'll continue to develop your understanding of different branches of biomedical science, with haematology, immunology and biochemistry being taught alongside pharmacology and toxicology. There will also be options to study broader areas such biotechnology and microbiology. You'll have the option to complete a work placement, giving you real world experience of the biomedical sector.

Year three
You'll cover fundamental topics such as clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology, genetics and immunology, all while you look in depth at mechanisms of disease. You'll complete an independent dissertation project, using your research and practical skills to investigate a selected biomedical topic. The dissertation includes elements of project management, completing appropriate ethical and risk assessments, logistical planning and detailed data analysis.

There are a wide range of assessments including practical report writing, essays, investigative reports, blogs, group and individual presentations, lab skills assessments, interpretation tests and exams.

The theory will be delivered through interactive lectures and seminars, with more applied content in workshops, practical lab sessions, supervised projects and case studies.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

You'll have the option to take a professional placement year between your second and final year, and shorter placements are available in the second year as part of a work placement module. These placements give you an opportunity to gain experience in a clinical setting or patient-focused role, which is highly attractive to employers.

A degree in Biomedical Science can lead to a range of careers. You could become a biomedical scientist or medical laboratory assistant, or conduct biomedical or life sciences research. You'll also be well-placed to take on roles within the pharmaceutical industry, forensic science and medical sales. You may also choose to pursue further study, such as in medicine.

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

You'll have access to our:

• Laboratories
  Located in the Gardens area of the Newton Park campus, we have a number of well­-equipped and recently refurbished laboratories dedicated to a variety of practical work. Some are used for specialist microbiological culturing and analysis, others for biochemistry and physiology.
• Low Hazard Laboratory Space
  We have a ‘low ­hazard’ laboratory space where you can carry out activities such as the preparation and assessment of food, exercise or psychological studies.
• Biology Resources Room
• Commons building
• Newton Park library
• Virtual Learning Environment

Biomedical Science students have access to dedicated labs containing modern equipment, including high-precision instrumentation (Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer, GC, HPLC), genetic and cell culture facilities, microscopy, physiological data acquisition systems and physiology equipment.

The Professional Placement Year (PPY) provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Before your PPY, you'll work to identify roles of interest and secure a placement. The Placements Team will support through timetabled sessions and 1:1 appointments.

As well as completing a minimum of 900 placement hours, you will complete two assessments demonstrating your skill development, growth in professional behaviours and how the PPY has impacted your future career aspirations.