Biomedical Sciences

Our Biomedical Sciences degree will give you an intellectually stimulating education in the fast-moving field of the science that underpins modern medicine. Learn about the human body at the molecular, cellular, organ and systems levels in health and disease. Our three-year course, pending accreditation by both the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), gives you a thorough grounding in the theory and practice used by biomedical scientists to diagnose and treat diseases.

Biomedical science is an exciting and dynamic subject where up-to-date research is constantly leading to breakthroughs and medical advances that have an impact on the health and well-being of society. You’ll be taught by highly qualified lecturers who carry out their own research in areas including cancer, diabetes, antibiotic resistance, and haemostasis, among others. Our teaching is therefore research-led by our lecturers who are passionate about their subjects.

On this degree you’ll learn key biological concepts that are fundamental to understanding, investigating, and treating human disease. You’ll begin by studying general biology, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and cellular and molecular biology, which will give you a solid foundation of knowledge on which to build. You’ll go on to develop an understanding of the diagnostic techniques used in modern professional practice and learn about the biomedical disciplines, which include haematology and transfusion science, clinical biochemistry, cellular pathology, medical genetics, medical microbiology, and clinical immunology. In your final year you’ll integrate and deepen your knowledge as you learn about human pathology and current advances in biomedical research, as you become an independent learner. Also in your final year, with individual support from a supervisor, you will have the opportunity to carry out a research project of your own which may be laboratory- or literature- based research.

As a student you’ll learn in lots of different ways, including in lectures, small groups, and laboratory sessions. In lectures you’ll be taught key concepts and the latest research findings; in small groups you’ll work on case studies and scientific problems to develop analytical skills. In the lab you’ll get plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on practical lab skills. You’ll also be developing your teamwork skills by working in small groups. We are always developing innovative and interactive ways to teach. Our lecturers and other support staff are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and work hard to create a supportive learning community for all our students.

The purpose-built facilities in our ARU Peterborough campus include specialist microbiology and tissue culture laboratories and a wide range of specialist equipment which you will use in practical sessions and your projects. We maintain strong links to a number of hospitals within the NHS, and related industries within the East of England.

Biomedical Science is a multidisciplinary subject, and you’ll develop a broad range of transferable skills, which are valued highly by graduate employers. These include written and oral presentation skills, numeracy and IT skills, intellectual, critical, and analytical skills, as well as experimental and practical laboratory skills. During the degree you will have several tutorials about employability aimed at helping you to understand and succeed in the graduate job market. Towards the end of your degree, we invite external speakers to come and talk to you about the range of career options open to you.