Biomedicine with Advanced Pathways

Deep insight into the functioning of living systems depends on a thorough knowledge of the chemical and physical principles that govern the structure and behaviour of biomolecules. Such understanding finds applications in numerous areas including basic biotechnology, diagnostics and forensics and drug discovery. This integrated Master’s course, comprising the three-year BSc Biomedicine and one year of Master’s-level study, will provide you with the knowledge, skills and hands-on research experience that will launch your career in these or other exciting areas of research science.

Learning with internationally recognised researchers, this biomedicine course will provide you with an academic grounding in the science that underpins modern medicine. You will develop a sound knowledge of scientific principles across a range of disciplines, including biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry, drugs and drug discovery, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology and physiology, and will understand their applications.

A key element of this biomedicine degree is practical laboratory experience. In combination with scientific understanding, you will develop practical and analytical skills that will support an evidence-based, critical approach to scientific discovery. You will also practise creativity and team-building that drive scientific innovation. In Year 4, you will undertake a project that will allow you to develop independent, advanced research and analytic skills, and will also deepen your understanding in a choice of areas selected from biochemical analysis, microbiology or structural biology.

You will develop the technical, intellectual and social skills needed for careers in research, medicine, teaching, and the wider application of scientific knowledge in the modern workplace.

Highlights

In your penultimate year of this course, you will have the opportunity to gain the skills to work independently in a lab environment when all students attend a week-long daytime, practical course as part of the project module.

Birkbeck provides state-of-the-art, specialist laboratories and facilities for studying biological sciences in the heart of academic London.

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK.

You will be taught by internationally distinguished experts who work with governments and institutions around the globe to extend the boundaries of knowledge.

Working in close collaboration with the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, a joint institute between Birkbeck and UCL, we are recognised for the excellence and international impact of our research.

You will receive training in practical skills and lab work, including microscopy, DNA manipulation and protein handling.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in scientific research, public health or the health sector more generally. Possible professions include:

biomedical scientist

healthcare scientist

medical research scientist

microbiologist.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.