Biomedical Informatics (based in China) (BSc)

Introducing BSc Biomedical Informatics (based in China)

Biomedical informatics is the study of managing, analysing, and interpreting biomedical data.

Areas of focus for researchers in this field include:

• studying and managing information
• studying behaviour related to decisions
• developing computational methods and using them to generate knowledge

During this programme, you will work with computers and code to build tools to manage and analyse biological and biomedical data.

As a graduate, your understanding of biomedical informatics will enable you to contribute to, and guide, public debate on issues that affect healthcare for present and future generations.

Study in China

This programme is based entirely in Haining, China. It is taught in English by staff from:

• Zhejiang University
• The University of Edinburgh
• The Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute).

On completing this programme, you will be awarded a BSc Biomedical Informatics qualification from both Zhejiang University and the University of Edinburgh.

ZJU-UoE Institute

The ZJU-UoE Institute is a collaboration between Zhejiang University and the University of Edinburgh in the field of biomedical sciences and biomedical informatics.

Together, we have established an international research institute at the International Campus of Zhejiang University in Haining, China. This builds on the strengths of our institutions and aims to foster collaboration in teaching and research.

This is a new and exciting collaboration. It is the first of its kind for both universities, making this a unique opportunity for students in this field.

Applications and admissions for Chinese nationals will be through the usual Chinese national university admission process.

International applicants (non-Chinese passport holders)

These are the requirements that students must have (or be predicted to attain) to be considered for entry. Each year there is a specific number of places available and where the number of applicants exceeds the number of places then a selection process based on academic achievement, personal statement and references will be used. Meeting the entry requirement does not guarantee a place on the programme.

SQA Highers: AABB by end of S5 or AAAB by end of S6, to include Biology and Chemistry at B. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Higher Mathematics or Physics and Advanced Higher Biology and Chemistry are recommended. National 5s: Mathematics at B and English at C.

A levels: AAB, in one year, to include Biology and Chemistry at B. Mathematics or Physics is recommended. GCSEs: Mathematics at B or 6 and English at C or 4.

IB: 34 points with 655 at HL to include Biology and Chemistry, one at 5 and one at 6. Mathematics or Physics is recommended. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics: Analysis and approaches or Mathematics: Applications and interpretation at 5.

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 6 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

English language requirements

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 59 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

Graduates with a Biomedical Informatics dual award from the University of Edinburgh and Zhejiang University will have attributes that are valued in all biomedical disciplines.

Skills that will have a positive influence on your career development include:

• the ability to think critically about the scientific basis of bioinformatics and biomedical sciences in relation to clinical practice
• research training, with an emphasis on analytical and scientific skills

Careers for graduates include:

• laboratory research
• disease diagnosis
• the pharmaceutical industry
• scientific publishing

The skills and knowledge you will gain on this programme also equip you for employment in the non-science sector, including:

• teaching
• marketing
• accountancy
• policy research