Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

Overview

The Biomedical Science (Honours) degree requires an interest in science and technology. You will undertake in-depth study into human health and explore the causes of disease that have a major global impact at a systems, cellular and molecular level. You will learn how biomedical research is helping researchers and clinicians develop novel therapeutic strategies and inform government health policy. As part of our frontline medical team, biomedical scientists in healthcare laboratories are involved in over 70% of UK diagnoses and play vital roles in monitoring chronic diseases.

Studying biomedical science will also prepare you for a broad range of scientific careers beyond NHS and public laboratories, including research and development, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, the food and water industry, clinical trials, medical sales and teaching.

Working in our state-of-the-art and specialist laboratories, you will be taught by research experts in human disease, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and cancer. You will also get to grips with innovative technologies such as gene therapy and novel immunotherapies used in experimental treatments driving more effective approaches to medicine in the future.

Recent investment in the Digital Health Enterprize Zone (DHEZ) allows students to access the latest techniques in digital anatomy and pathology, including carrying out digital dissection. You will receive wide-ranging training across a variety of medically related disciplines and are able to choose a specialist pathway in your final year.

Why study Biomedical Science at Bradford?

• Take advantage of our industry-standard teaching and research laboratories: discover how research translates into advances in clinical practice through the dedicated use of our specialist facilities and laboratories.
• Explore the cutting edge: our programmes are constantly updated to reflect the latest research-driven developments in the field, providing you with a broad foundation of knowledge to pursue a career within the biomedical sciences.
• Learn from research-driven experts: you will develop research skills from our leading experts who carry out fundamental scientific and medical research covering all major biomedical disciplines. Examples include how the skin microbiome contributes to healthy ageing in our Centre for Skin Science and how our world-leading Institute of Cancer Therapeutics has developed new cancer treatments now in clinical trials.
• Personalise your degree: specialising in the scientific area that best aligns with your scientific interest in the final year provides the best opportunity to obtain good Honours. Our major themes include haematology, cancer biology, medical cell biology, medical biochemistry and medical microbiology.
• Develop core research skills: throughout the course there is a strong focus on developing your practical skills, leading to a full-time final year research project to enable you to experience data collection and analysis as you would in employment. You will develop skills and gain experience using modern molecular techniques to understand the causes and nature of disease.

Career prospects

You will graduate with scientific, experimental and critical skills highly valued in graduate careers. You can apply your specialist skills and knowledge towards research in either medical or industrial research organisations (such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies), or universities and research institutes.

Openings exist in medical research (hospitals, universities or research institutes), the pharmaceutical industry, medical information services, teaching, medical writing and publishing. The course also provides essential transferable skills for non-science-based graduate employment.

Many graduates also undertake postgraduate study (medical degrees, Master's level or PhD level qualifications).

Others seek a more vocational qualification in dietetics or health service management.

Recent graduates have taken up positions as:

• Biomedical Scientist – various NHS trusts
• Cytology Screener – NHS
• Experimental Officer; Lab Technician – Covance
• Haemostasis Technical Assistant – Helena Biosciences Europe
• Microbiologist – Arla
• Scientist – Vectura Plc
• Teaching Support Technician – University of Leeds

More on career pathways.

More on NHS Careers.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.