Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): B940 (full-time); 350C (with placement)
- Start Date(s): September 2021
- Duration: Three years full-time/ four years with a placement
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Biomedical science is the application of science to health. It is focused on studying the human body in health and disease, including the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases and complex health problems such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. At NTU we focus on teaching you the practical skills you’ll need to be successful in this field.
If your mission is to save lives, then you’ll get all the practical experience you need on our course. You’ll get to use our industry-standard equipment right from the very start of your course, such as our Haematology and clinical chemistry analysers, as used in NHS testing laboratories. This means you’ll stand out from the crowd when applying for placements and positions after graduation. You’ll be familiar with how a professional lab works and already know how to follow laboratory processes and protocols used in the workplace.
When you are working in our lab facilities, you are becoming familiar with the same equipment you’ll find in an NHS, research or industrial lab – giving you a head start when you graduate.
Why study BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science at NTU?
Professional accreditation
The Institute of Biomedical Science accredit this course. It is a seal of approval from professional bodies and our assurance to you that your course is relevant and valued by the NHS.
If you want to be an NHS Biomedical Scientist, this accredited degree is a requirement for your registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You’ll also need experience of working in an NHS laboratory and a completed training portfolio. We can support you to get both of these before you graduate by taking a work placement in an IBMS-approved laboratory, where you can complete your training portfolio.
Community and support
With support from your lecturers, personal tutors and technical staff, you can be sure we'll be here for you during your studies. Alongside your lectures and lab classes you’ll also have tutorial sessions. These are a chance to regularly meet in small groups with your personal tutor and members of your course to discuss the topics you are studying.
Got any feedback on your course? You’ll have lots opportunities to discuss your course, for example in your tutorial sessions, with your course leader and course reps and you even have the chance to feedback on every module you study with an end of module survey. We love to hear your feedback and how we can make improvements. Following your feedback, we have recently added Professional Skills modules which are specific to the area of biosciences you are studying. We’ve also increased our support for your coursework assignments too, through drop-in sessions accessible when you need them most.
There’s support from your peers too. Our mentoring schemes gives you support from other students on your course. Whether you need help with your studies or university life in general, they’ve been there and can give you a students’ perspective. Find out more about the support you’ll receive at NTU.
Get involved in our research
Our research is tackling real-world issues – and you can get involved. Our John van Geest Cancer Research Centre is saving lives by improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In you final year you can collaborate with this research centre and be at the forefront of new discoveries.
Work-like experiences
As well as using industry standard equipment, you’ll also be learning in a way that encourages problem solving and develops practical skills that you’ll be using when you graduate. By working on clinical diagnosis scenarios and with our life-like 3D-printed human body and organ models (developed here at NTU) we are teaching you to think and work like a biomedical scientist.
Take a work placement
Placements tell future employers you know how to do it as well as why. Our industry connections as well as the support you'll get from our Employability team all add up to a valuable work placement experience.
You'll be supported throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary during your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
Meet our staff
Whether your interest is working in the NHS, research or in industry we have experienced staff from a wide range of backgrounds. In fact, some of them are also working within the NHS so they’ll be teaching you the latest thinking in the biomedical science field. Their contacts help you find great placement opportunities too.
Not only that, but our staff are prize winners too! Our Biomedical Science team won the Vice Chancellor’s Outstanding Practice Team award – recognising their commitment to outstanding teaching and practice.
Industry focused
We don’t work in isolation from employers. Our strong working relationship with the NHS and local employers benefits you in lots of ways.
- We meet regularly with employers within the NHS and the wider biomedical industry to keep our courses current - this means you are learning with the most up-to-date teaching materials and practical skills.
- We have staff who are currently working or have previously worked in the NHS and related areas. These links give you access to the latest industry knowledge and projects that mirror workplace-like experiences in the NHS. This all adds up to give you an insight into where you could be working after graduation.
Develop your portfolio
While you are at NTU you’ll compile a Skills Portfolio. This is where you’ll keep evidence of all the techniques and skills you’ve mastered. These portfolios help you to document and develop your skills while you are with us, honing the skillset of a graduate Biomedical Scientist. They are a valuable tool when you graduate too, as they can be used to show future employers you are ready to work in a professional environment.
Satisfied students
You can be sure you’ll be joining a high-quality course. But don’t just take our word for it - we consistently rank highly in the annual National Student Survey for student satisfaction in biosciences. We are very proud to currently be second in the UK (NSS 2021).
Second in the UK for student satisfaction in Biosciences (NSS 2021)
What you’ll study
During your time at NTU you’ll be studying the key aspects of disease, disease prevention and complex health issues such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. The course covers all the major areas of biomedical science including cellular pathology, clinical biochemistry and immunology. You’ll be able to recognise common illnesses and disorders through their key symptoms, use state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques such as histopathology, blood counts and clinical biochemical analysis to confirm the diagnosis, and even suggest suitable treatments.
You’ll also gain an understanding of the underlying principles of biochemistry, molecular biology and physiology which will lay the foundations for your biomedical science knowledge.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.
Introduction to Biochemistry
Study the key aspects of macromolecules, cell structure and function, and inter-relationships in both practical and theoretical contexts.
Practical Techniques for Biology
Considers the principles of experimental design, data collection and analysis, including techniques in centrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis, microscopy and radiobiology.
Genetics and Immunology
Develops genetic concepts and introduces basic aspects of the immune system, including the molecules, cells and interactions involved.
Introduction to Microbiology
Study various groups of microbes, their function and roles, and consider the importance of the microbial world, the biology of micro-organisms, and medical, environmental and industrial microbiology.
Living Systems
Introduces levels of biological organisation from molecules to cells and ecosystems, providing a platform of knowledge and skills
upon which other modules are developed.
Human Physiology
Introduces the physiology of human organ systems (respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular, urinary, endocrine and muscular) and examines the process of homeostasis.
Biomedical Science in Practice
Learn about key disciplines and current research topics in biomedical science as well as aspects of professional practice which
form an important part of your preparation for employment.
Metabolism and its Control
Explore the central pathways of oxidative catabolism and anabolism of carbohydrates and fats in eukaryotic cells, and cover the biochemical basis of cellular signal transduction.
Molecular Biology and Protein Structure
Learn about the functions of polymerases, binding proteins, helicases, ligases, topoisomerases and promosomes in DNA replication as well as RNA polymerases.
Pathopharmacology
Considers disordered cellular and tissue physiology resulting from disease and drugs that can treat those diseases. You’ll develop an understanding of health and common illnesses.
Clinical Biochemistry
Study a variety of disorders and learn about their clinical symptoms, biochemical and molecular defects, detection, diagnosis and treatment.
Clinical and Public Health Microbiology
Learn the principles and applications of diagnostic and analytical microbiology in the monitoring and control of diseases caused by microbes.
Optional year-long work placement. If you are not taking a placement, you will progress directly to your final year in year three.
Research Project
Learn practical research techniques, including a review of scientific writing and critical appraisals of published work, as well as oral presentations and plagiarism.
Immunology and Virology
Explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunology, analysing immune responses to infectious agents and cancer, and review the principles of vaccination.
Haematology and Transfusion Practice
Study the biological basis of diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs, and the principles of the techniques used in their investigation.
Cellular Pathology
You’ll explore the key topics in cellular pathology, with particular relevance to current medical and diagnostic practice. Apply your specialist knowledge to critically analyse data and information. This will include an appreciation of the laboratory role in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, alongside the fundamental issues associated with modern laboratory.
Infectious Diseases and their Control
Covers the significance of infectious diseases in human medicine and looks at mechanisms of control of pathogenic microbes and how they can be used in prevention and treatment.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
You will typically study six modules in Year One and Two. Each module involves substantial amounts of practical work, in addition to around 20
one-hour lectures. In your final year you’ll study five modules and a research project. You will also take part in regular seminars and tutorials to support you with your studies.
Hands-on learning
The course is very practical and you’ll be spending lots of time in our industry-standard laboratories. This is because we believe the amount of time you spend getting hands-on experience in a laboratory is very important to prepare you for the world of work.
You’ll get to use our industry-standard equipment right from the very start of your course including haematology and clinical chemistry analysers, as used in NHS testing laboratories. You’ll get to know how a professional lab works and how to follow laboratory processes and protocols used in industry – all valuable skills to have before you graduate.
We have a focus on using digital skills to support you in your practical sessions. For example, you might do an online simulation of the experiment you are going to perform in the lab. This will get you familiar with the techniques and protocols so you can be confident and really make the most of your time in our labs.
Contact hours
Year 1 - lectures/seminars/workshops (23%) and independent study (77%)
Year 2 - lectures/seminars/workshops (21%) and independent study (79%)
Year 3 - lectures/seminars/workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study
How you’re assessed
Year 1 - coursework (42%), written (50%), and practical (8%)
Year 2 - coursework (50%), written (42%), and practical (8%)
Year 3 - coursework (48%), written (40%), and practical (12%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study
Careers and employability
Your career development
Our Biomedical students have entered careers in:
- hospital laboratories
- pharmaceutical industry laboratories
- management and pharmaceutical sales
- research and education.
Recent graduates have gone onto work in the following roles and companies:
- Glaxo Smith Kline – research scientist
- Nottingham University Hospitals – biomedical scientist
- UHCW NHS Trust – stop smoking adviser
- Coventry University Hospital – lab technician
- NHS – bowel cancer screening officer
- Thermo Fisher – research biomedical scientist
- NHS – medical lab assistant
- Dorset Health Care – information analyst.
Many also choose to undertake further study on one of our Masters-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees. Graduate salaries range from £16,000 to £30,000 per year.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Excellent placement opportunities
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.
Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including the NHS, Pfizer and Public Health England. They secured varied roles such as Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Regulatory Officer and Clinical Operations Placement Assistant.
You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
If your placement in in an IBMS approved laboratory you’ll be able to complete your training portfolio as part of your registration with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Find out more about work placements.
Campus and facilities
Where will I study?
Teaching events are held across Clifton Campus, and include interactive workshops in spaces specifically designed for collaborative, hands-on learning.
We have the stimulating and creative environment needed to equip students with the knowledge and transferable skills to put them ahead of the graduate crowd. We provide first class facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research, these include:
Rosalind Franklin Building
The Rosalind Franklin Building provides some of the best laboratory teaching facilities for Bioscience and Chemistry in the UK. The large teaching laboratory space is equipped with modern IT facilities and equipment to ensure that our students get excellent training in practical laboratory techniques and modern analytical methods.
Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Facility
This facility supports the School's extensive biomedical research activities.
Natural Sciences Research Facility
The Natural Sciences Research Facility supports and enhances the School's research in physics, biosciences, chemistry, imaging, materials and sport.
You will gain a range of laboratory skills throughout your programme both in the Rosalind Franklin building and other laboratories. In particular you will gain key skills and experience in the final year which will be directly relevant to the different disciplines in a Pathology Department and for a career in biomedical science.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- A-levels – BBB, including Biology; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM, including relevant Biology modules; or
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including an A-level grade B equivalent in Biology; and
- GCSEs – English, Maths and Science grade C / 4
Other qualifications and experience
We consider equivalent qualifications and combinations, please see UCAS course search for details and use our calculator to help you work out how many UCAS points your qualifications relate to.
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Contextual offers
As well as assessing your application and qualifications, we use contextual data and information to make offers for this course. Depending on your circumstances, we may make you an offer up to two grades below the standard entry criteria. Find out how we assess your application.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions and Enquiries Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
What are we looking for?
- A-levels – BBB, including Biology; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM, including relevant Biology modules; or
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including an A-level grade B equivalent in Biology; and
- GCSEs – English, Maths and Science grade C / 4
Applicants without A-levels will have their qualifications assessed for subject compatibility. We also consider equivalent qualifications and combinations. Please see UCAS Course Search for more details.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our UG and PG degrees. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
Foundation courses
If you are an international student who does not meet the direct entry requirements for this course, you can prepare for it at Nottingham Trent International College. Their Foundation Certificate in Science and Engineering (life sciences) offers students a guaranteed progression route to this degree on successful completion to the required level.
English language entry requirements
If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English language tests.
- For a list of our language requirements please visit our English language page.
- If you need to do a pre-sessional English language course to meet the English requirements please visit our pre-sessional English course page.
Help and support
If you have any questions about your qualifications or about making an application to the University please contact our International Team for advice.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on telephone +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
A good supply of these essential text books are available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students may choose to apply for a placement option during their course. If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on placement.If an NHS placement is taken you may be asked to pay for an IBMS Registration Portfolio which is needed to become HCPC registered upon graduation. The cost is approximately £130.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for poster preparation in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 -£30.
Laboratory lockers
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5).
We offer prestigious scholarships to new international students holding offers to study at the University.
- For more information on these and other opportunities for funding please visit our international scholarships page.
- For information on how to pay your fees to the University please visit our international fee payment page.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
A good supply of these essential text books are available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students may choose to apply for a placement option during their course. If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on placement.If an NHS placement is taken you may be asked to pay for an IBMS Registration Portfolio which is needed to become HCPC registered upon graduation. The cost is approximately £130.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for poster preparation in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 -£30.
Laboratory lockers
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5).
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
You can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year. If you are applying to more than one UK university you must apply through UCAS.
Apply as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.
- For a step-by-step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.
- For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page.
- For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Good luck with your application!