Biomedical Science - BSc (Hons)

with a Foundation Year

Course structure

Duration: 4 years full-time

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.  

The modules for Stages 1-3 of the degree course can be viewed on the Biomedical Science - BSc (Hons) page.

• Foundation

Teaching and assessment

Teaching includes lectures, laboratory classes, workshops, problem-solving sessions and tutorials. You have an Academic Adviser who you meet with at regular intervals to discuss your progress, and most importantly, to identify ways in which you can improve your work further so that you reach your full potential.

Most modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and end-of-year exams. Exams take place at the end of the academic year and count for 50% or more of the module mark. Stage 1 assessments do not contribute to the final degree classification, but all stage 2 and 3 assessments do, meaning that your final degree award is an average of many different components. On average, 26% of your time is spent in an activity led by an academic; the rest of your time is for independent study.

Contact hours

For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours.  The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Programme aims

The programme aims to:

• instil a sense of enthusiasm for biomedical science, confront the scientific, moral plus ethical questions and engage in critical assessment of the subject material covered
• offer an understanding of scientific investigation of human health and disease
• provide a stimulating, research-active environment in which students are supported and motivated to achieve their academic and personal potential
• educate students in the theoretical and practical aspects of biomedical science
• facilitate the learning experience through a variety of teaching and assessment methods
• give students the experience of undertaking an independent research project
• prepare students for further study, or training, and employment in science and non-science based careers, by developing transferable and cognitive skills
• develop the qualities needed for employment in situations requiring the exercise of professionalism, independent thought, personal responsibility and decision making in complex and unpredictable circumstances
• provide access to as wide a range of students as practicable.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You gain knowledge and understanding of:

• the structure, function and control of the human body
• the main metabolic pathways used in biological systems in catabolism and anabolism, understanding biological reactions in chemical terms
• the variety of mechanisms by which metabolic pathways can be controlled and the way that they can be co-ordinated with changes in the physiological environment
• the genetic organisation of various types of organism and the way in which genes can be expressed and their expression controlled
• molecular genetic techniques and the causes and consequences of alterations of genetic material
• the structure and function of the main classes of macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids and polysaccharides
• the immune response in health and disease
• the structure, physiology, biochemistry, classification and control of microorganisms
• the main principles of cell and molecular biology, biochemistry and microbiology
• the microscopic examination of cells (cytology) and tissues (histology) for indicators of disease
• the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of analytes to aid the diagnosis, screening and monitoring of health and disease (clinical biochemistry)
• immunological disease/disorders
• the different elements that constitute blood in normal and diseased states (haematology)
• the identification of blood group antigens and antibodies (immunohaematology and transfusion science)
• pathogenic microorganisms
• the main methods for communicating information on biomedical sciences.

Intellectual skills

You gain the following intellectual abilities:

• to understand the scope of teaching methods and study skills relevant to the biomedical science degree programme
• the ability to understand the concepts and principles in outcomes, recognising and applying biomedical specific theories, paradigms, concepts or principles. For example, the relationship between biochemical activity and disease
• the skills for analysis, synthesis, summary and presentation of biomedical information
• to demonstrate competence in solving extended biomedical problems involving advanced data manipulation and comprehension
• integrate scientific evidence, to formulate and test hypotheses
• structure, develop and defend complex scientific arguments by understanding and applying your knowledge base
• the ability to plan, execute and interpret the data from a short research project
• recognise the moral and ethical issues of biomedical investigations and appreciate the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct.

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-specific skills in the following:

• to handle, biological material and chemicals in a safe way, thus being able to assess any potential hazards associated with biomedical experimentation
• perform risk assessments prior to the execution of an experimental protocol
• to use basic and advanced experimental equipment in executing the core practical techniques used by biomedical scientists
• to find information on biomedical topics from a wide range of information resources and maintain an effective information retrieval strategy
• to plan, execute and assess the results from experiments
• to identify the best method for presenting and reporting on biomedical investigations using written, data manipulation/presentation and computer skills
• awareness of the employment opportunities for biomedical graduates.

Transferable skills

You gain transferable skills in the following:

• the ability to receive and respond to a variety of sources of information
• communicate effectively to a variety of audiences using a range of formats and approaches
• problem solve by a variety of methods, especially numerical, including the use of computers
• the ability to use the internet and other electronic sources critically as a means of communication and as a source of information
• interpersonal and teamwork skills that allow you to identify individual and collective goals, and recognise and respect the views and opinions of others
• self-management and organisational skills
• awareness of information sources for assessing and planning future career development
• the ability to function effectively in a working environment.

Careers

Graduate destinations

Our recent graduates have gone on to careers including: 

• healthcare in the NHS
• medical research based in academic, government, industrial and medical labs
• biotechnology
• teaching
• industry and commerce
• scientific publishing
• marketing
• information technology. 

Help finding a job

The School of Biosciences runs employability events with talks from alumni outlining their career paths since graduation.

The University also has a friendly Careers and Employability Service, which can give you advice on how to:

• apply for jobs
• write a good CV 
• perform well in interviews.

Career-enhancing skills

You graduate with an excellent grounding in scientific knowledge and extensive laboratory experience. In addition, you also develop the key transferable skills sought by employers, such as:

• excellent communication skills
• teamwork
• the ability to analyse problems
• time management.

You can also gain new skills by signing up for one of our Kent Extra activities, such as learning a language or volunteering.

Professional recognition

Our Biomedical Science degree programme is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). For future employers, this accreditation helps to demonstrate a wide-ranging scientific education with practical skills and experience.