Biomedical Science BSc Honours
School of Life Sciences
Institution Code H36
UCAS Codes
B990
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
B992
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with a year in North America
B991
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with a year in Europe
Course Code HHBIOBIM
Start date
September
More about the course
This study programme is designed to provide you with an understanding of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. You will graduate with a knowledge of the pathogenesis of disease and how disease disrupts the normal function of the human body.
Each module within the programme involves a series of lectures which are underpinned by workshops and an extensive practical element. The first year provides a strong foundation in key aspects of biology and chemistry relevant to all students of biological sciences. The programme develops more specialised areas of biomedical science in the subsequent years with an emphasis on haematology, pathophysiology, clinical microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, endocrinology and analytical science. In addition, clinical-based research projects and relevant work placements will be offered in the latter part of the programme.
13% of all of the graduates nationally, who become professional biologists at the last annual count were from Hertfordshire University (Virgin Student Guide, 2006).
Work placement
All Biosciences students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement or study overseas in Europe or North America during their 3rd year.
Work placements are usually paid. Current employers and job titles are listed below:
- GlaxoSmithKline: Data Management - Uxbridge,
- Guy's Hospital: Drug Research Unit - London,
- Imperial College: Toxicology Unit, Faculty of Medicine - London,
- Medical Research Council - Mill Hill,
- Medifix Adhesive Products - Luton,
- Mount Vernon hospital: Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust Institute of Reconstructive, Plastic and Burns Surgery Research - Middlesex ,
- MRC: Human Genome Project - Hinxton,
- National Biological Standards Board - Potter's Bar,
- Roche UK - Welwyn Garden City,
- St. Bartholomew's & The Royal London: School of Medicine - London and St.George Medical School - London,
- St.George's Hospital: Analytical Unit - London,
- Syngenta Seeds - Cambridge,
- University of Hertfordshire: Biodeterioration Centre - Hatfield.
Our overseas partners include:
Europe:
- Université Libre de Bruxelles - Brussels, Belgium,
- Universidad de Alcalá de Henarez - Madrid, Spain,
- Universidad Católica San Antonio De Murcia, Spain,
- Link&##333;ping Universitetet - Link&##333;ping, Sweden,
- Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen - Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
North America:
- Bemidji State University - USA,
- Bishops University, Canada,
- Central Connecticut State University - USA,
- Concordia University, Canada,
- Ecole Polytechnique - Canada,
- ETS - Canada,
- Kansas State University - USA,
- Laval University - Canada,
- McGill University - Canada,
- Oklahoma State University - USA,
- Sherbrooke University - Canada,
- University of Missouri at Rolla - USA,
- University of Montreal - Canada,
- University of Oklahoma - USA,
- University of Toledo - USA,
- University of Wisconsin at Au Claire - USA,
- University of Wisconsin at Whitewater - USA,
- UQTR - Canada,
- West Virginia University - USA.
Careers
On graduation, you will be eligible for employment as a biomedical scientist in the National Health Service and Public Health Service laboratories. In addition, job opportunities exist in the Blood Transfusion Service Laboratories; pharmaceutical and healthcare industries; forensic laboratories; sales and marketing in the healthcare field; education and research. First salaries range from £12,000 to £22,000 pa.
Typical job titles of recent graduates:
- Trainee Biomedical Scientist,,
- Clinical Trials Associate,
- Drug Safety Coordinator,
- Medical Representative,
- Lab Scientist,
- Microbiologist,
- Research Assistant,
- Tissue Culture Technologist,
- Donor Transplant Assistant.
Typical employers of recent graduates:
- Pfizer,
- Denfleet Pharma Ltd,
- Health Protection Agency,
- GlaxoSmithKline,
- AstraZeneca,
- NHS Trusts
- Lark Technology.
Teaching methods
Most second and third year modules are assessed by coursework and examination. The type of coursework is varied, depending on the module and includes essays, reports, practical write-ups, posters and seminar presentations.
On a weekly basis students will normally spend time in lectures, seminars and practical lab sessions. Practical work is an important element of all Biosciences degrees.
Course structure
Detailed information about the structure of the course and the modules you will study.