Why study this course?
This degree gives you a deep understanding of the scientific basis of health and disease. With medical bio scientists in great demand, the course equips you for a career in areas such as medical and allied research institutes, health agency laboratories, bio-analytical forensic units and the pharmaceutical industry. You also have the option undertake a 15-week work placement as part of the degree course.
More about this course
On your journey to becoming a medical bio scientist, you’ll study both medicine and biology to gain a better understanding of human health. Subjects such as molecular modelling and pharmacology will allow you to explore the ways your theoretical knowledge can be put to practice to fight sickness and disease.
In your first year you’ll gain a broad knowledge of all relevant scientific principles including anatomy, biology, biochemistry and physiology. As you progress through the course, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise, with fascinating modules such as bioinformatics – developing software to analyse biological data – and medical genetics, the study of hereditary disorders, on offer.
As well as developing a strong understanding of scientific theory, you’ll get hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art Science Centre, which is equipped with 280 workstations. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete a 15-week work placement in your final year, during which you’ll be exposed to the industry and gain valuable experience for your CV.
Professional accreditation
On graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Biology (AMRSB).
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 1 modules include:
Anatomy & Physiology 1 (core, 15 credits)
Anatomy & Physiology 2 (core, 15 credits)
Biochemistry (core, 15 credits)
Cell Biology (core, 15 credits)
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (core, 15 credits)
General Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
General Microbiology (core, 15 credits)
Professional Studies (core, 15 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Human Immunity (core, 15 credits)
Infection Science 1 (core, 15 credits)
Infection Science 2 (core, 15 credits)
Metabolism (core, 15 credits)
Microbiology (core, 15 credits)
Molecular Biology (core, 15 credits)
Tissue Science 1 (core, 15 credits)
Tissue Science 2 (core, 15 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Advanced Infection Science (core, 15 credits)
Advanced Tissue Science (core, 15 credits)
Biochemical Pathology (core, 15 credits)
Project (core, 30 credits)
Toxicology (core, 15 credits)
Bioinformatics & Molecular Modelling (option, 15 credits)
Genomics (option, 15 credits)
Medical Genetics (option, 15 credits)
Systems Pathology (option, 15 credits)
Virology (option, 15 credits)
Work Placement (for Life Sciences) (option, 15 credits)
Where this course can take you
Medical bioscience graduates go on to careers in the areas of biomedical science, education, pharmaceutical science, genetics and bioinformatics.
As a medical bioscience graduate your acquired research and analytical skills, problem-solving and organisational skills allow for entry to many other possible careers utilising these transferable skills. These include accountancy, science journalism, marketing and teaching.
This course provides an entry point into graduate studies at MSc or PhD level.