Biomedical Science

Our Biomedical Science degree integrates a range of biological disciplines to promote understanding of how the human body works and the biology of disease.

Key contributors to modern healthcare, biomedical scientists play a vital role in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease, monitoring treatments and developing advanced diagnostic tools or novel therapeutic strategies.

• Throughout the course you will gain practical experience in the laboratories based in our state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building. Here you will learn and develop the key skills and techniques required for working in a laboratory.

• You will explore the human body in health and disease, from the functioning of whole body systems down to cell and molecular processes.

• Course content provides knowledge in the mechanisms, diagnosis and therapeutics of human disease with particular emphasis placed on the specialist areas of biomedical science: clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology, cellular pathology, haematology, immunology and genetics.

Key Course benefits:

• Well-equipped suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience using industry-standard techniques*.

• Support applying for placements in laboratory and industrial settings to gain crucial real-world experience*.

• We focus on student-centred teaching in which you devise and carry out your own laboratory experiments so that you can demonstrate your ability to work independently and solve problems to future employers.

• You’ll be taught by experienced academic staff who have a range of hospital and research laboratory experience, bringing their expertise into their teaching (staff subject to change).

*For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website.

This course has a common first year

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses

Biological and Forensic Sciences BSc (Hons)
Human Biosciences BSc (Hons)
Pharmacology BSc (Hons)

Year One
In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules
Human physiology: Homeostasis and Health - 20 credits
Genetics, Heredity and Evolution - 20 credits
Structure, Function and Analysis of Biomolecules - 20 credits
Cell Communication, Structure, and Function - 20 credits
The Microbial World - 20 credits
Applied Techniques in Biology - 20 credits

Year Two
In Year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with infectious disease and immune defence, genetic basis of disease, haematology and blood disorders, cellular basis of disease and metabolic and endocrine disorders, among others.

Modules
Genetic Basis of Disease - 20 credits
Infectious Disease and Immune Defence - 20 credits
Haematology and Blood Disorders - 20 credits
Cellular Basis of Disease - 20 credits
Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders - 20 credits
Biomedical Science Professional Practice - 20 credits

Placement Year
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,250. For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Final Year
Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from years one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor and your Academic Personal Tutor.

Modules
Medical Microbiology and Virology - 20 credits
Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology - 20 credits
Cancer Biology - 20 credits
Clinical Haematology and Transfusion Science - 20 credits
Research Design in Biomedical Science - 20 credits
Independent Project in Biomedical Science - 20 credits

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. For full module details please check the course page on the Coventry University website.