Biomedical Science

Our Biomedical Science degree offers an exciting, fast-paced learning experience, giving you a deep understanding of the science behind human health and disease.

Biomedical scientists conduct scientific tests to help diagnose and treat diseases and are key to keeping us alive and healthy. You’ll learn how the human body responds to disease, and how to use your knowledge to help identify them. Your skills and qualifications as a biomedical scientist will be recognised across the UK and worldwide.

Conduct vitally important scientific tests

NHS Biomedical Scientists conduct vitally important scientific tests, which underpin the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. This cutting-edge scientific analysis contributes greatly to the clinical outcomes and recovery of patients.

Practical work and training in our £3.5m science labs features throughout the course. This is combined with rigorous study of the body in health and disease at all levels - body, organ, tissue, cellular and molecular.

Taught by academic experts and clinical professionals, this wide-ranging degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Our biomedical science course has consistently rated over 90% for Student Satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS). And in the 2023 Guardian University Guide, it ranked 1st in Scotland for Teaching Satisfaction.

Choose Standard or Applied Biomedical Science

Following a common pathway for two years, after that you’ll take either the Standard or the Applied programme route.

The Applied route includes an 18-week placement in one of our partner hospital laboratories and is particularly relevant if you want become a Biomedical Scientist in the NHS.

While both degrees are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), (essential if you want to work in the NHS), the Applied route is also approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Many of our graduates take the biomedical scientist career path. This means after gaining a Specialist Skills Diploma, you could be become a Specialist Biomedical Scientist. Ultimately this can lead to a role as a Specialised Consultant.

Year 1 core modules (subject to change over time) - FOR101 Foundations of Chemistry 1; LSC101 Biology 1: Biology Principles and Practice; LSC103 Professional Studies 1; FOR102 Foundations of Chemistry 2; LSC102 Human Physiology

You will also be required to select one elective from a number of options. For detailed module information please check our website.

Learning is facilitated by a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practicals. Enquiry-based learning (EBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) approaches are used at appropriate points in the curriculum. Assessment is by a combination of coursework assignments, class tests, presentations and examinations. Averaged across the 4 years of the programme, 22% of the assessment is by examination.