Biomedical Science

Discover how biomedical scientists diagnose and treat diseases in our exciting and dynamic course, by getting hands-on in our specialist labs.

• Learn in a state-of-the-art 200-seat SuperLab at the heart of our Science Centre.

• Investigate and treat disease in our specialist tissue culture and microbiology laboratories.

• Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed and developed with regional employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.

• Gain valuable employment experience with our placement year and internship opportunities.

• Study in Cambridge, a world-renowned centre for life sciences research and development.

• Gain essential skills for a career in this field with our accredited degree.

As a Biomedical Science student at ARU, you’ll learn about the human body at molecular, organ and systems levels, and how to investigate and treat disease.

Our passionate, highly-qualified lecturers will teach you the latest findings about conditions such as cancer, diabetes, antibiotic resistance and haemostasis.

Biomedical science is an exciting and dynamic subject, where research is constantly leading to breakthroughs and medical advances that have an impact on the health and wellbeing of society.

We’ll begin by studying general biology, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology and cellular and molecular biology. Then we turn our attention to modern diagnostic techniques, and learn about biomedical disciplines including haematology and transfusion science, clinical biochemistry, cellular pathology, medical genetics, medical microbiology and clinical immunology.

You'll study on our state-of-the-art Science Centre, in lecture theatres and laboratories, where you’ll have the opportunity to use specialist equipment.

In your final year, with support from a supervisor, you’ll carry out a research project and explore an area of biomedical science that’s of particular interest to you.

There’s also the option to take a placement year as part of this degree, and gain valuable work experience.

You'll also be able to join our student Biomedical Science society, which offers events, networking and social opportunities, careers guidance, academic support, and more.

Our three-year course in Cambridge is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, setting you up for a trainee position in an NHS laboratory as a Health and Care Professions Council-registered biomedical scientist.

Both our three-year and four-year (placement) courses in Cambridge are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. As well as preparing you for a career in biomedical science, they’ll equip you for further study in science or medicine.

There is an opportunity to apply for a transfer to Year 1 of our MBChB Medicine degree. Successful UCAS application and interview results in a conditional offer based on achievement of first-year Biomedical Science degree.

Similar courses you might study at our Cambridge campus are BSc (Hons) Forensic Science and BSc (Hons) Zoology. You could also choose to study BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences in Peterborough, where our brand new Science Lab has been purpose-built to support this course.

Going to university can offer you a series of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. As part of your course, you could study abroad with one of our short-term Global Experience programmes. Opportunities include summer schools and placements, lasting from one to four weeks and funded by ARU’s UK Turing Scheme grants.

Year 1:
Human Anatomy and Physiology (30 credits)
Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry (30 credits)
Core Biology (30 credits)
Mathematics for the Biosciences (15 credits)
General Microbiology (15 credits)
Professional and Personal Development - Level 4

Year 2:
Metabolism and its Control (15 credits)
Principles of Genetics (15 credits)
Diagnostic Techniques in Pathology (15 credits)
Preparation for Research (15 credits)
Principles of Pathology (15 credits)
The Physiology of Organ Systems (15 credits)
Laboratory Techniques in DNA Manipulation (15 credits)
Personal and Professional Development - Level 5
Ruskin Module (15 credits)

Year 3 Core Modules:
Human Pathology (15 credits)
Specialist Topics in Biomedical Science (15 credits)
Undergraduate Project (30 credits)
Clinical Immunology (15 credits)
Blood Sciences (15 credits)

Year 3 Optional Modules:
Molecular Cell Biology (15 credits)
Microbial Pathogenicity (15 credits)
Current Advances in Biomedical Science (15 credits)
Pharmacology and Translational Medicine (15 credits)

You’ll be assessed on essays, exams and practical analysis, so we can make sure you’re developing the knowledge and skills you need.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Biomedical Science, Institute of
• Royal Society of Biology