Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Biomedical Sciences
Gain in-depth knowledge on how the human body works in health and disease. You’ll learn how to diagnose and treat diseases in our specialist laboratories.
Course Overview
-
B900 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
19 Sep 2022
Discover how advances in biomedical sciences have helped in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of illness on this industry accredited course.
At the end of your first year of study, you’ll be able to choose to continue your multidisciplinary studies and gain a BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences award. Alternatively, you could choose to study for a combined degree award by specialising in one of our four specific pathways:
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Medical Biochemistry Pathway)
Study biochemical interactions within the body, and the diagnosis of biochemically related diseases.
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Molecular Biotechnology Pathway)
By looking at the biological processes involving genetics and gene technology, you’ll learn about the molecular advances in the treatment of disease and how treatments are developed.
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Pharmacological Sciences Pathway)
Discover how different drugs are used for the treatment of diseases and what effect they have on the body. You’ll also develop your understanding of pharmacological principles and how they inform the development of drugs.
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Medical Microbiology Pathway)
Study the types of pathogen that cause infectious disease, and the strategies they use to attack the body. You’ll learn how to diagnose disease and discover the treatments available. You’ll also look at the global burden of infectious disease and the worldwide initiatives underway to try and control this challenging threat.
This course is aligned to the criteria required to join the NHS Scientist Training Programme. The programme is a common route to becoming a clinical or healthcare scientist, so you’ll be prepared to pursue this option when you graduate.
Royal Society of Biology accreditation
Our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science courses are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), so you can be sure you'll graduate with the expert capabilities demanded by employers. When you graduate, you'll also receive one year's free RSB membership, offering valuable networking opportunities as you enter the world of work.
Institute of Biomedical Science accreditation
To work as a biomedical scientist in the UK, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Our IBMS degree accreditation ensures our degree courses have a curriculum that will prepare you to meet the HCPC standards of proficiency for biomedical scientists. This accreditation means you’ll receive a wide-ranging, research-informed scientific education. In addition, you’ll develop practical skills and experience that employers value.
This programme will enable you to apply to register as a biomedical scientist after completing the IBMS certificate of competence portfolio in a IBMS approved lab.
Primed for industry
Employability is built into every module of the course, so on graduating you’ll be confident in:
- Group-work
- Time management
- Working in a laboratory
- Writing papers
- Performing risk assessments
Hands-on opportunities
Some of our students have been successful in obtaining work experience or placements between their second and third years. Previous students have worked in industry or with biotech companies. A placement will significantly enhance your practical skills and offer an opportunity to develop career contacts.
Some of our graduates have secured immediate employment with their placement provider upon graduation.
Research scheme
You can also choose to apply for our in-house undergraduate researcher scheme. Lasting eight weeks across the summer, you’ll work closely with one of our academic team and enhance your practical and research expertise.
Unique insights
Visiting lecturers and PhD students will offer their unique insights through guest lectures, and you could develop your academic skills by presenting your final year project as a poster at research conferences.
Why study Biomedical Sciences at Leeds Beckett University...
- Choice of specialist pathways
- 100% of students on the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (PW) were in work or further study 15 months after graduating*
- 91% of BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Medical Microbiology pathway) students said their course was intellectually stimulating**
- Specialist facilities
- Research scheme opportunities
* Graduate Outcomes 2020
** National Student Survey 2021
Specialist teaching facilities
Our modern science laboratories ensure that our work isn't just theoretical. You'll be able to master specialist testing equipment, and familiarise yourself with the latest data and AV technology. Our laboratory spaces feature walk-in cold rooms, full Cat 2 microbiology facilities, and two cell culture suites.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
112
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
We have now welcomed students from over 140 countries across the globe. If you are interested in studying with us you can find your country and get all the information you'll need about entry requirements and how to apply.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies. A minimum of 40 points at A Level or equivalent must be from a Biological Science. If you are studying Biology to meet this requirement you must also achieve a `Pass' in the practical assessment, where that practical assessment is separated (from 2017)).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points. Must include a minimum of 15 Merits in Biology and 15 Merits in other science subjects.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level. At least one science subject normally required which can include a Biological Science.Irish Leaving Certificate:
5 subjects at Higher Level at Grade C1 or above of which at least 3 must be at B2. Must include Grade B2 in a Biological Science.Foundation Course:
Foundation courses must include the equivalent of Biology A level and another science A level.Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
International baccalaureate
25 points (including 6 from HL Biology).
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Our commitment to help every student succeed:
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website)
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants)
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts
- Declared as a care leaver on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants)
Our place as an Anchor Institution:
Leeds Beckett University is in the top 10 universities nationwide for being representative of our local community. To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.
Mature applicants:
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable..
All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.
We have now welcomed students from over 140 countries across the globe. If you are interested in studying with us you can find your country and get all the information you'll need about entry requirements and how to apply.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
International baccalaureate
25 points (including 6 from HL Biology).
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
Teaching & Learning
The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload is indicative and may be subject to change.
What you'll learn
Interactively learn the basis of the chemical processes that determine biology. You will gain an understanding of the main macromolecules in the body, how we can break down different foods through key pathways and how to generate energy.
Explore cell structure, particularly understanding the structure and purpose of cell compartmentalisation.
Understand the fundamental processes behind genetics. Discover how information is transmitted through transcription and translation and how DNA is repaired, and compare these processes between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
Learn the mechanisms governing normal physiological function and the functional anatomy of the healthy human body, covering the major body systems including the nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system and renal system.
Get an introduction to the innate and adaptive immune responses, covering the tissues, cells, and signals involved in generating an immune response. You will also investigate blood and transfusion science, the mechanisms of haematopoiesis and haemostasis.
Discover the principles of microbiology regarding the life and function of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi with emphasis on their biodiversity.
Learn a range of practical skills essential to the study of biomedical science. You will gain experience in health and safety, working as a group and use of practical techniques to answer a research question.
Explore the mechanisms by which drugs are able to modify physiological activity to produce both therapeutic and adverse effects. You will also consider the effects of the body on the drug with respect to absorption, distribution and elimination.
What you'll learn
You will cover some of the key skills required to become a laboratory scientist, including health and safety, COSHH, ethics of using human participants, good laboratory practice, writing standard operating procedures, writing CVs and postgraduate applications.
Develop knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology of human disease processes at the level of organs and systems.
Discover the changes in the immune response in immunological disorders and disease. You will cover the spectrum of responses through hypersensitivity, immunodeficiency and autoimmunity, and the immune challenges of transplantation and cancer biology.
Explore the the immune responses to blood group and tissue antigens in particular HLA; blood group antigen systems. The clinical significance of blood group antigens and antibodies, compatibility testing between donors and recipients, donor selection processes and testing, handling of biological samples, blood product preparation: testing and use, adverse reactions to transfusions including rejection will be discussed.
Gain knowledge and understanding of the range of research designs and the analysis and interpretation of biomedical data. You will also be introduced to the use of SPSS for data analysis.
Learn about the effects of metabolic processes and conditions on organ and whole-body physiological functions. You will look at the pathophysiology and pharmacological treatment of metabolic disorders, and discuss the role of drug, alcohol and toxin metabolism in physiological and pathophysiological settings.
Understand fundamental concepts in human genetics. You will look at inheritance and population genetics in addition to developmental genetic processes.
Develop problem solving and analytical skills used in the diagnosis of infectious disease. You will become familiar with laboratory techniques used in a routine diagnostic microbiology laboratory.
Explore the variety of means by which infectious diseases are transmitted to individuals and populations. You will investigate strategies that may be used to reduce the incidence of disease transmission at local and global levels.
Understanding the metabolic pathways in cells is often disregarded as the whole organism is favoured in biomedical sciences. This module will provide general knowledge on enzymatic reactions involved in metabolic pathways and focus on their regulation. This will be complemented by laboratory work giving you hands-on experience on biochemical aspects of metabolism.
Discover the biochemical basis of some common disorders. This module will give an overview on how enzymes and metabolic/signalling pathways are involved in various pathologies and will provide practical skills to understand the basic properties of enzymes.
Develop an appreciation of current concepts involved in the application of DNA technology in Biomedical Science. You will gain an understanding of, and practical experience in, the use of applied molecular techniques for genetic manipulation, rapid molecular diagnosis, screening for disease, epidemiology and therapies.
Demonstrate how knowledge of pharmacological principles can be used in the identification of drug products which are of potential benefit in treating disease. You will also examine some of the methods used for measurement of drug effects.
What you'll learn
Study the commercial exploitation of biomedical science discoveries and medical technologies with a focus on group work to identify and research a suitable discovery or technology.
Gain a critical understanding of the molecular basis, study and treatment of genetic diseases.
Develop an understanding of immunological disease and disorders, transplantation immunology, prophylaxis and immunotherapy.
Study the major blood diseases including, leukemias, anaemias, haemoglobinopathy, sickle cell disease, clotting factor diseases amongst others. A series of lectures will cover these issues and you will be supported with a series of workshops to help you with your assessment.
Demonstrate independence and critical thinking through an extended piece of work involving data generation and manipulation, through laboratory investigations, surveys or literature searches, with reflective analysis and application.
This module addresses the nature of cancer, its causes, epidemiology, mechanisms and treatment. It considers the changes in the cell cycle during carcinogenesis. You will analyse the changes in histology during cancer development and evaluate the various treatment options for different forms of cancer. You will also examine in greater depth some of the most common types of cancer and use a case study approach to evaluate evidence.
Gain an overview of the key aspects of clinical chemistry, the science behind many of the diagnostic tests used in medicine. You will examine how the measurements are performed and how they can be setup, and assessed to ensure reliability of results.
This module uses a case study approach to cover different infectious diseases from different sites in the body e.g. TB as a respiratory disease, HIV as a sexually transmitted disease, Malaria as a vector borne disease. There will be introductory lectures on each topic, followed by workshops using current literature on the topic. You will also develop advanced laboratory techniques for the diagnosis of infectious disease.
Gain an understanding of how biotechnology has played a role in the development of technologies used or relevant to medicine and human health.
Develop a spirit of enquiry and a critical approach to the evaluation of approaches to drug discovery and development. You will be able to relate pharmacological and toxicological principles to the drug discovery and development process.
Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Biomedical sciences laboratories housing modern IT and AV facilities, our Biomedical Sciences laboratory provides important, contemporary facilities for our students, including a range of biochemical, microbiological, molecular and physiological analysis equipment
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Biomedical sciences laboratories housing modern IT and AV facilities, our Biomedical Sciences laboratory provides important, contemporary facilities for our students, including a range of biochemical, microbiological, molecular and physiological analysis equipment
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
91%
of BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Medical Microbiology pathway) students said their course was intellectually stimulating.
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences | Student view Student Hannah talks about her experiences studying at Leeds Beckett University.
Biomedical Sciences course Students and academic staff talking about studying Biomedical Sciences
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Student Jessie talks about her experiences studying at Leeds Beckett University.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Life in Leeds
Leeds is an exciting and vibrant student city, find out what it has to offer!
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
OPEN DAY
Join us for our Open Day and experience what student life at Leeds Beckett is all about.