Course summary
Our BSc Biomedical Science programme is accredited by both the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), and focuses on current clinical practice. Designed to provide you with the necessary academic requirements to become a registered Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon graduation, it covers a range of disciplines including cellular pathology, haematology, microbiology, and immunology, as well as common aspects of medicine and care, such as blood transfusions. It utilises research-led teaching to explore the physiology of the human body in health and disease and learn about cutting edge medical research. During your time on the course you could get to:
- Learn how to set up and read an electrocardiogram (ECG).
- Determine blood groupings and screen patient blood films.
- Practice key techniques used in pathology laboratories like preparing and staining tissue samples, examining serum samples and working with laboratory analysers.
- Undertake your own research project, working with leading biological scientists.
- NHS organisations
- Clinical trial companies
- Research institutes
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Medical sales
- Biotechnology companies
- Dual accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).
- The chance to apply for HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registration after graduation.
- Boost your employability with an optional placement year designed to set your studies in a real-world context.
Modules
Year 1 Learn from a range of bioscience academics and complete a number of specialist sessions with practicing biomedical scientists. You’ll study the key biology topics that will form the basis of your biomedical science education, preparing you for specialist modules in later years. You will also develop the knowledge to undertake laboratory work safely. Core modules: Biomolecules, Cells to Systems, Microbiology and Genetics, and Metabolism and Physiology for Biomedical Science Year 2 Study new specialist subject areas and revisit previously studied topics at a deeper level. You’ll learn how to select appropriate experimental approaches and test hypotheses, in addition to participating in Problem Based Learning (PBL), where you (as part of a group) will be set a problem and asked to provide a solution through independent research. Core modules: Clinical Sciences, Mechanisms of Pathology, Cell Signalling and Physiology, and Clinical Genetics and Human Disease. Placement Year (Optional) The optional placement year gives you the opportunity to gain valuable career boosting experience by setting your studies in a real-world context of a working environment alongside professionals. You will get the chance to undertake your placement in a wide variety of settings such as hospitals, industrial or research laboratories or non-laboratory settings. All students enrol onto the BSc Biomedical Science (3 year) course without placement. Students who go onto achieve minimum set grades during their degree and complete an accredited placement will graduate with a BSc Applied Biomedical Science qualification and be eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration as a biomedical scientist. This is opportunity is available to all home, EU and international students on the course as long as they meet the requirements as listed here. For students who wish to practice as a biomedical scientist in the NHS, this year is your opportunity to complete an IBMS registration training portfolio in a UKAS accredited CPA hospital laboratory. The availability of NHS placements is limited and highly competitive. You will have to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and occupational health checks; the cost of these checks will be payable by the student. Final Year Acquire the skills required to undertake an individual original research project, study a small number of advanced topics, in addition to critically reflecting on the enhancement of patient care and the importance of codes and acts in biomedical science. Core modules: Immunology and Inflammation, Clinical and Food Microbiology, Research Project Preparation, Research Project, and Professional Skills for Biomedical Scientists. In addition you will complete one optional module: Cancer Biology or Bench to Bedside. For more information, please visit our website.
Assessment method
As a biomedical science student, you will be taught by experts in biosciences about topics they have a passion for. There is huge breadth of academic research undertaken across Aston which is integrated into our courses. It’s this integration that gives you a distinct advantage in your studies by ensuring you have access to the latest trends, thinking, issues and research. You’ll encounter a wide range of teaching approaches, from lectures and group work to practical sessions and interactive workshops and tutorials. Each year of study is worth 120 credits, with each credit equivalent to 10 learning hours. The learning hours may include but are not limited to lectures, seminars, tutorials, lab sessions, practicals, online activity, reading, other independent study, reflecting on assignment feedback, field trips and work placements. Assessments We utilise a wide range of assessments linked to learning outcomes, such as: exams essay writing practical and laboratory reports presentations peer assessment. What learning facilities can I expect? Extensive and well-equipped laboratories with a variety of equipment designed to support your learning in an industry-relevant environment. 3D computer laboratories for virtual anatomy practicals. Refurbished lecture theatres and seminar rooms. Computer laboratories and a virtual learning environment used for general study, revision and assessment. This platform allows you to access a comprehensive range of study materials, scientific journals, e-journals, databases and Aston Library, fully refurbished and equipped for the digital age. Open 24 hours a day at key points throughout the year with a variety of study spaces, academic support advisors on hand and course texts available electronically or in book form.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Biomedical Science, Institute of
- Royal Society of Biology
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*D*D* - DDD
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits P: 0 credits
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 31 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
T Level
Admissions Review Process Whilst the grades listed here are our entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only an estimate. We will therefore consider applicants with predicted grades that fall below these entry requirements if the application is of a high standard (however, initial offers will not be lower than stated above). The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor. We only consider applications for year 1 entry for this course.
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
International | £20700 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Aston University, Birmingham
Aston Triangle
Birmingham
B4 7ET