BSc in Biomedical Sciences (Human Health)

You'll study a range of areas relating to human health from stem cells and genetic manipulation through to food safety. The content of the programme means that you'll graduate with an understanding of the main subject areas in biosciences and medically related research and with an in-depth specialist knowledge of human health.
Year 1 includes practical lab skills and research skills, alongside a taster of the various pathway options.
Year 2 introduces the biochemical and molecular processes which are altered in various human diseases. You’ll also develop your employability skills in the 'Career Skills' study block.
The placement year will follow year two, if opted for.
In your final year, you're given the opportunity to really follow your specialist interest.
This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 4 years full-time with placement, starting in September.
Year 1
Compulsory

• BB1702 - Biochemistry: Structure and Function
• This module aims to introduce students to important classes of biomolecules and the ways in which these molecules interact and change in living organisms to generate useful energy.
• BB1720 - Biology of the Cell
• In this modules students will receive a broad introduction to the understanding of living organisms at the cellular level through the study of genetics, cell biology and microbiology.
• BB1718 - Career Planning and Innovation
• This modules aims to develop a range of transferable, career planning and innovation skills.
• BB1706 - Critical Thinking 1
• This module aims to introduce and develop biological sciences critical thinking skills.
• BB1701 - The Human Body: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
• This module aims to comprehensively introduce the students to the anatomy and physiology of the human body and to provide the background knowledge required to understand disease processes.
• BB1719 - Introduction to Data Analysis
• In this module students will develop a range of transferable IT, mathematical and problem solving skills.
• BB1704 - Practical Skills in Biomedical Sciences
• This module aims to develop the competences required in basic laboratory skills.
  Year 2
  Compulsory
• BB2703 - Career Planning
• This module aims to develop recognition and awareness of skills and competencies needed to gain employment.
• BB2708 - Data Analysis
• This module teaches students to develop an awareness of data analysis, presentation and interpretation.
• BB2709 - Genetics, Genomics and Human Health
• This module provides students with a deeper understanding of molecular and cellular aspects of microbial genetics, new tools of genetic engineering, present day genomic technologies and the post genomic era.
• BB2711 - Human Pathology and Immunology
• This module provides students with an understanding of clinically important human disease with emphasis on underlying molecular mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment including the innate and adaptive immune system and conditions associated with the dysregulation of the immune system.
• BB2716 - Medical Microbiology
• This module aims to give an understanding of medically important pathogens and infectious diseases, including epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical symptoms, therapeutics, vaccination and public health importance.
• BB2704 - Molecular and Cellular Biology
• This module aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of molecular biology of enzymatic processes within prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  Optional
• BB2710 - Analytical Biochemistry
• This module aims to provide an understanding of a range of biochemical techniques used for clinical research and diagnosis.
• BB2713 - Developmental Genetics and Stem Cell Biology
• This module provides students with an understanding of embryogenesis and foetal development through the study of developmental mechanisms in model organisms and the role of stem cells in development.
• BB2730 - Metabolic Regulation
• This module aims to provide an understanding of biochemical processes relevant to human health from the molecular and cellular levels to the whole organism level.
  Year 3
  Compulsory
• BB3716 - Microbial Pathogenesis
• This module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of cellular and molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interaction.
• BB3091 - Final Year Project
• The module aims to provide the students with experience of in-depth and independent project work. FYP topics are related to staff expertise and include a broad range of both non-laboratory and laboratory-based projects.
  Optional
• BB3704 - The Biology and Treatment of Cancer
• This module aims to provide a detailed understanding of cancer, including the genes involved in carcinogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment.
• BB3707 - Cellular Pathologies
• This module aims to develop the students’ knowledge and understanding of the molecular and cellular causes of particular diseases.
• BB3714 - Endocrine Disorders
• This module aims to study a selected range of endocrine disease processes, including origins and treatment, at the biochemical and molecular level using a case-based problem solving approach.
• BB3701 - Genomic Medicine
• This module aims to introduce students to the principles of understanding medicine from the post-genomic perspective, to explore genome organization by integrating genomic, molecular and cell biology approaches, and to use this integrated view of the human genome as a tool for understanding mechanisms responsible for a specific set of Mendelian diseases known as genome instability syndromes and common diseases in the context of genome wide association studies (GWAS).
• BB3720 - Medical Immunology
• Study advanced immunology with up-to-date knowledge of molecular and cellular interactions in the immune system, and learn to apply immunological principles to the current understanding of various biological and clinical processes and mechanisms including cancer, transplantation, autoimmunity, pregnancy and aging, and immune intervention. Teaching will include information of the current research undertaken in Biosciences.
• BB3733 - Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology
• This module aims to give students an understanding of drug metabolism and the mode of action of specific drugs.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
• Pearson: 59 (59 in all sub scores)
• BrunELT: 58% (min 55% in all areas)
• TOEFL: 77 (min R18, L17, S20, W17) 

2022/23 entry
UK
£9,250 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£20,450 full-time
£1,385 placement year
Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,250 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.
Fees for EU applicants – For entry in 2022/23 academic year, eligible EU applicants will have the same tuition fees as UK students to continue our support during this transition period. These fees will be applied for the duration of the course.

Whatever your future goals are, your biomedical sciences course is focused on helping you achieve your career ambitions. Whether you want to work as a Cancer Research Scientist, a Forensic Scientist or a Science Journalist – the employability teaching blocks at Brunel provide a personalised approach towards developing your skills. You’ll work on improving your CV and your interview techniques, as well as attending careers events and carrying out research projects with academics. Each year, we hold a Biomedical Sciences Careers Fair where you’ll have the opportunity to network with some of the biggest names in the business such as GlaxoSmithKline, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Parexel, Age UK and Royal Brompton Hospital NHS Foundation.