Course description
BSc Biomedical Science
Programme
The first year provides a fundamental understanding of cell and organ function, cellular biochemistry, microbiology and the basic analytical skills of modern biomedical science.
Second year modules include Physiology, Immunology, Molecular Genetics and Genomics and Bioanalytical Techniques. Students begin to integrate normal body function with common disease states such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The final year is very disease-centred and involves modules in the five specialist clinical laboratory subject areas of clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology, haematology and transfusion science, histopathology and cytopathology and immunopathology. A large proportion of final year lectures are delivered by practicing Biomedical Scientists from local NHS pathology centres.
In addition, during the final year, students complete an extensive individual research project module. Recent research topics for projects have included alterations in enzyme activity during cancer, modulation of kidney disease.
The optional sandwich programme gives the students the opportunity to gain practical experience, usually as an employee of an approved NHS pathology centre (professional training which can lead towards registration) or a research or industrial laboratory. This experience often enhances employment opportunities following graduation. Students studying on the sandwich programme are fortunate to benefit from their placements often being funded.
A certain number of places on this programme are funded and supported by the NHS and include some vacation based training in hospital pathology centres. This is termed the 'co-terminus' Biomedical Science route. Applicants who put De Montfort as their first choice may indicate interest in the coterminus funding on their UCAS form and email a statement of interest to Dr Simon Oldroyd. Prospective coterminus applicants will then be interviewed, as there are limited places on this version of the programme.
The programme is delivered in year-long modules. Students typically study four-six modules a year, depending on whether a module has a single or double credit value. Some part-time students can study a programme module-by-module over a longer period.
