Course Overview
Lancaster's Biomedical Science degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and provides a thorough grounding in the theory and laboratory techniques associated with Biomedical Science - a subject dealing with the study of life processes within the context of human health and disease.
Taught jointly with clinical and biomedical staff from local hospitals, our Biomedical Science degree is a very structured scheme in which all modules are compulsory. Our degree is designed to focus on the key aspects of modern day biomedicine. It is ideal for students with a broad interest in human life processes and disease as teaching places an emphasis on the molecules and mechanisms fundamental to life processes and how these are disrupted by disease.
You'll begin your degree with the study of 15 wide-ranging modules, including an Introduction to Biomedical Science, Biomedicine and Society, and Diagnosis in Biomedical Science.
In the second year of your course, you'll move on to study subjects such as Biochemistry, Cellular Pathology, and Medical Microbiology. Finally, in this highly specialised degree scheme, you'll focus even more on aspects of human disease by taking modules in Cancer, Medical Genetics, and Pathobiology.
As part of your Biomedical Science degree, you will also carry out a laboratory-based research project and can draw on the expertise of our academic staff who have vast biomedical research experience. This includes research into skin, colorectal, breast and prostate cancers; Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases; arthritis; hydrocephalus and other human conditions and diseases.
Related Courses
Modules
Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to compliment their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied. For a full list contact the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences department.
Year 1
- Molecules of Life
- Cell Structure and Function
- Genetics
- Biotechnology
- Protein Biochemistry
- Impact of Microbes
- Anatomy and Tissue Structure
- Infection and Immunity
- Hormones and Development
- Human Physiology
- Skills in Biomedical and Life Sciences
- Experimental Design and Data Analysis
- Introduction to Biomedical Sciences
- Biomedicine and Society
- Diagnosis in Biomedical Science
Year 2
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Medical Microbiology
- Genetics
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Cellular Pathology
- Haematology and Transfusion Science
- Practical Physiology
Year 3
- Biological Sciences Research Project
- Bioscience Laboratory Project
- Bioscience Literature Review
Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three modules of study which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects, a higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.
For further information about the department, staff and courses please visit the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences department website.
Entry Criteria
A-level: AAB. To include a minimum of AS-level Chem and two science A-levels from Biol/Chem/Geog/Maths/Physics/Psychology.
General Studies: Only accepted if taken as one of four A levels
Key skills: Not included in offer
GCSE: Maths (B) and English Language (C)
Scottish Highers: ABBBB to include Chem and at least one other science
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects, to include Chem and one other science. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 35 points overall with 16 from the best three HL subjects (including at least two sciences). Chem to be taken to at least SL.
IELTS: 6.0
BTEC: DDD/DDM. To include sufficient Chem modules. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
Mature students: Applications welcome. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
Careers
This particular Biomedical Science degree opens up research-based careers in the biochemistry of human diseases and conditions, as well as in biomedicine. In addition to postgraduate study for MSc or PhD qualifications, there are many opportunities in management, finance, marketing and the pharmaceutical industry, with recent graduates employed by Glaxo SmithKline and Alcontrol Laboratories.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability awareness, career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Studying
Teaching and Learning Methods
At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments which include the traditional lecture-tutorial , interactive workshops, laboratory and practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based delivery.
The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using a variety of different methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include short answer questions, essays and data analysis. Students are supported in the production of final year project reports and dissertations. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university's online module catalogue.
In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.
Assessment Methods
We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.
As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.
Funding
Lancaster University has committed £2.7m in scholarships and bursaries to help with your fees and living costs. Our financial support depends on your circumstances and how well you do in your A-levels (or equivalent academic qualifications) before starting study with us.
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. For students starting their study with us in 2013, over 600 each year will be entitled to bursaries and/or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. For UK students entering in 2013 we will have the following financial support available:
- An Academic Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year of study to any student from the UK entering with A*, A*, A or equivalent academic qualifications
- An Access Scholarship of £1,000 per year for all UK students from households with an income of less than £42,600 who achieve grades of A*, A, A or the equivalent academic qualifications
- A Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 per annum for all students from England with a household income of more than £25,000 but less than £42,600
- As part of the National Scholarship Programme, a £1,000 Bursary, a £1,000 Fee Waiver and a £1,000 Accommodation Discount in the first year of study, for students from England with a household income of less than £25,000. Plus a Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 in subsequent years.
*All of the financial awards above are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access July 2012.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page
View details of our current Undergraduate fees.
