Biomedical Science

University of Westminster, London

Biomedical science is concerned with the detailed study of the human body, both in health and disease, with emphasis on the diagnosis and understanding of disease states and the mechanisms involved.In Year 1 you'll study the important fundamental sciences, including biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and human anatomy and physiology.In Year 2 you'll develop your understanding of a wide range of disease processes, combined with the principles of laboratory procedures used to aid diagnosis and treatment.Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions.In Year 3 you'll focus on the study of the complex nature of disease as it affects particular biological systems. You'll also study the laboratory procedures used in haematology, clinical immunology, cellular and molecular pathology, clinical biochemistry and medical microbiology, to diagnose and monitor disease. You'll also undertake a major research project, which will enable you to develop the skills you need for genuine scientific inquiry.Professional accreditationThis course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Honours graduates can apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Biomedical Scientists, provided they fulfil the additional HCPC requirements of competencies through suitable employment and completion of the IBMS certificate of competence.This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.CareersWith a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.Career developmentOur course has been designed to prepare you for a career in medical diagnostic, pharmaceutical and research environments. It provides you with a thorough education in the disciplines required to understand and investigate disease and enables you to develop your career in a variety of pathways in biomedical sciences.We also have a strong record in preparing graduates for postgraduate study across a range of biomedical and molecular disciplines, as well as postgraduate teacher training.We regularly monitor graduate career destinations and reflect on this information in the planning of the course curriculum.Graduate employmentGraduates from Biomedical Sciences are widely sought after by employers. Major employment areas include:Clinical genetics laboratoriesClinical trialsCommerce (sales and marketing) related to healthcare and diagnostics productsDiagnostic pathology and clinical laboratoriesForensic laboratoriesGovernment or charity-funded research laboratoriesMedical devices and laboratory instrumentation industriesNHS Blood and Transplant laboratoriesPrivate pathology laboratoriesPublic Health EnglandRegulatory affairs (drug registration and patents)Research development for pharmaceuticalsResearch laboratories in universitiesScientific writing and publishingTeachingVeterinary and agricultural laboratories