BSc Biomedical Science

Duration:

• 3 years full-time degree – all students initially register on this course, you will have the option to transfer to the 4 year degree courses in Year 2, see below for full details

• 4 years full-time degree in Biomedical Science with industry placement year (IBMS accredited) – subject to availability of placements, see below for full details

• 4 year full-time degree in Applied Biomedical Science with integrated clinical placement year in a clinical pathology accredited (CPA) laboratory (IBMS accredited/HCPC approved) – subject to availability of placements, see below for full details

UCAS Code : C900

Please note:

• All candidates are considered on an individual basis based on all previous and predicted qualifications, experience, references and motivation. Whilst the grades listed here are our entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only an estimate. We will therefore consider applicants with predicted grades that fall slightly below these entry requirements if the application is of a high standard (however, initial offers will not be lower than stated below).

• This course requires all applicants to uphold professional standards of behaviour.

• Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. Find out more about our English language requirements.

• GCSE requirements: Five GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including English Language and Maths Grade C/4.

• Find out more about our admissions policy.

• The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
  

• Suitably qualified students based in Singapore can study Aston's BSc Medical Bioscience course in country. Visit our course page here.

• Take a look at our FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Typical offers:

• A Level
• IB
• BTEC
• Access to HE
• International & other qualifications

ABB-BBB including Biology or Human Biology. You are also required to successfully complete the practical element of your Biology A Level.

Chemistry at A/AS Level welcomed but not essential.

Maths and Further Maths are not considered as two separate A Levels

We welcome applications from students who have tried to improve their examination grades by taking a maximum of one set of resits. We treat these applications in exactly the same way as other applications. However, if you have had more than one attempt at improving your grades, your application will be considered on an individual basis and we reserve to make an amended (higher) offer, or not make an offer.

32 points overall, to include 655 at HL, which must include Biology at 6

• BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science: DD plus A level Biology at grade B
  
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science: D*DD and A-level Biology at grade C
  
• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma: D plus two A Levels, including Biology at grades AB

We welcome applications from students who have taken BTEC qualifications as a first option and who achieved five or more GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grade C or above. You must also meet the additional A-Level requirements listed above.

We do not consider applications from students who are unsuccessful in obtaining the required number and/or standard of A-levels for admission to our programmes and subsequently embark on a BTEC as a second option. Instead we would encourage you to resit your A-levels (see our resit policy in the A Levels section).

All BTEC applicants must also pass the practical element of their A-level Biology.

For 2017 entry only we will accept BTEC students with an AS-Level in Biology instead of the full A-level.

Applicants of age 21 and above studying an Access to Science qualification will be considered on an individual basis.

Our standard offer is 45 level three credits, with at least 30 at distinction (the rest must be at merit or distinction).

Other qualifications: If your qualification is not listed, please contact us using the form at the bottom of the page.

International qualifications: International students can discover more about the qualifications we accept on our international pages.

International Foundation Programme in Science (Aston University): We also welcome international students with equivalent qualifications to apply for our courses. For international students without equivalent qualifications, it is also possible to gain entry to this course by completing an International Foundation Programme at Aston University, although please note the progression requirements to our courses. International applicants expected to gain foundation diplomas from other providers are welcomed and will be considered on a case by case basis.

Foundation Programme in Science (Aston University): For students with good A-level (or equivalent) grades, but who narrowly miss our standard requirements, it is also possible to gain entry to this course by completing our Foundation Year Programme, although please note the progression requirements. The minimum A level grades we consider for entry to this course via the Foundation Programme in Science is CCC, including a C in A level Biology.

Students from Singapore: You can benefit from our BSc Medical Bioscience course delivered in Singapore through a collaboration between Aston University and the East Asia Institute of Management (EASB).

For 2017 entry:

• UK / EU students: £9,250 per year (£1,250 during placement year)

• International students: £17,200 per year (£2,500 during placement year)

Explore the costs involved in university and the financial support that may be available to you.

• This course offers a springboard for graduates to work within the NHS and other health-related institutions. Practicing NHS biomedical scientists require a degree accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) – an endorsement we have held for over 10 years.

  Hear from Roseanne, a graduate from this course as she discusses her experiences.

  During the course, you will gain a deep understanding of the main principles of how the human body works. Going beyond this, you will discover how biomedical scientists find new ways to cure or treat disease by developing advanced diagnostic tools or new therapeutic strategies.
  

  You will initially enrol on to BSc Biomedical Science (C900). You will then have the following options available to you:

  • BSc Biomedical Science: A three year full-time course accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
    
  • BSc Biomedical Science with integrated placement year: A four year full-time course involving an integrated placement in an industrial or research laboratory in the third year, accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). You will apply for placements during your second year, with support from the university. If you are successful, you will transfer to this 4 year course .
    
  • BSc Applied Biomedical Science with integrated clinical placement year: A four-year course involving an integrated one-year clinical placement in a CPA accredited hospital laboratory in the third year. This is the route to take if you wish to become a professional Biomedical Scientist, working in the NHS. You will apply for placements during your second year, with support from the university. If you are successful, you will transfer to this 4 year course . The Applied Biomedical Science route is approved by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), the regulatory body for Biomedical Scientists, and graduates will immediately be eligible to apply to the HPC for registration as professional Biomedical Scientists.

  BSc Medical Bioscience course for students in Singapore

  Students from Singapore can benefit from our BSc Medical Bioscience course delivered in Singapore through a collaboration between Aston University and the East Asia Institute of Management (EASB).

  Subject guide & modules

  .

  Biomedical Science students study up to eleven modules each year equating to 120 credits. Each module comprises approximately 100 learning hours which includes lectures, tutorials, practical classes, directed student-centred learning and preparation for coursework assignments and examinations. Year 1

  • Microbiology I: provides you with an introduction to bacterial physiology, pathogenicity, infectious diseases and clinical microbiology.
    

  • Biochemistry: provides you with an overview of the structure of biological macromolecules and the small molecules from which they are assembled.
    

  • Physiology: provides you with a theoretical and practical approach to the physiology of nerves and the nervous system, muscle, brain, endocrine glands, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, blood, kidneys, gastro-intestinal tract and digestion.
    

  • Inheritance and Population Genetics: examines the modes of inheritance of the gene. This module also introduces you to some of the underlying principles of population genetics.
    

  • Development and Human Anatomy: reviews the principles and foundation elements of embryology and the study of human anatomy.
    

  • Cell Biology provides a basic introduction to cellular components and processes involved in the birth, life and death of cells.
    

  • Molecular Biology: provides you with a basic introduction to the nature, properties, structure, function and replication of genes.
    

  • Introductory Immunology: provides you with an understanding of the immune system as an integrated system of tissues, cells and molecules. This module also explores the cellular and molecular basis of immunity and examines how these may be controlled.
    

  • Biomedical Key Skills: comprises a series of academic tutorials with a personal tutor and a series of workshops (and external lectures) on Biomedical Science and career management. This module also provides the student with an opportunity to develop core skills including communication, numerical and IT skills and explores the importance of team work, self analysis and problem solving.

  Year 2
  • Microbiology II: covers microorganisms of medical importance including Gram-positive, Gram-negative and intracellular bacteria from the perspective of clinical manifestations, microbial pathogenesis; infection control and prevention.
  • Metabolism: provides you with an understanding of major pathways of intermediary metabolism and their integration and regulation.
  • Molecular Genetics: describes the molecular basis for the regulation of gene transcription and presents the key techniques in gene manipulation.
  • Biomedical Technology: provides an insight into the importance of tissue culture and enzymology in Biomedical Science.
  • Endocrinology: provides a detailed study of the endocrine system, extending and developing information covered in earlier parts of the course.
  • Human Physiology: provides a detailed study of the mechanisms and processes through which the body achieves and maintains homeostasis.
  • Molecular Pathology: examines some of the molecular mechanisms involved in cell growth, differentiation, maturation and senescence.
  • Immunology II: provides you with an understanding of the immune system as an integrated system of tissues, cells and molecules.
  • Biomedical Key Skills II: focuses on personal and professional development, group work, scientific communication and preparation for the placement year.
  Year 3 - Optional placement year

  The year involves a twelve-month professional work placement between the second and final years of the degree. This offers you the opportunity to gain valuable experience and set your studies in the context of a working environment, alongside professional biomedical scientists. By obtaining relevant work experience you will also boost your future employment prospects.
  

  Students undertake placements in settings such as hospital, industrial or research laboratories. Applied Biomedical Science with integrated clinical placement year students undertake their industry or clinical placement in a UKAS accredited CPA hospital laboratory.

  Find out more about placement years in Life & Health Sciences