Overview
Course In Depth
Modules
Entry Criteria
Careers and Employability
Finance
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Overview
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UCAS Code: | B910 |
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Course Length: | 3 Years Full-Time |
Start Dates: | September 2021, September 2022 |
Subjects: | Biology and Biosciences |
Location: | Edge Hill University |
Example Offers: | BBC-BBB (A Level) or DMM (BTEC) View full entry criteria |
How do cells, organs and systems function in the human body to help inform the identification, research, monitoring and treatment of diseases? As one of the broadest areas of modern science, biomedical science draws upon several disciplines, including anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, pathology and physiology to explore this question. On this programme theory and practice complement each other as you gain a solid theoretical grounding in each of these subjects, as well as a range of professional skills underpinned by comprehensive laboratory experience. You will also develop your research skills culminating in a piece of original study in your final year. Whether you are aspiring to a career working in a hospital laboratory, in biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry or other health-related role, this degree is an ideal preparation.
Discover Uni: Full-Time Study
In Depth
What will I study?
Year 1 is a common year across our Biology and Biosciences degrees. You will receive a firm foundation in cell biology and genetics, with optional modules introducing you to the basics of chemistry for biologists, the fundamentals of ecology, the evolutionary origins of biodiversity, and the structure and function of human anatomy and physiology. You will also undertake residential fieldwork in Cyprus.
In Year 2 you will gain a much deeper understanding of specific fields of biomedical science, including biochemistry and metabolism, as well as molecular genetics. There are additional opportunities to specialise in areas such as disease, nutrition, immunology and human genetics. Advanced laboratory skills will also be developed, underpinned by an independent mini-project. On completion of the second year you have the option of undertaking a 12-month placement abroad or in industry.
Year 3 is focused on specialisation in areas such as pathology, pharmacology, epidemiology, genomics and advanced tissue applications. You will also undertake a significant piece of individual research using our state-of-the-art laboratories.
How will I study?
You will study via a combination of lectures, practical work and tutorials. The programme has a strong practical base and, in addition to the taught sessions, you will be expected to hone your skills using the excellent departmental facilities in your own time. By the final year of the programme you will be working as an independent laboratory scientist.
How will I be assessed?
Modules are assessed by a mixture of coursework and examinations. A wide range of coursework is employed, from practical write-ups and essays to laboratory log books and even a biochemistry animation.
Who will be teaching me?
The Biology department is friendly and approachable and of a size that enables us to know our students personally. You will be taught by research-active experts in biomedical sciences who take pride in the quality of their teaching and academic studies.
The programme team are up-to-date with current developments in their areas of interest, with expertise in areas such as cystic fibrosis, placental biology, disease vector biology and the genetic basis of skin conditions. Staff frequently share this knowledge by directly engaging students in their research.
Visiting speakers assist in the delivery of the programme, often presenting unique or novel aspects of subjects.
A Great Study Environment
Edge Hill University has over 25 years’ experience in delivering Biosciences degrees and has a wealth of experienced tutors, technical staff and field and laboratory equipment to support the study of biomedical science on this programme.
Our Biosciences building incorporates impressive, modern laboratories, offering exciting and highly relevant practical experience in some of the best equipped facilities in the country. Resources include fluorescence and scanning electron microscopes, a histology suite, cell culture facilities and a DNA sequencer.
The Department of Biology is home to an active research culture. An extensive network of relationships has been established with relevant biomedical organisations and other universities in the UK and overseas, ensuring a rich, diverse and rewarding student experience.
Modules
Expand AllYear 1
SCI1107Biology in Practice (20 credits)
SCI1116Genetics and Evolution (20 credits)
SCI1117Introduction to Cell Biology (20 credits)
You will select three of the following modules:
SCI1112Ecology (20 credits)
SCI1113Biodiversity (20 credits)
SCI1115Chemistry for Biologists (20 credits)
SCI1118Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits)
Language modules, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, are available to study as an integral part of this degree. A single Language module can be studied instead of one of the optional modules above.
Year 2
SCI2308Research Methods in Biology (20 credits)
SCI2319Laboratory Masterclass (20 credits)
SCI2332Molecular Genetics (20 credits)
SCI2334Biochemistry and Metabolism (20 credits)
You will select a total of 40 credits from the following modules:
SCI2324Nutrition (20 credits)
SCI2335Introduction to Biotechnology (20 credits)
SCI2340Food Microbiology (20 credits)
SCI2343Human Genetics (20 credits)
SCI2344Immunology and Infectious Diseases (20 credits)
SCI2900Study Abroad Placement (40 credits)
If you studied a Language module in Year 1, you may wish to study a further Language module in Year 2. This would form an integral part of your degree in place of one of the optional modules above.
Year 3
SCI3340Biomedical Science Research Project (40 credits)
You will select four of the following modules:
SCI3014Applications of Genetics (20 credits)
SCI3015Genomics and Bioinformatics (20 credits)
SCI3316Pathology (20 credits)
SCI3321Pharmacology (20 credits)
SCI3324Epidemiology (20 credits)
SCI3327Advanced Tissue Applications (20 credits)
SCI3339Food Technology (20 credits)
If you studied Language modules in Years 1 and 2, you may wish to study a further Language module in Year 3. This would form an integral part of your degree in place of one of the optional modules above.
Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements.
Timetables
Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Entry Criteria
Entry Requirements
Typical offer 112-120 UCAS tariff points, preferably to include Biology or a related subject, such as Chemistry, Geography or Psychology, plus GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
Other subjects will be considered if you have demonstrable interest or experience in biology.
Example Offers
Some examples of how you can achieve 112-120 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.
- A Level: BBC-BBB;
- BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
- International Baccalaureate (IB): We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points. Subject-specific requirements at Higher Level (HL) Grade 5 may apply;
- Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.
As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.
EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.
International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.
English Language Requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?
If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.
Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’). This may include credit or learning undertaken at another university.
Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.
Career Prospects
What are my career prospects?
You will graduate from this degree with the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in biomedical sciences, working in hospital laboratories, in biotechnology, or for pharmaceutical and other health-related companies.
Equipped with a range of transferable skills, you will be well placed to progress into academic or industry research. Alternatively, you may wish to embark on a career in teaching (further training required) or pursue postgraduate study.
As a Biomedical Science graduate, you will be able to demonstrate to employers that you are a logical and numerate individual, with the ability to communicate concisely and solve practical and theoretical problems, skills much in demand in the workplace.
How can I enhance my employability?
It is useful to consider, even before you apply, how you will spend your time while studying and make the most of your university experience.
Optional, additional activities may be available on this degree which could help to prepare you for a stimulating and rewarding career. These include:
- Sandwich Years – you may have the opportunity to apply to complete a sandwich year placement, usually as the third year of a four year degree, and gain highly relevant work experience;
- Erasmus+ and Study Abroad – you may have the opportunity to apply to spend time studying or working abroad, usually as the third year of a four year degree, enabling you to immerse yourself in a different culture;
- Learning a Language – you may be able to select language modules, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, as an integral part of your degree (for which you will gain academic credits). Alternatively, it may be possible to participate in Language Steps classes as additional study.
Please note, the availability of these additional activities cannot be guaranteed for all students. Depending on availability and the number of students wanting to participate, there may be a competitive application process for sandwich year placements or studying abroad opportunities or you may be required to secure a relevant placement yourself.
Finance
Tuition Fees
If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree in academic year 2021/22, the tuition fee will be £9,250 per annum (subject to final Government approval).
Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2021/22 are £12,500 per annum. Exemptions apply for EU students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, who may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
Financial Support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this undergraduate degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the programme may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining this programme in academic year 2021/22, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2021/22 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2021.
EU students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals should apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.
Scholarships
Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time undergraduate students.
These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.
An additional scholarship, which you may qualify to receive, rewards outstanding A Level and BTEC grades.
To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.
Apply
How to Apply
Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com.
Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.
Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
Visit Us
If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.
Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about our full range of events for prospective students, including campus tours and virtual activities, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.
Request a Prospectus
If you would like to explore our full range of degrees before you apply, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:
- Course Enquiries
- Tel: 01695 657000
- Email: study@edgehill.ac.uk
International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.
Course Changes
Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.11th June 2019 - Withdrawal of Module
Covid-19 - Biomedical Science Essential Information
Biomedical Science Course Statement
Some module elements that would usually take place in the autumn semester have been moved to the second semester. Residential fieldwork, including the Year 1 trip to Cyprus, may not be possible, depending on government guidance at the time.Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2020
In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, answers your questions and explains how teaching will work when you join us at Edge Hill University in September.
Campus Facilities at Edge Hill University in 2020
In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, explains how we’re preparing the campus for your arrival in September and the facilities that will be available.