Biomedical Science

The BSc in Biomedical Science encompasses the study of the science that forms the basis of medicine and related fields, including scientific laboratory-based knowledge and understanding.

This programme will explore the principles and practice of biomedical science and how they are applied in research, industry, and medicine.

As the course progresses you will be able to specialise and tailor the programme to your own individual needs and career aspirations. You will be taught by staff from a range of departments and faculties at Imperial.

Modules shown are for the current academic year, and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Teaching for the first two years is based mainly at the South Kensington, Charing Cross and Hammersmith Campuses. All provide excellent purpose-built facilities for biomedical science with the latest technology, teaching laboratories and computer suites, an extensive IT network for supporting computer-assisted learning, and first class library facilities. Teaching in the third year takes advantage of the College’s world-class research facilities.

You follow a core programme in the first and second years. Throughout, there is practical and project work, an emphasis on the development of independent thinking and critical analysis, and the development of transferable skills.

YEAR 1

The core course covers fundamental topics in biomedical science.

• Cell Biology: molecular and cell biology, genetics, developmental biology, immunology, virology
• Biological Chemistry: organic chemistry, structure and function of biopolymers, thermodynamics, enzymology, synthesis, membrane structure and function, metabolism and catabolism
• Human Biology: anatomy; systems biology (musculoskeletal, nervous, haematology, cardio-pulmonary, renal-hepatic, gastro-intestinal); neuroscience and special senses; endocrinology and metabolism; reproduction, embryology, development and ageing; psychology and behaviour

In addition, tutorials in chemistry and statistics are integrated into these courses.

YEAR 2

Second year courses are outlined below. In addition, you are required to undertake a substantive tutored dissertation, for which time is allocated into the programme of study.

• Applied Molecular Biology (including Bioinformatics and Genomics)
• Pharmacology, Epidemiology and Infectious Disease (including Virology, Microbiology and Parasitology)
• Cancer Biology
• Immunology
• Medical Humanities

YEAR 3

The Libraries of Imperial College London hold over 9,000 books.

You can select one of the following whole-year courses for the final year of your BSc. These are science-based courses with links to an appropriate medical field. The current options are as follows:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Global Health
• Haematology
• Immunity and Infection
• Neuroscience and Mental Health
• Pharmacology
• Reproductive and Developmental Sciences
• Respiratory Science
• Surgery and Anaesthesia

Each of the above courses of study in the final year is modular and students are led, via a variety of teaching methods, to the forefront of the field.

It is expected that the majority of students will undertake an independent research project in the latter part of the third year or alternatively a specialist course (available only with the courses in the Faculty of Medicine) in one of the following areas (current options listed):

• Medical Humanities
• History of Medicine
• Death, Autopsy and Law

Course structure

Part A: Introduction to BSc
Two-week refresher course: communications (written and oral) and data interpretation skills and building on relevant core knowledge for the subsequent modules.

Part B: Modular assessments
Each of the three modules is assessed with two pieces of in-course assessment, one of which has to include a form of written academic communication usually in the form of an essay. The approach to in-course assessment across pathways is diverse and imaginative, including oral and poster presentations, Nature articles, Dragon’s Den style presentations, practical write up, abstract writing tasks and timed essays. Each module is also separately examined.

Part C: Project Write up
The project comprises three parts:

• Oral presentation
• Write up in the style of a journal publication
• Assessment of performance by student’s supervisors

Part C: Specialist Courses
The assessment of specialist course comprises of:

• 2 assignments or an examination dependent on course
• 1 mini-project
• 1 oral presentation of mini project

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis. If your qualifications are not listed here, please see our academic requirements by country page, which gives the minimum entry requirements for a range of international qualifications.

A-LEVELS

The minimum entry requirements are AAA at A2 level with a B at AS-level. These must include Chemistry and Biology, and preferably Mathematics, at A2.

Mathematics is required to at least B at AS if not offered at A2. Candidates who have taken Mathematics at A2 are required to obtain a B in any other AS-level.

Applicants offering pre-2002 qualifications will be required to have grades AAA in A-level Chemistry, Biology and a third subject. General Studies will not be accepted at any level.

All applicants must have the following subjects at GCSE level, at grades AAABB or above (in any order):

• Biology (or Human Biology)
• Chemistry
• English Language
• Mathematics (or Additional Mathematics or Statistics)
• Physics

The Science double award may substitute all sciences at GCSE level and must be at grade A.

EPQ:  Please note that an EPQ cannot be used as part of the AS and A2 Level entry requirements

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

The International Baccalaureate is acceptable as an entry qualification. We require an overall score of 38 points including 6 in Biology and 6 in Chemistry, both of which must be offered at higher level. We also require English, grade 5 at standard level.

EUROPEAN BACCALAUREATE

85% overall; 9 in Biology and Chemistry and 6.5 in English.

ADVANCED PLACEMENTS

Advanced placement candidates must have a minimum of 3 AP tests, with the following grades: 5 in Chemistry, 5 in Biology, and 5 in Calculus BC or any other science subject.

The School of Medicine accepts various other international qualifications for admission to medicine. For further information please contact the admissions team on medicine.ug.admissions@imperial.ac.uk.

CAMBRIDGE PRE-U

The Pre-U Diploma is acceptable as an entry qualification. You must offer four Principal Subjects with grades of D3 or higher in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. The fourth subject may be either an additional Science or another Mathematics subject.

You will also be required to offer grades AAABB, in any order, in the following GCSE's:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

The Science double award may substitute all sciences at GCSE.

If you are taking a combination of Pre-U and A-level subjects you should contact the medicine admissions team for advice on the grades you will be required to achieve. (medicine.ug.admissions@imperial.ac.uk).

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

We welcome applications from students with overseas or alternative UK qualifications of equivalent standard, including European and French Baccalaureates, German Abitur, Scottish Advanced Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate, and Advanced Placements. Please supply full details direct to the Admissions Tutor. Supplementary information should not be sent to UCAS.

• Biomedical Science Entry Requirements [pdf]‌

Non-UK applicants must be able to demonstrate a competence in the English language through IELTS (score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each element) or equivalent. Applicants whose first language is not English should note that native language A-levels will only be regarded as additional qualifications.

BIOMEDICAL ADMISSIONS TEST (BMAT)

All candidates applying to the Biomedical Sciences course must take BMAT in the year of application in order to be considered for a place. You are required to register with BMAT assessment centres prior to the test. Please refer to the BMAT website for key dates and additional information. Offers will be based on the content of your UCAS application and your performance in all three sections of BMAT.

DEFERRED ENTRY

Applications from school leavers who wish to take a gap year are welcome. Applicants must state in their UCAS personal statement how they propose to spend their time.

Supporting Documents
Academic Transcript covering your marks (from university) up to and including 2013-14  Letter of Permission from your home university (from the Dean/Director of Medical Studies/Registry) stating that they permit you to apply for an intercalated BSc course at Imperial College London in 2015/16. The letter has to specify the BSc course applied for and that Imperial is the University applied to.  One Academic Reference from an academic member of staff at your university (GPs can become referees but are not preferred). You will be asked to provide the contact details of your referee in the application form. The referee will then be emailed to request a reference. It is your responsibility to make sure your referee does submit a reference by the submission deadline. Please note that the application form you are completing is also used for postgraduate students and states that two referees are required. You can arrange for more than one reference if you wish, but for intercalated BSc application one will be enough.  Personal Statement which explains why you have chosen to apply for a particular BSc course, why you think you should be selected for it, how the BSc relates to your interests in medical science and future career goals. You may wish to include any previous research experience, whether related to the medical science of the BSc or not, lab experience, research publications, conference posters and/or abstracts (talks), etc. Ideally, the statement should be up to two A4 pages long. It is important to show that you are passionate about the course and that you have read and understood the course guide. All of the above supporting documents must be uploaded online and submitted together with the application form. We do not accept supporting documents by post or email. 

President's Undergraduate Scholarships

There are 112 President's Undergraduate Scholarships available for students starting their studies in 2015–16.

Academic departments are responsible for nominating scholarship recipients as part of the admission process. All first time undergraduate applicants who have applied to the College by 15 October will be considered for these awards. However, Graduate Entry Medicine students are not eligible.

How much is it worth?

Each President's scholar will receive £3,000 for their first year of study.

Do I have to pay it back?

No.

How do I apply?

There is no formal application process and no separate application form for the President's Undergraduate Scholarship.

Your prospective department will use your admission application, references and any entry tests or interviews associated with your department to assess your academic merit and potential.

Recipients of these awards might find reference to these scholarships as part of their admissions offer via UCAS Track. You will then receive separate communication from Imperial’s Student Financial Support team a few days later.

If we think you may be eligible to be considered for this award, you will receive an email with more information about the scholarship after you have applied.

 Make sure you include the name of the scholarship and your College Identifier (CID) number – you can find this on your application acknowledgement email from the College.

Terms and conditions

Important terms and conditions apply to the President's Scholarships:

Before applying

1. You must quote your College Identifier (CID) number when corresponding with the College.

2. The scholarships we offer are limited and highly competitive. You must have sufficient funding in place before enrolling on your course.

3. Unless otherwise stated, the scholarships advertised are only available to prospective students applying for full-time courses.

4. The award period will generally commence on the first day of the academic year which you have applied for (e.g. 1 October 2012).

5. Scholarship applications will only be considered following an offer of admission. Only if you fulfil all the eligibility criteria (that is, if you meet the requirements) of the scholarship, will you be considered.

6. If there is no separate scholarship application form to be submitted, we will use your admission application form and references provided. These documents may therefore also be passed to stakeholders involved in the selection process.

7. Please do not send in supporting documents unless the scholarship application process specifically asks you to do so.

8. Funding deadlines are strictly adhered to and any application received after the closing date will not be accepted.

Successful award recipients

9. Agreeing to these terms and conditions and supplying your UK bank details

a) All scholarship and bursary payments will be made to the UK bank account details held on your Student e-Service account. You are able to log into your Student e-Service account and make changes to your bank details at any time after you’ve accepted your admissions offer.
b) By submitting your bank details via the Student Funding tab in Imperial’s Student e-Service portal, and/or bursary form, you are confirming that you agree with the terms and conditions of the award.
c) It may take a few weeks to set up your bursary payments and your UK bank account (if applicable); therefore you should bring sufficient funds to cover your living expenses during this time. Initial payment dates may vary; it is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of when payments will be made.
d) The award is subject to you fulfilling any outstanding conditions of admission.
e) Funds will only be released in line with your registration at College and you will need to ensure your bank details are up to date.
f) Payment Dates: Payments are normally made on the 7th day of each month; bank details should be updated before the 24th day of the preceding month to ensure payment is not delayed. Undergraduate payments will commence from 7th November. Postgraduate payments will commence on the 7th of the month following your registration.

10. Please make sure that you have completed all the steps necessary to register for the academic year in which you wish to receive payment. Please note that new award holders will also need to have fulfilled all of their conditions of offer before they are able to register.

11. All Imperial scholarships are subject to satisfactory academic progression. If the duration of your scholarship is longer than 12 months, it will be renewable annually.

12. Awards will not generally be made to those already holding a full scholarship from another source; please inform Student Financial Support, and/or any other department which has offered you an award, immediately if you are granted more than one award, even if you have already accepted our award. If you wish to hold several partial awards concurrently, this will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

13. Scholarships are not generally awarded to students who are writing-up.

14. Applicants wishing to study at UK partner institutions are not eligible for Imperial College London scholarships.

15. Undergraduate Financial Support / Imperial Bursary Package

a) To be eligible to receive an Imperial Bursary you must have been assessed for means tested funding from Student Finance England (or equivalent funding authority) and have a household income below the Imperial household income threshold for your cohort. You must contact us if this is not the case. Any previous study may affect your entitlement.
b) The College reviews household income information (which it receives from Student Finance England, etc.) on a continuous basis. A change in your household income may result in a change in your Imperial Bursary. Any overpayments will be reclaimed.
c) The Imperial Bursary is available for each year of your course excluding repeat years of study and NHS funded years for Medical courses. If you change from a 3 year to a 4 year course at Imperial you will be awarded a further year’s bursary. You should contact us about any course changes as soon as possible.
d) Students on paid placements might not be eligible for the Imperial Bursary.
e) To be eligible for the Imperial Bursary, we must receive your household income from the Student Loans Company by 1 May following the start of your academic year.

16. If you have been offered funding by the Research Councils, please ensure that you have read the most up-to-date postgraduate funding guide; you will need to adhere to the terms and conditions laid out there.

17. Deferrals, withdrawals and interruption of studies

a) You must inform the Student Financial Support team immediately of any interruptions to your study, particularly if they are likely to affect your attendance and registration status at College.
b) If you withdraw from your course or take an interruption of study (IOS) you must notify us immediately bycontacting us here. If you take an IOS your bursary will be postponed until you re-register.
c) Bursaries and scholarships are not transferable. If you transfer to another institution or withdraw from the College, any payments due to you will be cancelled and any overpayments are recoverable.
d) We will not provide scholarship or bursary support for any period of repeat study.
e) Awards cannot be deferred.

18. Student Financial Support may at any time, at their discretion, withdraw or recover an award for breach of any of the above conditions.

19. The College reserves the right to place a limit on financial support where a student is in receipt of other funding.

20. Information on students is shared within the Imperial College community and donors (where applicable and relevant to your award) in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

a) Where awards have specific eligibility criteria (e.g. satisfactory academic progression), supporting evidence may be shared with named donors in order to verify continued eligibility.
b) Award recipients may be expected to meet with donors.

21. If you are in receipt of an award to study that is restricted to students on the basis of nationality or residency; please note that, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, you must not intend to exercise in Great Britain skills you have obtained as a result of your training at the College and you must not be ordinarily resident in an EEA state.

22. These terms and conditions are the formal rules which regulate centrally funded awards. As such, there are no appeal procedures associated with funding from the Student Financial Support team.

Eligibility Criteria

 You must be registered on a recognised Medical or Veterinary course at a UK medical school (EU and overseas medical students are unfortunately not eligible)

You must have completed at least one year of that course before you apply to Imperial College i.e. you must be at least in Year 2 in 2014/15.

 You must have at least one year of your degree left when you return to your home institution after your intercalated BSc.