Biomedical Sciences (Forensic)

Description

The aim of the BSc Biomedical Sciences (Forensic) course is to emphasise the basic principles of forensic investigation and analysis and their application to the study of various criminal activities. In addition you will study the main subject areas in biosciences and medically related research.

These subject areas include biochemistry, genetics, cell and molecular biology, immunology and anatomy and physiology as related to human health disease and treatment.

The course also allows you to develop good practical, analytical and transferable skills applicable to a wide range of employment opportunities such as medicine, MSc and PhD, pharmaceutical research, pathology and diagnosis, clinical trials and data management. You will be encouraged to exercise leadership, initiative and responsibility, and to appreciate the need for continual professional development.

Careers

Studying biomedical sciences will equip you with a range of transferable skills that will enable you to follow the career you want after graduation. We also give all our students the opportunity to develop the skills and competencies needed for employment through a unique, credit-rated module at Level 2, which is delivered in partnership with employers and the Placement and Careers Service.

In recent years, graduates have found employment with a wide range of companies, in both the public and private sectors. Some examples include:

• Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
• Home Office Forensic Science Service
• Laboratory of the Government Chemist
• Hospitals and NHS Research Centres
• Celltech Ltd
• Shell Ltd
• National Institute for Medical Research
• Unilever Research Ltd
• Bass Breweries
• Novartis
• Chester Beatty Research Institute
• Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Parexel International.

A substantial proportion of our graduates go on to obtain higher degrees by research PhD or by study for further qualifications such as medicine, dentistry, ophthamology or teaching.

Please note: for those wishing to pursue a career in the more junior position of NHS medical laboratory scientific officer (MLSO) this course is not IBMS accredited, so further study would be required after graduation.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 16000 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Specific interests often emerge as students progress through a course, which is why we offer flexibility to transfer between pathways at the end of Level 1.
Optional study blocks at Levels 2 and 3 allow you to follow a degree programme which reflects your interests and strengths. In addition, by selecting a particular pathway, you can gain specialist knowledge in your chosen subject area.
All our undergraduate courses are comprised of study blocks and assessment blocks. To obtain an Honours degree you will complete 120 credits of study and assessment at each level, including a 40 credit research project at Level 3.
Level 1 is compulsory for all pathways, and gives a background in cellular and biochemical processes. Practical lab skills and research skills (IT, communication, information retrieval/analysis, etc) are included to prepare you for the practical nature of the subject, and to give you an introduction to the various pathway options.
At Level 2, we will introduce more formally the biochemical and molecular processes which are altered in various human diseases. The Career Skills study block develops employability skills alongside further practical skills needed by biomedical scientists
At Level 3, you are given as much choice as possible to allow you to follow your interests. Topics are studied to a greater depth than in earlier years. All students must undertake a research project, which allows you to bring together the skills developed at Levels 1 and 2. This will probably be the greatest challenge of your degree, but also the most rewarding. You are usually associated with one of our research centres and your project will normally be clinically-related.

Typical Study Blocks

Level 1 Core

• The Human Body: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology

• Biochemistry: Structure and Function

• Biology of the Cell

• Practical Skills In Biomedical Sciences

• Research Skills

• Critical Thinking 1

Level 2 Core

• Molecular and Cell Biology

• Genetic Engineering and Immunobiology

• Principles of Human Disease

• Career Skills

• Critical Thinking 2

• Genetics and Development

Level 2 Options

• Analytical Biochemistry

• Medical Microbiology

• Metabolic Regulation

Level 3 Core

• Final Year Project

• Forensic Technologies

Level 3 Options

• Biology and Treatment of Cancer

• Cellular Pathologies

• Endocrine Disorders

• Genomic Medicine

• Medical Immunology

• Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology

Final year project

In your final year you will be required to complete a research project of your own under the supervision of a member of staff. Final year projects are often the most fulfilling aspect of the course.
Projects may take a variety of forms (from lab-based research to complex data analysis), but it will be related to your chosen programme pathway, and may relate to your future career plans. Your project experience is often what sets you apart as an individual and employers usually ask about your project in interviews.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 60(Grade C)

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• GCE A-level ABB, incuding Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma D*DD in a related subject.

• BTEC Level 3 Diploma DD in a related subject with an A-level at grade A in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D in a related subject with A-levels grade AB including Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma 33 points, including 6 in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

• Access to Higher EducationDiploma Complete and pass Access to Science course with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. All Biology and Chemistry units must be Distinctions at level 3.

GCSE Mathematics grade C and GCSE English grade C are also required.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)

• Pearson: 51 (51 in all subscores)

• BrunELT: 60% (min 55% in all areas)

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Brunel University.