BSc in Biomedical Science

UCAS Code: C900

Typical offers:

• A Levels: ABB-BBB including Biology or Human Biology. 
• IB: 33 points (Biology Higher Level 6 points, plus another science subject at Higher Level)

BTEC, Access & other:

• Access to Science for mature students (21+) considered on an individual basis. 
• BTEC National Certificate & BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science: DD plus A level Biology at grade B 
• BTEC National Diploma & BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science: DDD. Eligibility dependant on modules.

Specific subject requirements:

• A level: Biology / Human Biology at A level grade B or above. Chemistry at A/AS level welcomed but not essential 
• GCSE: English and Maths grade C.

Year 1

• Microbiology I - provides the student with an introduction to bacterial physiology, pathogenicity, infectious diseases and clinical microbiology. 
• Biochemistry - provides the student with an overview of the structure of biological macromolecules and the small molecules from which they are assembled. 
• Physiology - provides students 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 students 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 students with a basic introduction to the nature, properties, structure, function and replication of genes. 
• Introductory Immunology - provides the student 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 the student 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. 
• Nutrition and Dietetics - provides the student with the basic concepts in human nutrition and dietetics including macronutrients, obesity, vitamins and minerals, food allergy and diabetes. 
• 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 the student 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

See placement year section or find out more about the Aston placement year.

Final Year

• Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease - provides a comprehensive view of the pathogenesis and diagnosis of infectious disease within the community and hospital setting. 
• Food Microbiology - provides a study of the relationship between food and health including the scientific, technical and manufacturing factors which influence food quality and safety. 
• Haematology/Transfusion Science - provides an in depth study of pathophysiology of haematological disorders. 
• Cellular Pathology - provides students with a comprehensive overview of the current practice of diagnostic cellular pathology and histological techniques. 
• Medical Biochemistry - provides a detailed study of the application of chemical and biochemical methods to the study of disease. 
• Biological Basis of Human Disease - considers the basic biological principles underlying the development of diseases in humans including obesity, cancer, motorneurone diseases, growth disorders, disease of the heart, liver, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. 
• Biomedical Research Project - provides the student with the opportunity to undertake a laboratory-based research project under the supervision of an academic member of staff. 
• Applied Molecular Biology - provides in-depth explanations of genetic engineering techniques and their applications. 
• Immunology III: builds on information learnt in the first and second years. 
• Biomedical Key Skills III: reviews the structure and function of the NHS, including people, places and funding