Biomedical Science - BSc (Hons) Degree

This degree can be studied as a three-year full-time degree or a four-year full-time degree that includes a year of foundational study. Our foundation year is intended to prepare you for your subsequent years of studying, offering you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence.

The foundation year will be relevant to:

1. Students who aspire to enrol onto the first year of a science-based honours degree programme within the Cardiff School of Health Sciences, who have not achieved the standard entry requirements to enter at year one of the chosen degree.
2. Students who have not studied subjects that provide the necessary background within the scientific disciplines required to enter at year one of the chosen degree.

Find out more about the foundation year​.

Please note: You will need to apply using a specific UCAS code if you wish to undertake the 4 years including foundation. Please refer to Key Course Information at the bottom of this page.

Degree:

Year One:
Students will gain an understanding of human physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, microbiology and immunology. Laboratory and teaching sessions will provide students with the scientific knowledge and technical skills that will prepare them for Years 2 and 3. In addition, students will be able to develop relevant analytical, communication and transferable skills.

Modules (All Core):

• Biochemistry (20 credits) 

• Cell Biology & Genetics (20 credits) 

• Anatomy & Physiology (20 credits)*

• Infection & Immunity 1 (20 credits)*

• Laboratory Skills & Data Analysis (20 credits) 

• Personal & Inteprofessional Development 1 (20 credits) 

Year Two:
You will gain more understanding of molecular biology and acquire expertise in a range of specialist investigative techniques; epidemiology & data analysis; and research methods. Coverage of areas such as medical biochemistry, cellular pathology, haematology, transfusion science, medical microbiology, immunology, pharmacology and toxicology will explore the nature, importance and treatment of disease processes. In addition, a professional development module will encourage students to consider their own career aspirations, and help them to develop key transferable skills that will assist in their preparation for future employment.

Modules (All Core):

• Analytical, Research & Diagnostic Methods (20 credits) 

• Blood & Cellular Sciences (20 credits) 

• Infection & Immunity 2 (20 credits)* 

• Molecular Biology & Genetics (20 credits) 

• Personal & Interprofessional Development 2 (20 credits)*

• Physiology, Pharmacology & Toxicology (20 credits)

Year Three:
The final year focuses on the integration of previously acquired knowledge to provide students with an appreciation of the multidisciplinary approach to research, diagnosis and management of disorder and disease. Subjects covered will include the laboratory investigation of disease, bioinformatic analysis, translational research and a selection of topics of current relevance to biomedical science. The final year research project will further encourage independent learning, the continued development of technical research skills, scientific writing and critical analysis.

Modules (All Core):

• Biomolecular Analysis (20 credits) 

• Contemporary Topics in Biomedical Sciences (20 credits) 

• Project (40 credits)* 

• The Biology & Laboratory Investigation of Disease (20 credits) 

• Translational Research (20 credits)

*modules available through the medium of Welsh

A range of teaching and learning methods are employed throughout the programme. These include lectures, tutorials, workshops, group tasks and a significant number of laboratory-based practical sessions. The Moodle Virtual Learning Environment is also used to provide students with key information relating to programme modules, careers advice information and administrative information relating to their programme of study. All students are assigned a personal tutor when they first enrol, who will remain their tutor and provide pastoral support throughout their studies. The personal tutorial system encourages students to continue to develop their interpersonal and reflective skills throughout their studies. In addition, we are proud of our ‘Open Door Policy’ which actively encourages students to contact staff for advice and guidance whenever they require it. ​

Students are assessed using a mixture of methods: some modules employ written assignments such as essays and literature reviews, others involve examinations, practical reports, presentations (group and individual)​, case studies and (in the final year) an important component is the completion of a scientific research project & poster.

Biomedical Science is a continually changing, dynamic scientific discipline concerned with understanding how diseases develop and how they may affect the normal functioning of the body. The aim of this discipline is the investigation of the disease process and, ultimately, the development of methods for monitoring, diagnosing, treating and preventing disease.

Graduates may use their expert scientific knowledge and analytical skills to investigate diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. They are able to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and support the research and development of new diagnostic tests or pharmaceutical products.

Graduates will be equipped to find employment in a variety of contexts, including pathology laboratories, research laboratories, the food industry, forensic science, pharmaceuticals, health and safety, commerce and teaching. In addition, many of our graduates have gone on to study for higher degrees, including graduate entry medicine and dentistry degrees, and further professional qualifications. ​The accreditation of this degree by the IBMS means that our graduates meet the academic requirements to become registered as a Biomedical Scientist. This means that they can apply for a job as a trainee Biomedical Scientist and then, after additional work-based training and the achievement of the IBMS Certificate of Competence, become a registered Biomedical Scientist (see ibms.org for more information).

The degree has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

Typical Offers

​The following requirements are based on typical offers relevant to entering year 1 of the degree.

If you do not meet these entry requirements, we also offer a Foundation Year which allows progression to Year 1 upon successful completion.

• Tariff points: 112-120
• Contextual offer: See our contextual offers page.
• GCSE: Five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above to include English Language / Welsh First Language, Mathematics / Mathematics – Numeracy and Science.
• English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent.
• A level subjects: Minimum three A levels to include grade B in Biology and grade C in an equivalent Science.​
• Relevant subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Physical Education, IT, Mathematics, Food Technology, Environmental Science or Geography considered as the equivalent Science. Welsh Advanced Skills Baccalaureate considered as a third subject.
• BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM within Applied Science.
• T Level: Merit in a Science subject considered.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: Within a Science subject covering sufficient Biology.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: Minimum two Grade 5/6 in Higher Level Biology and equivalent Science.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 in both Biology and an equivalent Science. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4.
• Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades CD in Biology and an equivalent Science. Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers.

Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search.

Further information on Overseas qualifications can be found here.

If you are a mature applicant, have relevant experience or RPL that you would like us to consider, please contact Admissions.

How to Apply

Further information on how to apply can be found here.

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the programme leader, Dr Sally Hicks:

• Email: shicks@cardiffmet.ac.uk
• Telephone: 029 2041 6848