Overview
Key contributors to modern healthcare, biomedical scientists play a vital role in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease, monitoring and inventing new treatments and cures by developing advanced diagnostic tools or novel therapeutic strategies.
Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), which is required for practice within the National Health Service (NHS), this broad-based science degree integrates a wide range of subjects to promote the understanding of how the human body works and the biology of disease. It also designed to give you the opportunity to develop the essential skills and knowledge in laboratory management required for a career in biomedical science.
Our state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building features a suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge industry techniques.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. For courses due to start in September 2020, in light of Covid-19, we currently preparing for courses to be delivered in a variety of forms, subject to Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority will be staff and student safety.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costAccreditation and Professional Recognition
The course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Health and Care Professions Council
Applied Biomedical Science is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
Institute of Biomedical Science - Accredited Programme
Our Facilities
Hospital Wards
We have two fully-equipped mock hospital wards, each containing 4 beds. The wards are built to NHS standards and contain moveable beds, first aid equipment and patient monitoring tools.
Life Sciences Research
Our facilities include a real ambulance, which students can use as part of their studies, and a purpose-built Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre. This allows for improved training quality in patient care and patient safety.
SuperLab
The Alison Gingell building contains a state-of-the-art SuperLab, capable of holding up to 270 people at once. The lab's facilities include equipment for microscopy, DNA analysis and forensic testing.
What our students say...
I chose Coventry University because it is well ranked by students and also won Modern University of the year 3 years in a row. Teaching methods are great, lectures, workshops and lab sessions compliment each other, which gives a better understanding of the subject.
Course information
The course explores the science and functioning of the human body in health and disease down to a cellular and molecular level, providing specialist knowledge about the cause of major diseases and how they can be treated.
Our extensive links with leading healthcare and research laboratories enable us to ensure course content is kept up-to-date. Particular emphasis is placed on the specialist areas of biomedical science: clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology, cellular pathology, haematology, immunology and genetics.
Laboratory sessions are a substantial component of the course, enabling you to learn the experimental techniques and develop the key experimental, data handling and reporting skills required in biological careers. Simultaneous progression through the ‘Professional Skills’ modules will develop your knowledge and skills in areas like scientific communication, self-directed study, research methods, information retrieval, IT, data processing and presentation and career development.
100%
of our students are satisfied by the quality of the course
NSS, 2016
Course Specification
Download PDF (295kb)
Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
We are ranked as the 15th best University in the United Kingdom - Guardian University Guide 2020
In more detail...
This professionally accredited degree aims to equip you with the appropriate knowledge and advanced laboratory skills to pursue laboratory careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries or become a Health Care Professional Council (HCPC) registered practitioner.
You’ll be taught by experienced academic staff who have hospital laboratory experience and will bring their professional and research expertise into their teaching through contemporary clinical case studies as the basis for problem based learning activities.
We benefit from extensive links with employers, such as the NHS, university research labs, public health laboratories and biotech companies, such as Binding Site, which can help you to find employment after you graduate. We also focus on student-centred teaching in which you devise and carry out your own laboratory experiments so that you can demonstrate your ability to work independently and solve problems to future employers.
Our practical approach has led to outstanding levels of satisfaction – 100% overall in the latest National Student Survey (NSS). We prioritise your development of laboratory and other scientific skills, enabling you to learn key experimental techniques and develop essential experimental, data handling and reporting skills required in biological and other careers.
You will have the opportunity to use diagnostic equipment in haematology and biochemistry, working with instruments you would see in a real clinical laboratory setting. These instruments offer ‘hands on’ experience of techniques such as gene amplification using PCR, gene sequencing, cell culture, flow cytometry, tissue staining, protein detection and bacterial growth.
- Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
- Opportunity to apply for entry into National Health Service (NHS) and private health careers.
- Applied Biomedical Science is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Strong portfolio of research with 61% rated 4* or 3* in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.
- High levels of student satisfaction – 100% overall and 92% for the quality of teaching in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2016.
- Teaching links with the local National Health Service (NHS) cardiac rehabilitation team and with staff in hospital diagnostic laboratories.
- Regular guest lecturers from current practitioners employed as biomedical scientists in hospital laboratories to teach areas such as haematology, virology and clinical biochemistry.
- Access to a well-equipped suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience using industry standard techniques, which help you stand out in the graduate job market.
- Strong track record for graduate employability – 93% of graduates of this course employed or continuing their studies after six months (DLHE 2014/15). Of those employed, 84% were in professional level roles.
- Research-inspired teaching with input from experts in our Applied Biological and Exercise Sciences research centre, which focuses on the themes of: cellular and molecular biosciences; biological systems, health and disease; and physical activity, exercise and obesity.
Support when applying for placements in laboratory settings and in other fields, such as teaching.
- Human physiology: You will have the opportunity to explore the structure and functions of the human body and the ways in which these adapt to our environment. We will examine cause-and-effect mechanisms, comparing healthy and disease states. The course will introduce you to the concept of metabolic and development control, as well as laboratory techniques for the measurement of physiological variables, such as metabolic rate, heart rate, blood pressure and spirometry.
- Biochemistry: We will consider the structure of biological molecules and their functional properties within the cell, together with the action of enzymes, including the basic principles of enzyme kinetics. You will have the opportunity to explore the molecular aspects of human nutrition, digestion and metabolism. The mechanisms of control and integration of metabolism of carbohydrates and fatty acids at different organisational levels are discussed, together with alterations in metabolism due to genetic predispositions. You will be taught the important role that biochemical investigations play in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, together with the rationale behind routine tests such as electrolyte measurements, metabolite and enzyme assays, with the emphasis on both the underlying pathophysiology and the contribution that these tests make to the diagnosis and to the management of the patient.
- Microbiology: This course will introduce you to the microbiological world, including aspects of bacterial cell structure and growth, as well as antibiotic action and resistance. We will focus on the biology of medically important micro-organisms and the role they play in health and disease, exploring the structure and function of the defence mechanisms of hosts, specifically the immune responses that are targeted against pathogens. You will have the opportunity to learn about the pathogenicity and epidemiology of selected viruses (e.g. Hepatitis, Influenza, HIV) and infections, the resulting responses, as well as the control and eradication of viral diseases.
- Cell and molecular biology: Provides an understanding of the structure and functions of mammalian cells and the metabolic processes that occur within them. This course will cover cell division mechanisms, energy metabolism, cell communication and cell defence. You will have the opportunity to learn about genetic inheritance patterns linked to the understanding of DNA replication, transcription and translation, investigating complex genetic disorders such as heart disease and dementia. You will explore cancer from a clinical, biological and epidemiological perspective, examining the cellular and genetic changes that occur during transformation and discussing how inherited susceptibilities can predispose individuals to develop certain cancers. We will teach you about molecular methods for the early detection, monitoring and treatment of various cancers as well as preventative measures.
- Genetics: This course will cover human genetic disorders, both chromosomal and single gene disorders and complex diseases. We will look at the techniques and theoretical knowledge which has made the recent great strides forward in our understanding of our genes and genome, together with their applications and implications. Genetic predisposition to diseases such diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease will be investigated. You should become familiar with the latest genetic techniques such as gene editing.
- Immunology: We will look at aspects of various infectious and non-infectious diseases and health conditions facing the population. We place a particular emphasis on the diagnosis, investigation and treatment of disease, focusing on aspects of clinical immunology including inappropriate or deficient immune responses.
The BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science course is available as a full-time three-year or optional four-year sandwich course. If you are successfully selected for a one-year placement, you will be able to transfer to the HCPC approved Applied Biomedical Science degree.
Your course will be based on lectures, with associated laboratory practical classes and workshop activities. Where possible, coursework uses applied tasks that mimic the skills needed in jobs to help ensure you are attractive to future employers, such as collection and interpretation of drug dose response data to assess therapeutic and lethal ranges.
Our experienced teaching team includes several Fellows of the Institute of Biomedical Science and one also a HCPC registered biomedical scientist, who was formerly a lead scientist for haemoglobinopathies for University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. These staff, PhD students and visiting lecturers will bring you the latest issues on a wide range of research topics.
You will be allocated a dedicated Personal Academic Tutor for the duration of your course, who will schedule regular 1:1 meetings with you and with whom you can make an appointment whenever you need to; you can also arrange to see other members of staff in ‘drop in’ sessions for any additional help you may need. If you are successfully selected for a one-year placement, you may be eligible to transfer to the HCPC approved Applied Biomedical Science degree.
Teaching methods include: lectures, with associated laboratory practical classes and workshop activities.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include coursework, tests, essays, formal examinations, practical or project work, group work, presentations and posters.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion, you should have knowledge of:
- The theoretical, analytical and practical aspects of human physiology, microbiology, cell biology, genetics, immunology and pharmacology and their applications (including in prevention and treatment of disease).
- The theoretical and practical aspects of pathology and disease diagnosis and their application to biomedical science
- The theoretical and practical aspects of chemical, molecular and biochemical analytical techniques
On successful completion, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate laboratory competence in the aspects of generic and specialised skills required in experimental biology, including experimentation and measurements on humans, safety (e.g. key laboratory skills and competencies, good laboratory practice) and ethical considerations.
- Apply scientific methods to critical analysis of literature, evidence based practice, reflection, information searching and experimental design in the biological sciences.
- Demonstrate proficiency in data collection, analysis and presentation, including appropriate aspects of information technology and interpretation of information through statistical methods.
- Work safely in the laboratory, undergoing progressively more advanced laboratory-based investigations based on competence in techniques for physiological measurement, pharmacological assays, analytical biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular physiology and microbiology.
- Operate, to lead and collaborate in a team in order to solve problems of a practical (experimental) nature and to provide appropriate solutions.
In a typical week, you will have up to 18 contact hours of teaching and this will break down as:
- Personal tutorial/small group teaching: 6 hours of workshops/online tutorials (or later, individual project supervision) each week. You can also arrange to see staff in their ‘drop in’ sessions for any additional help you may need.
- Medium group teaching: 6 hours of practical classes or skills workshops each week.
- Large group teaching: 6 hours of lectures each week.
In addition, you will be expected to spend 18 hours each week studying and revising in your own time including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc.
By its very nature, the course adopts an international perspective – as science knows no borders. We also attract students from many different countries – from Europe, Asia and South America – providing a more varied, multicultural and fulfilling environment in which to learn.
Our sandwich degree option allows a year’s work placement or study, which can be taken abroad. Some former students have studied at the University of Leiden in Holland. The University also offers a number of grants to enable international visits and a number of our students have been successful in securing places, for example, in Spain, France, Canada and the US. Some have undertaken fieldtrips to Malawi where they have educational engagement with groups of children participating in diverse community projects at local primary and nursery schools, assisted in monitoring the state of boreholes in rural villages, made sun dried bricks for building projects and climbing the challenging mount Mulanje.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2016/17, we were able to provide a total of 3,482 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni (HESA 2016/17)
3,482
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2016/17
21,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally so far
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say...
I chose Coventry University because it is well ranked by students and also won Modern University of the year 3 years in a row. Teaching methods are great, lectures, workshops and lab sessions compliment each other, which gives a better understanding of the subject.
Entry Requirements
What our students say...
I chose Coventry University because it is well ranked by students and also won Modern University of the year 3 years in a row. Teaching methods are great, lectures, workshops and lab sessions compliment each other, which gives a better understanding of the subject.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.The following are additional costs not included in the fees:
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip
Fees for this course also currently include:
- Student membership of the Institute for Biomedical Science for third year students
- Costs of any mandatory UK day visits
- Laboratory coat and safety spectacles provided for use
- Free copy of SPSS statistics software
- Disclosure and Barring Service (formally CRB Disclosure) for those undertaking placements with children
EU Student Fees
EU nationals and their family members starting in the 2019/20 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our students say...
I chose Coventry University because it is well ranked by students and also won Modern University of the year 3 years in a row. Teaching methods are great, lectures, workshops and lab sessions compliment each other, which gives a better understanding of the subject.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
The course aims to prepare you for professional practice within the National Health Service (NHS) as registered Biomedical Scientists. It is also possible to use your qualifications to help you further your studies and progress into teaching in schools, colleges or universities.
You will receive guidance during your studies on the professional routes available to you and the expectations of health professionals. We have excellent links with local employers and are actively involved in liaison with laboratory managers, training officers and other universities via the West Midlands Biomedical Science Training and Workforce Planning Group and the West Midlands regional training committee (South).
On successful completion of the Biomedical Science Degree, without a training placement, you can apply for Trainee Biomedical Science posts to enter into NHS Health Care Scientist registration training programmes, for which you will typically undergo one to two years of further training to obtain an IBMS certificate of competence so that you can apply for HCPC registration, a legal requirement for anyone who wishes to practice using a title protected by the HCPC.
Successful completion of the NHS/PHE Placement year allows students to have a Biomedical Science degree with a Sandwich Year placement or an Applied Biomedical Science Degree, both routes provide eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC
The scientific knowledge and skills you acquire during the course can be a useful basis for a career in: teaching; technical and scientific writing (such as medical writing or writing for the media); clinical trials; drug registration, patenting or monitoring; medical publishing or other information services; regulatory affairs or sales and marketing. The course is also an excellent foundation for further postgraduate studies leading to a Master’s or PhD.
97%
of our graduates are in work or further study six months after the course
DLHE 2014/15
Our graduates earn an average salary of £22,000 six months after the course (DLHE 2014/15)
What our students say...
I chose Coventry University because it is well ranked by students and also won Modern University of the year 3 years in a row. Teaching methods are great, lectures, workshops and lab sessions compliment each other, which gives a better understanding of the subject.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the University. A copy of the 19/20 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the University will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase for UK and EU Students is expected to be in line with inflation. For international students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
Admission to this course is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and a successful interview. Find out about the application process.
