Biomedical Science - BSc (Hons)

Glasgow Caledonian University

Discover how science saves lives with biomedical science.Biomedical scientists play a vital role in healthcare by analysing patient samples and producing reliable laboratory data that supports diagnosis and treatment. Through laboratory tests they support the diagnosis and treatment of disease, from infections to blood disorders. At GCU, you’ll learn how to detect signs of illness, monitor treatment, and understand how disease develops and progresses.This course is ideal if you enjoyed biology and chemistry at school. It takes your knowledge further and shows you how to apply it to real healthcare challenges. You’ll build the confidence to work across a range of settings in the life sciences sector.At GCU, you’ll build your knowledge from the ground up. You’ll explore how the human body works at cellular, tissue and system level, before moving into areas such as:* infection and immunity* clinical biochemistry* haematology.As you progress, you’ll study disease in more depth, including:* bioinformatics* pathology* clinical microbiology* genetics.This is a hands-on course where you build strong practical skills through laboratory work. You’ll spend significant time in the lab, using the techniques, equipment and processes found in real diagnostic and research settings. You’ll also learn how to design experiments, analyse data and communicate your findings with confidence.You’ll be taught by experienced academics and NHS professionals who bring current clinical and research insight into your learning. This helps you see how your studies connect directly to real healthcare environments.#### **BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science**You will need to apply to the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree.In Years 1 and 2, all students follow the same core modules and build a strong foundation in biomedical science.After Year 2, you can choose to:* continue on the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science route, or* apply for a place on the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science route.This means you do not apply to two separate courses at the start. You begin on BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and decide your pathway later, once you have developed your knowledge and skills.##### **Biomedical Science route**You follow an academic pathway focused on laboratory science, research and advanced study. In Year 3, you continue with taught modules and may take a shorter bioscience placement with a life sciences employer. You’ll then graduate with the award title BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.##### **Applied Biomedical Science route**If you secure a place on this route, it will include a 15-week clinical placement in an IBMS-approved NHS laboratory. During this placement, you’ll complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio and develop the competencies needed for professional practice. This pathway is designed for students aiming to become registered biomedical scientists in the NHS, aligning with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards. You’ll then graduate with the award title BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science.In Year 4, both the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science programmes study the same modules. The only differences between the two courses occur in Year 3, including learning content, modules, and placements.

Department of Life Sciences