Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)



Our labs were purpose built and support your skills development on a range of specialist equipment

Overview

Biomedical science, although well established as a scientific discipline, is also a rapidly advancing subject constantly striving towards improving human health and creating a need for highly skilled biomedical scientists.

This course gives you a broad understanding of the scientific investigation of human health and disease. It covers the key aspects and principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology and physiology and their application to the causes and management of disease.

Your learning is supported by our research teams, who are at the forefront of biomedical research and contribute to all aspects of teaching, both lab and non-lab based. 

In second year, students do have the option of undertaking 'Volunteering and Employability'. This can include an element of work placement.

You'll gain the skills and knowledge to develop a career in biomedical science or progress to postgraduate study.

Edinburgh Napier is ranked Top Modern University in Scotland by the Sunday Times' Good University Guide 2022. 

We have a 95% satisfaction rate for our Biomedical Science course (National Student Survey, 2023).

Students at work in science lab

Mode of Study:

Part-time

(available as Full-time)

Duration:

6 years

Start date:

Sep

Placement:

Yes

Study Abroad:

Yes

Course details

As well as developing an understanding of the scientific investigation of human health and disease, you will gain more specific knowledge of disease processes from the study of clinical laboratory specialties, such as cellular pathology, clinical biochemistry, immunology, genetics and medical microbiology.

This enables a biomedical scientist to understand the science of the causes, consequences, diagnosis and treatment of disease.

You’ll be equipped with the skills necessary to plan and perform a research project for publication and be aware of the need for good laboratory practice, health and safety and legal and ethical considerations.

You’ll have the flexibility to study different areas of biology and tailor the course to your own interests. You'll also benefit from studying in the heart of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside which is rich in biodiversity.

The applied nature of this course encourages the development of skills that make you more employable including problem solving, research, team working, communication and IT. As well as specialist analytical and numerical skills, you will be able to collect biological data and communicate scientific information.

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    How you’ll be taught

    You will learn through a variety of different methods, including lectures, tutorials, field studies and laboratory classes. 

    More than two-thirds of our permanent academic staff are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy, reflecting their dedication and formal training in teaching undergraduate students. Together with our accreditation by The Royal Society of Biology - which is your assurance of the quality and relevance of our course to the needs of employers - this is your assurance of the up-to-date knowledge of our teaching staff and guarantee of a supportive learning environment.
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    Assessments

     A variety of assessment methods are used, including examination, assignments and practical assessments.  These are balanced across the Programme to provide a challenging assessment experience, which allows you to do your best.
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    Work placement

    In second year, students do have the option of undertaking 'Volunteering and Employability'. This can include an element of work placement.

    Placement and Study Abroad opportunities are subject to UK and Scottish Government health and travel advice.
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    Study abroad

    Erasmus and International Student Exchange Programs opportunities are available in the second and third year of study for one or two trimesters.

    Placement and Study Abroad opportunities are subject to UK and Scottish Government health and travel advice.

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Foundations in Science
  • Life on Earth
  • Scientific Enquiry
  • Introductory Microbiology

Year 2

  • Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology: Structure & Function
  • Symbiosis

Year 3

  • Genes and Inheritance
  • Applied Microbiology 
  • Physiology, Adaptation and Disease
  • Option module

Year 4

  • Molecular Biology of the Cell
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology and Pathobiology
  • Molecular Medicine

Year 5

  • Research Methods
  • Research Methods in Biomedicine
  • Infection and Immunity

Year 6

  • Trends in Biomedical Sciences
  • Professional Practice
  • Research project (2 trimesters - flexible)

The modules and timings shown above are a possible structure that students could take. The precise combinations and schedule of modules taken have some flexibility and will depend on time students can commit to study.


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Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

The University does not sponsor students to study on part-time programmes in the UK under the Student Visa route. International Applicants must therefore have other valid immigration leave to study on this programme.



Advanced entry

Advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3 is possible for students with suitable qualifications.

Minimum year 1

SQA Higher

Standard Entry Requirement

BBBB including Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Minimum Offer Entry Requirement

BBCC including Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry or Physics. 

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.

A Level

BCC including Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Applied Science.

 

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3 

Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject. 

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level

Minimum grades DM (Distinction, Merit) in a related subject.

A Level grade C

Irish Leaving Certificate

Grades H2/H2/H3/H3 including a Science subject (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 including a Science (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at minimum grade 5.  

T Level 

Grade M

T Level must be completed in a Science subject or A Level Science may be required. Please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk to check if you meet the subject specific requirements.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths, English & one Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or Double Award Science at Grades CC also required.

 

Minimum Year 2

SQA Advanced Higher

BBC to include Biology


A Level

BBB to include Biology


HNC

Pass HNC in a related subject* with B in the graded unit.

*Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Applied Science, Applied Bioscience, Wildlife and Conservation Management


Minimum Year 3

HND

Pass in a related subject* with Grades BB at SCQF Level 8 in the graded units.

*Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Applied Science, Wildlife and Conservation Management


English language requirements

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BN Nursing/MSc Nursing (Pre-registration) (Adult, Mental Health, Child, Learning Disabilities)
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2023/24 2024/25
Scotland *£305 *£tba
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland *£1,157 *£tba
Overseas and EU *£2,930 *£tba
Fees for modules are calculated according to the number of credits (multiples of 20). The rate shown in the table is for 20 credits*.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Fees for modules are calculated according to the number of credits (multiples of 20). The rate shown in the table is for 20 credits*.

Careers

Scientist standing behind shelves of laboratory equipment

The skills you gain will prepare you for work in a number of areas, including biomedical sciences, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries.

Our graduates have gone on to find employment in the NHS and pharmaceutical research companies like Charles River.

The emphasis on research in this course equips you with the knowledge and skills required to continue on to postgraduate study, including possible PhD study at Edinburgh Napier University and a further academic career.

Student working with his hands inside a fume cupboard in a science lab