Â鶹´«Ã½

STUDY

Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Foundation Year

Microscope showing blood cells
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: J751
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Four years full-time, seven years part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 80 UCAS tariff points (or above), CCD (A-Level), MMP (BTEC), Pass A*-C (T Levels)
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: J751
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Four years full-time, seven years part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 80 UCAS tariff points (or above), CCD (A-Level), MMP (BTEC), Pass A*-C (T Levels)

Overview

Biomedical science is a dynamic and rapidly evolving scientific discipline aimed at improving our understanding of human health and disease. 

The intergrated Foundation Year provides students with the subject knowledge, study skills and personal confidence required to successfully progress towards obtaining a BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree. 

Our aim is to help you progress to an employment-ready graduate and hence the course is designed to also equip you with a number of transferable skills that are so highly valued in the current, ever-changing, employment market.

We use a multidisciplinary approach in order to provide you with knowledge of workings of human body at molecular, cellular, organ and systems level, in health and disease. It covers the key aspects and principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, physiology and pathophysiology, histology and haematology.

The course benefits from a close working relationship with Ipswich Hospital and is taught by an international team of research-active academics. Both of these ensure that the course is relevant to your future employment, is contemporary and at the forefront of science. 

The Health and Care professional Council (HCPC) is the statutory body for regulation of professionals in health and care professions. The title Biomedical Scientist is regulated by statute and those using the title in their professional practice must be registered with the HCPC . Eligibility to apply for registration is achieved by evidence compliance with the standards of proficiency for biomedical scientists. This is evidence through completion of the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio and award of the IBMS Certificate of Competence. Further information is available on the HCPC website and the IBMS website. 

Further information about the university's relationship with the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is available in the PSRB register.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), the leading professional body for scientists, support staff and students in the field of biomedical science. It can be used towards obtaining statutory registration as a biomedical scientist with the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC) through completion of the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio and award of the IBMS Certificate of Competence.

The Â鶹´«Ã½ is world-class and committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

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in the East of England for graduate prospects

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6th

in the UK for spend on academic services

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in the UK for social inclusion

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Course Modules

Our undergraduate programmes are delivered as 'block and blend', more information can be found on   You can also watch our 
Downloadable information regarding all Â鶹´«Ã½ courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.
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Study of the biological sciences is often supported by a range of techniques developed through the use of physics and chemistry. Furthermore, there is much evidence of interaction between the physical and chemical sciences with that of biology, much of which would benefit from a greater fundamental understanding. Therefore this module is intended to give students a broad understanding of some of the chemical and physical principles that underpin much of biology.

This module will enable students to develop the knowledge and practical skills that will prepare them for undergraduate studies in biological sciences and related subjects. This module considers the structure and function of major biological molecules and biochemical systems.

The purpose of this module is to develop student’s skills in written and oral communication and develop the study skills needed for undergraduate work. The module will explore essay writing, academic referencing, avoiding plagiarism, organising, planning and editing written work, and improving technical writing style. Students will also consider time management, meeting deadlines, developing personal awareness and confidence by class presentations. The module will also utilise on-line delivery of material via the virtual learning environment thus providing an impetus to cultivate IT skills.

This module will enable students to develop the knowledge and practical skills that will prepare them for undergraduate studies in biological sciences. This module considers the structure and function of major physiological systems within the human body. Topics covered include the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory, endocrine, nervous, musculo-skeletal and reproductive systems, and basic genetics. Theory will be supported by practical laboratory work.

Mathematics is the language of science. The study of any science requires some degree of mathematical understanding. Mathematics is not necessarily difficult, but requires a supportive learning environment where key concepts are demystified and applied in a logical and orderly fashion. Aimed at those without an ‘A-Level’ Mathematics and/or 'return to learning' students, this module aims to develop the students’ skills and increase their confidence in using mathematics in general; and in particular in the application of mathematics to health and life sciences.

This second semester foundation level module is designed to facilitate independent student engagement through a scientific investigation from a defined list of subjects. You will carry out your own simple experiments to generate some data for analysis. You will be expected to take an individual project title, design (with help from the tutor) the experiment, conduct the experiment applying the principles of a scientific investigation, capture the data, analyse it and draw rational conclusions. This module will help to develop inquiry, autonomy and application of scientific principles.

DNA is arguably the most important macromolecule in life and this module is designed to provide a solid foundation of knowledge on which students can build throughout the Bioscience degree programme. Beginning with the fundamental concepts of DNA and it’s role in heredity and the genetic code, the module will build up through expression of genotype to phenotype and the control of gene expression. 

A thorough understanding of human physiology and maintenance of homeostasis are key facets in a range of scientific disciplines. In this module, students will study the way in which different cells, tissues, organs and organ systems contribute to homeostasis from a theoretical perspective. 

Cells are the basic unit of all living organisms. In this module, students will examine the structure and function of cells, and the signals that control eukaryotic cell division, adhesion, migration, and programmed cell death. Students will analyse how cells contribute to animal physiology and disease, and be introduced to the techniques used to study cells in the laboratory. 

This module will provide students with the core skills required to carry out basic scientific procedures and communicate their research in an appropriate scientific format.  The module is based on a series of practical sessions and is designed to develop the skills required for subsequent advanced modules on the course.

This module provides introduction to the role of Biomedical Scientists within the current UK health care provision landscape. We will explore the role that Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) play in informing and overseeing education, training and continuing professional development of biomedical scientists in the UK. Moreover, you will be introduced to professional standards and codes of practice specific to biomedical scientists.

This module is designed to give a solid foundation on which to build further study in biological science.  It will investigate the fundamentals of biochemistry starting from basic atomic structure and bonding to then focus on the structure, function and metabolism of macromolecules. Students with differing levels of previous knowledge of chemistry and biology will be introduced to the range of processes taking place within the body at a molecular level.

This module prepares students for further study and employment by providing an understanding of what science is and how it works.  It introduces students to the principles of scientific research and the planning and design of experiments. Students will learn how to effectively analyse literature and communicate science in a variety of methods.

The module aims to set an introduction to some key properties and applications of selected microbial organisms. You will learn about the structural, biological and molecular characteristics of major microorganisms, to include bacteria, viruses, fungi and protists. In addition, the significance of microbes in health and disease will be investigated, also with the support of current research literature.

Effective scientists need to understand how experimentation, qualitative and quantitative analysis drives science forward via the process of attempted falsification and how this is quantified and presented. This module prepares students for further study and employment by providing an understanding of inferential statistical analysis of scientific data. It will enable students to understand, interpret and apply most of the statistical techniques that they will see in published articles and allow them to emulate such analysis in their own work.

This module is designed to review the nature of and causation of diseases, by considering environmental, genetic, and biologic factors and link the characteristics of disease to the signs and symptoms utilised in diagnosis. The module will also give the students the opportunity to investigate the positive and negative effects of diet on health and disease.

In this module, you will explore the cellular basis of infection via pathogens and the immunological defence system the body deploys in order to prevent the development of infectious disease. The module will deal with the structure and function of the human immune system in terms of the innate and adaptive immune responses focusing on the cells and molecules involved.

This module introduces students to the principles of nucleic acids manipulation and cloning. The module will include a thorough background on DNA handling, manipulation and analysis. The module will then detail the standard techniques by which DNA can be differently inserted into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and its expression monitored. Classic techniques will be presented together with the more advanced, cutting-edge technologies and approaches.

The dissertation will provide an opportunity for individuals to develop an area of scientific interest arising from either course-based or work-based experience. The focus of the dissertation will be a research-based study, central to which will be some form of hypothesis testing or problem solving.  It will enable students to utilise practical, intellectual and decision making skills in novel situations.

This final year module aims to advance and apply your knowledge of what it means to be a Biomedical Scientist, the roles and responsibilities that this profession encompass, as well as to strengthen your understanding of the role that Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) play in training and continuing professional development of biomedical scientists in the UK. The emphasis will be on reviewing professional standards and codes of practice as well as requirements for the HCPC registrations, including Registration Training Portfolio and Certificate of Competence. 

Histology is the science that studies the minute structure, composition and function of tissues. Every tissue is made of specialised cell components playing pivotal functions. When these functions are altered, the cell dysfunctions are reflected into significant histological changes, which are studied in the realm of histopathology. In this module, you will understand the different features and functions of the main classes of tissues, where cells exert specific functions. Moreover, you will become acquaint with microscopic histological specimens and receive some training on the standard techniques for tissue processing, staining and analysis.

Haematology and blood transfusion science are core clinical study areas within Biomedical Science. This module will apply your knowledge of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and immunology to the study of blood and the major proteins and cells that constitute blood. We will start by studying main types of blood cells and their distinguishing features, to then go on to consider most common diseases of the blood including anaemias, coagulation disorders and blood malignancies. Major haematology parameters and basic techniques that enable a range of diagnoses will be explored and will form the core of our practical activities. We will also explore practical considerations and limitations of blood transfusion.

This module is intended to allow the student to draw together a wide range of topics covered at levels 4 and 5 into the applied area of pharmacology and toxicology. This module utilizes understanding and application of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics and physiology to solve problems. The interdisciplinary nature of the field provides an ideal opportunity for students to contextualise their studies within an important progressive science.

The module will examine nutrition as it relates to the prevention and treatment of disease and deals with the nutritional aspects of diseases and clinical disorders by integrating students' existing knowledge of physiology, biochemistry and food science. In this module students will also consider the nutritional requirements of humans throughout the lifespan; the changing physiological status and subsequent changes in nutritional requirements will be studied along with a critical appraisal of how this is met with respect to diet, sociological status, geography and education.

This module is designed to provide students with an overview of some fundamental developmental processes that lead to the formation of a multicellular organism from a single zygote, up to the gastrulation process. The module will consider some key developmental models with cellular and molecular events underpinning both development and regeneration, therefore linking core stem cell biology knowledge.

This module will provide you with theoretical knowledge and advanced practical experience of core laboratory techniques used to carry out experimental research within the life sciences area. The module is based on a series of practical sessions and will giving you experience of performing experimental work, collecting data, and interpreting and presenting results, using a range of media.

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WHY SUFFOLK

2nd in the UK for Career Prospects

3rd in the UK for spend on academic services

4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction

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Bioscience Lab
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Watch to find out more
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Bioscience Student in the lab
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DNA helix model and students in a laboratory

Entry Requirements

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Career Opportunities

We anticipate you may wish to progress into laboratory-based careers in clinical or technical roles within NHS setting. However, you will also be well placed to secure jobs as researchers working in universities, pharmaceutical and bioscience companies and institutes. 

The transferable skills developed during the course will equip you for a wide range of careers outside the laboratory.

  • Scientific publication
  • Quality control
  • Scientific sales
  • Local and central government health authorities.
  • Higher level study such as PGCE (e.g. science teacher training), Masters degree or PhD. 

Your Course Team

Dr Nick Tucker

Nick Tucker is Associate Dean and lecturer for Biomedical Sciences and is a molecular microbiologist interested in the biology of Pseudomonas bacteria.

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Dr Imogen Butcher

Imogen is a lecturer on the Biomedical Science and Bioscience degree courses.

Cátia Marques

Catia is Course Leader in the BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy and has worked in cell research in several laboratories across Europe.

Catia Marques staff profile photo

Dr Federica Masieri

Federica is Associate Professor and Course Leader in Biomedical

Federica Masieri staff profile photo

Dr Christopher Turner

Christopher is Head of Life Science. His research studies animals at all levels, from their molecular and cell biology to their behaviour and ecology.

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Robert Ellis

Rob is Associate Dean for Learning, Teaching and the Student Experience as well as the Director of Life Sciences.

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Dr Vanessa Sharp

Vanessa is Lecturer in Nutrition and Human Health within Life Sciences across Nutrition and Human Health, Biomedical Science and Biological Science courses.

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David Bowers

David is Senior Lecturer in Life Sciences (Maths) and a mathematician, statistician and learning developer.

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Dr Silvia Atanasio

Silvia is a Senior Laboratory Technical Learning Instructor, responsible for the running of Life Science laboratories and providing technical support.

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Dr Svetlana Gretton

Svetlana is a Life Science Technical Learning Instructor in the School of Allied Health Sciences.

Svetlana Gretton staff profile photo

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£9,250

per year
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£15,690

per year

The decision to study a degree is an investment into your future, there are various means of support available to you in order to help fund your tuition fees and living costs. You can apply for funding from the Spring before your course starts.

UK Fees and Finance UK Bursaries and Scholarships International Fees and Scholarships

Ipswich Award

The Â鶹´«Ã½ is offering a £1,000 Award for students joining the Â鶹´«Ã½’s Ipswich campus. The Award is based on specific eligibility criteria based on your year of entry.

More information
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How to Apply

To study this course on a full-time basis, you can apply through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

Further Information on Applying
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"The Â鶹´«Ã½ empowered me to be better, to aim high and to make positive changes. I found people here that inspired me and supported me through my journey."

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