Why study this course?
The Medical Bioscience (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) is a four-year course that will provide you with the perfect start to your university education. You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of human health and disease as well as bioinformatics, molecular modelling, pathology and virology, equipping you with the skills you’ll need to join the scientific community.
This course is ideal if you don’t have the entry requirements needed to start an undergraduate degree. The built-in foundation year will give you the skills and confidence to succeed in the following three years of your course and in your career upon graduating.
You’ll have the option to complete a 15-week work placement as part of this degree.
More about this course
The preparatory year on our Medical Bioscience (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) will ensure you are fully prepared for the rest of your course. In Year 0 you’ll cover several key concepts in medical bioscience including the important functions of molecules in biochemistry, an introduction to human physiology, laboratory techniques, logical argument and basic mathematical concepts.
The foundation year is shared with several other science-related foundation courses, so you’ll get to study alongside other students who are interested in varying scientific disciplines.
Following your foundation year, you will study the same modules and content as those who study our three-year Medical Bioscience BSc (Hons) degree. As you progress through the course, you’ll also have the option to specialise in an area that most interests you.
You’ll also be supported throughout the course by our academic staff. The following three years of your course will focus on mastering key scientific principles including anatomy, biochemistry, biology and physiology.
Professional accreditation
Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for associate membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC).
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 0 modules include:
Biochemistry (core, 15 credits)
Biology (core, 30 credits)
Chemistry (core, 30 credits)
Foundation Year Project (Biosciences) (core, 15 credits)
Scientific Studies (core, 30 credits)
Year 1 modules include:
Anatomy & Physiology 1 (core, 15 credits)
Anatomy & Physiology 2 (core, 15 credits)
Biochemistry (core, 15 credits)
Cell Biology (core, 15 credits)
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (core, 15 credits)
General Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
General Microbiology (core, 15 credits)
Professional Studies (core, 15 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Human Immunity (core, 15 credits)
Infection Science 1 (core, 15 credits)
Infection Science 2 (core, 15 credits)
Metabolism (core, 15 credits)
Microbiology (core, 15 credits)
Molecular Biology (core, 15 credits)
Tissue Science 1 (core, 15 credits)
Tissue Science 2 (core, 15 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Advanced Infection Science (core, 15 credits)
Advanced Tissue Science (core, 15 credits)
Biochemical Pathology (core, 15 credits)
Project (core, 30 credits)
Toxicology (core, 15 credits)
Bioinformatics & Molecular Modelling (option, 15 credits)
Genomics (option, 15 credits)
Medical Genetics (option, 15 credits)
Systems Pathology (option, 15 credits)
Virology (option, 15 credits)
Work Placement (for Life Sciences) (option, 15 credits)
Where this course can take you
This degree will give you many career options to choose from within the medical bioscience field. The combination of practical work experience and your understanding of science theory will ensure you have everything you need to create a successful career.
You could find employment in clinical immunology/biochemistry/microbiology, teaching, scientific publishing, academic/industry research or as a medical doctor.
Our previous graduates have gone on to work as laboratory analysts and assistants for companies such as LifeLabs.
The transferable skills you develop on this degree are highly valued by employers in many industries not within science such as financial services and marketing.
What is a degree with foundation year?
This is a four-year degree course with a built-in foundation year (Year 0). It’s the perfect route into university if you can’t meet the necessary entry requirements or don’t have the traditional qualifications required to start a standard undergraduate degree. You’ll graduate with a full undergraduate degree with the same title and award as those who studied the traditional three-year course.
