Student wearing a lab coat and protective eyewear in a science laboratory
BSc (Hons) Available in Clearing

Biomedical Science

Discover how biomedical scientists diagnose and treat diseases in our exciting and dynamic course, by getting hands-on in our specialist labs.

Start date
January
September
Location
Cambridge
Duration
3 years
UCAS course code
B940

Start date
January
September
Location
Cambridge
Duration
4 years with foundation
UCAS course code
B491

Start date
January
September
Location
Cambridge
Duration
4 years with placement
UCAS course code
B941
1st

in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.

Source: GOS

At ARU, you’ll learn about the human body at molecular, organ and systems levels, and how to investigate and treat disease.

You'll hear about the latest research into conditions such as cancer, diabetes, antibiotic resistance and haemostasis from highly qualified lecturers.

Graduate ready to work in a field where medical breakthroughs have an impact on the health and wellbeing of society.

Institute of Biomedical Science and Royal Society of Biology

Our three-year course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. Both our three-year and four-year (placement) courses are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Institute of Biomedical Science logo Royal Society of Biology logo
Why ARU?
  • Learn in a SuperLab at the heart of our Science Centre.

  • Investigate and treat disease in specialist tissue culture and microbiology laboratories.

  • Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; developed with employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.

  • Gain valuable experience with a placement year or internship opportunities.

  • Gain essential skills for your career with an accredited degree.

  • Study in Cambridge, a renowned centre for life sciences research and development.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Careers

Tara Jasmine Bachoo

The hands-on experience in laboratories, combined with teaching from dedicated lecturers has profoundly shaped my academic and personal growth.

Tara Jasmine Bachoo, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science graduate

Both our three-year and four-year (placement) courses are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, preparing you for a range of biomedical roles.

Cambridgeshire is home to number of world-renowned biomedical research institutes and biotechnology companies, offering plenty of opportunities for work experience and employment.

We incorporate real-world problem-solving experience into the course with Live Briefs, and can also help you find internships and placements.

 

Teaching and modules

Christopher O'Kane

Whether you aspire to become a biomedical scientist, medic or move into research, you’ll discover the link between theory and practice.

Dr Chris O'Kane, Senior Lecturer

Start your course by exploring the fundamentals of biomedical science, incorporating biology, the history and philosophy of science, the history of medicine, and the biology of disease.

We'll also cover maths, lab safety, and the building blocks of the human body.

You’ll go on to learn how to perform a variety of diagnostic procedures and interpret and communicate the results, and deepen your knowledge of the human body in normal and disease conditions.

To complete your degree, you'll complete an independent research project which pulls together everything you’ve learned.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (30 credits)
  • Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry (30 credits)
  • Core Biology (30 credits)
  • Mathematics for the Biosciences (15 credits)
  • General Microbiology (15 credits)
  • Professional and Personal Development - Level 4
  • Into ARU
Year 2
  • Metabolism and its Control (15 credits)
  • Principles of Genetics (15 credits)
  • Diagnostic Techniques in Pathology (15 credits)
  • Preparation for Research (15 credits)
  • Principles of Pathology (15 credits)
  • Physiology of Organ Systems (15 credits)
  • Laboratory Techniques in DNA Manipulation (15 credits)
Year 3
  • Human Pathology (15 credits)
  • Specialist Topics in Biomedical Science (15 credits)
  • Undergraduate Project (30 credits)
  • Blood Sciences (15 credits)
  • Clinical Immunology (15 credits)
  • Molecular Cell Biology (15 credits) *
  • Microbial Pathogenicity (15 credits) *
  • Pharmacology and Translational Medicine (15 credits) *
  • Current Advances in Biomedical Science (15 credits) *
Module details

To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.

Year 1
  • Interactive Learning Skills and Communication
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Critical Thinking
  • Maths for Scientists
  • Cellular Biology
  • Biology: Physiology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics for Life Sciences
Module details

You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.

Year 3
  • Work placement
Module details

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Facilities

As a Biomedical Science student in Cambridge, you’ll have access to our Science Centre with seven floors of labs and teaching space, including our 200-seater SuperLab featuring specialist tissue culture and microbiology industry-standard equipment.

Experience our Biomedical Science facilities with our virtual tour.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply for Biomedical Science

Clearing places available

UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2025 start

UK students

Call our Clearing line

01245 686868

UK students

Apply through UCAS for 2026

International students

Apply direct