Biomedical Sciences
Prepare for a career in biomedical sciences, contributing to breakthroughs and medical advances that positively impact people’s health and wellbeing.
It’s possible to combine placement and foundation year options. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.
in the region for undergraduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: GOS 2026
On this course, you’ll study the human body at a molecular, organ and systems level.
You’ll learn how to investigate and treat disease, and discover the latest findings about conditions such as cancer, diabetes, antibiotic resistance and haemostasis.
We’ll cover modern diagnostic techniques and biomedical disciplines including haematology and transfusion science, clinical biochemistry, cellular pathology, medical genetics, medical microbiology, and clinical immunology.
We will provide support and cover the costs associated with IBMS accreditation for eligible students, subject to the relevant eligibility criteria and accreditation requirements.
This will enable eligible graduates to undertake the required laboratory training in an IBMS-approved training laboratory, complete the IBMS Certificate of Competence portfolio and assessment process, and work towards registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Biomedical Scientists.
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Learn in our specialist training laboratory at ARU Peterborough, designed to mirror real-world labs in this fast-moving field of science.
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![A hand wearing a lab glove holding a folding magnifier above a petri dish with a culture on it]()
Learn in our specialist training laboratory at ARU Peterborough, designed to mirror real-world labs in this fast-moving field of science.
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Benefit from study in our specialist labs, including a human tissue culture lab and a category 2 microbiology lab
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Use the latest industry-standard equipment for microbiology and tissue culture
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Choose to focus on an area of interest in year 3
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Build expertise and confidence with a hands-on approach to your lab-based learning
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Gain critical experience with live briefs and challenges from our employer partners
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We'll cover the fees for you to register with the Health and Care Professions Council after graduation
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
We’ve co-created our Biomedical Sciences course with employers to ensure you graduate with the skills valued in industry.
Our hands-on approach and small class sizes mean you’ll become highly adept at working in the lab, and receive personalised support throughout your studies.
You’ll also gain transferable skills such as communication and working both independently and as part of a team.
Teaching and modules
You’ll begin by studying general biology, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and cellular and molecular biology.
You’ll then learn about modern diagnostic techniques and biomedical disciplines including haematology and transfusion science, clinical biochemistry, cellular pathology, medical genetics, medical microbiology, and clinical immunology.
You’ll also explore the history and philosophy of science and medicine, and the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific advances.
In your final year, with support from a supervisor, you’ll carry out a research project and explore an area of biomedical sciences that’s of particular interest to you.
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 *.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Continuing Professional Development Level 4
- Core Biology
- Mathematics for the Biosciences
- General Microbiology
- Into ARU
- Diagnostic Techniques in Pathology
- Metabolism and its Control
- Principles of Genetics
- Principles of Pathology
- The Physiology of Organ Systems
- Preparation for Research
- Continuing Professional Development Level 5
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Laboratory Techniques in DNA manipulation *
- Laboratory Techniques for Bioinformatics *
- Human Pathology
- Specialist Topics in Biomedical Science
- Undergraduate Project
- Blood Sciences
- Clinical Immunology
- Current Advances in Biomedical Science
- Molecular Cell Biology *
- Microbial Pathogenicity *
- Biomedical Case Studies *
- Pharmacology and Translational Medicine *
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.
- Work placement
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- Literacies in Higher Education
- Introduction to Life Sciences
- Contemporary Issues
- Into ARU
It’s possible to combine placement and foundation year options. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr William HumphriesSenior lecturer, Course Director
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Dr Denise V. DearSenior Lecturer
Facilities
You’ll learn in our specialist biomedical sciences lab, category 2 microbiology lab and tissue-culture lab.
These are some of the newest facilities in the country, equipped with the latest industry-standard equipment, ensuring you graduate well-used to the kit used in employers’ labs.