Biomedical Sciences BSc
London, Bloomsbury
This BSc is designed to introduce students to a variety of scientific disciplines across the biosciences. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme means that the areas covered include anatomy, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, immunology and infection, neuroscience, pharmacology, physiology and psychology.
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
Programme starts
September 2024Application deadline
31 Jan 2024UCAS course code
Entry requirements
- Grades
- AAA
- Subjects
- Biology and Chemistry required, plus Mathematics preferred.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
Contextual offer information
- Grades
- AAB more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- AA in Biology and Chemistry required, plus Mathematics preferred.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
- Points
- 38
- Subjects
- A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects to include 6 in both Biology and Chemistry, plus Mathematics preferred, with no higher level score below 5. For Mathematics, the programme will accept either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 36 more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects including 6 in both Biology and Chemistry required, plus Mathematics preferred. No score below 5. For Mathematics, the programme will accept either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.
UK applicants qualifications
For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:
Equivalent qualification
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
D3,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. Biology and Chemistry required, plus Mathematics preferred.
A,A,A at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and A,A,A at Higher ) including AA in Biology and Chemistry required at Advanced Higher. Plus Mathematics at Advanced Higher (or Higher) preferred.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades AAA. Biology and Chemistry required at A level, plus Mathematics preferred.
International applications
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
Access and widening participation
UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
English language requirements
The English language level for this programme is: Level 4
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Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.
Course overview
In the first year all modules are mandatory and are designed to give you a firm foundation on the basis of which you can make an informed choice for later years. The modules cover topics in, e.g., anatomy, cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, pharmacology and physiology.
If you find that your interest becomes focused on one specific subject area after your first year, then you can apply to transfer to a specialist degree programme.
If you wish to remain with the Biomedical Sciences programme, the second year offers five streams of study.
In your third year, you will undertake a research project under the supervision of a staff member in conjunction with a research group in one of the faculty's departments or within UCL's biomedical institutes. You will also select from an extensive range of options in your chosen stream of study.
What this course will give you
Our core first year ensures all students receive a strong grounding in scientific disciplines as well as the opportunity to explore multiple areas of science. This enables students to make an informed decision as to whether they would like to specialise, and if so, in which area.
Transfer to one of nine specific degree programmes from the second year, Cell Biology, Genetics, Human Genetics, Immunology and Infection, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology or continue with the customisable Biomedical Sciences programme.
You will learn from experts who are currently conducting world-leading research in these specialist areas, and will also discover how the subjects overlap and interact. This will give your studies both breadth and depth.
Teaching and learning
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences.
Modules
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
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In the first year all modules are compulsory and are designed to give you a firm foundation on the basis of which you can make an informed choice for later years. The modules cover topics in, e.g., anatomy, cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, pharmacology and physiology.
If you find that your interest becomes focused on one specific subject area after your first year, then you can transfer to a specialist degree programme.You can apply to transfer to any of the following specialist degree programmes after year one:
BSc Human Genetics
BSc Immunology and Infection
BSc Molecular Biology
BSc Neuroscience
BSc Pharmacology
BSc Physiology
BSc Physiology and PharmacologyIf you wish to remain with the general Biomedical Sciences programme, the second year offers five routes of study:
- BSc Biomedical Sciences: Organs and Systems
- BSc Biomedical Sciences: Control Systems
- BSc Biomedical Sciences: Developmental Biology
- BSc Biomedical Sciences: Drug Mechanisms
- BSc Biomedical Sciences: Cells and Molecules
At the end of year 2, students on routes 3 and 5 have the option to transfer to the MSci Cell Biology for years 3 and 4.
In your third year, you will undertake a research project under the supervision of a staff member in conjunction with a research group in one of the faculty's departments or within UCL's biomedical institutes. You will also select from an extensive range of options in your chosen stream of study.
Compulsory modules
Compulsory module(s)
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Chemistry for Biology Students
Introduction to Genetics
Introduction to Human Anatomy
An Introduction to the Mechanisms of Drug Action
Mammalian Physiology
Optional modules
All first year modules are compulsory.
Compulsory modules
Biomedical Sciences programme
The second year offers five streams of study:
Stream 1: Organs and Systems
Stream 2: Control Systems
Stream 3: Developmental Biology
Stream 4: Drug Mechanisms
Stream 5: Cells and Molecules
The list below shows some of the compulsory and optional modules for each stream of the Biomedical Sciences programme.
Stream 1: Organs and Systems
Compulsory
- ANAT0005 Human Anatomy and Embryology (Thorax, Abdomen and Pelvis) and/or ANAT0006 Human Anatomy and Embryology (Head and Limbs)
- PHOL0003 Animal and Human Physiology: Integrative Physiology
- BIOS0006 Essential Protein Structure and Function
- STAT0021 Introductory Statistical Methods and Computing
Sample optional modules:
- PHOL0005 Structure and Function of Nervous Systems
- INIM0007 Infection
- BIOC0007 Essential Molecular Biology
Stream 2: Control Systems
Compulsory
- PHOL0004 Systems Neuroscience
- PHOL0005 Structure and Function of Nervous Systems
- BIOS0006 Writing and Presenting Bioscience
- STAT0021 Introductory Statistical Methods and Computing
Sample optional modules:
- BIOC0007 Essential Molecular Biology
- INIM0005 Immunology
- ANAT0003 Human Neuroanatomy
Stream 3: Developmental Biology
Compulsory
- CELL0008 Introduction to Cell Biology
- CELL0023 Intermediate Cell Biology: Cell Biology of Development
- BIOL0013 The Biology of Development
- STAT0021 Introductory Statistical Methods and Computing
Sample optional modules:
- ANAT0002 Developmental Neurobiology
- CELL0010 Integrative Cell Biology (Cell Signalling and Regulation)
- BIOL0009 Experimental Genetics and Model Systems
Stream 4: Drug Mechanisms
Compulsory
- PHAR0009 Intermediate Pharmacology or PHAR0007 Introductory Pharmacology
- PHAR0006 PHAR000 or PHAR0008 Practical Pharmacology
- BIOC0006 Writing and Presenting Bioscience or BIOC0007 Essential Molecular Biology
- STAT0021 Introductory Statistical Methods and Computing
Sample optional modules:
- BIOS0006 Writing and Presenting Bioscience
- INIM0005 Immunology
- PHOL0005 Structure and Function of Nervous Systems
Stream 5: Cells and Molecules
Compulsory
- BIOC0005 Molecular Biology or BIOC0007 Essential Molecular Biology
- CELL0009 Integrative Cell Biology (Cell Structure and Function)
- CELL0010 Integrative Cell Biology (Cell Signalling and Regulation)
- STAT0021 Introductory Statistical Methods and Computing
Optional modules:
- BIOL0009 Experimental Genetics and Model Systems
- BIOL0010 Introduction to Human Genetics
- BIOS0030 Introduction to Coding for Bioscience Research (Python)
Pathways options
You can remain on the Biomedical Sciences BSc degree or apply to transfer to a specialist degree programme:
Genetics
Human Genetics
Immunology and Infection
Molecular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology
Physiology
Physiology and Pharmacology
Compulsory modules
Compulsory module(s)
Either a Laboratory-based Research Project (45 credits) or a Literature-based Research Project (30 credits).
Optional modules
You will select from a wide range of optional modules in your chosen stream of study and from other approved disciplines within UCL, to the value of either 75 or 90 credits depending on your chosen project.
Your learning
Teaching across the UCL Faculty of Life Sciences involves a mixture of lectures, practical classes, seminars, tutorials and computer-based exercises. The small-group settings for practical and tutorial work provide opportunities for informal discussion. The first year is predominantly taught through lectures and laboratory classes.
Your contact hours and levels of self-directed study will depend on which modules you choose and which year you are in. Modules typically have one or two hour lectures followed by a seminar, workshop or practical session each week, although teaching delivery and contact hours vary. For each module, students typically undertake 4-6 hours of self-directed study each week.
Assessment
Modules will be assessed through a combination of coursework, practical reports, web-based exercises, tests and oral presentations. Written examinations will take place at the end of each academic year. Your success in your first-year examination results will be used to assess your eligibility for entry into the specialist degree programmes.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.
Visit us
Online - Open day
Biomedical Sciences BSc Information Session
Watch this video to find out more about UCL's Biomedical Sciences BSc programme, entry requirements, course structure and other helpful information. Recorded Spring 2024.
The foundation of your career
A degree in biomedical sciences opens doors to many career possibilities. Graduates may enter the broad biomedical science field - such as within healthcare or the pharmaceutical industry - or use their skills in careers like scientific journalism or management. The degree also provides an excellent preparation for postgraduate research.
Employability
You will develop the critical and analytical skills necessary to confront complex problems, equipping you for further study, research, or for a wide variety of careers such as those associated with medical research. The training in skills such as logical thinking and decision-making will be valuable in many fields.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £9,250 |
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £37,500 |
UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee increases and subject to the passing of secondary legislation. Fees may increase year on year – see [INSERT HYPERLINK TO 25/26 T&CS] for more information.
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2024/25 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2024/25 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
Additional costs
Students will need to purchase a lab coat. This will cost approximately £10-£20.
A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Funding your studies
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Scholarships
The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.
Next steps
Your application
We are looking for independent and confident thinkers who have a genuine interest and curiosity in the subject.
How to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
If we have made you an offer, you will be invited to attend an offer-holder event. This may include talks from staff about the programme and the department. It could also include a research presentation, tours of UCL and the department, and a visit to a laboratory facility.
Got questions? Get in touch
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