Biomedical Science

Year 1

You will build on your existing knowledge in Biology and Chemistry as it applies to Biomedical Science. You will also be introduced to Analytical Laboratory Science and Microbiology and gain an understanding of the Biomedical Science profession.

Year 2

You will be introduced to some of the more advanced areas of Biomedical Science and gain an appreciation of how drugs interact with the human body and the significance of aspects of genetics and molecular biology.

Year 3

You will study more advanced diagnostic subjects as they apply to Biomedical Science and also gain further insight into drug interactions and build on your knowledge of Microbiology and Environmental Health, and develop your laboratory research skills.

Year 4

The course culminates in the application of your knowledge to the diagnosis of disease, showing how treatments for disease can be monitored for effectiveness. Your laboratory skills are tested to the full during the Research Project.

Activity Summary

You will study up to four modules each term with each module containing around three hours of class teaching per-week. For laboratory-based modules there will be around four hours per week of laboratory practical work. All modules provide tutorial support which usually involves an extra hour per-module per-week.

Course resources will be available on Moodle, an innovative teaching and learning environment which will enhance your learning experience and will keep you up-to-date with coursework and assignments on-the-go.

HOW LONG IS A BSC (HONS) BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE COURSE?

The duration of the Biomedical Science degree is 4 years. This is to include independent study and coursework preparation, seminars, lectures and other activities.

Year 4

• Lectures - 20 students per group, 5 hours per week in term 1
• Seminars - 50 students per group, 1 hour per week
• Tutorial - 20 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 1 student per group, 27 hours in term 2

Independent Study

You will engage in a number of independent learning activities involving research of scientific literature or laboratory-based research.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Teaching and learning is delivered by university lecturers and by Biomedical Science professionals who are normally based in NHS laboratories. Some lectures are presented as seminars by visiting Medical Consultants or Researchers in Biomedical Science.

Laboratory-based modules are taught and demonstrated by university lecturers with support from technical teams and postgraduate research student demonstrators.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed:

Year 1

• 5 written exams, typically for 1.5 hours
• 1 written assignment, including essays
• 3 reports
• 1 portfolio
• 2 practical skills assessments
• 1 presentation

Year 2

• 6 written exams, typically for 2 hours
• 1 report
• 1 portfolio
• 1 presentation

Year 3

• 7 written exams, typically for 2.5 hours
• 1 written assignment, including essays
• 1 report
• 3 set exercises
• 1 practical skills assessment

Year 4

• 2 written exams, typically for 2.5 hours
• 1 report
• 1 dissertation
• 1 project output
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 practical skills assessment
• 2 presentations

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Job Prospects

The course will equip you with the relevant skills needed to work within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries including:

• Technical and marketing departments 
• Forensic science laboratories
• Teaching and clinical research

Is Biomedical Science a good career choice?

Previous BSc Biomedical Science graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following roles:

• Performing investigations to aid in the diagnosis of human disease
• Quality control analysis on spirits
• Biomedical research

What is needed for a Biomedical Science course?

Standard Entry Requirements

• SQA Higher: BBBB to include Biology/Human Biology. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: BCC to include Biology. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at GCSE grade 4/C or above if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H2H3H3 to include Biology. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at O3 or above if not held at Higher level.
• IB Diploma: 28 to include Higher Level Biology at grade 4. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at Standard Level grade 4 if not held at Higher Level.

Year 2 Entry

• SQA Advanced Higher: AB to include Biology/Human Biology. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher level.
• GCE A Level: BCC to include Biology at grade B. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at GCSE grade 4/C or above if not held at A level.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• SQA Higher: BBC/BCCC to include Biology/Human Biology. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at National 5 grade C if not held at Higher

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HNC or HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 2 or 3 subject to meeting requirements.

International Students 

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.