Overview
What's happening inside our cells? What's happening at a molecular level? The bringing together of biology and chemistry allows scientists to use chemical knowledge to understand biological problems.
At Brunel, we understand that your specialist knowledge should be built on a sound grounding of all the areas of biomedical sciences. This means that your first year will cover areas such as the human body, biochemistry and research skills. As you continue through your degree you'll study specialist areas that will teach you about the various biochemical pathways and how they may be altered during specific human diseases.
And if you change your mind about your specialist area, don’t worry. The flexibility of our course at Brunel means that you can switch to take the general Biomedical Sciences BSc.
The Royal Society of Biology has awarded its accreditation to all of Brunel’s biomedical sciences BSc courses. This means that you can be confident that your degree will prepare you for the working world – and your prospective employers will know this too. You'll receive a one year’s membership as an Associate Member once you graduate, integrating you into the sector with access to key contacts and up-to-date knowledge.
In your final year you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to our research programmes in cellular and biochemical pathways, the regulation of gene expression, DNA repair and immunological responses to microbial infection and bio-informatics. This will give you first-hand experience of real-world laboratory research and prepare you for your future career.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
You'll study a range of areas relating to human health from molecular biology and genetics through to pathology and medical immunology. The content of the programme means that you will graduate with an understanding of the main subject areas in biosciences and medically related research.
Year 1 includes cell biology, anatomy and biochemistry, alongside practical lab skills, experimental research skills and employability skills.
Year 2 introduces the biochemical and molecular processes which are altered in various human diseases, furthering your knowledge in genetic and molecular biology and introducing the pathology of diseases and immune responses. There is also a focus on advanced laboratory skills and entrepreneurship.
The placement year will follow year 2, if opted for.
In year 3, you will have options to take a specialist module in medical biochemistry along with other options to follow your interests. A key part year 3 will be your 'Final Year Project'. This will be a research project, which allows you to bring together the skills developed during years 1 and 2.
Compulsory
- BB1725 - Biology of the Cell
This module aims to provide a broad introduction to the understanding of living organisms at the cellular level through the study of genetics, cell biology and microbiology.
- Anatomy, Histology and Physiology
This module aims to comprehensively introduce the students to the anatomy and physiology of the human body and to provide the background knowledge required to understand disease processes.
- Fundamental Biochemistry
This module aims to introduce students to key chemical principles relevant to biological systems, the structure and function of biological molecules and the biochemistry of processes which support life.
- Medical Biochemistry
This module aims to introduce students to the biochemistry of processes which support life, including cellular metabolism and its control. Students are also introduced to medical aspects of biochemistry.
- Experimental Design and Bioinformatics
- Biomedical Sciences Training
This block aims to ensure that all students have developed a good foundation in Biosciences research skills and applications, covering the central dogma of life, chemistry, physics, evolution and understanding scientific publications.
- Career Skills and Innovation
This module aims to help students develop a range of transferable, career planning and innovation skills suitable for further employment.
Compulsory
- BB27XX - Advanced Experimental Design and Analysis
- Analytical and Clinical Biochemistry
This module aims to provide an understanding of a range of biochemical techniques used to measure the function and dysfunction of organs and tissues for clinical research and diagnostic testing. It will develop knowledge of the relationship between diagnostic markers and underlying pathologies.
- BB2731 - Genetics, Genomics and Human Health
To provide students with a deeper understanding of the field of eukaryotic genetics and genomics. It will span from Mendelian genetics to the development of molecular genetics, genetic engineering, present day genomic technologies and the post genomic era.
- BB2739 - Applied Molecular and Cell Biology
This module aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of molecular biology of cell growth and division, DNA replication through to protein synthesis and the role of enzymes within prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- BB2735 - Human Pathology and Immunology
To provide understanding of the cellular and molecular pathological processes involved in the development of important human diseases and to provide their diagnoses and treatments.
This is accompanied by a a broad understanding of immunological mechanisms both in human health and disease, including innate and adaptive immunity, immune dysregulation and vaccine development.
- Data Analysis
This module teaches students to develop advanced skills in laboratory research, enabling them to produce meaningful data for statistical analysis, presentation and interpretation.
- Career Planning and Entrepreneurship
This module aims to develop recognition and awareness of skills needed to gain employment and to develop an understanding of intellectual property, business awareness and entrepreneurship. Students will acquire general management and project management skills.
Optional
- Developmental Genetics and Stem Cell Biology
This module provides students with an understanding of embryogenesis and foetal development through the study of developmental mechanisms in model organisms and the role of stem cells in development.
- Medical Microbiology
This module aims to give an understanding of medically important pathogens and infectious diseases, including epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical symptoms, therapeutics, vaccination and public health importance.
- Bioinformatics and Big Data Analysis
This module aims to further develop students' skills in biological data analysis, to enable them to explore datasets, perform appropriate statistical analyses and produce visual graphs and displays. Key bioinformatics tools, applications and repositories will be covered
Compulsory
- Final Year Project
The module aims to provide the students with experience of in-depth and independent project work. FYP topics are related to staff research expertise and include a broad range of both laboratory-based and non-laboratory projects.
- Medical Biochemistry
This module aims to give students an understanding of selected areas in biochemistry: steroid hormone biosynthesis and actions, cholesterol and calcium homeostasis.
Optional
- The Biology and Treatment of Cancer
This module aims to provide a detailed understanding of cancer, including the genes and molecular pathways involved in cancer development, epidemiology and diagnosis, and the use of standard and target treatments.
- Cellular Pathologies
This module aims to develop the students’ knowledge and understanding of how cellular dysfunction leads to pathological changes associated with particular diseases. Techniques involved in cell biology and cytopathology research are introduced.
- Endocrine Disorders
This module aims to study a selected range of endocrine disease processes, including origins and treatment, at the biochemical and molecular level and an understanding of the importance of hormones in health and disease.
- Genomic Medicine
This module aims to introduce students to the principles of understanding post-genomic medicine, to explore genome organization by integrating genomic, molecular and cell biology approaches. This integrated view of the human genome is used to understand mechanisms responsible for genome instability syndromes and other common diseases.
- Medical Immunology
This module aims to give students advanced knowledge of immunology with up-to-date research in molecular and cellular interactions in the immune system, and cover applications of immunological principles to the current understanding of biological and clinical processes including cancer, transplantation, autoimmunity, pregnancy, aging, and immune intervention.
- Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology
To develop understanding of biomedical studies using human data at population level. Additional skills would include critical thinking about study design and dealing with different biases that could impact epidemiological inferences.
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This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Careers and your future
As a graduate in Biomedical Sciences (Biochemistry) you’ll have skills that cross over between biology and medicine. Some of the careers you may be interested in include an analytical chemist, a healthcare scientist, forensic scientist or a toxicologist.
Whatever your future goals are, this course is focused on helping you achieve your career ambitions. The employability teaching blocks at Brunel provide a personalised approach towards developing your skills. You’ll work on improving your CV and your interview techniques, as well as attending careers events and carrying out research projects with academics.
Each year, we hold a Biomedical Sciences Careers Fair where you’ll have the opportunity to network with some of the biggest names in the business such as GlaxoSmithKline, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Parexel, Age UK and Royal Brompton Hospital NHS Foundation.
UK entry requirements
2026/7 entry
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
If you are unable to meet the direct entry criteria below, you are invited to apply for a foundation course in Life Sciences at Brunel Pathway College. When you successfully pass the foundation year, you can progress on to the Biomedical Sciences BSc.
A minimum of five GCSEs are required including GCSE Mathematics (grade C/4), and either GCSE English Language (grade C/4) or GCSE English Literature (grade B/5).
Standard Offer: GCE A level ABB including grade B in one of the following: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics
Contextual Offer: GCE A level BBB including grade B in one of the following: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma DDM in Applied Science or Forensic & Criminal Investigation
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma DMM in Applied Science or Forensic & Criminal Investigation
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DD in Applied Science or Forensic & Criminal Investigation and an A Level grade B in any subject.
OR
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DD in any subject, and an A Level grade B in one of the following: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DM in Applied Science or Forensic & Criminal Investigation and an A Level grade B in any subject.
OR
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DM in any subject, and an A Level grade B in one of the following: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Distinction in any subject, with A level grades BB including B in in one of the following: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics
OR
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Distinction in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Medical Science (AAQ) with 2 A levels at grade BB in any subject
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Merit in any subject, with A level grades BB including B in in one of the following: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics
OR
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Merit in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Medical Science (AAQ) with 2 A levels at grade BB in any subject
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: International Baccalaureate Diploma 31 points including a minimum of 5 in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry or Physics. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 2 or HL 2
Contextual Offer: International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points including a minimum of 5 in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry or Physics. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 2 or HL 2
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: Obtain a minimum of 128 tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3 in a related subject (Applied Science, Biomedical Science, Medicine, Health & Human Science, Science etc). All Biology and Chemistry units must be passed with Distinctions at level 3.
Contextual Offer: Obtain a minimum of 120 tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3 in a related subject (Applied Science, Biomedical Science, Medicine, Health & Human Science, Science etc). All Biology and Chemistry units must be passed with Distinctions at level 3.
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Merit overall in a related subject (Health, Healthcare Science or Science)
If your qualification isn't listed above, please contact the Admissions Office by emailing admissions@brunel.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1895 265265 to check whether it's accepted and to find out what a typical offer might be.
Brunel's committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We'll fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants, as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all sub scores)
- BrunELT: 58% (min 55% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 77 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2026/27 entry
UK
£9,790 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£21,795 full-time
£1,385 placement year
Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,535 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy.
For the 2026/27 academic year, tuition fees for home students will be £9,790, subject to Parliamentary approval.
In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap. The Government has confirmed that this will be £9,790 for 2026/27 and £10,050 for 2027/28 (subject to Parliamentary approval).
From 2028 onwards, the fee cap is expected to rise annually in line with inflation. This means your tuition fees in future years may increase to reflect these changes.
International fees may change annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
You'll be assessed through a mixture of coursework and written examinations to test your knowledge, understanding, problem solving and data interpretation.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.
