Biomedical Sciences (Human Health) BSc

How do human beings stay healthy? What are the factors involved in disease transmission? Studying the human health biological sciences degree looks at answering these questions.

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 the specialist area of human health and learn about the role of infectious organisms in disease and how human activities can lead to disease transmission.

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 another specialist pathway in the second year or even take the general Biomedical Sciences BSc.

The Royal Society of Biology has awarded its accreditation to all of Brunel’s BSc Biomedical Sciences programmes. This means 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. This will give you first-hand experience of real-world laboratory research and prepare you for your future career.

You'll study a range of areas relating to human health from stem cells and genetic manipulation through to food safety. The content of the programme means that you'll graduate with an understanding of the main subject areas in biosciences and medically related research and with an in-depth specialist knowledge of human health.

Year 1 includes practical lab skills and research skills, alongside a taster of the various pathway options.

Year 2 introduces the biochemical and molecular processes which are altered in various human diseases. You’ll also develop your employability skills in the 'Career Skills' study block.

The placement year will follow year two, if opted for.

In your final year, you're given the opportunity to really follow your specialist interest.

This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 4 years full-time with placement, starting in September.

Whatever your future goals are, your biomedical sciences course is focused on helping you achieve your career ambitions. Whether you want to work as a Cancer Research Scientist, a Forensic Scientist or a Science Journalist – 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.

• GCE A-level BBB, including a grade B in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science or Physics.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in Applied Science or Biomedical Science only.
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma DM in any subjects with an A-level at grade B in: Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Chemistry or Physics.
• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D in any subjects with two A-levels at grade BC, to include: Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Chemistry or Physics.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points, including 5 in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry or Physics. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 4 or HL 4.
• Obtain a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma in  Science, Biomedical Science, Medicine or Health and Human Science course, with 45 credits at Level 3. All Biology and Chemistry units must be Distinctions at Level 3.
• T levels : Merit overall in Health, Healthcare Science and Science

Five GCSEs at grade C or grade 4 or above are also required, including English Language, Maths and one science subject.

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 above, 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 (Human Health) BSc.

• 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'll be assessed through a mixture of coursework and written examinations to test your knowledge, understanding, problem solving and data interpretation.