Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)



Our labs were purpose built and support your skills development on a range of specialist equipment

Overview

Biomedical science, although well established as a scientific discipline, is also a rapidly advancing subject constantly striving towards improving human health and creating a need for highly skilled biomedical scientists.

This course gives you a broad understanding of the scientific investigation of human health and disease. It covers the key aspects and principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology and physiology and their application to the causes and management of disease.

Your learning is supported by our research teams, who are at the forefront of biomedical research and contribute to all aspects of teaching, both lab and non-lab based.

In second year, students do have the option of undertaking 'Volunteering and Employability'. This can include an element of work placement.

You'll gain the skills and knowledge to develop a career in biomedical science or progress to postgraduate study.

Edinburgh Napier is ranked Top Modern University in Scotland by the Sunday Times' Good University Guide 2022. 

We have a 95% satisfaction rate for our Biomedical Science course (National Student Survey, 2023).

Students at work in science lab

Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as Part-time)

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

B941

Placement:

Yes

Study Abroad:

Yes

Course details

As well as developing an understanding of the scientific investigation of human health and disease, you will gain more specific knowledge of disease processes from the study of clinical laboratory specialities, such as cellular pathology, clinical biochemistry, immunology, genetics and medical microbiology.

This enables a biomedical scientist to understand the science of the causes, consequences, diagnosis and treatment of disease.

You’ll be equipped with the skills necessary to plan and perform a research project for publication and be aware of the need for good laboratory practice, health and safety and legal and ethical considerations.

You’ll have the flexibility to study different areas of biology and tailor the course to your own interests. You'll also benefit from studying in the heart of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside which is rich in biodiversity.

The applied nature of this course encourages the development of skills that make you more employable including problem solving, research, team working, communication and IT. As well as specialist analytical and numerical skills, you will be able to collect biological data and communicate scientific information.

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    How you’ll be taught

    You will learn through a variety of different methods, including lectures, tutorials, field studies and laboratory classes. 

    More than two-thirds of our permanent academic staff are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy, reflecting their dedication and formal training in teaching undergraduate students. Together with our accreditation by The Royal Society of Biology - which is your assurance of the quality and relevance of our course to the needs of employers - this is your assurance of the up-to-date knowledge of our teaching staff and guarantee of a supportive learning environment.
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    Assessments

     A variety of assessment methods are used, including examination, assignments and practical assessments.  These are balanced across the Programme to provide a challenging assessment experience, which allows you to do your best.
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    Work placement

    In second year, students do have the option of undertaking 'Volunteering and Employability'. This can include an element of work placement.

    Placement and Study Abroad opportunities are subject to UK and Scottish Government health and travel advice.
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    Study abroad

    Erasmus and International Student Exchange Programs opportunities are available in the second and third year of study for one or two trimesters.

    Placement and Study Abroad opportunities are subject to UK and Scottish Government health and travel advice.

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Foundation in Science
  • Life on Earth
  • Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
  • Scientific Enquiry
  • Introductory Microbiology
  • Cell Biology

Year 2

  • Genes and Inheritance
  • Biochemistry 
  • Applied Microbiology
  • Symbiosis
  • Physiology, Adaptation and Disease
  • Option module

Year 3

  • Research Methods
  • Molecular Biology of the Cell
  • Immunology
  • Infection and Immunity
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Pathobiology and Therapeutics

Year 4

  • Professional Practice
  • Research methods in Biomedicine 
  • Trends in Biomedical Sciences
  • Project (60 credits)

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Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Biomedical Science?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the Undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

 

Minimum Year 1

SQA Higher

  • Standard Entry Requirement:BBBB including Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
  • Minimum Offer Entry Requirement:BBCC including Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies

A Level

  • BCC including Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Applied Science.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level

  • Minimum grades DM (Distinction, Merit) in a related subject.
  • A Level grade C

Irish Leaving Certificate

  • Grades H2/H2/H3/H3 including a Science subject (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 including a Science (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at minimum grade 5.

T Level 

  • Grade M
  • T Level must be completed in a Science subject or A Level Science may be required. Please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk to check if you meet the subject specific requirements.
  • GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths, English & one Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or Double Award Science at Grades CC also required.

 

Minimum Year 2

SQA Advanced Higher

  • BBC to include Biology

A Level

  • BBB to include Biology

HNC

  • Pass HNC in a related subject* with B in the graded unit.
  • *Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Applied Science, Applied Bioscience, Wildlife and Conservation Management

 

Minimum Year 3

HND

  • Pass in a related subject* with Grades BB at SCQF Level 8 in the graded units.
  • *Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Applied Science, Wildlife and Conservation Management

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland £1,820 £1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,250 £9,250
Overseas and EU £19,340 £20,310
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers

Scientist standing behind shelves of laboratory equipment

What can you do with a Biomedical Science Degree? 

 

 

By studying Biomedical Science at Edinburgh Napier University, you will learn how this discipline informs the improvement of human health on a global scale. You will become technically competent in a range of key skills required of a biomedical science graduate. You will carry out extensive practical learning in the laboratory, becoming a team player with excellent communication skills, while gaining in-depth knowledge of scientific investigation in relation to human health and disease. You could work within biomedical science or go into further study or perhaps take a teacher education programme. If you are interested in studying the latest developments in human health and disease, then this may be the right course for you. 

 

Gaining a degree in Biomedical Science gives you discipline-specific knowledge and skills, but it is not restrictive. You will gain a range of highly desirable transferable (meta) skills, including communication, numeracy, computer literacy and data analysis, which are valued by employers within, but also outside the Life Science sector.

 

What does a Biomedical science graduate do?

 

 

There are a broad range of employment options, ranging from working in a laboratory, either in industry, the NHS or academia, where you could be involved in exciting exploratory research, diagnostics or product development. You could be involved in analysis of big data and bioinformatics to inform precision medicine. Graduates also find careers in the Life Sciences sector, which are non-laboratory based, such as journalism, sales, policy work, communications, quality assurance, working for charities and public engagement.

Tasks you might carry out within your role include: 

 

  • Research and Development in industry, healthcare or academia
  • Analysis of big data and bioinformatics
  • Development and manufacturing, such as stem cells and therapeutics
  • Sales and marketing
  • Advising on government environmental and public health policies
  • Project management
  • Regulatory roles, quality control/quality assurance


Student working with his hands inside a fume cupboard in a science lab