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.

Entry Requirements

Are you eligible to apply?

Course Content

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.

Teaching and Learning

You'll be taught by academics who are actively involved in a wide range of world-leading research. The four main areas of biomedical science research at Brunel are: health and disease, treatments and cures, genomic and epigenomic level, and technology and methodology.

Many of our academics have been involved in making major advances and breakthroughs in human diseases and syndromes. This means you’ll be learning the most up-to-date scientific discoveries in a fast-moving field where our academics teach you leading-edge research through practical experience.

The biomedical sciences teaching team have created a unique teaching and assessment strategy which has been recognised in an award from the Higher Education Academy. It will allow you to combine your learning over the course of the year and apply knowledge from different study blocks into one assessment, making your education as close to your future real-world career as possible.

We have produced thousands of scientists now making scientific breakthroughs and improving lives across the globe. As a Brunel graduate, you will be gaining from their reputation and the reputation of the University.

Year 1

Biochemistry: Structure and Function

Biology of the Cell

Career Planning and Innovation

Critical Thinking 1

The Human Body: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology

Introduction to Data Analysis

Practical Skills in Biomedical Sciences

Year 2

Career Planning

Data Analysis

Genetics, Genomics and Human Health

Human Pathology and Immunology

Medical Microbiology

Molecular and Cellular Biology

Year 3

Microbial Pathogenesis

Final Year Project

Careers

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. 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.