BSc (Hons) Biomedicine

Key details

BSC (HONS) BIOMEDICINE

Start Year

2023

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Bachelor of Science

UCAS course code

C930

Entry Requirements

AAB (specific subject requirements apply)

Duration (years)

Study Biomedicine and you’ll get to apply your passion for biology to tackle human diseases such as cancer, arthritis and cardiovascular disease – placing you right at the forefront of the battle to improve human health.

Our degree course will teach you how to apply cellular and molecular techniques to the understanding and treatment of human diseases. You’ll explore areas such as human physiology, antibiotic resistance, pathogens and genetics. And you’ll discover topics including ophthalmology, metabolic disorders and gastroenterology.

You’ll train in a wide range of modern biochemical techniques as well as the practice of testing ideas by experiment. And you’ll be able to take advantage of our teaching laboratories, which offer state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

In the most recent Times Higher Education REF Analysis (2021), we were ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science.

About

Throughout your time at UEA, you’ll be learning to put your skills and knowledge to use in the fight against some of the most serious illnesses we face today.

Our Biomedicine degree has been designed to allow you to develop and apply your skills in the medically-related biological sciences. Our multidisciplinary approach takes from both biology and chemistry, combining the elements that are relevant to modern medicine.

You’ll be taught by world-class academics, hospital consultants and practicing biomedical scientists, and you’ll have access to some of the best facilities in the country, including our new £34 million undergraduate STEM teaching laboratories, the Biomedical Research Centre, the Bob Champion Research and Education Building, and the Norwich Medical School, which is based on campus. These facilities house a unique bio-bank facility to store DNA and tissue samples and host cutting-edge research into cancer, antibiotic resistance, and musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal disease.

As you progress in your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise with our module options. Popular topics currently on offer include Cancer Biology; Cell Biology and Mechanisms of Disease; Infection and Immunity; Evolution in Health and Disease; Embryo Development and Stem Cell Biology; Molecular Enzymology in Biology and Medicine; and Genomes, Genes and Genomics. And in your final year, you’ll complete a substantial research project under the supervision of experts in biomedical research.

Biomedicine is an active and growing area of research within our School of Biological Sciences. Our academics are interested and excited by it, and it shows. Our course material is relevant and up-to-date with the latest thinking.

You will benefit from our enviable position as an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park, which is also home to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and independent, world-renowned research institutes such as the John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory, the Earlham Institute, and the new £75-million Quadram Institute.

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We’re 17th for research quality!

UEA is ranked 17th overall in the Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis for research quality in Biological Science

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets.

Structure

Our three-year degree programme will introduce you to aspects of biomedicine, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology. You will continue to study core material through our compulsory modules, while our optional modules will give you the chance to specialise in Year 3, when you’ll also produce a final year project.

Year 1

Your first year will provide an introduction to many aspects of biomedicine, biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology through our compulsory core modules. You’ll also receive training in essential scientific methods and techniques, such as applied maths and statistics.

Teaching and Learning

You’ll be taught by leading academic researchers who are experts in their fields of study. In addition, the clinical aspects of your course will be partly taught by biomedical scientists and consultants from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

The majority of your learning will take place in lectures, seminars and practical laboratory sessions, which will provide you with hands-on experience as well as invaluable contact time with lecturers.

Problem posing and solving skills are promoted through seminars and group discussions. And mathematical and statistical skills are a major focus of both semesters of your first year.

Independent study

You’ll have plenty of opportunities for independent study using our state-of-the-art University library, and you’ll be assigned an Academic Adviser who will provide you with guidance throughout.

The culmination of your independent study will be the final year project, which we encourage you to deliver as independently as possible.

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Assessment for Year 1

Compulsory Modules

SKILLS FOR BIOLOGISTS

Code BIO-4008Y

Credits 20

The aim of the module is to provide a you with a broad range of skills that you will need as biologists and in future employment. You will develop a working knowledge of mathematics and statistics, as well as gain skills relating to information retrieval, structuring writing and arguments, data analysis, team work, presenting work verbally and visually and an appreciation of the role of ethics in science.

INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICINE

Code BIO-4012Y

Credits 40

This year-long, 40 credit flag-ship module for the first year of the Biomedicine degree programme introduces students to the molecular and cellular basis of human disease, and how this knowledge is translated into diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and disease prevention. After an induction programme on the learning environment and a guide to good practice for studying Biomedicine at UEA, a series of introductory lectures provides an overview of the ‘Grand Challenges’ that confront biomedicine in the 21st century. In parallel to these lectures, an autumn semester seminar series provides students with critical insight into ‘disease pathogenesis and treatment’. Complementary lectures on ‘techniques for biomedical research and biomedical science’ detail how laboratory investigation is used to address cutting edge research questions and conduct clinical assays. In the spring semester, a series of practical classes give students ‘hands-on’ laboratory experience of biomedical research techniques. Also covered in the spring semester is a lecture series on the mechanism and discovery of therapeutic and preventative drugs, and their translation to the clinic, i.e. the ‘drug development pipeline’. A clinical perspective is provided by Biomedical scientists from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital who present a lectures series on ‘investigation, monitoring and diagnosis of disease’. The module culminates in a Biomedicine symposium in which students present their favourite aspect of biomedicine from the first year.

BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY

Code BIO-4017Y

Credits 20

This module will provide 1st year students with essential information about the physical and chemical principles that underpin our understanding of biochemical systems and cellular metabolism. This module is going to be delivered to 1st year students on the Biological Sciences, Biomedicine and Molecular Biology and Genetics degree programs.

CELL BIOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Code BIO-4015B

Credits 20

This module will provide an understanding of the key aspects of cell biology and how these relate to the physiology of living systems. It will highlight how these principles are key to understanding some of the physiological processes, as well as the central role of homeostasis in human physiology. It will also explore the function of some of the major organ systems of the human body.

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS

Code BIO-4018A

Credits 20

This module explores how information is stored in DNA, how it is expressed, copied and repaired, and how DNA is transmitted between generations. It has significant focus on the application of molecular biological and genetics knowledge, including animal, plant and microbial biotechnology and synthetic biology.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Modules in this range are core, which means they have to be passed and are not eligible for compensation.

Assessment for Year 2

Compulsory Modules

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY

Code BIO-5004A

Credits 20

This module will provide you with an understanding of the themes and principles of physiology and a detailed knowledge of the major human organ systems. An understanding of how disease affects the ability of organ systems to maintain the status quo will be an important part of this course.

CELL BIOLOGY

Code BIO-5005B

Credits 20

This module explores the molecular organisation of cells and the regulation of cellular changes, with some emphasis on medical cell biology. Dynamic properties of cell signalling, growth factor function and aspects of cancer biology and immunology. Regulation of the internal cell environment (information flow, cell growth, division and motility), the relationship of the cell to its extracellular matrix and the determination of cell phenotype. Aspects of cell death, developmental biology, mechanisms of tissue renewal and repair. It is suggested that students taking this module should also take BIO-5003B (Molecular Biology) or BIO-5009A (Genetics).

CLINICAL GENETICS

Code BIO-5011A

Credits 20

This module imparts the theory and practice of clinical genetics. A detailed comprehension of basic genetics will be obtained from lectures provided within the module 'Genetics'. Students undertaking this module will then build on these details to identify how genetics is important in a modern, well-founded clinical setting. An overview of clinical genetics services will deal with aspects ranging from molecular pathology and techniques for DNA analysis through to genetic assessment and genetic counselling. Genetics and molecular biology lie at the heart of biological processes, ranging from cancer biology to evolution.

MICROBIOLOGY

Code BIO-5015B

Credits 20

A broad module covering all aspects of the biology of microorganisms, providing key knowledge for specialist modules. Detailed description is given about the cell biology of bacteria, fungi and protists together with microbial physiology, genetics and environmental and applied microbiology. The biology of disease-causing microorganisms (bacteria, viruses) and prions is also covered. Practical work provides hands-on experience of important microbiological techniques, and expands on concepts introduced in lectures. The module should appeal to biology students across a wide range of disciplines and interests.

INVESTIGATION OF HUMAN DISEASE

Code BIO-5016B

Credits 20

This module imparts the theory and practice of laboratory investigation into human disease. A comprehension of how clinical biochemistry data, together with an understanding of disease mechanisms, impacts on diagnosis, treatment and prognosis will be gained. An introduction to modern molecular medicine is followed by examples of the molecular basis of aquired and inherited diseases, their diagnosis and assessment in the clinical laboratory, and disease management. Workshop sessions form an integral part of this module, developing analytical skills based on clinical and other data, supporting concepts introduced in lectures and providing feedback to the students. The module is restricted to Biomedicine students and builds on previously taught content in compulsory modules.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

BIOCHEMISTRY

Code BIO-5002A

Credits 20

This module aims to develop your understanding of contemporary biochemistry, especially in relation to mammalian physiology and metabolism. There will be a particular focus on proteins and their involvement in cellular reactions, bioenergetics and signalling processes.

DATA SCIENCE FOR BIOLOGISTS

Code BIO-5023Y

Credits 20

This module will teach students the tools they need to use computing and programming to handle biological data. As big data becomes more mainstream across all biological disciplines (from multi-omics to complex ecological datasets), biology students need to have skills in computer programming and data analysis. Here they will learn how to organise and store large data sets, run a data science project, and communicate their findings with visuals and clear insights. This module will be available to students in year 2 (Level 5), and will focus on providing students with the data handling tools to problem solve across a range of biological disciplines.

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Important Information

Students can choose either BIO-6019Y or BIO-6023Y, but if choosing BIO-6019Y may be moved to BIO-6023Y, based on stage 2 results.Modules in this range are core, which means they have to be passed and are not eligible for compensation.

Assessment for Year 3

Compulsory Modules

RESEARCH PROJECT

Code BIO-6019Y

Credits 40

This module will provide an understanding of how to conduct an independent, hypothesis driven research project. Projects involve extensive data collection, either in the laboratory or field, of a particular topic supervised by a member of staff of Biological Sciences or an affiliated institute. Topics are chosen in consultation with the supervisor. The project report is submitted at the end of the Spring Semester. Students may be moved to the module 'Integrated Laboratory Research Project' based on Stage 2 results. Some supervisors require particular module enrolment for placement in their laboratory.

TRANSLATIONAL BIOMEDICINE

Code BIO-6021B

Credits 20

This module addresses the molecular and cellular aberrations that lead to the diseased state. Comprehension of the underlying mechanisms is vital to the research and development of drugs that intervene in disease processes. For each disease considered, an overview of tissue pathology will be followed by an analysis of the epidemiological and basic research studies associated with the submission of a drug into clinical trials. Translation of gene editing and stem cell transplantation to the clinical will also be an important aspect of the module.

INTEGRATED LABORATORY RESEARCH PROJECT

Code BIO-6023Y

Credits 40

Primarily an alternative to the ‘Research Project’ module, this module provides you with an introduction to biological research. It provides you an insight into the development of a hypothesis or questions to test, experimental design, and critical analysis. You will develop crucial research and work skills, including group work.

Optional A Modules

(20-60 credits)

CELLULAR SIGNALLING

Code BIO-6003A

Credits 20

How do cells receive and react to information from their external environment? What is the molecular basis for how cells respond to external signalling cues and how does this relate to physiological processes? In this module you will study cellular signalling by ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors, enzyme-linked receptors; the associated signal transduction mechanisms and relevance to human physiology and disease. The module includes aspects of the molecular basis of cellular signalling, structure-function relationships and pharmacology. You will study the molecular basis of cellular signalling by three principle receptor families, namely ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors and enzyme-linked receptors. You will build on your knowledge of cell biology and human physiology to deepen your understanding of cellular signalling. You will learn through lectures and independent study.

CELL BIOLOGY AND MECHANISMS OF DISEASE

Code BIO-6006B

Credits 20

Do you want to learn about the key topics within cell biology and understand how these relate to human diseases? You will learn about the structure and function of cells in health and disease through a combination of practical demonstrations, where you will experience some of the imaging techniques used in the study of Cell Biology. You will also participate in a workshop, where you will learn how to design experiments. This module will provide you with a solid understanding of aspects of cell structure, function and related diseases concerning: ubiquitination; the cytoskeleton; cell division; cell signalling in motility and wound healing; the extracellular matrix; growth factors and proliferation; cell differentiation and adult stem cells and apoptosis.

CANCER BIOLOGY

Code BIO-6009A

Credits 20

On this module you will learn about the various roles of genes in cancer cell signalling, the cell cycle, cell death processes such as apoptosis, metastasis and angiogenesis, and discuss the potential for novel therapies. The use of animal models and the problems with drug resistance will be discussed. You will develop key skills in the critical analysis of primary cancer research papers. We work closely with experts at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital wherever possible, enabling you to gain an in-depth appreciation of cancer as a disease process from both the scientific and clinical viewpoints.

INFECTION AND IMMUNITY

Code BIO-6010B

Credits 20

This module provides a detailed coverage of the biology of selected infectious microorganisms, in the context of host and responses to pathogens. The properties of organs, cells and molecules of the immune system are described, along with the mechanism of antibody diversity generation, and the exploitation of the immune response for vaccine development. Examples of pathogens are used to illustrate major virulence strategies.

GENOMES, GENES AND GENOMICS

Code BIO-6013A

Credits 20

This module will provide you with knowledge of the biological analysis of genomes. This will focus on our understanding of genome composition, organisation and evolution, and the global regulation of gene expression. When you have completed this module you will understand contemporary methods that inform us about the biology of genomes.

EVOLUTION IN HEALTH AND DISEASE

Code BIO-6017A

Credits 20

The module provides up-to-date learning in evolutionary medicine and the evolution of disease. The module examines how evolutionary principles illuminate and provide fresh insight into a broad range of contemporary health problems including infectious, chronic and nutritional diseases and disorders. Topics are introduced in a multidisciplinary approach that takes into account the relationship between biology and society. The module covers 5 areas: (i) principles of evolutionary medicine - humans in their evolutionary context; (ii) evolution and non-infectious diseases (cancer, lifestyles, ageing); (iii) evolution and infection (vaccines, antibiotics, pathogens, emerging diseases); (iv) personalised medicine and social context of evolutionary medicine; (v) case studies in ancient DNA and human evolution.

Optional B Modules

(0-20 credits)

MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Code BIO-6004A

Credits 20

This module provides an overview of the uses of microorganisms in biotechnological principles. It provides training in the basic principles that control microbiological culture growth, the microbial physiology and genetics that underpin the production of bioproducts such as biofuels, bioplastics, antibiotics and food products, as well as the use of micro-organisms in wastewater treatment and bioremediation.

EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT AND STEM CELL BIOLOGY

Code BIO-6012A

Credits 20

You will study the mechanisms that drive embryonic development, including the signals and signalling pathways that lead to the establishment of the body plan, pattern formation, differentiation and organogenesis. Your lectures will cover different model organisms used in the study of development with a focus on vertebrate systems. The relevance of embryonic development to our understanding of human development and disease is a recurring theme throughout the module, which also covers stem cells and organoids and their role in enhancing our understanding of development and disease, healthy tissue maintenance and drug discovery.

Optional C Modules

(0-20 credits)

MOLECULAR ENZYMOLOGY IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE

Code BIO-6001A

Credits 20

The module sets out to explain the molecular basis of the often complex catalytic mechanisms of enzymes, concentrating particularly on their relevance to and applications in biotechnology and medicine. A particular focus is the relationships between enzyme structure and function with a view to understanding catalytic mechanism. To enable this, students are given the opportunity to develop an appreciation of the methods by which enzyme structures are solved by X-ray crystallography, and how this data can be used to explain enzyme catalytic mechanism. With knowledge of catalytic mechanism comes the opportunity to develop inhibitors, and the module gives students an understanding of how enzyme structure data can be exploited to develop specific inhibitors as lead compounds in drug development. Through lecture and associated workshop content, descriptions are presented of how a range of physiologically- and medically-relevant enzymes work at the molecular level. These include the mechanisms by which important enzymes such as P450s detoxify xenobiotics and metabolize drugs, and the roles of serine proteases in biotechnology and medicine. A major block of the module content is concerned with developing a thorough grasp of the structure-function relationships of a range of complex molecular motors. The module also introduces techniques by which enzymes can be engineered for applications in biotechnology. There is a 2-week practical associated with the module aimed at developing the skills needed for the design and execution of solution experiments to measure the kinetic parameters of a model enzyme system. A major component of the practical enables students to gain knowledge of how to account for experimental error in the analysis of enzyme assay data and how to explain their results in terms of aspects of the enzyme mechanism.

SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

Code BIO-6018Y

Credits 20

You will gain an understanding of how science is disseminated to the public and explore the theories surrounding learning and communication. You will investigate science as a culture and how this culture interfaces with the public. Examining case studies in a variety of different scientific areas, alongside looking at how information is released in scientific literature and subsequently picked up by the public press, will give you an understanding of science communication. You will gain an appreciation of how science information can be used to change public perception and how it can sometimes be misinterpreted. You will also learn practical skills by designing, running and evaluating a public outreach event at a school or in a public area. If you wish to take this module you will be required to write a statement of selection. These statements will be assessed and students will be allocated to the module accordingly.

WORK PLACEMENT

Code BIO-6033A

Credits 20

This module will enable you to develop a range of workplace skills associated with the Sciences, which may take place across a variety of organisations. This will involve identifying, securing and undertaking a placement in association with the organisation you will be working for.

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Entry Requirements

A Levels

AAB including Biology/Human Biology and another science, Psychology, Computing Science or Maths

T Levels

Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: Science

BTEC

DDD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science). Excludes BTEC Public Services, Forensic Science, Uniformed Services, or Business Administration

Scottish highers

AAAAA including Biology/Human Biology and another science, Psychology, Computing Science or Maths

Scottish highers advanced

BBC including Biology/Human Biology and another science, Psychology, Computing Science or Maths

Irish leaving certificate

4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3, including Biology and another science, Psychology, Computing Science or Maths

Access course

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Biology and 12 credits in another science/Maths

European Baccalaureate

80% overall including grade 7 in Biology and another science, Maths or Psychology

International Baccalaureate

33 points with HL 5 in Biology and another science, Psychology, Computing Science or Maths

GCSE offer

You are required to have Mathematics at a minimum of Grade B or Grade 5 or above and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above, at GCSE

Additional entry requirements

We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.

A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.

If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year.

Important note

Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.

International Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.

INTO University of East Anglia

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA, offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:

International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)

International Year One in Biology (for Year 2 entry to UEA)

Students for whom english is a foreign language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):

IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.

Gap year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Intakes

This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

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We’re 17th for research quality!

UEA is ranked 17th overall in the Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis for research quality in Biological Science

FIND OUT MORE >

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Develop your skills, build a strong CV and focus your extra-curricular activities while studying with our employer-valued UEA award.

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Ask a Student

This is your chance to ask UEA's students about UEA, university life, Norwich and anything else you would like an answer to.

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Course Reference Number: 6774273

BSc (Hons) BIOMEDICINE