Overview
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 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, 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 microbial pathogenesis 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
- 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
This module aims to develop critical thinking skills applied to the designing and planning of experimental data. To acquire and develop a range of transferable, IT, mathematical and problem-solving skills.
- 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
- 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.
- BB5703 - Molecular and Cellular Biology
This module aims to provide students with the necessary introductory knowledge on molecular and cellular biology in order to successfully follow the master’s programme.
- 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.
- 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.
Optional
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Microbial Pathogenesis
This module aims to give students detailed knowledge of representative disease-causing organisms in terms of specific host pathogen interactions, and an understanding the multiple strategies of microbial pathogenesis including immunological, epidemiological and pharmacogenomic aspects as well as anti-microbial therapy strategies.
- 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.
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.
- Epidemiology and Disease Prevention
This module aims 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 outcomes.
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of undergraduate degrees at Brunel.
Careers and your future
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.
UK entry requirements
2025/6 entry
- GCE A-level AAB-BBB, including a grade B in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science or Physics.
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma DDM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Biomedical Science), Applied Science (Analytical and Forensic Science) or Applied Science (Physical Science) only.
- BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DM in any subjects with an A-level at grade B in: Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Chemistry or Physics.
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate D in any subject with two A-levels at grade BC, with a B in: Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Chemistry or Physics.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points, including 5 in either 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, Applied 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.
Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will 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.
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.
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
2025/26 entry
UK
£9,535 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£24,795 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. International fees will increase 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
Level 4
Your teaching will be on-campus face-to-face lectures, with in-person tutorials and in-person lab sessions. The teaching will be supplemented with pre-recorded material.
You'll be working individually for most of the lab sessions. In addition, all lab sessions will now be delivered as Team-Based Learning (TBL) with work to complete online before the session and TBL tasks in the lab. There will also be data analysis tasks to be done after the lab session. You'll be expected to attend your laboratory and tutoring@Brunel sessions.
Level 5
Your teaching will be on-campus face-to-face lectures, with in-person tutorials and in-person lab sessions. The teaching will be supplemented with pre-recorded material.
You'll be working on your own experiments, which you will then combine to give the final result. This will provide a more authentic lab experience and improve your lab team-working skills. The in-person lab sessions will be delivered using TBL. There will be additional TBL sessions based on online labs to support your learning. You'll be expected to attend your laboratory and tutoring@Brunel sessions.
Level 6
Your final year teaching will be delivered in on-campus sessions with final year project supervisory meetings being a mix of online and in-person sessions, depending on the nature of the project. You'll be expected to attend your laboratory and tutoring@Brunel sessions.
Assessment
Your coursework will be submitted via Wiseflow or Brightspace, and exams will be a mix of on-campus in-person invigilated written exams and online open-book assessments. Oral presentations will be scheduled as part of specific coursework either on-campus in-person or online.
Additional teaching resources and sessions
To supplement our full timetable of on-campus teaching, your learning will be supported with a range of resources on our new Brightspace Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) including videos, interactive activities, quizzes, etc. Block leaders may offer additional briefing, revision, and/or Q&A sessions on online platforms where appropriate.
Academic contact
You'll be offered Feedback and Consultation Hours, Personal Tutoring Hours, and Project Supervision discussions in-person on-campus and via online platforms. This will allow you to easily receive feedback, advice and guidance without having to travel to campus on a day that you might otherwise not be attending.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
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 has 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.
Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
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.
