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 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 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 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.
Compulsory
- BB1702 - Biochemistry: Structure and FunctionThis module aims to introduce students to important classes of biomolecules and the ways in which these molecules interact and change in living organisms to generate useful energy.
- BB1720 - Biology of the CellIn this modules students will receive a broad introduction to the understanding of living organisms at the cellular level through the study of genetics, cell biology and microbiology.
- BB1718 - Career Planning and InnovationThis modules aims to develop a range of transferable, career planning and innovation skills.
- BB1706 - Critical Thinking 1This module aims to introduce and develop biological sciences critical thinking skills.
- BB1701 - The Human Body: Principles of Anatomy and PhysiologyThis 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.
- BB1719 - Introduction to Data AnalysisIn this module students will develop a range of transferable IT, mathematical and problem solving skills.
- BB1704 - Practical Skills in Biomedical SciencesThis module aims to develop the competences required in basic laboratory skills.
Compulsory
- BB2703 - Career PlanningThis module aims to develop recognition and awareness of skills and competencies needed to gain employment.
- BB2708 - Data AnalysisThis module teaches students to develop an awareness of data analysis, presentation and interpretation.
- BB2709 - Genetics, Genomics and Human HealthThis module provides students with a deeper understanding of molecular and cellular aspects of microbial genetics, new tools of genetic engineering, present day genomic technologies and the post genomic era.
- BB2711 - Human Pathology and ImmunologyThis module provides students with an understanding of clinically important human disease with emphasis on underlying molecular mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment including the innate and adaptive immune system and conditions associated with the dysregulation of the immune system.
- BB2716 - Medical MicrobiologyThis module aims to give an understanding of medically important pathogens and infectious diseases, including epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical symptoms, therapeutics, vaccination and public health importance.
- BB2704 - Molecular and Cellular BiologyThis module aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of molecular biology of enzymatic processes within prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Optional
- BB2710 - Analytical BiochemistryThis module aims to provide an understanding of a range of biochemical techniques used for clinical research and diagnosis.
- BB2713 - Developmental Genetics and Stem Cell BiologyThis 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.
- BB2730 - Metabolic RegulationThis module aims to provide an understanding of biochemical processes relevant to human health from the molecular and cellular levels to the whole organism level.
Compulsory
- BB3716 - Microbial PathogenesisThis module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of cellular and molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interaction.
- BB3091 - Final Year ProjectThe module aims to provide the students with experience of in-depth and independent project work. FYP topics are related to staff expertise and include a broad range of both non-laboratory and laboratory-based projects.
Optional
- BB3704 - The Biology and Treatment of CancerThis module aims to provide a detailed understanding of cancer, including the genes involved in carcinogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment.
- BB3707 - Cellular PathologiesThis module aims to develop the students’ knowledge and understanding of the molecular and cellular causes of particular diseases.
- BB3714 - Endocrine DisordersThis module aims to study a selected range of endocrine disease processes, including origins and treatment, at the biochemical and molecular level using a case-based problem solving approach.
- BB3701 - Genomic MedicineThis module aims to introduce students to the principles of understanding medicine from the post-genomic perspective, to explore genome organization by integrating genomic, molecular and cell biology approaches, and to use this integrated view of the human genome as a tool for understanding mechanisms responsible for a specific set of Mendelian diseases known as genome instability syndromes and common diseases in the context of genome wide association studies (GWAS).
- BB3720 - Medical ImmunologyStudy advanced immunology with up-to-date knowledge of molecular and cellular interactions in the immune system, and learn to apply immunological principles to the current understanding of various biological and clinical processes and mechanisms including cancer, transplantation, autoimmunity, pregnancy and aging, and immune intervention. Teaching will include information of the current research undertaken in Biosciences.
- BB3733 - Molecular Pharmacology and ToxicologyThis module aims to give students an understanding of drug metabolism and the mode of action of specific drugs.
- BB3711 - Epidemiology and Disease Prevention
This module aims to give students an understanding of biomedical studies using human data at population level.
This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 4 years full-time with placement, starting in September.
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
2024/25 entry
- GCE A-level AAB-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.
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
2024/25 entry
UK
£9,250 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£23,615 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 £9,250 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.
