Biomedical Science

Entry Criteria: 2023 Entry

To be eligible for the Biomedical Science BSc programme, you must meet the requirements outlined under Entry Qualifications, Other Academic Requirements, and Non-academic Requirements below.

Entry Qualifications

With the exception of GCSEs, all qualifications must have been completed within the previous five years, including the year of application.

Other Academic Requirements

Non-academic Requirements

Biomedical Science BSc is a modular three-year degree covering the range of biological science disciplines that underpin our understanding of human health and disease. The degree emphasises fundamental and applied research that contributes to our understanding of how the human body functions and how this knowledge can be applied to improve health outcomes. It combines academic study and practical skills training in our specialist facilities, with the option for additional professional experience.

Years 1 and 2

In Years 1 and 2 of the course, all modules are compulsory. During these years, you build a solid knowledge and understanding of cellular, molecular and medical sciences, including normal functioning of the human body, as well as disease processes and the therapies used to treat diseases. You will gain insight and learn to appreciate the various scientific methods used in biomedical research, for example molecular and cellular biology techniques, including nucleic acid and protein analysis, cellular and tissue microscopy and analysis and anatomical dissection. We will consider how these techniques are applicable to advancing scientific knowledge, disease diagnosis and therapy.

Placement

You have the opportunity to apply to undertake a Professional Training Year between Years 2 and 3 of the course on a placement in industry, academia, the NHS or international placements, both paid and unpaid options with means-tested loans available for Home students.

Year 3

In the final year, you will develop your knowledge in-depth on one of nine different pathways, choosing and graduating with a named pathway degree. You will undertake a comprehensive research project under supervision on subjects as diverse as disease-causing infectious organisms and drug discovery screening in zebrafish embryos, to mention just some of those chosen by previous students.

Each Biomedical Science ‘with’ pathway comprises a group of closely-related taught modules. Your research project can be in a related discipline or you might choose to explore different areas.

You will choose a pathway in a specific subject area for your Year 3 studies in Year 2.

* Pathways/Modules listed here are indicative and the actual modules available when you enrol/choose your pathway may vary.

Pathways

Transfer options

Biomedical Science MSci

At the end of Year 2, you have the option to transfer to Year 3 of the four-year MSci pathway, subject to available places and academic achievement (60%) by the end of Year 2 (Year 1 counts for a third of your marks, Year 2 two-thirds). 

Biomedical science will give you a solid scientific grounding that prepares you for a wide range of careers in the biomedical sector or beyond, including research, industry, medicine/healthcare, education and more.

Practical sessions in our specialist labs will give you hands-on experience of using scientific instrumentation, developing the lab techniques required for research and scientific investigation. You’ll put theory into practice conducting research and experiments from scratch – whether you are manipulating live embryos, working with the specimens in our extensive pathology museum or contextualising your study of anatomy through experience in the dissection room.

You’ll progress from basic competence in laboratory skills in Year 1 to the use of more sophisticated techniques and, by the time you graduate, the ability to confidently plan experiments and interpret the data obtained from them. You’ll also gain a range of valuable interpersonal, academic and transferrable skills include communications, data handling, group working, note taking, presentation and problem-solving exercises.

Teaching is delivered through a variety of methods, including: lectures and laboratory practical sessions; tutorials including scenario-based learning; self-directed learning; and computer-assisted learning. There is a gradual change in emphasis over the three or four years of your degree, from large group lectures, delivering core knowledge and concepts, to smaller lecture groups for specialist knowledge. Tutorials, self-directed learning, practical sessions and in-course assessments further promote knowledge and understanding.

One of the many benefits of studying at St George’s is the opportunity to study in the same environment as other healthcare-related courses, allowing cross-disciplinary contacts to be made with students and staff.

While the St George’s programmes are recognised by many different countries, applicants are advised to check with their own individual national authorities if they wish to practise in their chosen country.

A relatively young field in medical science, with new developments and breakthroughs occurring all the time, Biomedical science is an incredibly exciting, fast-paced area to work in. Combining skills and knowledge in biology and medicine, with a focus on both human and animal health, it opens up a wide range of careers in the science and medical field, as well as further study.

Careers teaching and employability are embedded in the curriculum across all year groups, following the themes of explore, plan, apply. This allows our students to understand which stage they are at so that we can support them with their career thinking and decision making.

In addition to dedicated pages on our web-based learning management system Canvas, an annual careers fair and timetabled careers sessions for each year group, we provide workshops with recruiters, drop-in clinics, one to one support from an academic lead for Biomedical Science employability, as well as appointments with careers consultants. Support offered covers career pathways, CV writing and interview skills.

Our graduates have gone on to work in academic and applied research, for a variety of pharmaceutical and bioscience companies and institutes, such as PRA Health Sciences, Barts and the London NHS Trust, University of Washington. Some are also working beyond the biomed sector for companies such as Deloitte, KPMG, Frontiers Publishing and Teach First. Others use their degree as a platform for postgraduate study, pursuing a range of MScs, PhD or graduate entry medical degree.

Transferrable skills in critical thinking, communication skills, time management, planning and logistics and data analysis make you well-equipped for a wide range of careers outside the lab, such as medical writing, biomedical marketing, health communication or teaching.

If you are interested in a career as a biomedical/healthcare scientist in the NHS, you can undertake the NHS Scientist Training Programme following graduation. To work as a biomedical scientist in the UK, you will need to gain at least one year of laboratory experience in a lab approved by the IBMS.

St George’s University of London is the only UK university, which specialises in healthcare education and is based on a hospital site, namely St George’s Hospital, where the Channel 4 television series 24 hours in A&E is filmed. Based in the thriving multi-cultural hub of Tooting in South West London, our location has the added advantage of being just a short tube ride from Central London and all the city lifestyle has to offer.

We also have a range of specialist health and academic facilities to support your learning, listed below.

Image Resource Facility (IRF)

First established in 1979, the IRF has developed to encompass Light Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, and sample preparation for both, all housed in a single department providing a range of imaging analysis options and the expertise to compliment them. Users of the IRF have the ability to image histology samples, cells and molecules of all varieties, and model organisms such as zebrafish using any of the light microscope, slide scanning, or electron microscope systems we maintain, supported by experienced staff at all stages of analysis.

Laboratories

Our teaching laboratories are fully fitted with equipment for biological, chemistry, biomedical, molecular biology and pharmacy practicals. This includes microscopes, spectrophotometers, DNA amplifiers, organ baths and specialist glassware. We also have audio visual equipment installed, so that microscope images can be projected on to large screens.

Museum of Human Disease

Our on-site museum houses a collection of over 2,000 pathological specimens, including a number of original specimens donated by Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie in 1843. This space is used for small group tutorials by students across all of our courses as an educational tool to help you understand the mechanisms of disease.

Dissecting room

The dissecting room is where present and future healthcare professionals and scientists in the hospital and University learn or refresh their anatomy knowledge directly from the human body, through access to cadaveric material and models, and plastinated (preserved) specimens.

Please note: The Dissecting Room is currently closed while we complete extensive improvement works.

IT facilities

We have five computer suites housing 260 workstations. Three of these suites are accessible 24 hours a day. It’s easy to find a free space with our handy real-time computer locator. We also have 75 self-service laptops available. Free Wi-Fi covers the whole campus, including all accommodation. You can use these resources to access your course materials, discussion boards and feedback through Canvas.

Library and learning technology

Our modern health sciences library offers a wide range of books, e-books, academic journals and other resources to support you. You will also have access to online resources, such as the Canvas virtual learning environment and our Hunter discovery service to help you find the information you need. The library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and comprises silent, quiet and group learning areas, as well as four group discussion rooms.

Student support

Whether you are heading off to university straight from school or college, or returning to education as a mature student, we want to ensure your experience is positive from the outset. At St George’s, you’ll be welcomed by a multicultural student and staff body of different ages, ethnicities, nationalities and backgrounds, all with one thing in common – an interest in science, healthcare and medicine.

Students frequently tell us they greatly appreciate the diversity of our student and staff body, as well as the patients who access healthcare services in the borough of Tooting.

We offer a full range of academic support and student services across all institutes, departments and faculties, some of which are listed below. We take pride in offering a transformative educational experience underpinned by cooperation and collaboration between staff and students. Our innovative Student-Staff Partnership Grants (SSPGs), for example, provide funding for small projects led jointly by students and staff, which included the co-creation by one of our students of an art exhibition inspired by the Museum of Human Disease collection.

Personal tutor

On arrival, you will be allocated a personal tutor – someone with whom you can have regular contact, who you ask questions and discuss problems with, both academic and personal. The main purpose of a personal tutor is to monitor your progress, pick up and help you resolve any problems, whether academic or welfare related. Even if they don’t have the answer they will point you in the right direction towards the best people to deal with specific problems.

Induction programme

Within your first week at St George’s, you’ll take part in an induction programme to help with your orientation and introduce you to various study skills, including interprofessional learning and use of the Dissecting Room. Additional sessions provide advice and guidance about the Registry, Students’ Union, personal tutor system, safety, occupational health and sexual health awareness.

Academic staff support

You’ll have access to your lecturers, usually by arrangement via email.

Mums and Dads scheme

‘Mums and Dads’ is a buddy scheme organised by the Students’ Union. Every fresher (first year student) has the choice of being assigned a ‘parent’ from the year above in their respective course. The returning student then acts as a ‘go to’ for advice about courses and university life, providing an additional support system during your first year, both academically and socially. They have been in your position and know the struggles of starting university; they also know all of the best pubs, clubs, restaurants, gyms and will help introduce you to your new St George’s family.

Student Life Centre

Our Student Centre team can help you with almost any aspect of student life: finances, accommodation, exams and assessment, academic procedures, admissions, international queries, careers, disability and wellbeing, even finding your way around – whatever it takes to make you feel at home.

Careers service

Our careers service works to support current students and recent graduates to find and maintain a rewarding and successful career. As well as general workshops on topics such as writing a CV and developing interview skills, the service works with the academic lead for Biomedical Science employability to ensure there are careers activities specific to your programmes and future profession. You will also be able to book a one-to-one appointment with a careers consultant to discuss all aspects of careers and employability. This might include investigating options and making career decisions, gaining advice and guidance on where to look for jobs, CV and application checking, or booking in for a practice interview.

How to apply

Apply for this course through UCAS (the University and College Admissions Service) by 25 January in the year of entry. There are no upper age limits, so we welcome applications from mature students.

At the moment there are no changes to our programmes due to Covid-19.

If you start at St George's in 2023 your course will be delivered in the normal way and you can expect the full university experience from us.

If you started prior to this and would like to see the changes that were made to your programme, please visit this webpage.