Biomedical scientists play a key role in improving human health. By exploring life processes in humans they lay the foundations for understanding and investigating health, disease, treatment, and prevention.
Biomedical Science at Lincoln offers a broad scientific base, taking a multi-disciplinary approach that incorporates lectures, seminars, and laboratory-based work. The course emphasises the development of transferable skills in information retrieval, data analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking, as well as hands-on experience.
This degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Completion of a Biomedical Science degree accredited by the IBMS, together with successful completion of a portfolio of competencies after gaining six to 12 months experience in an NHS laboratory and gaining HCPC registration are all essential steps to becoming a qualified biomedical scientist.
Our teaching team includes specialist staff from local and regional hospitals. Their areas of specialty currently cover diabetes, inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease.
Students on this programme are able to undertake an optional overseas field trip in their third year. Those who choose to participate must cover the cost of their own flights, but accommodation and meals at the field site are covered by the University. Previously, students have visited the Andean Cloud Forest in Ecuador, the Atacama Desert in Chile, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Peniche in Portugal.
How You Study
The first year introduces the fundamentals of biomedical science, including human anatomy and physiology, genetics, and disease. It enables students to begin to develop some of the skills that are vital for a practising scientist.
Students can take their knowledge further in the second year, studying pharmacology, immunology, and molecular biology, while receiving an introduction to biomedical diagnosis and its application in the study and treatment of disease.
In their final year, students can explore topics such as cancer, transfusion, and disease pathology. They are also required to complete an individual research project.
This course is delivered through lectures, practical classes, workshops, seminars, and tutorials. The course will also include inter-professional education and problem-based learning using case studies.
Contact Hours
Contact hours vary by course and can take many forms, including lectures, seminars, and workshops. A full-time undergraduate student should expect to undertake a minimum of 37 hours of study each week during term-time, supplementing contact hours with independent study. This is an important aspect of university-level education. As a general rule, you will be expected to spend two to three hours working independently for every hour in class.
Methods of Assessment
The way in which you will be assessed will depend on your chosen course. It may include coursework, written and practical exams, portfolio development, group work, or presentations. A full breakdown of current assessment methods can be found on the individual course pages of this website. The University of Lincoln’s policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
Modules
First Year
Health and Disease (Core)
Human Anatomy and Physiology (Core)
Introduction to Life Sciences (Core)
Medical Biochemistry (Core)
Research Methods for the Life Sciences (Core)
Second Year
Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics (Core)
Data Skills for the Life Sciences (Core)
Fundamentals of Pharmacology & Toxicology (Core)
Human Ageing and Disease (Core)
Immunology (Core)
Medical Microbiology (Core)
Molecular Biology (Core)
SLS Study Abroad (Option)†
Third Year
21st Century Medicine (Core)
Blood Sciences (Core)
Cancer Epidemiology and Pathology (Core)
Life Sciences Research Project (Core)
One Health (Core)
Genetics & Bioethics (Option)†
Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (Option)†
Overseas Field Course (Option)†
Veterinary Parasitology (Option)†
How You Are Assessed
Students on this course may be assessed through written assignments, unseen examinations, practical assessments, presentations, online assessments, reports, and dissertations. Typically the course is 50% coursework and 50% exam, but some modules are coursework only. The University of Lincoln’s policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
Scholarships
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my Biomedical Science degree at the University of Lincoln. I was supported through every stage of the three years, with a wide range of staff available for academic, personal, and career-focused help and advice."
Beth Williams, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science graduate
Entry Requirements 2021-22
United Kingdom
GCE Advanced Levels: BBB, to include a grade B in Biology or Chemistry.
International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall to include Higher Level grade 5 in Biology or Chemistry.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science*: Distinction, Distinction, Merit.*not all modules are accepted. Please contact our Admissions team for further information.
BTEC Diploma Applied Science acceptable with other qualifications. Please contact our Admissions team for further information.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Biology or Chemistry.
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English, Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Accreditations and Memberships
This degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is the professional body for those who work within the field of biomedical science. An IBMS accredited degree programme provides students with a wide-ranging, research-informed scientific education, covering the molecular, cellular and systemic basis of disease and the application of scientific principles and techniques to its investigation, diagnosis and treatment. IBMS accreditation ensures that your honors degree course meets the academic requirements for registration as a biomedical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). In order to register as a biomedical scientist, you would need additionally to complete the IBMS registration portfolio in an approved laboratory.
Special Features
Students on this programme are able to undertake an optional overseas field trip as part of their third year. This will provide the opportunity to do research in a novel environment and to study local plants and animals. Destinations may vary but have previously the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Peniche in Portugal.
Students who opt to undertake a field trip overseas will be expected to cover transport costs (including flight costs). These costs will vary depending on the location of the field trip. Accommodation and meals at the field sites are fully funded by the University.
Students may be required to pay for overnight stays, local travel and food close to the destination if their flights arrive the day before the team are scheduled to meet. Students may bring personal items of clothing and travel equipment, some of which may be specialised for the environment they are travelling to, and recommended medicines and travel toiletries such as anti-malaria medication, vaccinations, insect repellent and sunscreen. These costs will depend on what you choose to bring.
Overseas Field Trips
Study Animal and Plants in the Wild
Students on this programme are able to undertake an optional overseas field trip as part of their third year, enabling them to study animals and plants in the wild.
Destinations Around the World
In recent years, students have visited the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Peniche in Portugal.
Undertake Field Work
On each trip students are introduced to local flora and fauna, present a group project, and complete an identification test of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates.
Optional Placement Year
All full-time Biomedical Science students may take an optional placement year between the second and third year of the programme. Students are expected to source their own placements but can be supported through this process. Placements provide you with the opportunity to gain workplace experience and a chance to hone your skills in a professional environment. When you are on an optional placement in the UK, you will be required to cover your own transport and accommodation and meal costs.
Career Opportunities
This degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. It aims to prepare graduates to work as qualified biomedical scientists on successful completion of a portfolio of competencies after gaining six to 12 months experience in a laboratory. Graduates may go on to careers in research laboratories, universities, the NHS, and the pharmaceutical industry.
