Biomedical Science BSc

Start date: September
Duration: 3 years
Campus: Dubai

Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours, Study abroad year

Fees: Tuition fee for 2024 entry is AED 126,309 per year of study.

Our Biomedical Science course is taught by experts in the UK and Dubai who cover all the major disciplines of biomedical science. You will follow a broad curriculum in the first and second year of the course in Dubai and will study at our Birmingham campus in the United Kingdom in your final year of study.

Subject to Ministry of Education accreditation

BSc Biomedical Science explores the science of the human body and the causes of diseases that affect mankind. Based on both our Dubai and Birmingham campuses, this broad course explores the major body systems right down to the cellular and molecular level. The course is constantly updated to reflect the latest developments in the field. Whether you are studying in Dubai in your first two years or at Birmingham in your final year, you will learn from experts who carry out fundamental scientific and medical research in these areas.

Our blended approach, granting you access to both Dubai and UK facilities, will allow you to work in state-of-the-art laboratories and you will find out how research translates into advances in clinical practice. You will explore emerging fields such as stem cell therapies and also learn more about major disorders like cancer, cardiovascular diseases and arthritis. You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy online lectures from Birmingham experts as well as joining them in your final year to access the University's own active research laboratories.

We also offer the 4-year MSci Biomedical Science course. Students studying on the 3-year BSc Biomedical Science course will have the opportunity to move across to the 4-year MSci course after successfully completing their second year, subject to fulfilment and attainment of the required academic performance.

Programme Director

Dr Rogelio M. Levardo Jr.

Dr Rogelio M. Levardo Jr. collaborates with academic leaders in both the Edgbaston and Dubai campuses and manages the academic team across our Dubai Biomedical Science programmes. As well as teaching various modules and implementing excellent pedagogical practices, Dr Levardo also provides academic support to all students.

View staff profile

First and Second years – broad foundations of knowledge

The first two years of the Biomedical Science course aims to provide you with a detailed understanding of how the human body functions and what can go wrong in disease. The content extends from the single cell to the whole body. You’ll begin to learn about major pathologies such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, arthritis and diabetes, and the genetic basis of inherited disorders.

All students take a common set of key subjects which will provide you with the core knowledge to understand the importance of each of the major disciplines of biomedical science. This forms a strong foundation for your final year. In addition, throughout the course you’ll develop core research skills, such as data analysis and interpretation. This will help you to build a strong understanding of the key ethical and social issues surrounding medical science.

In the second year there will be an opportunity to specialise in a scientific area of your choice, linked to our College's major research themes. This student selected component will allow an in-depth exploration into your chosen area, under the guidance of one of our subject experts. The themes will include cancer, neuroscience, infection and immunity, pharmacology and cardiovascular science. This allows you to begin specialising and deepening your knowledge in a specific area, providing a platform for further specialisation in your third year.

Third Year – Welcome to Birmingham

During your final year you will be located at the University of Birmingham, UK. In your first semester, you have the opportunity to select modules from a variety of options to specialise in a particular area of interest to you. These taught modules are highly specialised and cover a wide range of subject areas, including different aspects of neuroscience, cancer, virology, cardiovascular science, pharmacology, endocrinology, stem cell biology, ageing and immunology. You’ll learn about the latest findings within the field and be exposed to advanced research techniques, guided by internationally recognised experts in these fields.

In the Spring semester, you will focus on a substantial research project, which in the majority of cases is laboratory based specifically within one of our leading research active laboratories. You’ll work independently, under supervision, for ten weeks full-time on an original piece of research. Acquiring and analysing your own data will be your responsibility, allowing you to enhance not just your practical and analytical abilities, but also a range of other skills. The skills learned within this project will be highly transferable to future roles within and outside of the industry and could ultimately be the key to success in whatever career path you choose.

Why study this course?

Benefit from our state-of-the-art laboratories: With access to both Dubai and UK facilities, you will have the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art laboratories with the latest cutting-edge technologies. Benefit from transformational teaching in spaces designed to encourage and facilitate collaborative and interdisciplinary working.
Explore emerging fields: Our programmes are constantly updated to reflect the latest developments in the field providing you with a broad foundation of knowledge to pursue a career in Biomedical Science. Explore emerging fields such as stem cell therapies alongside learning more about major disorders like cancer and arthritis.
Develop core research skills: This programme develops your transferable and key research skills such as data analysis and interpretation. This will help you to build a strong understanding of the key ethical and social issues surrounding medical science.
Global reputation for educational excellence: We offer the same first-class education as in our UK campus, by delivering the same high-quality curriculum and you will graduate with a degree from a global top 100 university.

Modules

Modules in the first year

The first two years of the Biomedical Science course builds a detailed understanding of how the human body functions and what can go wrong in disease.

Cellular Biochemistry and Biology - 20 credits
Digestion and Renal Sciences - 20 credits
Fundamentals of life science - 20 credits
Fundamentals of Neuroscience and Pharmacology - 20 credits
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences: Fundamental Principles - 20 credits
Professional and Academic Development - 20 credits

Like all UAE Ministry of Education Higher Education Institutions, we run the below listed compulsory modules. These modules are designed to support talented graduates in the region, with the skills to aid and further employability.

Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Sustainability (EIS)
Arabic Language 1

Please note these modules must be completed and passed, in addition to your core programme modules, during the course of your degree.

Find out more about EIS and Arabic modules

Modules in the second year

In the second year, whilst continuing to build a strong foundation of knowledge in biomedical science, there will be an opportunity to specialise in a scientific area of your choice, linked to our College's major research themes.

Cancer and Stratified Medicine - 20 credits
Immunity and Infection - 20 credits
Cardiorespiratory Physiology and Pharmacology - 20 credits
Neuroscience, Endocrinology and Reproduction - 20 credits
Stem Cells and Genetic Inheritance - 20 credits
Student Selected Science Project - 20 credits
Personal and Academic Development - Non credit-bearing

Modules in the third year - follow your interest

During the first term of your final year you specialise by selecting from a variety of taught specialist modules in a wide range of subject areas, including different aspects of neuroscience, cancer, virology, cardiovascular science, pharmacology, endocrinology, stem cell biology, ageing and immunology. You’ll learn about the latest findings and be exposed to advanced research techniques, guided by internationally recognised experts in these fields.

Compulsory modules:

Experimental Data Interpretation - 10 credits
Research Project - 50 credits
Global Challenge - 20 credits

Students should choose one optional module from the following list (examples):

Cancer Pathogenesis and Treatment - 40 credits
Cardiovascular Sciences (Regulation of blood vessels and heart in health and disease) - 40 credits
Cell Communication in Health and Disease - 40 credits
DNA Damage Pathways in Human Disease - 40 credits
Experimental Immunology - 40 credits
From Genes to Therapy - 40 credits
Hypoxia: Health and Disease - 40 credits
Immunity and Inflammatory Disease - 40 credits
Infection: Bacterial Threats and Defence - 40 credits
Liver Function in Health and Disease - 40 credits
Metabolic Aspects of Immune-inflammation - 40 credits
Molecular Medicine (Endocrinology of Metabolic Disorders) - 40 credits
Molecular and Integrative Pharmacology - 40 credits
Neuropharmacology - 40 credits
Neurotrauma: Degeneration and Regeneration - 40 credits
New Targets and Drugs in Cancer Therapy - 40 credits
Reproductive Medicine - 40 credits
Scientific Communication: Principles and Practise - 40 credits
Stem cells: Differentiation and Disease - 40 credits
The Biology of Ageing - 40 credits
Vascular Biology and Pathology - 40 credits
Viruses, Society and Future Medicine - 40 credits

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2024. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2024 entry

We charge an annual tuition fee which is set at AED 126,309 per year of study.

How To Apply

To find out more about our application process please visit our how to apply page before starting your application.

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Terms and conditions – what you need to know

Number of A levels required:: 3
Typical offer:: AAB-ABB
Required subjects and grades:: Two science A levels from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics; GCSE grade B/6 in Mathematics, and B/6 in Biology and Chemistry (or double award science) if not offered at a higher level.

General Studies:
Not accepted as part of the minimum 3 A Level subjects.

BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma are not accepted.

Offers are not made on the basis of tariff points. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted as part of the minimum of three A level subjects.

Scottish Certificate of Education and Irish Leaving Certificate: Please contact Admissions Tutors for further information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma: Overall score of 32 points, with minimum grades of 6, 6, 5 in higher level subjects, to include at least two sciences (from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics – Maths Studies is excluded).

International Students

Standard English language requirements apply.

Please contact the admissions for further information.

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities.

At Birmingham, you'll learn from subject experts covering all major biomedical disciplines in world-class settings, thereby receiving a rich diversity of academic knowledge and experience. You will benefit from many different innovative approaches to teaching aimed at enhancing your learning.

Your learning will take place in a range of different forms, dependent on the subject matter; from scheduled teaching in lectures, online lecture delivery broadcast live from the UK, laboratory and computer based practicals to interactive e-learning. You will engage in small groups and reinforce your learning with tutorials, problem-based and feedback sessions.

Supported by your personal tutor you will improve your biomedical science knowledge through different forms of assessment and feedback.

Learning settings

Laboratory-based practical work is an integral part of our Biomedical Science undergraduate course, delivering important transferable skills and giving you the experience of practical work that is essential for your future career in biomedical science. Throughout your first and second years, you will undertake practical work in our brand new teaching laboratories in Dubai. Your research project in your final year will take place in the UK at our Birmingham campus.

Lectures take place in our state-of-the-art lecture theatres which are equipped with the latest technology, including facilities to show movies, animations and graphics, to record lectures and deliver interactive sessions face to face and with colleagues in Birmingham and with ‘ask the audience’ style electronic voting systems.

Seminars and small-group tutorials run alongside the lecture course, addressing any individual problems you may have and allowing you to consolidate scientific and professional lecture material.

Computer-based learning sessions which take place in the computer cluster.

Self-study is an essential part of the course, helping you to further your understanding of biomedical science and demonstrate your commitment to the course. Your enthusiasm for both the subject and learning in general will continue to aid you throughout your professional career, helping you to keep up to date with the latest innovations and best practices within the industry.

E-learning mechanisms including Canvas, our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE); which supports our academic courses, allowing you to share thoughts on assignments with other students via the discussion group facilities, giving access to learning materials 24 hours a day and allowing you to submit your work electronically.

Enquiry Based Learning (EBL) is a group activity which requires you to work in a team, with a variety of assessment methods; in either a group or individually, by written reports and sometimes as a presentation. Based on techniques used in research-led organisations like the University of Birmingham, EBL offers you the opportunity to take a research-orientated approach to a problem and helps you to gain essential skills that are highly valued by employers.

Facilities

Flexible study spaces; facilities range from large lecture theatres and laboratories through to smaller seminar and tutorial rooms enabling you to work closely with both our academics and your classmates.

Innovative library facilities located at the very heart of the campus, with an extensive catalogue of resources and the latest technology to aid self-study and easy access. Access to over 500,000 academic articles, textbooks and journals virtually from our Edgbaston campus allowing seamless transition between campus learning and online study.

State-of-the-art laboratories with the latest technologies allow you to benefit from transformational teaching in spaces designed to encourage and facilitate collaborative and interdisciplinary working.

Teaching Staff

Students at the University of Birmingham Dubai are taught by a mixture of professors, doctors and postgraduates, thereby receiving a rich diversity of academic knowledge and experience. Many of our teaching staff on the Biomedical Science course have published important works about their areas of expertise, whilst others have taught at international institutions and can offer unique perspectives on their particular subject area.

For more information about staff in the school, their qualifications, publication history and specific areas of interest, visit the School of Biomedical Sciences staff profile page.

Student Support

Multi-award-winning careers services considered to be sector-leading both in the UK and internationally.

Dedicated Student Wellbeing Officer in Dubai, who can assist with academic or wellbeing concerns that you may have during your time with us. This is enhanced by specialist support through our Edgbaston campus where you have access to additional services like counselling and mental health support.

Contact Hours

Year 1: On average you can expect approximately 40% of your time to be spent in scheduled teaching (lectures, small group tutorials) and 60% on independent study.

Year 2: On average you can expect approximately 25% of your time to be spent in scheduled teaching (lectures, small group tutorials) and 75% on independent study.

Year 3: On average you can expect approximately 30% of your time to be spent in scheduled teaching (lectures, small group tutorials and lab practice) and 70% on independent study.

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, which may change depending on the module. You'll be assessed through coursework which may take the form of essays, group and individual presentations, laboratory-based work and formal exams.

At the beginning of each module, you’ll be given information on how and when you’ll be assessed for that particular area of study. You’ll receive feedback on each assessment within four weeks, so that you can learn from and build on what you have done. You’ll be given feedback on any exams that you take; if you should fail an exam we will ensure that particularly detailed feedback is made available to enable you to learn for the future.

Throughout the course there will be opportunities to meet with your personal tutor to see how you are getting on and if there are particular areas where you need support. Your personal tutor based in Dubai can help with any academic issues that you may encounter.

As a University of Birmingham graduate, you will thrive in the workplace as you apply your knowledge and skills to your chosen career.

Our Biomedical Science graduates have an excellent record of employment in a wide variety of careers. Many embark on laboratory work in universities, often in PhD positions and in hospitals. Many also go on to become clinical scientists and working for biotechnology companies. Other degree-related careers also include work in clinical trials, and in marketing and management roles at biotechnology companies.

Many of the skills that you will acquire throughout the course are highly transferable, making it the ideal preparation for many other high-profile careers, such as teaching, accountancy, law and banking, as well as management positions in a variety of companies.

To find out more about our graduate employability, view our Career Profiles.

Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our outstanding Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Our unique Dubai-based careers service will help you to develop your career from the moment you arrive. Working closely with academics, alumni and employment providers. The Careers Network on our Edgbaston campus can provide you with advice and guidance on the recruitment process, including support with applications and interview preparation.