Medicine and health sciences subject sessions

This introduction to Medicine and Health session looks at the different pathways that are available at University of Birmingham, including Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing and Pharmacy. It will explore what working in the medical and healthcare sector is like, and what each pathway will involve. 

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: In school, on campus, or online

Duration: 60 minutes

Session type: Career pathways

Academic lead: Dr Andy Coney

This session explores the vital role DNA repair plays in maintaining human health and preventing diseases such as cancer. Students will learn how damage to DNA occurs in everyday life and how cells use specialised repair systems to fix this damage and maintain normal function.The session explains what happens when these repair mechanisms fail, leading to mutations and the development of cancer.

Students will also explore how scientists and clinicians are now using this knowledge to design new treatments that target DNA repair processes in cancer cells.By linking core biological concepts to real-world medical applications, the session provides insight into how fundamental science drives advances in healthcare. Students will also hear about pathways into biomedical science and research, gaining a clearer understanding of careers in this field.

Year group: Years 11-13

Delivery format: In school, on campus, or online

Duration: 60 minutes

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr Martin Higgs

Explore how cutting-edge DNA sequencing technologies are transforming the way brain tumours are diagnosed and treated. Students will follow the journey of a tumour sample, from removal in the operating theatre to rapid genetic analysis in the laboratory.

Traditionally, diagnosing brain tumours could take days or weeks. This session shows how new genomic approaches now allow scientists and clinicians to identify tumour types within hours, enabling faster and more targeted treatment decisions.

Students will be introduced to the biology of brain tumours and learn how techniques such as DNA sequencing and methylation profiling help doctors understand the genetic features of a tumour. Through real-world case examples, the session demonstrates how rapid diagnostics can directly influence patient care and outcomes.

Year group: Years 11-13

Delivery format: In school, on campus, or online

Duration: 30 minutes

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr Vassili Crispi

What if we could grow the cells that produce insulin in a laboratory? This session explores how scientists are developing new approaches to treat Type 1 diabetes by creating insulin-producing cells outside the body.

Students will learn how Type 1 diabetes affects the body, focusing on the loss of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas and the challenges of managing blood glucose levels. The session introduces stem cells — specialised cells that can develop into different cell types — and explains how scientists guide them through stages that mimic human development to produce functional beta cells.

Students will explore how researchers test whether these lab-grown cells behave like real cells and how they could be used in future cell replacement therapies. The session also highlights the challenges of turning laboratory discoveries into real treatments, showing how biology, chemistry and technology combine in modern medical research.

Year group: Years 11-13

Delivery format: Online webinar

Duration: 30 minutes

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr. Ildem Akerman

Everyone has heard of DNA — but what can it actually do? This engaging and fast-paced lecture explores DNA from a range of surprising and thought-provoking perspectives, bringing molecular biology to life through a series of short, memorable “mini-stories”.

Students will explore the remarkable properties of DNA, from its physical scale and structure to its stability and role in storing and transmitting genetic information. The session also highlights how DNA can be used to investigate the past, understand evolution, and support advances in science and medicine.

Designed to challenge assumptions and spark curiosity, this session offers a fresh and accessible introduction to DNA, showing how a single molecule underpins some of the most important questions in biology.

Year group: Years 12-13

Delivery format: Online webinar

Duration: 30 minutes

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr Jon Mueller