Biomedical Science | BSc (Hons) | University of Lincoln

Dr Matthew Simmonds - Programme Leader

Dr Matthew Simmonds is Programme Leader for Biomedical Science and his research involves investigating genetic predictors of long-term pancreas transplant function in people with type 1 diabetes. His specialisms include transplantation, autoimmunity, diabetes, Autoimmune Thyroid Disease, and genetics.

Academic Staff List

Welcome to BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

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, research scientists, and pharmaceutical industry experts. Their areas of speciality 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.

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. To help you choose the course that’s right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.

Find out More

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Health and Disease 2023-24BMS1074MLevel 42023-24Health and Disease provides an introduction to health and how health is disrupted by disease and disorder. Students will apply their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to help understand the underlying aetiology and clinical presentation of key communicable and non-communicable diseases.CoreHuman Anatomy and Physiology 2023-24BMS1073MLevel 42023-24Human Anatomy and Physiology provides an overview of the anatomical structure and physiology of the human body. It is intended to explore the role of the nervous and endocrine systems in the physiology of stress its role in homeostasis. The module is also designed to enable students to identify and understand the function of human bones, muscles, and joints and provides an overview of the anatomical structure and physiology of the heart, lung, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. It is intended to explore the components of the blood and immune system and their various functions, as well as enabling students to identify the anatomy and understand the physiology of the kidney, urogenital, and digestive systems.CoreIntroduction to Life Sciences 2023-24BIO1043MLevel 42023-24Introduction to the Life Sciences is designed to provide a foundation for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of fundamental cell biology, biochemistry and genetics in the context of life sciences.CoreMedical Biochemistry 2023-24BCH1003MLevel 42023-24Medical Biochemistry is designed to provide students with an overview of biochemistry at the cellular level. Cellular and molecular systems that have evolved to sustain cellular functions in the context of a multicellular organism will be highlighted through example diseases as well as delivering an understanding of how key biochemical pathways can be targeted for therapeutic purposes.CoreResearch Methods for the Life Sciences 2023-24BGY1012MLevel 42023-24Research methods for the Life Sciences aims to introduce the skills and knowledge necessary for students to assimilate and judge scientific knowledge. Students will be introduced to the tools required to search and evaluate the scientific literature relevant to their studies, and some of the key philosophical constructs around which scientific knowledge is based. They will be taught about hypothesis testing, experimental design, data collection, basic mathematical and statistical concepts, and data presentation, and gain hands-on experience of their application.CoreClinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics 2024-25BMS2032MLevel 52024-25The module provides an overview of the main principles of clinical biochemistry and its role in diagnostics and monitoring of patients. It enables students to discuss endocrine disease as well as liver, respiratory, gastrointestinal, vascular, bone and renal disease. It will also cover key techniques used in diagnosis and clinical research.CoreData Skills for the Life Sciences 2024-25BGY2011MLevel 52024-25Data-centric skills are crucial for any life scientist undertaking any form of data collection, management, visualisation, and/or analysis. This module introduces students to skills in data storage, handling, and manipulation; understanding different data types; visualising data; fitting statistical and analytical models; interpreting and reporting statistical and analytical results; and using these skills in experimental designs. In the age of information, computational skills are becoming ever more relevant, and this module will hone different computational skills. All these skills can aid students in undertaking future research projects, including the third-year honours project.CoreFundamentals of Pharmacology & Toxicology 2024-25BMS2010MLevel 52024-25This module is concerned with the study of the mechanisms by which drugs interact with biochemical, cellular, and physiological systems. The module aims to: - provide an introduction to key pharmacology principles - provide a detailed knowledge of the mechanisms of actions of selected drugs - develop a critical appreciation of the importance and relevance of pharmacology in the treatment of diseases - develop an understanding of the principles of toxicology and drug overdoseCoreHuman Ageing and Disease 2024-25BMS2033MLevel 52024-25The module provides an overview of how different systems in the body are key for maintaining homeostasis within the body and how alterations to these systems that occur as we age can lead to a variety of different blood disorders, haemostatic disorders, cancer and neurological disease. The module will also introduce students to the use of laboratory techniques in the investigation of these diseases from both a theoretical and practical point of view and demonstrate how these are being used to help diagnose and distinguish between these different disorders.CoreImmunology 2024-25BGY2002MLevel 52024-25This module provides an overview of the cellular and molecular basis of the immune response in health and human diseases. The structure, function and complex mechanisms of host defence by B- and T-Cells will be discussed. Students will evaluate the role of inflammatory mediators, soluble effectors, and cellular cytotoxicity in inflammation and immunity.CoreMedical Microbiology 2024-25BMS2031MLevel 52024-25The module provides an overview of medical microbiology including bacteria and viruses, both through study of the biology of specific microorganisms, but also through the study of diseases of a variety of body systems. The module considers the transmission of infectious disease, including a discussion regarding situations of medical environments, and control and treatment of infectious diseasesCoreMolecular Biology 2024-25BGY2003MLevel 52024-25Molecular biology is of critical importance when understanding biological systems. This module is designed to provide students with an insight into the techniques used and applied by molecular biologists in a number of specific contexts. The module will explore the origins of molecular life on Earth, before examining the molecular control of eukaryotic replication, transcription and translation. The focus will then move to in vitro experimentation including DNA isolation, amplification, sequencing and manipulation; before looking at applications of molecular biology and how they can be applied to our understanding of population genetics and health and diseaseCoreSLS Study Abroad 2024-25BIO2110MLevel 52024-25The School believes that an option to study overseas is a valuable educational opportunity for our students. Provision of this option supports the educational aims of the School of Life Sciences and enhances the distinctiveness of its degrees at Lincoln. The optional year is intended to: - enable students to benefit from studying within a cross cultural environment; - expose students to a wider academic and cultural experience; - enhance their future employment opportunities; - by increasing their cultural and professional mobility. This module is optional for students within the School. Study Abroad is a year long module which enables students to spend a year studying abroad at one of the Universitys approved partner institutions. Eligible students must have completed their second year of study to a satisfactory standard and successfully completed the application process for the year abroad. During the year spent abroad, students share classes with local students and study on a suite of locally-delivered taught modules which have been approved in advance by the University. Upon their return, as part of the assessment for this modules, students are required to critically reflect upon their experience of living and studying in a different cultural environment and the skills acquired.OptionalWork Experience 2024-25BMS2014XLevel 52024-25Optional21st Century Medicine 2025-26BMS3035MLevel 62025-26Our understanding of human disease is constantly evolving and this increased knowledge is presenting new opportunities to better therapeutically target and treat these diseases. As such, this module will focus on investigating the latest cutting-edge treatments being used by the NHS now and into the future to treat disease, discuss the ethics associated with bringing these into practice, evaluate the successfulness and limitation of these approaches, and explore where future development is needed to fully realise their potential.CoreBlood Sciences 2025-26BMS3036MLevel 62025-26The blood sciences module will provide a deep understanding of this emerging, mixed-disciplinary field incorporating areas including clinical biochemistry, haematology and blood transfusion. This module will develop knowledge of the role of clinical biochemistry and immunology laboratories in the functional diagnosis and monitoring of endocrine function, allergy and autoimmunity. In addition, you will gain an understanding of the different haemopoietic systems within the body and the techniques used within NHS haematology laboratories to monitor these. A range of diagnoses that are enabled through the analysis of blood will be explored, including erythrocyte disorders, haemoglobinopathies, coagulation disorders and leukaemia. We will also discuss the role of transfusion in both treatment and management of diseases. Specific focus will be placed on the importance of blood group matching, donor selection, and blood processing/testing. Furthermore, we will also discuss immunohaematology and techniques used for detection and identification of antigens and antibodies; to enable students to evaluate adverse transfusion effects as well as the transfusion-transmitted diseases.CoreCancer Epidemiology and Pathology 2025-26BMS3037MLevel 62025-26This module provides an overview of the role of cellular pathology in the diagnosis and monitoring of malignant and non-malignant diseases. This module intends to evaluate the normal and abnormal histology and ultra-structural features of human cells and tissues. The module enables students to appraise malignant and non-malignant cytology, and critically evaluate the role of multiple research and diagnostic techniques; ie. electron microscope and immunocytochemistry in pathological differential diagnosis. The module aims to enable students to understand and critically evaluate different methodologies of cancer treatment, how cancer drug resistance evolves, and investigation of the role of personalised medicine for optimum patient treatment/outcomes.CoreLife Sciences Research Project 2025-26BGY3003MLevel 62025-26In this module, students undertake an independent programme of research under supervision from a member of staff. It provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate original and critical thought, as well as to build discipline-specific research and project-management skills. A wide range of subject expertise exists within the School, and students are expected to work on a project that is relevant to their programme of study. Under the guidance of a supervisor, students will review the literature, identify a research question/aim and objectives, and design a programme of research respectively. Students will be expected to manage the project and work in a safe and ethical manner, which will include undergoing training in and engaging with obtaining relevant ethical approval and risk assessment. Students will collect and analyse data, record their activities and research methodology and results in a lab book/ equivalent robust means of recording. We currently offer projects in the laboratory (wet or animal) or field, projects that involve data analysis, literature research, educational research, science communication research and market research. Students may work individually or in groups addressing similar questions, but must write up individually. The findings of the research will be written up and presented orally. The conduct and performance of the student as a research apprentice will be assessed.CoreOne Health 2025-26BGY3010MLevel 62025-26This module will build on the knowledge and understanding of microbiology and animal disease gained previously at L2. The module aims to develop students understanding of the One Health approach to human and veterinary diseases, including protecting animal and human populations from infectious agents recently introduced through cross species transmission.CoreGenetics & Bioethics 2025-26BGY3002MLevel 62025-26The module provides an overview of the applications of genetics and its ethical and social considerations with an introduction to ethical philosophy. This module also intends to discuss genetic counselling, diagnosis of genetic disease, carrier detection, and pre-symptomatic testing. The module enables students to evaluate population screening, and community genetics for single gene and chromosome disorders and also the ethical and social considerations of the understanding of the human genome, the treatment of genetic diseases, gene therapy, and the ethics of experimental animal use.OptionalIntroduction to Forensic Anthropology 2025-26BMS3033MLevel 62025-26This module is designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of forensic anthropology. Students will be introduced to forensic anthropology before embarking on a series of lectures and practical sessions covering human osteology and the methods used to estimate a biological profile; sex, ancestry, age, and stature estimation. This module will also introduce the student to the various pathological conditions and traumatic injury affecting human bone including post-mortem damage. This module aims to equip the students with the fundamental knowledge and skills to participate in forensic anthropological analysis by preparing a case report on a skeleton.OptionalOverseas Field Course 2025-26BIO3031MLevel 62025-26This module provides students with the opportunity to investigate biological phenomena in the field at an overseas location. Students work in groups, guided by staff, to develop and test hypotheses allowing them to understand more about biological processes operating within the study area. They are encouraged to view the ecosystem within the wider context of the anthropogenic impacts being imposed on it. This module is optional and courses run subject to sufficient student demand. 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 students choose to bring.OptionalVeterinary Parasitology 2025-26BVS3005MLevel 62025-26The impact of parasites to the health, welfare, and productivity of animals remains one of the most important issues in veterinary biology. A detailed understanding of the biology and epidemiology of parasites and the association they have with their hosts is vital in protecting and improving animals health and welfare. This module aims to provide a theoretical background for understanding the specialised features that parasites have developed to adapt to their host and transmit between hosts, the diseases which result, and advances in treatment and prevention of infection. Students can also learn analytical laboratory methods for the identification of different types of ecto- and endoparasites. Case studies will be used to illustrate how the current advances in research are applied to understand and inform the epidemiology, control, and prevention of parasite mediated disease in animals and monitor emergent diseases globally and within the UK.Optional

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.

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.

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.

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.

Special Features

As part of this course, students undertake a series of hands-on practical sessions focusing on a wide range of different techniques, including many that use the same equipment and techniques that are currently employed within the NHS, industry, and research laboratories to investigate disease and diagnose patients.

Students on this programme are also 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 included 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.

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 meals costs.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

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. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

United Kingdom

A Level: BBB, to include a grade B in Biology or Chemistry (120 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).

International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall to include Higher Level grade 5 in Biology or Chemistry.

BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science*: Distinction, Distinction, Merit or equivalent.

*not all modules are accepted. Please contact our Admissions team for further information (admissions@lincoln.ac.uk).

BTEC Diploma Applied Science acceptable with other qualifications. Please contact our Admissions team for further information (admissions@lincoln.ac.uk).

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.

A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ, etc.

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.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

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:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

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:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

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.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Science Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/sfysfyub/lifesciences/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

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 honours 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.

"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

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 also go on to a wide range of other careers across medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, research laboratories, universities, public health, and the NHS

Visit Us in Person

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

Book Your Place

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Key Information

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science