Biomedical Sciences

Why study Biomedical Sciences at Dundee?

The term Biomedical Sciences encompasses a broad range of closely inter-related life sciences disciplines, concerned with the structure and function of the human body in health and disease.

Biomedical scientists will play increasingly important roles in the 21st century as the results of their research, particularly at the molecular and cellular levels, lead to new and improved ways to diagnose and treat human diseases and contribute to improvements in human health and well-being in general.

At Dundee the biomedical sciences are concerned with:

• the structure and normal function of the human body
• the effects of disease and ways to prevent and treat disease
• the study of anatomy in relation to health, disease and human identification
• the study of physiology from the molecular level to that of the whole organism, in relation to health, sport and exercise
• understanding how the brain and nervous system function in health and disease
• understanding how drugs work.

What's so good about Biomedical Sciences at Dundee?

Flexible pathways

The Biomedical Sciences degree gives you the opportunity to study a wide range of different aspects of the life sciences, or to delay your subject specialisation until you have gained experience of a variety of different subject areas.

You can choose either to specialise later in your studies and study for a more specifically named degree (see related courses below), or if you wish to maintain a broad learning experience, you can graduate in Biomedical Sciences.

Laboratory teaching

Throughout the programme there is an emphasis on laboratory teaching, and students are encouraged to see the blending of field and laboratory based research as essential to the training of a properly rounded biomedical scientist.

Top-rated research staff are involved in planning and teaching our degree programmes, and recent research developments are reflected in our teaching, particularly at the advanced levels.

Teaching & Assessment

This course is taught by staff based in the College of Life Sciences.

Programme progression

The Biomedical Sciences degree is a broadly-based programme which allows you to combine a broader range of subjects than a single Honours degree.

If you choose to leave at the end of Level 3 with a non-Honours degree, you will graduate with a BSc Ordinary degree in Biomedical Sciences that reflects the breadth of subjects you studied at Level 3, as well as the core knowledge and skills gained throughout your degree programme.

If you are aiming for an Honours degree it is likely that this will be in a single named subject e.g. BSc (Hons) Pharmacology.

However, there are also options to study a combination of two main subjects at Levels 3 and 4, e.g. physiology and pharmacology, and graduate with a BSc Honours degree that reflects your subject choice e.g. BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Physiology and Pharmacology).

Careers

Statistics for recent years show that our graduates find employment or postgraduate training opportunities in a wide variety of destinations, particularly related to biomedicine and healthcare, and including:

• research in universities, research institutes and the pharmaceutical industry
• teaching in schools, colleges and universities
• graduate entry to a degree in medicine or dentistry

Biomedical sciences graduates will also be valued for their scientific training and problem-solving skills by many potential employers in fields that are not directly related to the specific degree subject.

Postgraduate Study

Some of our students proceed to higher degrees (MSc or PhD) and go on to undertake or supervise original research.

We offer a number of Masters level courses in addition to PhD research opportunities in the College of Life Sciences.

Entry Requirements

These are minimum indicative entry requirements, not a guaranteed entry level. You will get an individual offer from us following our review of your application. Please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Courses starting September 2013

Your application for entry will be judged based on the highest level qualifications you have or are taking, e.g. students offering A-Levels or Scottish Baccalaureate will be made an offer based on entry to the 3 year Honours degree as this offers the best academic progression.

4 year Honours degree (Level 1 / SCQF 7 entry)

Qualification	Grade
SQA Higher	ABBB
GCE A-Level	not available
ILC Higher	ABBB
IB Diploma	30 points (including 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	Biology and Chemistry (Higher, ILC Higher, IB Higher Level) Mathematics (Standard Grade at 3, Intermediate 2 at C, GCSE at C, ILC Ordinary Level at C or IB Subsidiary Level at 4)
EU & International	Visit our EU and International webpages for entry requirements tailored to your home country

3 year Honours degree (Level 2 / SCQF 8 entry)

Qualification	Grade
SQA Advanced Higher	AB (AH) + BB (H) in other subjects
GCE A-Level	ABB
IB Diploma	34 points (including 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	Biology and Chemistry (AH or A-Level or IB Higher level). Mathematics (Standard Grade at 3, Intermediate 2 at C, GCSE at C, or IB Subsidiary Level at 4)

Other Qualifications

Qualification	Grade
SQA	A relevant HNC with grade A in the graded unit with appropriate Science units, and 120 SCQF credits (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND with grade AA in the graded units with appropriate Science units (Level 2 entry)
Scottish Baccalaureate	Distinction with AB at AH Biology and Chemistry. Mathematics at SG (grade 3) or Intermediate 2 (grade C) (Level 2 entry)
SWAP Access to Science Programmes	Relevant science subjects with AAA grades to include Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology at SCQF Level 6 (Level 1 entry)
EDEXCEL	A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND with Merits in appropriate Science modules (Level 2 entry)
Advanced Diploma	Grade A with ASL-A Level Biology and Chemistry at AB. Mathematics at GCSE C (Level 2 entry)
Welsh Baccalaureate	Pass with A-Levels in Biology and Chemistry at AB. Mathematics at GCSE grade C (Level 2 entry)
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category	Fees for students starting September 2012	Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
Students from the rest of the UK	£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.	University of Dundee Bursaries School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
EU students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	Other Scholarships
Overseas students (non-EU)	£10,500 per year.	Sir James Black Scholarship Other Scholarships

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

• Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
• Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
• As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree	UCAS Codes	KIS data
BSc Biomedical Sciences	B900	View KIS data for this course

UCAS Application Process

International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

• Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
• Fees and Funding
• English Language Requirements
• International Student Support

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

Your personal statement should demonstrate an interest in the subject you are applying for and a commitment to the study of that subject. How did your interest in the subject arise, and do you have a particular career path in mind?

You should comment on your participation in both school/college/work and extracurricular activities and on the extent to which they have aided in your personal development and the acquisition of skills that will be of value to you as a life sciences student.

• Do you have an enquiring mind?
• Do you have good analytical skills and problem-solving ability?
• Are you self-motivated and able to work independently?
• Are you a good team player?
• Do you have good communication skills?

If you are planning a gap year, comment on the intended activity and the benefits that you think you are likely to gain from the experience.

Tips for your application

Give careful consideration to both the style and content of your personal statement as it can be an indicator of your ability to communicate as well as providing an account of your personal achievements and skills.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in 3 years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact: