This BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science course at Robert Gordon University will give you exposure to a broad variety of subjects in order to give you scope to work in a wide-range of medical or pharmaceutical sectors. It is a foundation for a world of opportunities in the developing and exciting field of biomedical science.
You’ll learn about the diagnosis of disease, treatments and monitoring. Your laboratory skills will be developed and tested to the full by the end of the course in our state-of-the-art facilities, making sure that you’re well-prepared when you enter the workforce. Upon completion of a common first year, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose to specialise in Applied Biomedical Science as part of our Biomedical Sciences programme.
1st in Scotlandfor career prospects in Biomedical Sciences
(Guardian University Guide 2024)
1st in Scotlandfor graduate prospects outcomes in Biomedical Sciences
(CUG 2025)
Year 1
You will build on your existing knowledge in Biology and Chemistry as it applies to Biomedical Science. You will also be introduced to Analytical Laboratory Science and Microbiology and gain an understanding of the Biomedical Science profession.
Year 2
You will be introduced to some of the more advanced areas of Biomedical Science and gain an appreciation of how drugs interact with the human body and the significance of aspects of genetics and molecular biology.
Year 3
You will study more advanced diagnostic subjects as they apply to Biomedical Science and also gain further insight into drug interactions and build on your knowledge of Microbiology and Environmental Health, and develop your laboratory research skills.
Year 4
The course culminates in the application of your knowledge to the diagnosis of disease, showing how treatments for disease can be monitored for effectiveness. Your laboratory skills are tested to the full during the Research Project.
Our sustainability commitment
As a school of applied science it is of fundamental importance that all our curricula provide the knowledge, skills, attributes, values and agency that empower our students to make positive and responsible contributions to society, and innovative solutions that benefit our planet’s future. We aim to create sustainability champions for each of our courses who will facilitate discussion at a course level and engage with students, with a view to enriching our provision through the co-creation of events and enhancements. We are committed to embedding sustainability throughout our teaching and learning so our students not only consider sustainability in their studies and daily lives, but also throughout the careers they undertake once they graduate from RGU.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 2, 3, 4 and 6. Find out more on the United Nations website.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationActivity Summary
You will study up to four modules each term with each module containing around three hours of class teaching per-week. For laboratory-based modules there will be around four hours per week of laboratory practical work. All modules provide tutorial support which usually involves an extra hour per-module per-week.
Course resources will be available on Moodle, an innovative teaching and learning environment which will enhance your learning experience and will keep you up-to-date with coursework and assignments on-the-go.
HOW LONG IS A BSC (HONS) BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE COURSE?
The duration of the Biomedical Science degree is 4 years. This is to include independent study and coursework preparation, seminars, lectures and other activities.
Year 4
- Lectures - 20 students per group, 5 hours per week in term 1
- Seminars - 50 students per group, 1 hour per week
- Tutorial - 20 students per group, 2 hours per week
- Project Supervision - 1 student per group, 27 hours in term 2
Independent Study
You will engage in a number of independent learning activities involving research of scientific literature or laboratory-based research.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Teaching and learning is delivered by university lecturers and by Biomedical Science professionals who are normally based in NHS laboratories. Some lectures are presented as seminars by visiting Medical Consultants or Researchers in Biomedical Science.
Laboratory-based modules are taught and demonstrated by university lecturers with support from technical teams and postgraduate research student demonstrators.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed:
Year 1
- 5 written exams, typically for 1.5 hours
- 1 written assignment, including essays
- 3 reports
- 1 portfolio
- 2 practical skills assessments
- 1 presentation
Year 2
- 6 written exams, typically for 2 hours
- 1 report
- 1 portfolio
- 1 presentation
Year 3
- 7 written exams, typically for 2.5 hours
- 1 written assignment, including essays
- 1 report
- 3 set exercises
- 1 practical skills assessment
Year 4
- 2 written exams, typically for 2.5 hours
- 1 report
- 1 dissertation
- 1 project output
- 1 oral assessment
- 1 practical skills assessment
- 2 presentations
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Job Prospects
The course will equip you with the relevant skills needed to work within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries including:
- Technical and marketing departments
- Forensic science laboratories
- Teaching and clinical research
Is Biomedical Science a good career choice?
Previous BSc Biomedical Science graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following roles:
- Performing investigations to aid in the diagnosis of human disease
- Quality control analysis on spirits
- Biomedical research
What is needed for a Biomedical Science course?
Standard Entry Requirements
- SQA Higher: BBBB to include Biology/Human Biology. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
- GCE A Level: BCC to include Biology. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at GCSE grade 4/C or above if not held at A Level.
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H2H3H3 to include Biology. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at O3 or above if not held at Higher level.
- IB Diploma: 28 to include Higher Level Biology at grade 4. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at Standard Level grade 4 if not held at Higher Level.
Year 2 Entry
- SQA Advanced Higher: AB to include Biology/Human Biology. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher level.
- GCE A Level: BCC to include Biology at grade B. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at GCSE grade 4/C or above if not held at A level.
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
- SQA Higher: BBC/BCCC to include Biology/Human Biology. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at National 5 grade C if not held at Higher
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants from Partner Colleges
A relevant HNC or HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 2 or 3 subject to meeting requirements.
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
Year 2 | £1820 | |
Year 3 | £1820 | |
Year 4 | £1820 |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
Year 2 | £6930 | |
Year 3 | £6930 | |
Year 4 | £6930 |
EU Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
Year 2 | £6930 | |
Year 3 | £6930 | |
Year 4 | £6930 |
International Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £17400 |
Year 2 | £17400 | |
Year 3 | £17400 | |
Year 4 | £17400 |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.