BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: B990
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

This course is up for periodic review
To ensure this course continues to be cutting-edge and enables you to be ready for the modern workplace, it is due to be reviewed by November 2023.

Our website will typically be updated within a month of the review confirming any enhancements, including:
- module titles (and whether they are core or optional)
- expected contact hours
- assessment methods
- staff teaching on the course

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
112-120	BBC-BBB including two science GCE A Levels (or equivalent), one of which must be a grade C in either biology or chemistry (acceptable A levels are Human Biology, Psychology, Geography, Maths, Physics, ICT and Sports Studies). Pass required in A level science practical	DDM - BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with a minimum DMM profile on the general pathway (Applied Science) or either of these three endorsed pathways: Biomedical Science; Analytical and Forensic Science; Medical Science*	Access to Science Diploma with 45 Level credits at merit profile	112-120 points from a minimum of two HL subjects at H4 or above to include Biology or Chemistry and one other Science (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core)

Additional requirements

BTEC* We have additional restrictions on some of the BTEC units accepted, four of six optional units taken must be Biology or chemistry titled at merit or above. Please email askbio@herts.ac.uk for specific enquiries.

DD: BTEC Diploma with a minimum DM profile on the pathways described above. Both optional units taken must be biology or chemistry focussed. You must have an additional Level 3 qualification.
D: BTEC Extended Certificate with a minimum D profile on the pathways described above. You must have two additional Level 3 qualifications, one of which must be science-based.

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language, 4/C in Mathematics and 4/C in Double Science or two Single Science grades at 4/C. We require GCSE English and Maths at 4/C for Bio Science courses due to the professional body requirement.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
112-120	BBC-BBB including two science GCE A Levels (or equivalent), one of which must be a grade C in either biology or chemistry (acceptable A levels are Human Biology, Psychology, Geography, Maths, Physics, ICT and Sports Studies). Pass required in A level Science practical	DMM-DDM - BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science (depending on optional units studied) with DDM profile	Access to Science Diploma with 45 Level credits at merit profile	112-120 points from a minimum of two HL subjects at H4 or above to include Biology or Chemistry and one other Science (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core)

Additional requirements

DD: BTEC Diploma with a minimum DM profile on the pathways described above. Both optional units taken must be biology or chemistry focussed. You must have an additional Level 3 qualification.
D: BTEC Extended Certificate with a minimum D profile on the pathways described above. You must have two additional Level 3 qualifications, one of which must be science-based.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Professional accreditations

Royal Society of Biology

As a bioscience graduate, you'll be eligible for graduate membership to the Royal Society of Biology.

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced Degree Accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The Advanced Accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.

Find out more about the Royal Society of Biology

Institute of Biomedical Science

Our course is accredited by the professional body; the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Studying our degree is the first step to becoming a registered biomedical scientist.

Why choose this course?

Be taught by lecturers with expertise across academic research, NHS and industry
Placement opportunities in the NHS, local and global biotech companies
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and the Royal Society of Biology

Ever wondered how diseases occur? How genetic disorders lead to abnormalities? Or how microbes evade our immune system? As a biomedical science undergraduate, you will study the causes, diagnoses, and treatments of diseases like cancer, blood disorders, and infectious disease.

Be inspired to become a biomedical scientist contributing to patient diagnosis. In the UK, the term 'biomedical scientist' is a protected title used by professionals working within the pathology department of a hospital. Our course is accredited by the professional body; the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Studying our degree is the first step to becoming a registered biomedical scientist. There is always something new to discover in this innovative field of science.

Get hands on experience in our modern science building with great teaching and research laboratories. You’ll be able to use well equipped laboratories spread over five storeys of innovative facilities. You will work alongside researchers, academics, industry specialists and other students.

Our flexible programme introduces you to a range of bioscience topics in your first year before you begin to specialise for your remaining biomedical science studies. If your interests change in the first year, then it’s easy to swap to another bioscience pathway, although you will need to be good at chemistry to switch to our biochemistry degree. This is why we give you the chance to experience a range of modules before committing to the biomedical pathway. We believe in flexibility. We will guide you to find your passion to study what you really love.

While you explore various new and exciting areas in this degree, we will be with you all the way. You’ll get a personal tutor, who’ll support you in gaining subject-specific skills in scientific writing, data interpretation, and communication. Take advantage of peer support too in group workshops.

You’ll be at the forefront of exploring exciting new areas in the biomedical field. Our course is designed to provide you with a solid-stepping stone for your scientific career. You may choose to help save lives as a registered Biomedical Scientist. Research in pharmaceutical companies or academic environments offer exciting opportunities for our graduates. You may decide to take a new direction such as business or teaching for example. You’ll have a wide range of options with your biomedical science degree. The transferrable skills that you gain during your degree can lead to exciting careers and are highly valued by employers.

Find out more about our teaching staff across biosciences

Get in touch

What's the course about?

A big focus is how scientists use laboratory tests to support patient diagnosis. You will learn about the structure and function of tissues and organs in normal and disease states. You’ll link your expert knowledge of biology and chemistry to understand biochemical pathways and their influence in disease development. You’ll explore haematology, microbiology and blood transfusion techniques that form the basis of modern medical diagnostics. In other words, you will literally learn how to save lives.

You have 20 hours of contact time, with lectures and workshops taking up about 6-10 hours per week. 

In your first year you’ll gain a solid foundation in topics such as genetics, how drugs work inside our bodies and how viruses and fungi are formed. Your first year is shared with other degrees in biosciences. You may find you enjoy subjects explored further on the Molecular Biology pathway for example. Our shared first year gives you the opportunity to consider your bioscience pathway before committing. We believe in flexibility.

In your second year, you’ll specialise even more. You will study areas of pathology; biochemistry, blood transfusion, cytology, genetics, haematology, histopathology, immunology, and microbiology. Patient case studies allow you to apply theory from each area. You'll analyse the different methods of research on diseases and treatment options. Building your skills as a researcher is developed through our Bioscience Research Methods module.

Work placement/study abroad option: Between your second and final year, you’ll have the possibility to study abroad or do a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you an amazing experience to talk about but will also give your CV a boost. If you’d rather go straight to your final year, that’s absolutely fine too.  

In your final year, you’ll find that you have grown to love certain topics and now you have the chance to delve further. The final year is the chance to bring knowledge of subjects studied together. The final year project shows how you can answer a research question independently working with a member of our subject specialist staff.

Your main campus is College Lane  

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.  

What will I study?

Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6.  These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study.  Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each.  

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Human Physiology with Pharmacology	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module has been designed to provide students with an understanding of human physiology, enabling them to describe physiological processes at cell, tissue, organ and organism levels. Topics covered will include: Homeostasis and control mechanisms Cell differentiation, basic tissues and musculature Nervous system (electrical signalling, autonomic nervous system and central nervous system) Cardiovascular system and blood Respiratory system Digestive system Renal system Endocrine system and reproduction Immune system Integrative physiology Basic pharmacology including receptor theory and pharmacokinetics to show how medicines may be effectively used to treat disease. Drug discovery, design and the process of drug development. The importance of clinical trials
Practical and Transferable Skills	30 Credits	Compulsory
The content of this module is designed to develop: Practical laboratory skills in: o Safe laboratory practice o Accurate pipetting and measurement, making up solutions. o Measurement of pH o Sample preparation, staining and microscopy o DNA isolation and analysis o Cell counting methodologies o Chemistry methodologies to include purification, extraction, synthesis and analysis of biological molecules o Analytical techniques including centrifugation, chromatography, spectroscopy and electrophoresis o Use of dye-binding assays and standard curves in biological measurement o Microbiology skills including aseptic technique, viable counting, diagnostic methods o Enzyme activity assays and enzyme kinetic s methodology o Measurement of physiological parameters Transferable skills/Graduate attributes as follows: o Mathematics required for biological calculations, statistical analysis, scientific recording, presentation of data, scientific writing, use of literature and literature searching, referencing, avoiding plagiarism o Development of graduate attributes around research skills, professionalism, employability and enterprise.
Molecular Biology and Genetics	15 Credits	Compulsory
The genetics component covers: Mendelian inheritance including meiosis and the production of primordial germ cells and gametes (oogenesis, spermatogenesis); linkage and basic human genetic epidemiology. The relationship of mutation to genetic variation and disease is included as well as an introduction to gene regulation. Molecular methods used to study DNA and inheritance are covered and the application of these methods to research, diagnosis and treatment of disease is discussed.
Core Biochemistry	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module introduces biochemistry incorporating aspects of chemistry specific to the study of biological systems. Subjects include: the structure of key macromolecules and relationship to their function in cells and organisms; the major metabolic pathways of glycolysis, the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation and how they integrate together; other selected pathways around carbohydrate and fat metabolism Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics including calculation of key enzyme parameters; radioactivity including applications in biochemical studies, thermodynamics and application to bioenergetics.
Cell and Microbiology	15 Credits	Compulsory
The key topics covered include: How genetic information in cells is converted into functioning components; the structure and nature of cells (prokaryotes and eukaryotes) with an emphasis on cell components and functions; the structure and components of bacteria and viruses with relation to their identification and disease causing ability; the basic principles of microbial growth and infection; transmission and control to include basic principles of public health and epidemiology; an introduction into fungi and their benefits and harm.
Chemistry for Biologists	15 Credits	Optional
The philosophy of this module is to prepare students for their future studies in the biological sciences. The module introduces the chemical and physical principles that underlie biological processes. Students on this module will learn techniques for characterisation and separation of biological molecules, perform physicochemical calculations appropriate to biological systems and understand how the structure and reactivity of functional groups relates to their biological function. Students will gain experience of computer software packages to draw and understand the structures and shapes of molecules of relevance in biology.
Molecular Structure and Reactivity	15 Credits	Optional
The module covers aspects of : Organic, structural and physical chemistry appropriate for the biochemical and pharmaceutical sciences including: a study of the key organic functional groups, introductory kinetics and thermodynamics and their role in the biomolecular and pharmaceutical sciences and an introduction to the chemistry associated with basic pharmaceutics. This module will cover introductory chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, the structural basis of organic chemistry and the relationship of physical properties to chemical structure and organisation, the properties of solutions, buffers, electrolytes and associated properties (pH, pKa, LogP).

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Bioscience Research Methods	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module the principles and methods that underpin ethical scientific research are explored. This knowledge provides a foundation upon which students can build in order to successfully complete their final year project and contributes to the professional development of the student as a bioscientist. A knowledge of research methods enables students to: build new sets of critical thinking skills that can be used to better comprehend the academic literature; and to test established theory as well as recognise new questions that need to be investigated. A very important aspect of this course is that it provides an overview of the reality of being a researcher and can therefore help students with their career choice.
Microbiology of Disease	15 Credits	Compulsory
Introduction to the microflora role and the subject of microbial disease. Microbial identification using diagnostic media, biochemical, molecular, and proteomic techniques. Introduction to the role of the Health Public England and epidemiological methodology and how it is used to monitor the spread of infection. The importance of nosocomial infections and opportunistic infections. Basic infection control methods, including vaccines and antimicrobial agents at general level, using selected examples.
Cytology and Histopathology	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module has been designed to provide students with an understanding of cytology and histopathology. Topics covered will include: Cell death and cell injury. Overview of benign pathological processes with reference to their pathogenesis, clinical presentation and investigation. Macroscopic and microscopic appearance of commonly investigated human tissues Macroscopic, cellular and sub-cellular changes resulting from pathological conditions Common methods for the collection, receipt and processing of human tissues and biological samples for cellular pathology. Implications for sample integrity and clinical validity. Special stains, immunocytochemistry and molecular methods used in cellular pathology. Quality control. Regulations and guidelines relating to the use, storage and disposal of human tissues Appreciation of the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals in the health service and in the cellular pathology services. Case studies demonstrating the relationship between the pathophysiological process and the morphological changes within tissues.
Blood Sciences	30 Credits	Compulsory
Fundamental haematology: haemopoiesis, bone marrow structure and normal red cell physiology. The nature and diagnosis of red cell associated disorders including nutritional anaemias, haemoglobinopathies and haemolytic anaemias. Principles of haemostasis and understanding of bleeding, thrombotic and platelet disorders. Role of the haematology laboratory in diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of disease. Blood transfusion science theory includes; blood group systems, the blood bank laboratory (components, regulatory bodies, guidelines, quality), hazards of transfusion, and principles of compatibility testing. Haemolytic disease of the newborn alongside the role of RhD prophylaxis will be addressed. The biochemistry will build on first year studies and incorporate the biosynthesis of lipids and amino acids. The pentose phosphate pathway in red blood cells will be addressed. The underlying biochemistry in selected diseases (eg hepatic) will be covered and students will be introduced to the role of the clinical biochemistry laboratory in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease.
Principles of Immunology	15 Credits	Compulsory
Anatomy and physiology of the immune system, natural immunity and hypersensitivity reactions. Adaptive immunity and the role of the major histocompatibility complex. Immunity to microbial pathogens. Vaccine design strategies. Inflammation: immunology of chronic inflammation; immunopathology of selected chronic inflammatory diseases. Anti-inflammatory therapies; steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Genes and Genomes	15 Credits	Compulsory
Chromosome structure, gene organisation and regulation of expression including basic intercellular signalling, epigenetics, transcription factors, differential mRNA processing and microRNA. Gene and gene family evolution. Repetitive DNA sequences. The elucidation of the organisation of eukaryotic genomes from DNA reassociation kinetics to the human genome sequence. Whole genome analyses and comparative genomics. Recombinant DNA technology and the manipulation of DNA. Introduction to databases and bioinformatics tools and resources for the analysis of biological sequence data. Methods for the analysis of DNA and RNA (including real-time PCR, DNA microarrays, mouse knockout technology, RNAi). Cytogenetics. Principles of population genetics, DNA polymorphism and human diseases. An introduction to pharmacogenetics, personalised medicine and molecular diagnostics.
Cell and Molecular Biology	15 Credits	Compulsory
Functions of proteins in the cell. Relationship between protein structure and function. Protein structure and disease. Introduction to protein transport. Techniques for protein purification and characterisation: liquid column chromatography, electrophoresis, mass spectrometry. Proteomics. Signal transduction pathways in eukaryotic cells (including G-protein coupled pathways, pathways involving receptor tyrosine kinases, cytokine-activated pathways, cell death pathways) and how they affect cell proliferation, differentiation, motility and viability. Cell division and cell cycle regulation. Functional units of the cellular cytoskeleton and their dynamic organisation.
Bioscience Work Experience	15 Credits	Optional
This module provides opportunities for the student to reflect on the experience they have gained in undertaking paid or voluntary employment outside their studies, to analyse the personal and key skills that work experience has helped develop and to articulate the ways in which it has enhanced their career development. Suitable work experience would include: student ambassadors, UH mentoring schemes, voluntary work organised by the UHSU Volunteer Centre and any part-time work. Students will compile a portfolio of evidence, which will include: evidence of the work undertaken, e.g. a letter from the company, the student's role within the company and the nature of the tasks undertaken, a reflective evaluation on the ways in which the work experience has enhanced the student's employability, and a current curriculum vitae. This module will also offer an array of potential opportunities for continuing development of their personal transferable skills.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Clinical Microbiology	15 Credits	Compulsory
The aim of the module is to provide a more detailed and applied understanding of the problems associated with microbial diseases, their diagnoses and their control. The key areas covered will be: Bacterial pathogenicity: infections, disease and virulence factors; colonisation and invasion of host surfaces, evasion of the immune system; the mechanism of action of toxins and enzymes in the disease process; and the regulation of virulence. Students will have a detailed understanding of the pathogenicity of a range of bacteria that infect different sites on the body and the differences between how they survive inside a host and cause diseases. Viral pathogenicity: mechanisms of infection and virulence of a number of key infectious viruses. Prions will also be covered. Fungal and parasite pathogenicity: mechanisms of infection and virulence of a number of key infectious viruses. Design of diagnostic tests for pathogens including a comparison of traditional, seriological and molecular techniques such as PCR and MS MALDI-TOF. Issues regarding emerging infectious diseases, viable but non-culturable organisms (VBNC) and any current microbial problems (eg SARS or bird flu). Antibiotic susceptibility and resistance: the mechanisms of spread of antibiotic resistance and the problems associated with hospital and community-acquired antibiotic- resistant infections. Future antibiotic targets.
Project	30 Credits	Compulsory
The Project provides the opportunity for extended, in-depth study on a selected aspect from those disciplines within the Bioscience Programme and may address one or more of the School's research objectives. Projects may be laboratory or non-laboratory based and the experimental work will be of 22 days duration but all students are encouraged to work on their project preparation from the beginning of their final year. Supervisors will discuss aims, objectives current theories, research design, data collection and analysis, and the report structure.
Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology	30 Credits	Compulsory
The aim of the module is to enable the students to relate the measurement of biochemical parameters in bodily fluids to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease. Markers reflecting the pathophysiology in selected diseases including cardiac, renal, hepatic, bone and endocrine will be considered. The importance of quality management will be addressed. Tumour markers, will also be covered. Immune-mediated disorders: mechanisms of autoimmunity with specific examples of diseases, hypersensitivity reactions (types I-IV) with examples of specific clinical disorders. Immunological markers of disease, serum immunoglobulins, cytokines and related proteins. Transplantation immunology: HLA polymorphism, HLA function, mechanisms of host versus graft disease and graft versus host disease, anti-rejection therapy.
Cellular and Molecular Pathology	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module covers advanced aspects of the cellular and molecular processes that contribute to the development of disease. The module will relate changes in cellular and molecular biology to the pathology of cancers and selected diseases. The clinical application of cellular pathology methods and techniques in diagnosis, prevention, treatment and management of cancer and selected will be explored. Examples of diseases may include specific types of solid cancers, haematological cancers and dementia.
Applied and Integrated Biomedical Science	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module consists of a set of laboratory sessions, computer-based exercises and case studies that will encourage students to integrate their knowledge across subject specialities. Lectures and workshops aim to channel the students acquired skills and knowledge to appreciate developing methodologies, debate ethical issues and develop their approach to reflection and research. Scenarios will be provided that involve a range of patient presentations and laboratory findings to illustrate the multidisciplinary nature of patient diagnosis. Students will be required to analyse and report on these. Students will also be required to reflect on exercises completed and comment on issues relating to data quality and quality assurance processes to ensure accurate diagnoses. There will be a continued emphasis on good professional conduct, ethical issues in biomedical science and application of scientific knowledge and skills. The role, impact and application of IP on research and industry will be explored.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement
Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process. Current employers and job titles are listed below:
- GlaxoSmithKline: Data Management - Uxbridge
- Guy's Hospital: Drug Research Unit - London
- Imperial College: Toxicology Unit, Faculty of Medicine - London
- Medical Research Council - Mill Hill
- Medifix Adhesive Products - Luton
- Mount Vernon hospital: Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust Institute of Reconstructive, Plastic and Burns Surgery Research - Middlesex
- MRC: Human Genome Project - Hinxton
- National Biological Standards Board - Potter's Bar
- Roche UK - Welwyn Garden City
- St. Bartholomew's & The Royal London: School of Medicine - London and St.George Medical School - London
- St.George's Hospital: Analytical Unit - London
- Syngenta Seeds - Cambridge
- University of Hertfordshire: Biodeterioration Centre - Hatfield.
If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements
What if I need support?

You’ll get a personal tutor to guide you through your course, all the way to graduation.
You might also want or need extra support during your time with us. Rest assured, no matter what you study, we’ve got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions, and online tutorials. Both our LRCs (Learning Resources Centres) run drop-in study skills sessions. And the best thing is, it’s all free.

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

Jamee Ahmed

Meet Jamee, a regulatory scientist who enjoys volunteering in his spare time.

Read more stories BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Current job role	Regulatory Affairs Manager at Amgen
Year of graduation	2019
Course of study	BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Placement

A Career in Biomedical Science

Jamee is a Regulatory Affairs Manager, working in Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) for the biopharmaceutical company Amgen. Jamee says, ‘I am involved in providing product support to the CMC global function, which is responsible for regulatory submissions across phases of product development from clinical to lifecycle.’

‘As a student I didn’t see myself working in a laboratory environment and I found the area of regulatory affairs an interesting yet a crucial part of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.’

Jamee worked in other parts of the pharmaceutical and biotech industry and pursued further study, before embarking on his current career path.

‘After my second year of university, I completed a summer internship within the Research & Development (R&D) department at Bio Products Laboratory. Working as a Bioprocessing Scientist, I was involved in providing support for R&D projects, specifically associated with safety, development, and analysis of new and improved products.’

‘After graduating from Herts, I returned to Ascot Laboratories, the company where I completed my industrial placement year. I took the role of Quality Assurance Officer which involved in various tasks, including training the new placement students, supervising pharmaceutical production, and performing checks before batch release.’

‘I later decided to undertake further study and I did an MSc in Biopharmaceuticals at King’s College London. This postgraduate degree entailed learning about a range of different topics from drug delivery, formulation and pharmaceutical analysis, with a specialised focus on the discovery and development of biopharmaceuticals. My dissertation was on the topic of the availability of substandard and falsified medicines online, which I have published my findings in the Journal of Medicine Access. After completing my masters I began my career in regulatory affairs at Amgen.

Graduation day

Jamee will always remember his Herts graduation day.

‘I have been fortunate to have many good memories and experiences during my time as a Herts student, however I think my favourite memory has to be graduation. It was so nice seeing and celebrating with my friends, family and teaching staff. The day went by pretty fast, but I was lucky to have a quite a few pictures and videos from the day which I can look back at.’

Volunteering as an Alumni Ambassador

As an Alumni Ambassador at Herts Jamee delivers talks to Bioscience Research students about his career journey and gave his industry insights.

‘My involvement in these events is a great way for me to help the next generation of Herts students. As a student at university, I wanted to get an insight into different career options, so now that I have graduated and pursued my desired career, I’m happy to share my knowledge and experience, highlighting what a career in regulatory entails and its importance in the industry.’

‘I like to volunteer and offer my knowledge and skills to support a range of organisations, initiatives and causes that I am passion about. I believe this allows me to make a positive difference and help others.’

What's next for my career?
Our Biosciences graduates are highly sought after by employers in the industry due to the reputation of our teaching, the vocational element to our degrees and the fact that many of our students already have a year's work experience when they graduate which they gained in the sandwich year. Graduates can find employment in the pharmaceutical, food and drink, agrochemical and biotechnology industries as well as in industrial, academic and charity funded research. Some graduates also go on to work in health care and environment agencies.

Specific examples include:
- Trainee Biomedical Scientist
- Clinical Trials Associate
- Drug Safety Coordinator
- Medical Representative
- Lab Scientist
- Microbiologist
- Research Assistant
- Tissue Culture Technologist
- Donor Transplant Assistant.
Typical employers of recent graduates:
- Pfizer
- Denfleet Pharma Ltd
- Health Protection Agency
- GlaxoSmithKline
- AstraZeneca
- NHS Trusts
- Lark Technology.
Upon graduation and completion of your IBMS portfolio, you'll be eligible to work as biomedical scientist in the NHS and public health laboratories. Alternatively, you could pursue a career in blood transfusion laboratories, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, forensic laboratories, healthcare sales and marketing, education and research.
View our Alumni profiles

Jamee Ahmed

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Bioscience (Biomedical Science)	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Bioscience (Biomedical Science)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Part Time, 5 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
21/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Part Time)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
There are no compulsory additional expenses for this course. Where you will use an EVS handset, Lab coats and log books, these will be provided as part of your course fees.

*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Scholarships
- University of Hertfordshire Sports Scholarships
Find out more about scholarships for UK/EU and international students

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Book a campus tour

Get info and updates

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: B990

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Royal Society of Biology

Institute of Biomedical Science

Why choose this course?

Get in touch

What's the course about?

Your main campus is College Lane

What will I study?

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet Jamee, a regulatory scientist who enjoys volunteering in his spare time.

A Career in Biomedical Science

Graduation day

Volunteering as an Alumni Ambassador

2024

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Scholarships

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane  