School of Biomedical Sciences

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Integrated Foundation Year

UCAS tariff 32 - 48 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code B904
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

Our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Integrated Foundation Year sets you up for success. You will study everything from the gene to whole body systems and develop a thorough understanding of processes that underpin the structure and function of the human body in health and disease. Taught by University lecturers on campus, you’ll be part of the University from day one. If your current qualifications don’t allow you direct entry to degree level this course is for you.

First choice for health

Delivered by professional experts, our programmes are tailored to you and your career. Together, we address today's most challenging healthcare issues, through research-informed teaching and active, real-world learning. #firstchoiceforhealth

Careers with this subject
Meeting relevant entry requirements at the end of your foundation year enables you to progress to year one of selected degrees in the School of Biomedical Sciences.
These courses enable our graduates to follow a range of scientific careers in industry, research, NHS diagnostics and health advice. Graduates are also well placed to utilise their professional and problem solving skills in a range of non-scientific careers including management, teaching, marketing, sales and writing amongst others.

Key features
  • The programme is suitable for non-standard entrants, including mature returners to study, those without science qualifications or with science qualifications below the standard required for entry to Level 4.
  • It provides a focused learning experience examining the science and practice relating to biomedical sciences.
  • You will benefit from a range of learning styles that will introduce you to the core fields of biomedical sciences. Sessions reflect the diversity of learning methods employed on destination programmes including lectures, team-based learning, self-directed study, group work, tutorials, seminars and practicals.
  • Provides you with experiential work, intensive and early assessment, with rapid feedback designed to support self-awareness and development.
  • Includes inter-professional study opportunities to develop understanding of health services and how they interlink across the NHS.
  • Provides personal support for learning through regular meetings with your personal tutor and input from specialist staff.
  • Is underpinned by research activity of staff in the School of Biomedical Sciences.

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • The foundation course is carefully designed to develop your confidence by providing you with a blend of subject specific knowledge as well as the academic and learning skills essential for success. You will take core modules that explore key aspects of human anatomy, physiology, infection and immunity, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, interdisciplinary practice and study and mathematical skills.
    Meeting relevant entry requirements at the end of your foundation year enables you to progress to selected courses in the School of Biomedical Sciences subject to academic performance and other relevant entry criteria.

    Core modules

    BHCS001
    Infection, Immunity and Therapeutics 20 credits

    This module will provide an introduction to microbiology and the human immune system. Students will learn the fundamental biology relating to bacteria, helminths, viruses and fungi. And also develop an understanding of how our immune system has evolved to combat infection. The module will also explore methods to control microbial contamination and therapeutic strategies to prevent disease.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    BHCS002
    Current Developments in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences 20 credits

    This module examines the role of science in addressing key contemporary issues in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences. The module aims to take an integrative approach, aiming to develop in students both a critical appreciation of the ways in which issues in Human Biology can be approached and resolved, and to develop an understanding of the skills and attributes needed for effective study of such issues at undergraduate level.

    100% Practicals

    FMD001
    Molecules to Cells 20 credits

    This module introduces key concepts involved in cell regulation including genetic inheritance, metabolism and protein expression. The important role of enzymes in the control of biochemical pathways will be introduced, as will an introduction to cell signalling. Cellular organisation within different tissues will also be outlined, enabling students to recognise links between structure and function. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    FMD002
    Introduction to Human Physiology 20 credits

    This module will provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Using example systems, it will emphasise relationships between structure and function and examine homeostatic regulation in these systems. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.

    50% Practicals

    50% Examinations

    FMD003
    Learning Skills for Healthcare 20 credits

    This module is designed to enable learners to adapt to the learning environment of higher education by developing an independent, reflective and managed approach to learning, study skills, scientific communication, mathematical skills and aspects of programme specific practice.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    FMD004
    Interdisciplinary Learning and Team Based Learning (Enquiry learning) 20 credits

    This module is designed to enable learners to develop key skills required for working in multidisciplinary teams. Students will be encouraged to work with their colleagues to manage tasks and tailor learning according to their own particular discipline

    100% Coursework

Course-specific academic regulations

This course has unique rules relating to:
  • Passing a module
View the full regulations for this course
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

Suitability interviews, DBS and occupational health assessments may also need to be undertaken by applicants considering progression to certain professionally recognised programmes.
Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without science qualifications at level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of basic mathematical, English and science skills (i.e. the equivalent of a grade C at GCSE level)
A level:Typical offer 32-48 points from a minimum of 2 A-levels including grade E in a Science subject. Excluding General Studies
GCSE:Mathematics and English language grade C/4.
International Baccalaureate:24 overall to include 3 at Higher Level science subject. English and mathematics must be included.
BTEC: PPP in a science related subject.
T level: Accepted – preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
Access: pass an Access to HE Diploma (e.g science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing).
Other qualifications and professional experience may be considered. Interview may be required, please refer to institution for individual consideration.
We are aware of the various education systems throughout the world and make offers based on equivalent qualifications to those listed in our entry requirements. You should be able to possess the ability to study in the English language and be familiar with this in a scientific context. To that end, we will ask for a minimum IELTS score; this will not differ from that required for any other science degree, and support in scientific English is offered.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024 the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to Parliamentary procedure. The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as more information becomes available.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Health and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Health additional costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Biomedical science

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science staff

Doctor and patient using digital tablet in hospital - Getty images 838723420
Our facilities

Research

Learn about our varied research topics within the Biomedical Research Group, which include:
Non-invasive pre-natal testing, new targets for cancer treatment, understanding macrophages, combating sepsis and self-disseminating vaccines.
Researcher looking down a microscope in a laboratory 

Developing a 'first-in-class', single dose antibiotic

Professor Mathew Upton, Associate Professor (Reader) in Medical Microbiology, talks about his work with antibiotics.