BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Bachelor's degree at the University of Portsmouth

This module is your launchpad into biomedical science, designed to build your confidence while introducing the science that underpins modern healthcare. from day one, you'll develop the study skills you need to succeed at university, learning how to work independently, manage your time and think critically about science. You'll explore how the human body works from the inside out, starting with cells and biological molecules before moving on to tissues, organs and body systems. along the way, you'll be introduced to microbiology, genetics and inheritance, helping you understand how health is maintained and how disease can develop when normal processes break down. You'll also get your first t

This module focuses on the pathology of the cardiovascular system, lungs and immune system, showing how normal physiology breaks down in disease. You'll explore conditions such as respiratory infections, impaired gas exchange, anaemia, thrombosis, vascular disease and immune dysfunction, linking symptoms to underlying cellular and biochemical changes. Immunological concepts are also expanded to provide a solid grounding in transfusion science. Laboratory sessions, data interpretation and case-based discussions highlight the role of biomedical scientists in investigating disease and understanding how the body responds, and sometimes fails to adapt, in extreme environments.

This module helps you step into the world of biomedical research, building the practical and analytical skills needed to generate reliable scientific data. You'll develop confidence in a range of laboratory techniques, safe working and data analysis, while learning how research projects are planned, funded and managed, from forming hypotheses to understanding ethics and consent. You'll also explore evidence-based medicine, clinical trials and regulation, helping you judge the quality of scientific evidence and reflect on future careers in biomedical research.

This module introduces you to the fast-growing world of bioinformatics and computational science in biomedicine. You'll learn how to analyse and interpret different types of biomedical data, from laboratory experiments to clinical and healthcare datasets, using modern digital tools. By the end of the module, you'll understand how data-driven approaches support discovery, innovation and decision-making in biomedical research and real-world healthcare.

This module prepares you for clinical placement by introducing the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of working in a healthcare laboratory. You'll explore how the nhs is structured, alongside essential topics such as accreditation, audits, equality and diversity, safeguarding, licensing, health and safety and good laboratory practice. By linking these areas to the ibms registration portfolio, the module helps you understand what is expected of you in practice and builds confidence for working safely and professionally with patients and colleagues.

This module introduces you to developmental biology, exploring how complex organisms form, grow and change from early development through to adulthood. You'll learn how organs develop, how things can go wrong before birth, and how cells and stem cells help repair tissues later in life, linking development to disease and modern medicine. Taught by active researchers, the module combines lectures, workshops and practical sessions to build your understanding, curiosity and confidence in this fascinating area of biomedical science.

The teaching and learning is accelerated to enable non-business students to gain a flavour of real world entrepreneurial opportunity as it exists within the bioscience sector and how they might successfully access it. The module will: develop graduate skills inclusive of enterprise, self-starting, effective communication, effective team work to include cooperation, negotiation and diversity, effective project management, problem solving, decision making, independent development by reflection and handling critical feedback, research and critical skills analysis, effective use of it, numeracy and literacy. It also provides a medium for students to develop 'simulated business relationships' to

This module takes you deep into the pathology of complex body systems, including the skin, nervous system, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and haemato-oncology. You'll explore conditions such as renal failure, nervous system disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease and haematological cancers, learning how laboratory tests are used to diagnose, classify and monitor disease. Case-based learning and an interprofessional clinical event bring everything together, helping you apply your knowledge, communicate clearly and think like a biomedical scientist in practice.

This module takes you inside the molecular and genetic mechanisms that drive complex diseases, with a strong focus on cancer and other systemic conditions. You'll explore inherited and acquired disorders, including mitochondrial disease, sepsis and infectious pathology, linking genetic change to cellular abnormalities and clinical outcomes. Through examples such as stem cell transplantation, solid organ transplant and transfusion practice, you'll see how molecular pathology underpins diagnosis, treatment and modern biomedical care.

This module uses real-world clinical case studies to deepen your understanding of pathology and how disease is investigated, diagnosed and monitored. Working in small teams, you'll follow problem-based learning pathways that mirror clinical practice, using evidence to evaluate diagnostic decisions and laboratory data. Through peer review and guided collaboration, you'll build confidence in critical thinking, teamwork and professional communication, developing the skills needed to approach diagnostic pathology like a biomedical scientist.

This module immerses you in the biology of disease, exploring how research uncovers new biomarkers, improves diagnosis and uses experimental models to predict how diseases affect humans. You'll engage directly with researchers driving biomedical science forward through face-to-face sessions, seminars and guided discussion, gaining insight into how discoveries move from the lab towards patient care. Alongside this, you'll build confidence in literature searching, data analysis, scientific writing and critical thinking, helping you shape your future research ambitions and refine your career goals.

This module gives you the chance to shape your learning around real workplace experience, using an individual learning contract tailored to your goals. You'll develop practical, problem-solving and transferable skills that employers value, while building confidence in professional practice. Through reflection and supported planning, the module helps you understand your progress, strengthen your employability and prepare for lifelong learning as a graduate.

In this research-led module you'll explore current hot topics in developmental biology. embryonic development not only is a fundamental life process but also holds the key to understanding birth defects and regeneration. Through seminars and workshops you'll delve into current research papers, giving you the opportunity to learn about advanced methods and to analyse and interpret experimental evidence. With the focus on up-to-date research, you'll also develop critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of developmental biology and its medical applications.

This module gives you the chance to take ownership of an independent research project in an area of biomedical science that interests you most. Working closely with an academic supervisor, you'll design, carry out and analyse a laboratory, computational or data-driven project, gaining experience in ethics, safety, problem-solving and scientific communication. Alongside your research, tailored tutorials support career planning, applications and interview skills, helping you feel confident and prepared for life beyond university.

You'll develop your ability for independent research on a topic within a biomedical science in a work-based learning environment. The research project will typically be laboratory-based or other practical activity, although it may also be computational or other database/literature-sourced research that generates primary data and conducts statistical analysis. You'll work closely with an immediate supervisor who will advise you on your project and ensure you are working with an understanding of the risks, regulations, procedures and ethics related to your project.