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

Learn about the structure and organisation of cells, with a focus on the common features found in all life. You'll also discover how the differences between cells are essential for creating the diversity of life on the planet.

Gain a foundation in microbiology, covering the biology, diversity, structure, genetics, ecology, and evolution of bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, and viruses. You'll discover their impact on environment and society, and how they cause infections or develop antimicrobial resistance, while exploring different methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Explore how organs work to support life. You will be introduced to the basics of the anatomy of some of the major systems of the human body, and to the physiological processes taking part within and between them.

Gain an understanding of key biochemical concepts such as enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, metabolic regulation, and pathological metabolism.

Gain solid theoretical and practical knowledge and essential skills to understand the role of pathology in human disease diagnosis in biomedical research or healthcare.

An in-depth exploration of the human life journey, spanning from pre-fertilization through birth to aging. Gain a comprehensive understanding human reproduction, embryonic development, and the complexities of reproductive health and diseases. Encompassing the entire human life cycle, you'll get to examine variations arising from genetic, environmental, and endocrine factors and the way these can be managed.

Expand your understanding of the processes underlying cellular function, and explore at the molecular level the mechanisms by which cells work and how these mechanisms are regulated.

Through a combination of lectures, workshops, academic tutor-led sessions and group activities, you'll develop and refine your ability to critically evaluate scientific literature, effectively communicate ideas, handle data and apply appropriate quantitative approaches.

Discover the fundamental principles and concepts that underpin haematology and immunology. You'll explore topics such as the production, structure and function of blood cells, the techniques used within hospital haematology laboratories to investigate and diagnose disease, the main forms of immunopathology, and how vaccines are produced.

Explore the infectious diseases afflicting the various systems of the human body, and the pathogens that cause them. You'll gain a deep understanding of their transmission, dissemination, pathogenesis, detection, and the development of therapies and prevention methods.

Understand how genetic defects at the molecular level impact on pathophysiology and influence disease risk, progression and severity. You'll study aetiology of major medical diseases, with a focus on both mendelian and complex polygenic disorders.

Build on what you've learned in previous modules and explore in depth the biochemistry of cellular pathways in both healthy and disease states. You'll explore how changes in these pathways can dictate physiological outcomes and contribute to disease development and progression.

Gain hands-on experience in independent research, applying, and expanding, what you've learned while working with an academic supervisor on experiments, data analysis, and science communication.

Learn about the evolution, ecology, biochemistry, mechanisms, and toxicology principles of venomous creatures, poisonous plants, and fungi. You'll explore how venoms and poisons are used for medicinal purposes, and develop a greater understanding of the principles of pharmacology.

Discover how bacteria and viruses can cause diseases by interacting with host organisms, and study real-life examples of how different factors affect pathogenesis, impacting on human health, agriculture, and protein disorders. You'll also cover opportunistic pathogens and the molecular basis of emerging infectious diseases with epidemic potential.

Explore the connection between cellular signalling and cancer development and learn how lab and computer modelling studies have enhanced our grasp of receptors and signal transduction's role in cell function.

Gain an introduction to neuroscience, focusing on the structure and function of the central nervous system. You'll learn healthy brain function and how it changes in disease and neurodivergent conditions, covering different topics such as learning, memory, and neuroanatomy.

Learn the latest insights into the causes of heart attacks and strokes, and how drugs, can be used to treat them. You'll also discover how cardiovascular disease is affected by our genetic makeup and how it can be lessened by changes to lifestyle and diet.

Delve into the study of homeostatic control, hormones, their functions, and the associated glands, comprehending the intricate mechanisms that maintain hormonal balance. Gain a comprehensive knowledge of endocrine disorders and their management, as well as understanding the interplay between different hormonal systems.

This skills-focussed module aims to provide you with an opportunity to enhance and demonstrate clinical and scientific skills gained from previous years. You will go beyond clinical care at a patient level and discuss how healthcare provision at a community, local and national levels are undertaken, including with input from local and national governments and NGOs.