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  • Biomedicine (BSc) (Part-time: Four-year)
  • 2013/2014 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • Short-answer tests (in-class); computer-based tests (accessed remotely or in-class); practical reports; essays; problem-solving and data analysis assignments; oral communication and poster presentations; internet surveys; and unseen, or open-book, written examinations. The mix of assessment types, and the specific tasks required, are matched to the academic level and to the learning outcomes of the module.

  • Attendance
      • Two evenings a week.
      • October–July.
  • Duration
      • Four years part-time.
  • Entry requirements
      • Under 21: A-level grades of BBB, with two of these at A2 from Biology or Human Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. A-levels in General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants with only two full A-levels will be considered on an individual basis. In addition, we require GCSEs in English, Mathematics, and Double Science (or two single sciences), all at grade C or better.
      • Over 21: no A-level requirements, but we are only likely to be able to offer places to applicants who have adequate preparation for degree-level study. Those who obtained two or more A-levels at 18+, or who achieved the equivalent of a baccalaureate or high-school graduation would be assumed to have this preparation, but others would be expected to prepare for higher education either by taking relevant A-level courses part-time, or by taking a QAA-approved Access to HE course comprising appropriate, subject-specific modules. We normally require a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 and expect a merit in these modules.
      • Completion of our science access programme Certificate of Higher Education in Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine provides entry into Year 1 of the BSc. The Foundation Degree in Science can be used for progression onto the BSc.
      • We are committed to making the biological sciences accessible to students with a wide range of backgrounds and with diverse career aspirations. 
  • Fees and funding
  • Location
      • Central London.
  • Teaching

    • We provide a range of teaching approaches and learning experiences that will enable you to become a confident and autonomous learner. There will be lectures, laboratory practicals and seminars. Much of the module content is available online.



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Biomedicine (BSc) (Part-time: Four-year) - 2013/2014 entry

A rational approach to the development of treatments for current and emerging threats to human well-being depends upon a sound knowledge of human health and disease. Biomedicine is at the interface between molecular, cell and integrative biology and evolving disease therapies, whilst biomedical research plays a pivotal role in the transfer of advances in basic science into effective practices that promote human health as well as into treatments for human diseases. This programme will provide you with the knowledge and skills to enable participation in the biomedical community, either professionally or personally.

This course is also available for full-time evening study.

  • Course structure

    • The BSc Biomedicine degree is delivered in three stages (Levels 4, 5 and 6), with 120 credits studied at each, and is completed by accumulating a total of 360 credits. Although all modules are compulsory, there are opportunities for choice in some assessed topics in some modules, and in the selection of the topic for the final-year research report. Subject to eligibility based on academic performance in preceding years, some students will undertake an independent research project in the final year, mentored by a member of academic staff.

      The first year syllabus of the BSc Biomedicine is shared with that for the BSc Chemical and Molecular Biology; this makes it possible to elect to change programmes at the end of Year 1, if desired. We also offer our part-time programmes over six-years, with 60 credits per year, for students who would prefer a decelerated pace.

      Year 1

      • Molecules, Cells and Organisms (three terms, 60 credits)
      • Practical Skills for the Biosciences (two terms, 30 credits)
      • Chemistry for the Biosciences (one term, 30 credits).

      Year 2

      • Molecular Biology and Human Genetics (two terms, 30 credits)
      • Human Physiology (two terms, 30 credits).

      Year 3

      • Research Methods and Data Analysis for Biomedicine (three terms, 60 credits)
      • Microbes and Antimicrobials (two terms, 30 credits).

      Year 4

      • Molecular, Cellular and Genetic Basis of Human Disease (two terms, 30 credits)
      • Biomedicine Research Project (two terms, 60 credits), OR
      • Independent Research Project (two terms, 60 credits).
  • Study resources
  • Further study opportunities
  • Careers information
  • Further details

    • Learning outcomes

      On successful completion of this programme, you should be able to demonstrate:

      • an understanding of the science that underpins modern medical practice, and of how this may be applied to the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of human disease
      • awareness and engagement with philosophical and ethical issues arising from some of the current developments in the biomedical sciences
      • skill in executing a range of analytical/experimental laboratory methodologies, and an understanding of the principles upon which these methodologies are based
      • the knowledge, analytical skills and practical skills essential for further study in relevant scientific disciplines, for graduate entry to medicine, and/or for employment in health-related fields.
  • Apply now
    • Application deadlines and interviews
      • We recommend you apply as early as possible. Later applications may also be considered, subject to availability of places.
      • Interviews held throughout the year.
    • Online application
      You can apply online from the link below.
    • Our Application Workshop will give you an overview of what Birkbeck looks for in an undergraduate degree application and includes practical writing exercises to help you write a more effective personal statement
  • Key information set

    • Welcome to Birkbeck, London's evening university: Number 1 in London for teaching and student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2012).

      Birkbeck specialises in part-time, evening study. The Key Information Set has been developed for full-time, daytime courses. We are providing some additional information about our evening courses to help you make an informed choice.

      Fees:
      The Key Information Set (KIS) for this degree course shows the annual fee for a 3-year, full-time degree. This is a 4-year, part-time evening degree and the annual fee is lower than the fee shown in the KIS. See 'Fees and funding' in the left hand menu for the correct fee for this course.

      Years of study:
      The KIS presents all degrees as 3-year courses. Birkbeck's standard part-time, evening degree is a 4-year course.