All Degrees

Biomedical Sciences Undergraduate Research Students Video, Newcastle University

Some of our undergraduates students have documented their experience of their project in a short video

All our degrees are divided into two Phases. Phase 1 covers Stage 1 and the first semester of Stage 2. It is common to all our degrees allowing you to select any of our degrees at the end of Phase 1 if you wish. Phase 2, which starts in the second semester of Stage 2, is specific to the individual degree programme you choose to study.

In Stage 3, the final year, all BSc degrees culminate in a research semester. This provides an opportunity to undertake a piece of original research in a top-rated laboratory within the Faculty of Medical Sciences, or to write a dissertation based on the latest developments in a particular area of research. The MSci programme includes a longer research project that extends across the whole of the 4th year.

The Quality Assurance Agency commented that 'an impressive feature of Stage 3 is the project...such projects are required to demonstrate critical analysis of relevant literature and academic rigour'.

PHASE I

Stage 1

Biochemistry (15 credits) examines the structures of macromolecular components of the cell, including proteins and nucleic acids, with emphasis on the diseases arising from defects in these components.

Cell Biology (15 credits) covers the roles of membranes, cellular interactions, particularly in nerves and muscles, hormones and other forms of intercellular communication that integrate cellular function.

Genetics (15 credits) explains the basis of heredity and shows how genetic analysis can be accomplished in a range of organisms but with emphasis on human genes.

Microbiology and Immunology (15 credits) emphasises the role played by micro-organisms in disease and describes the range of recognition and effector systems employed to defend the body against infection.

Pharmacology (15 credits) introduces the principles underlying the rational use of drugs in the treatment of a wide range of medical conditions, explaining what drugs do to the body and what the body does to drugs.

Physiology (15 credits) involves the study of body function with emphasis on how organs and tissues work, on control mechanisms, and on how the body responds to changes in the environment.

Practical skills in biomedical and biomolecular sciences 1&2 (15 credits each) introduces practical laboratory skills and generic skills including scientific writing, IT and presentation skills

Stage 2

Cell and Molecular Biosciences (20 credits) covers recombinant DNA technology and its application to medicine, and cell membrane transport processes in cell function and in relation to disease.

Molecular medicine (20 credits) covers cell signalling particularly in relation to disease and how the expression of genes is regulated.

Cell and molecular biology of the immune system (10 credits) covers cell and molecular biology of the immune system and the drugs used to treat infecitous diseases.

Practical skills in biomedical and biomolecular sciences 3 (10 credits) covers laboratory skills, bioinformatics and statistics.

PHASE 2

Course specific modules (see individual degrees) (60 credits)

Stage 3

Course specific modules (see individual degrees) (120 credits)

A research semester (40 credits) in Stage 3 provides an opportunity to undertake a piece of original research in a top-rated research laboratory in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, to write a dissertation based on the latest developments in a particular area of research or to undertake an education or business-related project.

Vocational Module (10 credits)

Choose from
Business for the Bioscientist
Health Care Policy, Practice and Organisation
Research Module

Modular Structure

Our degrees are modularized into three Stages, with each Stage corresponding to one academic year. The basic teaching unit is a module, and you complete modules to a value of 120 credits in each Stage. The credit value of each module is given in brackets in the degree descriptions. Modules are subject to amendments on an annual basis.