Physiological Sciences BSc Honours UCAS Code: B100 (3 years)
Biological Sciences (Deferred Choice) BSc Honours UCAS Code: C101 (3 years)
Biomedical Sciences with Management BSc Honours UCAS Code: B9N2 (3 years)
Biochemistry BSc Honours UCAS Code: C700 (3 years)
Biochemistry with Immunology BSc Honours UCAS Code: C7C5 (3 years)
Genetics BSc Honours UCAS Code: C400 (3 years)
Human Genetics BSc Honours UCAS Code: C410 (3 years)
Medical Microbiology and Immunology BSc Honours UCAS Code: CC59 (3 years)
Pharmacology BSc Honours UCAS Code: B210 (3 years)
Biotechnology with Industrial Placement Year BSc Honours UCAS Code: J701 (4 years)
Biomedical Sciences (Integrated Master's) MSci Honours UCAS Code: B900 (4 years)
Biomedical Sciences BSc Honours UCAS Code: B940 (3 years)
Biotechnology BSc Honours UCAS Code: J700 (3 years)
Course outline: This course provides a thorough understanding of body function and how cells, tissues and organs work. Particular importance is placed on introducing you to the most recent advances in the field of physiology from our research-active teaching staff. Students focus their degree studies on mammalian physiology, with a special emphasis on human physiology.
Programme Delivered by:
Stage 1: You are introduced to a broad range of topics in biomedical and biomolecular sciences, including biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, microbiology and physiology (see ‘All Degrees’ below).
Stage 2: Particular emphasis is placed on human physiology and you are introduced to some of the most recent advances in the field. You study the heart, lungs and kidney, as well as molecular, reproductive and developmental physiology.
Stage 3: You continue to study the most recent advances in the field of physiology. You take compulsory modules on the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, as well as a module introducing you to the design and processes of research. You may also take modules in business for the bioscientist and have the chance to take part in the 'Students into Schools' project.You have the opportunity to complete a project on a physiological topic that forms part of your final degree mark and counts for about a third of your study time throughout the year.
For more information about the different biomedical and biomolecular sciences degrees at Newcastle, see below.
Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences - All Degrees
All our degrees in biomedical and biomolecular sciences share a common first year, with sufficient flexibility to allow you to change from one degree to another after Stage 1 if you wish. At the end of Stage 1 you may also apply to transfer to Medicine or Dentistry (places are available on a competitive basis).
Stage 1: You receive a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences, including a series of modules covering cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, genetics, pharmacology and physiology.
Stage 2: The first half of Stage 2 is also common to all our degrees. Building on Stage 1, it provides a foundation in cell and molecular biology. For the remainder of Stage 2 and for Stage 3 you cover specialist topics relevant to the degree course you have chosen. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the development of both subject-specific and key skills.
You are encouraged to undertake a work placement in the summer vacation after Stage 2, to develop work-based skills and we offer part-time paid employment to a number of our second-year students in laboratories in our research institutes. You may also undertake a year out in industry at the end of Stage 2.
Stage 3: There is an emphasis on in-depth training with further study of specialist modules. The second semester of Stage 3 is dedicated to the research project, which is the highlight of the course for many students. You are encouraged to choose a project that will help you develop the right skills for your future career. This may be a laboratory project in one of our internationally rated research institutes, a clinical study under the supervision of one of the medically qualified staff, a project working with a local school or college, or an IT-based project.
You may opt to undertake part of your studies at another university through one of our international exchange programmes and some students choose to go abroad for their final year project.
Guide to Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences
For a guide to choosing the right biomedical sciences degree for you, see below.
Biomedical Sciences
Modern medicine depends on the advances made by scientists working in the Biomedical Sciences. Biomedical Sciences combines subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology. This multidisciplinary approach helps us understand disease processes and find new treatments for diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and TB.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of life at the molecular level – how genes and proteins regulate cells, tissues and ultimately whole organisms like you! Have you wondered what causes disease such as cancer and diabetes? Would you like to help develop new drug treatments? Biochemistry provides the key to undertstanding how diseases arise and can be treated.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology exploits discoveries in the biosciencesto develop innovative ways to fight human and animal disease. Biotechnology is also making major contributions to agriculture, helping to develop crops with increased yields or greater disease resistance. Biotechnology is a growing industry and graduates in Biotechnology are in demand.
Genetics
DNA is the genetic ‘blueprint’ that ensures the continuity of life from parent to offspring. Genetics is the study of how DNA is transmitted between generations and decoded to determine our individual characteristics. Newcastle has a research and teaching reputation in this field and the Institute of Human Genetics plays a major role in the Human Genetics degree programme.
Medical Microbiology and Immunology
The greatest threat to human health worldwide is infectious disease. Medical Microbiology is the study ofthe microorganisms that cause disease and Immunology is the related science of how we defend ourselves against microbial infection. Through an understanding of Microbiology and Immunology scientists are working to develop vaccines against diseases such as HIV and new treatments for diseases such as MRSA, arthritis, asthma and cancer.
Pharmacology
Pharmacology involves the study of the action of biologically active components (drugs) on the body and vice versa. An understanding of drugs and their actions allows us to use these safely and effectively. It is thanks to pharmacologists that you can take an aspirin when you get a headache or have an anaesthetic when the dentist gives you a filling.
Physiology
Physiology is the study of how the body functions. Physiologists study the processes essential to human life such as breathing, digesting food and sensing the world around us. At Newcastle our focus is on human Physiology, which underpins much of our understanding of how the body functions in health and disease.