The BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences 2+1 programme offered by NUMed Malaysia and Newcastle UK covers the diverse range of subjects relating to medicine. It includes the study of key areas such as biochemistry, genetics, physiology, microbiology, immunology and pharmacology.
The course you will study is equivalent to the one delivered at our Medical School in the UK, and following successful completion of the programme you will be awarded the degree BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences by Newcastle University, UK.
The BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences (BMS) degree programme offered at NUMed Malaysia is split into two parts:
Part I – two academic years, which mirrors exactly the programme offered in the UK, delivered at the brand new custom built 13-acre NUMed Malaysia campus in Iskandar Puteri, Johor
Part II – one academic year at the Newcastle UK campus with research led teaching and an intensive research project in one of the highly regarded research institutes in Newcastle University Medical School
New discoveries
New discoveries in the biomedical sciences provide us with the prospect of finding new ways to prevent and treat the wide range of diseases that affect humankind. This programme provides a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the functioning of the human body in health and disease.
Newcastle University Medical School is a world leading collaboration of research scientists, medical doctors and teaching professionals with a reputation for innovation and excellence for both research and teaching.
Our MBBS and BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences programmes are consistently two of the most highly regarded courses of their type in the UK.
Ranking
Medicine at Newcastle is consistently one of the most highly regarded medical programmes in the UK. The excellence of our programmes has been confirmed by the General Medical Council (GMC). We are ranked:
top 10 in the UK – The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
top 150 – Clinical, Pre-clinical and Health category – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2020
top 100 – Medicine category – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020
91% overall student satisfaction score – National Student Survey 2019
9th in the UK – Research Excellence Framework 2014 (Clinical Medicine category)
History and quality
History
While NUMed Malaysia was only established in 2009, the history and heritage of the University in the UK dates back to 1834, when a School of Medicine and Surgery was first established in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Newcastle has become one of 12 universities in the world, and only four in the UK, to achieve five plus QS Stars from QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the first international assessment of its kind. More than 150 universities in over 35 countries have now signed up to the QS Stars rating system
Accreditation by the RSB recognises academic excellence in the biosciences that educates the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.
*All professionals accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
The BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences programme echoes the research strengths of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University. You will be exposed to the very latest ideas in medical research and you will learn how new scientific knowledge is formed and developed.
The study of Biomedical Sciences covers the diverse range of subjects relating to medicine and the understanding of life processes at all levels, from the molecular and cellular to the whole organism.
Biomedical Sciences considers the molecular and cellular processes that underlie the functioning of both the healthy human body and disease states arising from metabolic and genetic causes and infectious diseases. The molecular basis of cancer, its diagnosis and its therapy are also discussed along with issues such as stem cell therapy, animal cloning and gene therapy.
This programme is offered at NUMed Malaysia and Newcastle University UK.
Our Biomedical Sciences programme is divided into two phases:
Phase 1 (Stage 1 and semester 1 of Stage 2)
Phase 2 (semester 2 of Stage 2 and Stage 3)
The first the years of the programme (Stage 1 and Stage 2) will be taught at NUMed Malaysia and the third year (Stage 3) of the programme will only be taught at Newcastle UK.
In order for you to progress to the third year of the programme in the UK, you must have successfully completed the first two years of the programme in Malaysia and have obtained the relevant visa for you to enter the UK.
Although Newcastle University and NUMed will make every effort to assist you with your application to obtain a visa to enter the UK, this cannot be guaranteed. You are advised to read carefully the UK government guidance for obtaining a visa.
Phase 1 - NUMed Malaysia
Phase 1 extends over the first 1 ½ years of the programme and is divided into two Stages. Phase 1 provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences. This gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie before you study your specialist optional biomedical sciences modules in Phase 2. Each Stage lasts for an academic year and you need to complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage to progress to the next year.
Phase 1 consists of the study of the following modules.
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) 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) 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) emphasises the role played by microorganisms in disease and describes the range of recognition and effector systems employed to defend the body against infection
Pharmacology (15) 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) 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 and 2 (15 credits each) introduces practical laboratory skills and generic skills including scientific writing, IT and presentation skills
Stage 2 Semester 1
Principles and Practice of Molecular Techniques (20 credits) provides an integrated approach to studying modern molecular biological techniques, bioinformatics statistics and ethics.
Control of Eukaryotic Gene Expression (10 credits) covers mechanisms whereby eukaryotes regulate gene expression.
Cell Biology and Disease (20 credits) gives an understanding of how post-translational & cellular events lead to normal tissue function or disease.
Cell and Molecular Biology of the Immune System (10 credits) covers the underlying molecular & cellular events that lead to specific immune responses.
Phase 2 - NUMed Malaysia and Newcastle, UK
In Phase 2, you study a range of topics relating to health and disease.
You also undertake an individual research project in an area of biomedical sciences that particularly interests you. 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.
Finally you may also choose a vocational module, such as research in biomedical sciences, business for the bioscientist or healthcare organisation and practice.
Phase 2 consists of the study of the following modules.
Stage 2 semester 2 - NUMed Malaysia
The nervous system and respiratory diseases (20) covers two strands: the neuroscience strand builds an understanding from basic cellular neuroscience through to behaviorally relevant function of network activity in the central nervous system (CNS); the respiratory strand develops a students’ understanding of the physiology of the lung, the molecular pathology and pathogenesis of a range of lung diseases and the diagnostic tools and treatments available for these diseases
Clinical immunology and viral pathogens (20) covers two strands: the clinical immunology strand considers the role of the immune system in human disease; the virology strand considers the ways in which viruses cause human disease
Human anatomy (10) develops a core knowledge and understanding of human anatomy
Practical and presentational skills in biomedical sciences (10) enhances a students’ practical skills in immunology and bacterial pathogenicity and develops a students’ written, oral and presentation skills
Stage 3 semester 1 - Newcastle UK
You will study three modules, one from each of the following lists:
List A
Genetics of Common Diseases (20) address one of the major areas of current medical research and provides students with an understanding of the strengths and weakness of both the current subject knowledge in this area and the practical approaches to it. Understanding the genetics of common (complex) diseases has been identified as a major post-genome challenge or
Immunology of Health and Disease (20) examines human immunity in health and disease; Newcastle University has considerable research activity in these areas and this module will focus on examining recent findings and techniques, including those obtained from immuno-compromised patients or
Epidemiology (20) introduces the methodologies underpinning epidemiological studies with selected examples focused on disease and public health issues
List B
Chronic disease (20) considers a number of classes of disease and will highlight the underlyingmolecular physiology/biochemistry and/or behavioural factors that lead to thesediseases or
Cancer biology and therapy (20) provides a background to the molecular basis of cancer and its therapy; the various causes, cellular and genetic processes central to the development of cancer will be discussed, alongside how this understanding is being exploited for disease detection, diagnosis and therapy or
Disease of the Human Nervous System (20) provides firstly an overview of the cellular anatomy, biochemistry and function of the human CNS, providing a framework to help you understand the second part of the module where preclinical and clinical lectures, together with molecular pathology, will highlight the various diseases associated with the CNS
List C
Medical biotechnology (20) informs students of the range of therapeutic molecules and diagnostic tools developed by the biotechnology industry over the last few years and identifies and explores new areas of research in the biotechnology industry or
Microbiota and pathogens: Mucosal Microbiota, Protozoa and Fungi (20) builds upon the students’ knowledge of basic microbiology and will develop their understanding of the molecular cell biology and evolution of the human microbiota and its role in health and disease in relation to selected pathogenic viruses, bacteria, protozoa and fungi; the module will provide an up to date review of the molecular cell biology and evolution of the human microbiota and pathogens or
Clinical ageing and health (20) considers firstly how and why older people become ill and discusses the epidemiology and pathology of a range of chronic diseases of the elderly, as well as issues around the care of the elderly and the impact of an ageing population on the UK and developing countries
Stage 3 Semester 2 - Newcastle UK
Research Project (40) 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 or
Experimental design and the process of research (40) is aimed at students who are interested in pursuing a laboratory-based career. At the core of the module is a hypothetical workplace scenario, which forms the basis of an extended practical project
Integrated biomedical sciences (10) develops a students' ability to design experiments and interpret scientific data
Vocational module (10) can be any one of the following modules - Research in Biomedical Sciences, Business for the Bioscientist Healthcare Organisation and Practice, Science Communication, or Bioethics
The BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences programme is delivered at NUMed under the authority of Newcastle University, UK, and the teaching, learning and assessment are equivalent to that which students studying in the UK receive.
The programme is taught through a mixture of lectures, practicals and small-group seminars. In seminars you may discuss the ideas covered in the lectures and the practicals, work through case studies or have detailed discussions of recent research papers. Throughout the course we emphasise the development of key skills such as oral and written presentation, teamwork and problem solving. We also ensure that you become competent in the use of computers for word processing, statistics, graphic presentation, data handling and analysis and literature searches.
Research Projects
The final-year project is the highlight of the programme and allows you to spend a period of time working on an original piece of work. The majority of students choose to do their project work in one of our seven research institutes, supervised by and working alongside leading scientists in their field. Some students choose to do a project of a different sort tailored to their own vocational aspirations. For example, you may undertake a clinical project, an educational project or a business-related project. Projects undertaken by our students cover a diverse range of topics and may lead to scientific papers or patents.
Assessment
Assessment is based upon various course assignments and end of semester and/or end of year examinations. A major component of the final year is your research project, which accounts for one-third of the marks at Stage 3. You are expected to demonstrate the appropriate level of attainment before being allowed to progress to the next stage. The assessment process is designed to encourage and reward transfer of learning from one stage to the next.
You will receive continuous feedback on your performance throughout the course.
Degree Classification
Candidates will be assessed for degree classification on the basis of all the modules taken at Stage 2 and Stage 3 with the weighting of the stages being 1:2 for Stage 2 and Stage 3 respectively.
Before you arrive in Newcastle we will give you supportive pre-arrival information. We’ll help you through your accommodation application, and introduce you to your academic tutor in the UK.
When you arrive
When you arrive we will collect you from the airport. You’ll have a fun orientation programme where you’ll meet lots of new friends and find out more about living and studying in Newcastle.
Living expenses depend on your financial resources, tastes and interests. As a guide, including your accommodation, we estimate that you should allow around RM4,700 per month to cover your living costs in Newcastle.
Information for parents
We’ll support your son or daughter through every step of their study abroad. If you have any questions about their year in Newcastle, UK, please contact us.
Students who have completed SPM, O-Level, or equivalent programmes must first complete a recognised pre-university qualification as a basic requirement for entry to an undergraduate degree at NUMed Malaysia.
Applicants offering qualifications other than those listed below should email us to check if their qualifications are acceptable or not.
Whatever pre-university qualifications you offer, they should include the Science subjects Biology, Chemistry, and one other subject at a level equivalent to A-Levels, International Baccalaureate Diploma or STPM.
BBB at A2 Level. Further consideration may be given for additional academic achievements. We do not accept General Studies or Critical Thinking as A2 Level qualifications.
Normally a minimum of 30 points including the additional points available for the Theory of Knowledge/Extended Essay. No core subjects should be graded lower than grade 4.
A score of 4 based on the average of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics. Advanced Mathematics I and Advanced Mathematics II, with none of these subjects achieving less than B4.
American AP with 3 subjects, i.e. Biology, Chemistry and Physics/Mathematics, scoring 4, 3 and 3 points respectively. These subjects must be taken at Grade 12 level and above.
The following will also be considered depending upon the grade(s) achieved:
A polytechnic or university diploma
Ontario Grade 12
Applicants with qualifications other than those listed above should e-mail admissions@newcastle.edu.my to check if their qualifications are acceptable or not.
You must be proficient in both spoken and written English. You can demonstrate this through the IELTS test, or equivalent (e.g. TOEFL, MUET, SPM 1119). An IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5, with no individual band less than 6.0, or MUET Band 3 or better, must be achieved.
It is mandatory for all International students to sit either IELTS/TOEFL/equivalent test (as per table below) in order to join our undergraduate programme. This document will be submitted to obtain the Visa Approval Letter (VAL) & student pass from the visa processing office, Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
Test/Qualification
Examination Board/Organisation
Grade/Score for IELTS 6.5 Equivalent (BMS)
IELTS
Cambridge English Language Assessment / British Council
Students on the BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences programme may apply for transfer onto the MBBS degree programme offered by NUMed Malaysia at the end of the first year of study. This is a competitive scheme with a limited number of places and students are selected on the basis of academic performance in the first year, a personal statement and an interview.
There are also graduate entry routes into medicine available at NUMed and Newcastle University, UK.
Upon successful completion of the entire programme you will be awarded BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences, which will be conferred by Newcastle University UK.
There is great demand for graduates in the biomedical and biomolecular sciences within the health services and industry, leading or working as part of research teams. Many of our students choose this career path.
Industries employing bioscientists for research and development include:
pharmaceuticals
biotechnology
chemical
cosmetics and toiletries
and food and drink
With a biosciences-related degree you could undertake medical, veterinary and agricultural research in universities and research institutes. Hospital and public health laboratories also employ a large number of bioscientists.
A large number of our graduates choose to take a further degree (either an MSc or PhD) before embarking on permanent employment. This is a step in a career path that can lead to senior, decision-making roles. Each year a number of our students use our degrees as a route for graduate entry into medicine or dentistry.
Apart from laboratory work, there are many other ways to use your degree. Some of our graduates choose to enter the legal side of the subject, using their scientific knowledge to advise on patenting, whilst others opt for careers such as scientific journalism.
As an alumnus of NUMed Malaysia and a Newcastle graduate, you are entitled to become a member of our Graduate Society and Newcastle’s Alumni Association.
Career paths
Our graduates also embark on careers unrelated to the biomedical sciences, in management, accountancy and IT, for example.
Whichever career you choose, you can be sure that you will receive our advice and wholehearted support.
See below for examples of some career paths, or read our BMS Alumni to see other types of employment our graduates have entered into.
You can also download our 'My Brilliant Career' brochure (PDF: 1 MB) which features our Newcastle graduates.
After your degree, a new world of masters and doctoral qualifications opens. Research in universities is conducted into all kinds of questions and you can expect to make a contribution to the generation of new knowledge at an early stage. With funding to pursue your own research interests you could build a team of research students and staff and work with companies, clinicians and other scientists around the world to advance the biosciences.
I love my career because…
"I believe there isn’t a more noble profession than to save or improve the quality of a person’s life. Research at Newcastle has enabled me to learn from specialists at top universities, to collaborate with pharmaceutical companies and travel internationally to countries such as America for conferences and workshops." Sarah - PhD student
Many students go on to apply for graduate medicine and dentistry, either the full course or via accelerated programmes. Help with the application process is provided by the School via talks from alumni, support sessions and personal statement clinics.
I love my career because…
"My Biomedical Sciences degree has provided me with solid foundations for a career in Medicine, I felt inspired by my three years at Newcastle University and have been fortunate in being able to apply my skills to the clinical environment." Simon – 4th Year Medical Student
Bioscience graduates are successful in the financial sector because of the intellectual discipline that scientific training will give you. Accountancy, investment banking, insurance, and management consultancy are some of the options in this diverse sector.
This will appeal to you if...
"you are interested in a commercial working environment and have good numeric skills. Most financial employers employ graduates in roles with a high degree of customer or client liaison, so your communication and interpersonal skills are also key." Duncan – Fund Manager
Work with medical staff to help investigate, diagnose and treat diseases by analysing samples and developing new techniques to improve services to patients. An extensive training programme and great promotion prospects mean that top healthcare scientists are high-flying professionals within the healthcare communities, managing large labs and providing advice at health board and even governmental level.
I love my career because…
"I get to do science every day while aiding clinicians in the diagnosis of patients with rare genetic disorders. It’s great to know I’m helping the understanding and medical management of the patient’s condition." Laura - Trainee Clinical Scientist
UK companies, universities and hospitals generate many of the new drugs and therapies emerging globally each year. Each potential new treatment must go through an extensive clinical trial before launch, managed in pharmaceutical companies, specialist contract research organizations (which offer entry level positions to new graduates), universities and hospitals. After training, clinical research associates (CRA) can also work as freelancers, giving extra career flexibility.
This will appeal to you if…
"you have good organisational and administrative skills and enjoy working with data and information. Attention to detail and good writing skills are critical, as are people skills to communicate with medical doctors, researchers, patients and companies. With the option to spend a year in industry, if you are interested in this area we will help you look for suitable placements." Kim - Clinical Data Team Leader
A wide range of careers are open to our graduates in scientific companies. Roles in research and product development will directly use scientific knowledge and skills and we talk to the key employers regularly to ensure our graduates are “fit for purpose”. The UK has a strong and fast-growing life sciences sector with particular strengths in research and development.
This will appeal to you if…
"you are keen to use your scientific skills in your career to develop products and therapies to improve quality of life and health care. Scientific teamwork skills are essential in these roles, so you ensure our degrees give you many opportunities to develop them. We can also help you to secure a year’s placement in industry giving you a huge advantage on graduation." Suzanne - Research Scientist
The overall tuition costs of obtaining the Newcastle University BSc (Honours) in Biomedical Sciences on the joint 2+1 programme with NUMed Malaysia and Newcastle UK is around 40% less than the cost of studying for the same degree for three years in the UK.
A single inclusive fee is charged to cover the costs of tuition, library, laboratory, placements, examination, administration fees, and all other academic-related charges for each of the three years of the programme.
Malaysian students
RM41,400 per annum, for each of the three years of the programme (both NUMed Malaysia and Newcastle UK).
International students
RM46,000 per annum, for each of the three years of the programme (both NUMed Malaysia and Newcastle UK).
You should note that the fees don't include the cost of your living accommodation in either Malaysia or the UK.
There is a range of accommodation at varying prices for you to choose from at NUMed's own managed apartments, the Student Village at EduCity, or local private accommodation.
Newcastle University, UK has a wide range of accommodation options to suit a range of budgets and a choice of locations with the majority of University accommodation being within 10 minutes’ walk from the campus and city centre. Visit the Student Support section of the website for further information.
NUMed does not offer scholarships to local or international students.
The Vice Chancellor’s NUMed Merit Awards
Each year, progression awards are awarded to those of our students who have achieved academic distinction in their previous year of study. Each award is for one year and is equivalent in value to 10% of the annual fee.
Further information
Other scholarship and financial assistance information can also be found below:
In accordance with Newcastle University's policy on tuition fees refunds, the amount of any tuition fees refunded is dependent on the date of withdrawal from the course of study.
If a student withdraws at any time within the first semester of the first year of a programme, no refund will be made for the first semester fees.
For withdrawal from semester two of the first year onwards, tuition fees are charged on a weekly basis up to the date of withdrawal from the programme. No refunds can be made before the student has:
notified, in writing, the NUMed Malaysia Student Office of intended withdrawal
the Student Office has been formally notified of your withdrawal by the Dean for Academic Affairs
the last date of attendance is confirmed
It will also be necessary for the student to make a written request for a refund of Tuition Fees.
Expulsion or suspension
In line with the policy of Newcastle University, the parent institution, a student expelled or suspended as a result of disciplinary proceedings shall have no right to a refund of Tuition Fees.
