Course Overview

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.

Course Details

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 progrmme is offered at NUMed Malaysia and Newcastle University UK.

Structure outline

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

• Molecular medicine (20) covers recombinant DNA technology and its application to medicine, and cell membrane transport processes in cell function and in relation to disease
• Cell and molecular biosciences (20) covers cell signalling and gene expression
• Cell and molecular biology of the immune system (10) covering cell and molecular biology
  of the immune system and chemotherapy of infectious diseases
• Practical skills in biomedical and biomolecular sciences 3 (10) covers laboratory skills, bioinformatics and statistics

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

• 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
  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
• 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.

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

Year in UK

Your third year of Biomedical Sciences will be carried out at Newcastle University in the North East of the United Kingdom.

The University has a wide range of support services that can help you with your transition to study in the UK.

Your studies will be based in the School of Biomedical Sciences at the Faculty of Medical Sciences. Find out more about Newcastle University campus.

Getting you ready for study in the UK

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 in the UK

You will stay in University accommodation and we’ll help you to organise this.

There are lots of sports, social and academic societies and activities to join at Newcastle University.

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.

Careers

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.

Fees & Funding

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.

Fees 2017 - 2018

Malaysian students

RM40,240 per annum, for each of the three years of the programme (both NUMed Malaysia and Newcastle UK).

International students

RM44,100 per annum, for each of the three years of the programme (both NUMed Malaysia and Newcastle UK).

Other expenses

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.