Medical Biosciences
Assess the critical challenges facing human health and develop your management potential.
Address the critical challenges facing human health in this research-intensive, laboratory-focused course
Benefit from a blended active learning approach offering a mix of online and face-to-face teaching
Examine a global health problem in depth on an intensive research project or placement
Course key facts
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Qualification
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BSc
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Duration
3 years
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Start date
October 2023
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UCAS course code
B101
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£9,250 Home
£35,600 Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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Hammersmith
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South Kensington
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Applications: places
8 : 1 (2021)
Minimum entry standard 2023
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AAA (A-level)
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38 points (International Baccalaureate)
Course overview
Examine the science underpinning human health and its related fields on this interdisciplinary course.
You'll explore the principles of biomedical science, and how they are applied in research, policy and industry.
This course is designed to build your potential towards becoming a science leader. You'll develop your ability to think like a scientist through a research-intensive, laboratory-focused curriculum. You'll also build key skills in science communication and ethics.
You'll have access to the latest developments in the field on a programme that taps into the cutting-edge research being conducted by internationally recognised experts at Imperial.
The first two years will develop your understanding of fundamental human biology and the molecular basis of human disease. You'll also work on real-life research questions in a learning environment that mirrors an authentic research laboratory.
In your final year you will have your own research project to run and a the option to specialise across a range of optional modules.
This provides an opportunity to explore a biomedical science-related issue in detail, and can be carried out as an external placement.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
You’ll study the following core modules during your first year.
Core modules
Investigate the role that chemicals and macromolecules play at the cellular, molecular, and system levels, using examples to illustrate their real-world implications.
Learn how the nervous system controls and regulates the functioning of the body, and the fundamentals of the musculoskeletal system.
Explore real scientific questions in a supportive, yet challenging environment, modelled after an active research lab, and experience the excitement of performing scientific research.
Gain a thorough understanding of molecular biology and cellular biology in order to comprehend the impact of these disciplines on human health.
Learn how to explore data sets and undertake rigorous statistical analysis.
You’ll take the following core modules, and choose four optional modules from Groups A and B.
Core modules
Find out how DNA differs between and within individuals, and how genetic linkage mapping and DNA sequencing detect these differences.
Test your own hypotheses in teams based on an individual research problem.
Your I-Explore module offers you choices from a range of subjects hosted outside of the department.
You will be taught alongside students from other courses with options including business, management and many more.
Optional modules – Group A
Explore how microbiota influence human health and disease and become familiar with the key platforms and methods that characterise the microbiome.
Explore how microbiota influence human health and disease and become familiar with the key platforms and methods that characterise the microbiome.
Obtain an understanding of stem cell biology from embryonic and adult stem cells, including aspects of mammalian development and reproduction, and how these cells can be used in basic research, disease modelling, and in regenerative medicine.
Optional modules – Group B
Learn about basic carcinogenesis, tumour biology, and personalised medicine.
Analyse the basic physiology of the heart and lungs and begin to understand how genetics and the environment contribute to heart and lung disease.
Get a deeper understanding of the physiology of the immune system, including how it functions, develops, and interacts with pathogens.
Examine nervous system function and dysfunction, from molecules to disease, using case studies to create a real-life context for the knowledge acquired.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning methods
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Flipped classroom
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Virtual learning environment
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Lab pods
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Tutorials
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Seminars
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Practical classes and field work
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Lectures and guest lectures
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Project work
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Placement
Assessment methods
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Reports
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Written examinations
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Computer-based exams
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Online tests
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Essays and creative writing
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Business case
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Scientific paper
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Grant applications
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Research preparation plan
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Multiple-choice questionnaires
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Peer assessment
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Oral presentations
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Poster presentations
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Digital storytelling
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Laboratory work and practicals
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Group reports
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Lab work, lab books and experiment write-ups
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Dissertation
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Placement report
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Data handling
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Presentations
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
You can track your application via the UCAS hub.
Applications for 2023 entry are closed
Application deadlines — 25 January 2023 at 18.00 (UK time)
Assessing your application
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
You can transfer between our two Medical Biosciences courses up to the Easter of your third year. There is no benefit in applying to more than one Medical Biosciences course so you should only apply for one course.
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa.
Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Transfer from our Medical Biosciences courses to our MBBS/BSc Medicine course is not possible.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2023 entry
£9,250 per year
Your fee is based on the year you enter the College, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
You can also apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help towards your living costs.
Overseas fee
2023 entry
£35,600 per year
Your fee is based on the year you enter the College, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
Your future career
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Gain transferable, analytical, and research skills relevant to a career in medical biosciences or similar fields.
With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.
Scientific research laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry, or technical consultancy are just some of your options.
Other potential career paths could include non-profits, banking, and communications.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 7259
- Email: medicine.ug.admissions@imperial.ac.uk
Visit the School of Medicine website.
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Learn more about studying at Imperial. Receive useful information about our life in our undergraduate community and download our latest Study Guide.
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Course data
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications