Fundamental Human Disease

Core modules

Chemistry of Biological Interactions

The fundamental tenets of this module are 1) structure leads to function, 2) biological building blocks are chemicals and have chemical properties, which are subject to the laws of chemistry, 3) the function of macromolecules is determined by the chemical properties of their component molecules. Building on these, the module will explore how these fundamental aspects underpin biological processes at the molecular, cellular and system level. This will include basic aspects relating to enzyme catalysis, kinetics, metabolism, transport, and macromolecular structure. The module will use key (recent) examples from the research literature to exemplify the real-world implications and applications.

Integrative Body System

This module will build on the knowledge gained in Molecular & Cellular Biology and Chemistry of Biological Interactions and start to explore the human body as an integrated system of cells, tissues and organs. You will gain a basic understanding of how the nervous system controls and regulates functioning of the body and will learn the basic structure and function of the musculoskeletal system. Key processes of endocrinology, haematology and immunobiology will also be explored.

Lab Pod 1

The Lab Pod is a unique and integral component of the BSc Medical Biosciences programme. This extensive laboratory-based project will enable you to examine real scientific questions within a supportive yet challenging environment that mirrors an authentic research lab. As well as consolidating topics covered throughout the year within the interactive modules, Lab Pod I will allow you to experience the excitement of performing scientific research in an active research lab environment.

Molecular and Cellular Biology

This module will give you a strong grounding in the fundamentals of both molecular biology (focusing on nucleic acid structure, function, control) and cellular biology (intracellular organelles and processes, cell signalling, cell specialisation and assembly into tissues). These topics will be contextualised, allowing you to understand the impact of molecular and cellular biology on human health, and will provide an essential foundation to be built on in year two modules.

Statistics

This module will introduce you to key concepts and principles relevant to biomedical statistics. You will gain the necessary skills to explore data sets then design and perform rigorous statistical analyses. You will also develop your critical analysis skills enabling you to critique the work of others, evaluate the significance of published scientific data and to discuss and develop alternative testing methods. This module will encourage you to develop a tool kit of statistical analysis skills that will be directly applicable to further learning within the BSc programme, the research you undertake during the Lab Pod modules, during your Year 3 placement projects and beyond.

The Molecular Basis of Disease

Core modules

Genetics and Genomics

In this module you will learn how our genetic material is organised and how it determines who we are. You will also study how DNA varies between and within individuals and how genetic linkage mapping and DNA sequencing detect such variations.

Lab Pod 2

Like Lab Pod 1, the Lab Pod 2 module is a vital component of Year 2 that spans almost all the academic year. It will provide links to theory taught in the interactive modules taken during the second year and provide the opportunity to recap what was experienced in Lab Pod 1. This module follows the same principles of Lab Pod 1 in that you will be presented with a research problem at the beginning of the year and will be expected to formulate hypotheses yourself. Working in teams, you will then devise ways of testing them.

I-Explore module

Through I-Explore, you'll have the chance to deepen your knowledge in a brand new subject area, chosen from a huge range of for-credit modules.

All undergraduate courses include one module from I-Explore's wide selection. The module you choose will be fully integrated into your course's curriculum and count as credit towards your degree.

Find out more about I-Explore

Optional modules

You choose four optional modules from the list below:

Cancer Biology

Paradoxically, much of what we know of normal biology has been learnt by studying cancer biology. This module will build on the Molecular and Cellular Biology module and it will take you from basic carcinogenesis to the most recent findings in tumour biology. This module will also introduce you to the concept of personalised medicine, which will be fully explored in Year 3 in the Precision Medicine module.

Cardiovascular and Thoracic Biology

The top ten causes of severe ill health will very soon have heart disease at number 1, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at number 5, and chest infections at number 6. Consequently, study of respiratory and cardiovascular science is essential if we are to improve our future health. This module will provide a solid grounding in basic physiology of the heart and lungs and will begin the process of understanding how genetic and environmental factors precipitate heart and lung diseases.

Immunology and Inflammation

This module builds upon the year 1 Integrative Body Systems module and provides an opportunity to study the physiology of the immune system in greater depth. It recaps and extends your knowledge of the molecules, cells, tissues and organs of the innate and adaptive immune systems and demonstrates how these develop, function and interact to create a cohesive defence system against pathogens to maintain health.

Microbiome in Health and Disease

The Microbiome in Health and Disease module builds upon the Chemistry of Biological Interactions module, and the Integrative Body Systems module. The core content will focus on the role microbiota play in human health and disease. You will gain an understanding of the key platforms and methods used to characterise the microbiota and the microbiome, alongside developing a deeper appreciation of the role microbiota play in health and disease.

Neuroscience

The aim of the module is to explore nervous system function and dysfunction, from molecules to disease. With topics including the types of neurotransmitters used in specific circuits, neuronal circuits and systems, the molecular basis of neural tube development and how this can be affected in developmental disorders, basic molecular and cellular mechanisms that are believed to underlie some major neurodegenerative diseases, case studies will be used to consolidate and to add real-life relevance to the knowledge acquired.

Pharmacology and Toxicology

This module will provide you with an understanding of the basic concepts that underpin modern pharmacology and toxicology. You will be required to link knowledge of real-world therapeutic use to your existing knowledge of molecular interactions, cellular biology, and systems-level responses. Using exemplar drugs in use today, you will focus on the chemical and biological factors that determine administration, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicological action (ADMET). These exemplars will also provide an opportunity to conduct quantitative pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses, and gain insight into the nature of the observed pharmacological action. Exploring the role of pharmacology and toxicology in drug discovery and development will enable the integration of knowledge gained throughout the module.

Stem Cells and Reproductive Biology

This module will focus on stem cell biology, incorporating aspects of mammalian development and reproduction where relevant. It will aim to provide a grounding in the basic concepts of stem cell biology and how these apply in different types of stem cells – including embryonic and adult stem cells. This knowledge will be applied in considering the applications of stem cells, both in basic research, disease modelling and in regenerative medicine strategies. The module will also relate the cellular properties of stem cells to early embryonic development and develop an understanding of how a single cell gives rise to a fertile organism. This will include aspects of pre-implantation development, development of a functional placenta, early embryogenesis, germline development and epigenetic reprogramming. It will highlight the main events during the mammalian reproductive cycle including the generation of functional gametes.

Science in Action

Core project modules

You will undertake a project from a wide range available – you will have the opportunity to express preferences which we will take into consideration as part of the allocation process. Options available are:

Laboratory Based Research Project

The research project in the final year is a key component of the BSc Medical Biosciences programme. Projects may be completed in a ‘wet’ lab, or in a ‘dry’ research environment (for example, an epidemiology, data sciences or computational research team). The Lab project will last for approximately five months and enable you to fully integrate into the hosting team and to be treated as a bona fide team member.

Literature Based Research Project

This project provides you with an opportunity to undertake an extended piece of work and explore in depth a topic related to biomedical sciences provided by Faculty staff. The project will last for approximately 14 weeks. You may choose to include data in your dissertation, for example analysing open-source data, conducting a meta-analysis or working with a charitable organisation to evaluate the impact of the charity’s work.

Alternatively, you can explore a pertinent major health challenge through an extended piece of work, which illuminates the theory and developments in your selected area.

Work Placement Based Project

Work Placements provide you with an opportunity to gain real-world experience of health challenges and apply theoretical knowledge to practical business problems. Work Placement projects will last approximately 14 weeks.

You will gain experience working in a relevant organisation, working with professional colleagues in a business, public sector or third sector environment. Potential placement host organisations include hospitals, publishing or broadcasting houses, museums, charities, app design companies, consultancy companies, government agencies and think tanks.

You will write a placement report, explaining your contribution to the organisation and analysing the organisation's approach to translating theoretical knowledge to solve health challenges. You will subsequently identify an opportunity for improvement or for the development of a new product/service to solve a health challenge.

Compulsory modules

If you are allocated a Literature Based Research Project or Work Placement Based Project, you will study the modules below.

Creative Reflection on Professional Practice

This module is designed to develop critical reflection skills relating to the processing of experience on a work or research project. Reflective practice focuses on articulating learning from experience, ethical conduct, resilience, engagement with a community of practitioners, and the developing skills of lifelong learning for professional and personal growth. 

Science Communication and Public Engagement

The ability to effectively communicate scientific developments and explain the importance of scientific work is increasingly important. Researchers, industry leaders and charitable organisations are increasingly reliant on persuasive communication to secure funding, inform government policy and engage the public with their mission.

If you choose the laboratory-based research project this module becomes available as an optional module for five ECTS credits, instead of the usual 10 ECTS credits. 

Optional modules

In addition to your project modules and compulsory modules, you choose three optional modules. Available options are:

Biology of Ageing

This module will explain how brain function is affected by the aging process, summarise how ageing, genetic background and other environmental risk factors affect susceptibility to certain neurological disorders, compare and contrast the key clinical features of the main age-related CNS neurodegenerative/neurological disorders, teach you a broad range of analytical and data evaluation skills to facilitate critical analysis of scientific material.

Designing Drugs for the 21st Century

Key topics on this module will include, an overview of the drug discovery process – from the chemists, speakers from AZ, GSK, UCB, TTP on drug discovery, development and its challenges in the 21st Century, reflection on their own careers with insights into how to develop a pharmaceutical career, Patient and Public Involvement.

Global Health

Global Health is an area of study, research and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving health equity for all people worldwide. This module is designed for students interested in health and its determinants. You will learn about global patterns of disease from experts in their field and will be encouraged to explore the underlying reasons for today’s health inequalities. You will critically apply concepts from epidemiology, public health, ethics and politics to interpret and analyse the major global disease trends and associated health inequalities.

Nanobiology and Biomaterials

This module will examine the use of Biomaterials in general, and Nanomaterials in more detail, in medicine, clinical research, and in biomedical research. Areas that will be covered include an introduction to, and history, of materials in medicine, biomaterials and tissue engineering, nanomaterials, nanotechnology in health and disease – the good, the bad and the ugly.

Obesity and Diabetes

This module will cover, diabesity prevalence, novel diabetes and obesity pharmacological treatment, appetite control and dietetic technology, diabetes technology, bariatric surgery, genetics of diabetes, effect of obesity on fertility.

Regenerative Medicine

The importance of stem cells in human biology and their potential in regenerative medicine cannot be underscored enough. It also brings about a number of ethical concerns and is thus a hot topic in modern biomedicine that cannot be ignored. You will learn the basic biology of these cells and that not all stem cells are the same. You will explore ethical issues associated with research into these cells and, at the same time, of their enormous potential for changing the lives of many with devastating diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases.

Precision Medicine

Precision Medicine is the tailoring of medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient. By the end of this module you will be able to, identify the major bottlenecks in biomedical research and medicine that can be addressed by high-content molecular data and systemic analysis of medical data; identify the major methodologies for high-content molecular data generation (omics technologies) and capture/organization of medical data; summarise the major resources and analysis strategies available for large scale biological and clinical data; critique the strengths and weaknesses of “big data” and “precision medicine” methodology based on literature evidence.

Targeting Antimicrobial Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a major medical emergency and infectious diseases are a major threat in all parts of the world. Antimicrobial resistance is relevant to all pathogens and many areas of modern medicine. The module content will include, how antimicrobial drugs function; how microbes evolve to resist them; how current therapeutic drugs target different microbes; how agents acquire resistance to these therapeutics; areas of controversy and gaps in our understanding; consequences for patients in diverse settings.

You spend this year studying at Imperial College Business School.

Core modules

• Accounting
• Accounting Primer
• Business Economics
• Business Strategy
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance and Financial Management
• Global Business Management
• Group Project
• Innovation Management
• Marketing
• Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management
• Plagiarism Awareness
• Pre-Programme Maths
• Study Skills
• Sustainable Business

Minimum entry standards

Our minimum entry standard for 2022 entry is AAA overall, to include:

• A in Biology or Human Biology
• A in Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics
• A in another subject (if your second A grade is in Mathematics or Further Mathematics, your third choice must be a non-Mathematics subject)

General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Typical offer range

As a guide, here are the typical offers made to at least 80% of A-level applicants for 2020 entry:

• Three A-level offer: AAA

Practical endorsement (practical science assessment)

If you are made an offer you will be required to achieve a pass in the practical endorsement in all science subjects that form part of the offer.

The practical endorsement is part of the reformed English linear A-levels.

Additional Mathematics support

Our A-level Mathematics online course covers a range of key topic areas to help you gain a deeper understanding of the skills and techniques required to succeed in your A-level Mathematics exams.

This optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus with the aim of developing your thinking skills, fluency and confidence.

Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is available free of charge via the EdX website. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.

Minimum entry standards

Our minimum entry standard for 2022 entry is 38 points overall, to include:

• 6 in Biology at higher level
• 6 in Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics at higher level

Typical offer range

As a guide, the typical offer made to at least 80% of IB applicants for 2020 entry was 38 points.

Mathematics Higher Level for award in 2022

For entry in 2022, the Mathematics Analysis and Approaches or the Applications and Interpretation syllabi will be accepted at higher level with no preference.

Additional Mathematics support

Our A-level Mathematics online course is available free of charge via the EdX website.

Although this optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus, it is relevant to your curriculum too.

Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.

The grades detailed below are the minimum requirements for students offering only Advanced Placements as their exams for entry to Imperial.

If you are studying a High School Diploma that is accepted by Imperial alongside Advanced Placements, requirements may apply to both your Diploma and Advanced Placements.

Please consult our country index to check whether we accept your High School Diploma programme for admission.

Our minimum requirement for this course is grades 5, 5, 5 to include:

• 5 in Biology
• 5 in Chemistry
• 5 in a Mathematics or Science subject

Additional Mathematics support

Our A-level Mathematics online course is available free of charge via the EdX website.

Although this optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus, it is relevant to your curriculum too.

Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is self-paced so you can start it at any 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.

Pilot admissions schemes (Home students)

From 2020 entry, we will be using information about our applicants in a number of new pilot admissions schemes, to consider the wider context of Home students from groups underrepresented at the College.

More about pilot admissions schemes

Currently, Medical Biosciences courses do not accept UCL UPCSE nor Warwick IFP Science and Engineering applications.

We want to make sure that the Imperial learning community is as diverse as the society we serve. So to make our admissions process as fair as possible, we have introduced admissions schemes for Home students that allow us to consider your application in the full context of any additional barriers you may face.

Find out if you meet the eligibility criteria for our contextual admissions schemes. 

This department will make you a guaranteed offer if you have predicted grades that meet the minimum College entry standard of AAA at A-level or an equivalent level qualification and you demonstrate motivation to study the specific subject area.

Read more about the contextual admissions scheme in this department and others.

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the higher College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for undergraduate applicants.

An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students who apply for this course.

For more information about the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), please see the International Student Support website.

View our terms and conditions on visas.

2022 entry

The fee for Home students is controlled by the UK government. It has not been confirmed for the 2022-23 academic year.

As a guide, the Home rate of tuition for the 2021-22 academic year was £9,250.

For each subsequent year, you should expect and budget for your tuition fee to increase by an amount in line with inflation. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPIX) value, taken from April in the calendar year in which the academic session starts.

For example, the RPIX value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.

Fee status

Whether you pay the Home fee depends on your fee status.

Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.

Find out more about how we assess your fee status.

EU/EEA/Swiss students

The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.

EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication). 

UKCISA has also provided some information in response to Questions for students starting their course from the 1 August 2021.

For regular updates for EU students, please see our Imperial and the EU webpages.

Government funding

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.

2022 entry

The fee for Overseas students is controlled by the College. It has not been confirmed for the 2022–23 academic year.

As a guide, the Overseas rate of tuition for the 2021–22 academic year was £32,000.

For each subsequent year, you should expect and budget for your tuition fee to increase by an amount in line with inflation. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPIX) value, taken from April in the calendar year in which the academic session starts. For example, the RPIX value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.

Fee status

Whether you pay the Overseas fee depends on your fee status.

Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.

Find out more about how we assess your fee status.

EU/EEA/Swiss students

The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.

EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication). 

UKCISA has also provided some information in response to Questions for students starting their course from the 1 August 2021.

For regular updates for EU students, please see our Imperial and the EU webpages.

This section outlines additional costs relevant to this course. These are not included in your tuition fees. It's possible that all, or only some, of these will be relevant to you.

Figures are approximated, usually based on costs in the most recent academic year. They are likely to change each year but it's useful for you to be aware of the things you may have to pay for. This can help you budget for life at Imperial.

Mandatory costs are those that you will need to pay to fully participate in and complete your studies. Optional costs are not essential to your studies so you can opt-out of these.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wearing personal protective equipment is compulsory for some activities on this course. Where this applies, we will provide you with the necessary PPE free of charge. This includes a lab coat.

Tablet computer

All students on this course will be provided with a tablet computer for the duration of their studies. This will be provided free of charge.

Travel to placement

Currently, there are three project options in your third year (see Structure – Year 3).

The placement project option will involve travel to and from your placement, which you should expect to budget for.

The other placement options will not require you to budget for travel expenses and can be completed at Imperial College.

Living costs, including accommodation, are not included in your tuition fees.

Most Imperial undergraduates choose to live in our halls of residence in their first year. You can compare costs across different accommodation options.

Read our rough guide to university spending in London.