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BSc (Hons) Medical Science

Learn about the course below
Clearing is now open!
This course is available through Clearing

Apply now:

Code
B90A
Start
September 2023
September 2024
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
September 2023: £9,250 (UK)*
£15,100 (INT)*

September 2024: £9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Dr Ghada Elayat

This course is now available in Clearing.
To find out the latest entry requirements, give us a call 0208 411 6565 or Live chat.

A degree in Medical Science is highly valued by employers and transferable to a wide range of sectors. Employers prefer graduates with a mixture of technical skills, such as data analysis and report writing, and soft skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and commercial awareness.

Our Medical Science degree will equip you with not only the technical skills, but also the soft skills required for a career working in a research or clinical diagnostic laboratory, or career dealing directly with customers or patients.

This degree can be specialised based on the modules you take, you can graduate in either:

  • BSc Medical Science
  • BSc Medical Science (Pharmacology)

You can see which modules that you would need to undertake for each pathway in the modules section of this page.

Both routes are identical in years 1 and 2, however BSc Medical Science (Pharmacology) becomes focused on pharmacology in year 3, where modules on Drug Development and Neuropharmacology will be compulsory.

Why study BSc Medical Science at Middlesex University?

Studying BSc (Hons) Medical Science with us, you’ll develop a range of skills and techniques which are used at the forefront of the industry. From your studies, you’ll acquire knowledge, skills, attitude and ethical values required for a wide range of medical and science-related careers.

An essential aim of the programme is to develop your understanding of disease processes and enhance your knowledge of how diseases are diagnosed, treated and prevented. Additionally, you'll be taught using a wide range of learning styles, all of which will be vital throughout your degree in developing your communication, problem-solving and teamworking skills.

Our specialist Hatchcroft Building is outfitted with cutting-edge facilities and you’ll have access to all the labs and equipment there. You’ll get the experience of working with the latest industry equipment from the very start.

Course highlights

  • You’ll gain a deep understanding of the human body in health and disease from molecular activities within cells through to an individual’s behaviour.
  • You’ll develop practical skills training on specialised laboratory equipment used to diagnose and research into medical conditions.
  • You’ll study contemporary issues relevant to medical science, including genomics, cancer, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases and pandemic viral infections.
  • You’ll acquire soft skills valued by employers, including communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving and teamworking skills.

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What will you study on BSc Medical Science?

This is a multi-discipline degree, covering biochemistry, genomics, neuroscience, nutrition, pathology, physiology, and pharmacology. You’ll therefore acquire knowledge of the structure and function of the human body in health and disease.

Additionally, you will learn about the principles of diagnosis and human disease management. You’ll gain knowledge and hands-on experience of clinical and laboratory procedures used in diagnostics and medical research.

Finally, you’ll acquire an appreciation of the importance of scientific research in the advancement of medical science and practice through studying statistics and carrying out an independent research project.

Modules

  • Year 1 - Compulsory

    • Professional Development and Trends in Medical Science (15 credits)

      This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the employment opportunities in the field of medical science. In addition, the module facilitates development of basic laboratory skills, safe laboratory practice, and appropriate administrative, communication and practical skills required for successful academic and professional progress, and to work in a clinical laboratory environment.

    • Biomolecular Science (15 credits)

      This module provides you with the skill and underpinning knowledge to pursue further studies in biological and biomedical sciences. Particular emphasis is placed on the basic principles of biochemistry for life sciences and genetics.

    • Cell Sciences (30 credits)

      The module aims to provide you with an introduction to the classification, structure and function of cells and microbes and examples of disease that result from abnormal structure and/or function. Another key aim of this module is to enable you to acquire laboratory skills required to study cells and microbes.

    • Human Sciences (30 credits)

      This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology required to underpin your future learning. The unifying theme of homeostasis is used to show how a healthy structure and function are maintained and how failures of homeostasis can result in disease.

    • Nutritional Sciences (30 credits)

      The module introduces you to the principal aspects of human nutrition. The aim of module is to provide you with a wide breadth of knowledge in human nutrition. On completion of the module you should be able to recall key nutritional facts and concepts covered on the syllabus, as well as outline the current global nutrition issues.

  • Year 2 - Compulsory

    • Research Methods and Professional Development (30 credits)

      The module aims to provide you with the skills necessary to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work, with the focus on preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops your core research skills fundamental to a scientific research design, irrespective of discipline. Specific research skills include analytical techniques appropriate to your course requirements.

    • Clinical Sciences (30 credits)

      This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of disease processes and most common diseases. It also examines the multidisciplinary nature of disease investigation, management and prevention.

    • Medical Microbiology (15 credits)

      This module introduces methods that are used to investigate infections. You will become familiar with aseptic techniques and culturing, isolation, enumeration, and observation of infectious agents in microbiology laboratory. This module also aims to provide you with understanding of the principles and practice of microbiological test procedures used to diagnose infectious disease and the methods used to control spread of infection.

    • Clinical Biochemistry and Haematology (15 credits)

      The module aims to provide you with a working knowledge of the principles and practice of clinical biochemistry and haematology and to gain experience in the application of commonly used techniques.

    • Pharmacology and Toxicology (15 credits)

      This module explores pharmacology, from a physiological systems and regulation, cellular and molecular perspective, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of drug action, clinical application, toxicology and pharmacokinetics.

    • Molecular Biology and Genomics (15 credits)

      The overall aim is that you understand and gain experience in the principles, practice, quality assurance and applications of commonly-employed methods of molecular biology and genetics used in the investigation of disease.

  • Year 3 - Compulsory (Medical Science route)

    • Clinical Diagnostics (30 credits)

      The module aims to enable you to develop an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of a range of diagnostic techniques. You will also be able to recognise abnormal results, which could be caused by either basic technical problems with the equipment or pathological processes.

    • Clinical Neurology (30 credits)

      The module will build on earlier learning, enabling you to develop a much deeper understanding of neurology. It also provides a basis for an exploration of neurological disorders at neurogenetic, molecular or cellular level, and an appreciation of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in neurology.

    • Dissertation (30 credits)

      This module will build on the skills you acquired when undertaking a Research Methods and Professional Practice module and from the knowledge gained throughout the course to date. Further development of analysis, critical thinking and scientific literary style will be promoted. You will pursue areas of individual interest in the subject area appropriate to your target award and have the opportunity of gaining increased theoretical and practical knowledge in a chosen specialist field. You will gain individual research experience  in an area that may provide future employment opportunities. Personal responsibility for your own learning through self-directed study and supervised preparation will be fostered. This is an integral part of the degree programme, furthering the development of skills in critical analysis and reflection.

  • Year 3 - Compulsory (Pharmacology route)

    • Drug Development (30 credits)

      This module is designed to provide you with knowledge of all the key processes involved in bringing a drug to the market and the associated challenges. The first part of the module focuses on the science and technology involved in the discovery process i.e. from identifying a medical need to the discovery of a drug candidate and the second part of the module focuses on the steps required to turn the drug candidate into a product on the market. This module is supported by online resources/videos and external speakers covering specialist topics to cover specialist topics such as, preclinical and human clinical trials, economics of drug discovery, regulatory controls and manufacturing processes.

    • Dissertation (30 credits)

      This module will build on the skills you acquired when undertaking a Research Methods and Professional Practice module and from the knowledge gained throughout the course to date. Further development of analysis, critical thinking and scientific literary style will be promoted. You will pursue areas of individual interest in the subject area appropriate to your target award and have the opportunity of gaining increased theoretical and practical knowledge in a chosen specialist field. You will gain individual research experience  in an area that may provide future employment opportunities. Personal responsibility for your own learning through self-directed study and supervised preparation will be fostered. This is an integral part of the degree programme, furthering the development of skills in critical analysis and reflection.

    • Clinical Diagnostics (30 credits)

      The module aims to enable you to develop an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of a range of diagnostic techniques. You will also be able to recognise abnormal results, which could be caused by either basic technical problems with the equipment or pathological processes.

    • Neuropharmacology (30 credits)

      The module aims to provide you with an understanding of the action of drugs on the nervous system and when drugs are used. It also provides an appreciation of steps required to develop a new drug.

  • Year 3 - Optional

    • Neuropharmacology (30 credits)

      The module aims to provide you with an understanding of the action of drugs on the nervous system and when drugs are used. It also provides an appreciation of steps required to develop a new drug.

    • Medical Immunology (30 credits)

      This module aims to provide you with a critical understanding of how immune systems fight pathogens, how inappropriate or inadequate response cause disease, appreciation of immunological tests used to detect and quantify biomarkers and knowledge of immune components used therapeutically in disease prevention or treatment.

    • Public Health Nutrition (30 credits)

      The module takes an interdisciplinary and intercultural approach to nutrition and health challenges facing the world. It aims to provide you with understanding of the nutritional factors that influence health from a local, national and global perspective. Additionally, it examines evidenced based approaches to the prevention, management and control of nutritional disorders of public health concerns.

    • Clinical Nutrition (30 credits)

      This module aims to cover the scientific basis underlying nutritional support, medical ethics and nutritional counselling. It provides a review of the relevant physiology, pathophysiology, nutritional support and dietetic application for the common disorders.

    • Clinical Microbiology (30 credits)

      This module aims to provide you with a critical understanding of pathogenicity and emergence of bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections. In addition, you will become familiar with the principles and practice of laboratory and point-of-care test procedures used to diagnose infectious disease and monitor the effectiveness of the treatments. You will also gain an insight into the methods used to control infections in healthcare settings and in the community.

More information about this course

See the course specification for more information:

Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.

  1. Overview
  1. Standard entry requirements
  2. International
  3. How to apply
  1. UK
  2. International
  3. Additional costs

How can the BSc Medical Science support your career?

A Medical Science degree will prepare you for a wide variety of careers, particularly laboratory-based work. You could gain employment with pharmaceutical, Public Health, veterinary, agriculture or university laboratories. Other career options include medical science liaison, science communication, sales and marketing of medical products, and teaching at all levels. Additionally, you can choose to undertake further study after graduating to become a healthcare practitioner, including a clinical scientist, clinical research associate or physician associate.

Dr Ghada Elayat MBChB, PhD, FIBMS, FHEA
Programme leader

Dr Elayat is medical doctor with many years’ experience in histopathology.  Her teaching experience spans over 25 years during which she taught medical, dentistry, pharmacy and biomedical students at both postgraduate and undergraduate levels. Her teaching strategies have evolved to include and explore new pedagogical ideas that focus on building the capability of learners to anticipate and engage with the future and to navigate through complexity, uncertainty and change.

Dr Elayat's research interests include breast cancer, which has resulted in several publications in peer reviewed scientific journals. Her current research is focused on bladder cancer biology with particular focus on mechanisms of angiogenesis and their impact on prognosis and treatment.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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