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Medical Science BSc (Hons)

Learn in our specialist facilities and prepare for a range of exciting career paths including research, public health or the pharmaceutical industry in this multi-disciplinary course
Code
B90A
Start
September 2024
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Dr Ghada Elayat

The course allows you to explore many different aspects of medical science including nutritional sciences, pharmacology and neurology.

Why choose BSc (Hons) Medical Science at Middlesex?

A medical science degree is highly prized by employers and transferable to a wide range of sectors.

You'll leave with a valuable mix of technical skills, such as data analysis and report writing, and soft skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and commercial awareness.

What you will gain

Our Medical Science BSc will equip you with the technical skills and soft skills required for a variety of careers at NHS, pharmaceutical, veterinary, agriculture or university laboratories. Other career options include medical science liaison, science communication and teaching.

Additionally, you can study further after graduation to become a healthcare practitioner, including a clinical scientist, clinical research associate or physician associate.

At Middlesex, you also have the option to specialise in pharmacology which will see you graduate in BSc Medical Science (Pharmacology). This route remains identical to BSc Medical Science in years one and two. In year three, however, it becomes focused on pharmacology, where modules on Drug Development and Neuropharmacology will be compulsory.

We have 145 years of experience delivering professional, creative and technical education that prepares students – like you – for success in global careers.

What you will learn

By choosing BSc (Honours) Medical Science with us, you’ll develop a range of skills and techniques which are used at the forefront of the industry.

We'll help develop your understanding of disease processes and how diseases are diagnosed, treated and prevented.

You’ll acquire the knowledge, skills, attitude and ethical values required for a variety of medical and science-related careers.

Additionally, you'll be taught using a wide range of learning styles, all of which will strengthen your communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Our expert tutors will help you develop a deep understanding of the human body and how it works in both sickness and in health. You will:

  • Learn about Health and disease. From the study of molecular activities within cells through to an individual’s behaviour
  • Receive training on specialised laboratory equipment used to diagnose and research medical conditions
  • Study contemporary issues relevant to medical science, including genomics, cancer, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases and pandemic viral infections
  • Acquire soft skills valued by employers, including communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork skills
  • Have the option of specialising in pharmacology as a dedicated route, which will see you graduate in BSc Medical Science (Pharmacology).

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Gain invaluable expertise
    Develop a range of skills and techniques used at the forefront of scientific research and industry for a career in science
  • Broad career prospects
    This degree will prepare you for a range of careers including employment with pharmaceutical, public health, veterinary, agriculture or university laboratories
  • High-tech facilities
    Learn in our specialist Hatchcroft Building which has cutting-edge facilities, labs and the latest industry equipment

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Sign up to receive the latest information about studying at Middlesex University London.

Our communications are designed to support you in deciding your future and keep you up to date about student finance, employment opportunities and student activities available at Middlesex University.

About your course

This is a multidisciplinary 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.

To find out more about this highly regarded course, please download the Medical Science BSc (Hons) specification (PDF).

  1. Teaching and independent learning
  2. Coursework and assessment

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.


Keep informed

Sign up to receive the latest information about studying at Middlesex University London.

Our communications are designed to support you in deciding your future and keep you up to date about student finance, employment opportunities and student activities available at Middlesex University.

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 in the pharmaceutical industry, public health, the veterinary sector, 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 may choose to undertake further study after graduating to become a healthcare practitioner, including a clinical scientist, clinical research associate or physician associate.

MDXworks

Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:

The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023

A top 10 university for producing CEOs  – Novuana, 2023.

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free access to resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Dr Ghada Elayat MBChB, PhD, CSci, 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.

Dr Elayat is a registered IBMS mentor and a member of the IBMS mentoring scheme.

Helen Roberts
Associate Professor in Skeletal Cancer Research

Dr Roberts is currently Associate Professor in Skeletal Cancer Research at Middlesex University, and coordinates a research track investigating the regulation of aberrant cellular behaviour and subsequent skeletal tissue morbidity. She has a particular interest in the role of epigenetics and autophagy in the regulation of osteosarcoma metastasis and chemoresistance.

Dr Roberts is Programme Leader for the Faculty of Science and Technology Foundation Programme, and Director of Programmes (Quality Enhancement) for the Department of Natural Sciences. Dr Roberts also contributes to the teaching of epigenetics, physiology, pharmacology, molecular biology and cell biology on undergraduate and postgraduate modules, and supervises a number of undergraduate (BSc) and postgraduate (MSc, MRes and PhD) research projects.


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.

Other courses

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Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years part-time

Code: B123

Nutrition BSc

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 year full-time or 4 year with sandwich year, 6 years part-time.

Code: B400

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