
Biomedical Sciences - BSc (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2022/23 Entry. Switch to 2023/24 Entry
Do you want a career in biomedical sciences? Our practice-led degree offers a unique insight into human life processes, as well as disease and health within the population. You’ll develop a range of practical and analytical skills, with the opportunity to put them into practice during an optional sandwich year work placement....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2022
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Health Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Overview
Do you want a career in biomedical sciences? Our practice-led degree offers a unique insight into human life processes, as well as disease and health within the population. You’ll develop a range of practical and analytical skills, with the opportunity to put them into practice during an optional sandwich year work placement. This course is based at our recently extended state-of-the-art £71 million campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham.
What's covered in this course?
Biomedical sciences embrace a number of important disciplines, including physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology and genetics. These subjects are of great importance in the provision of healthcare, medical research and underpin the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. On this course you will learn about how the human body functions in health and disease, and develop an understanding of the diagnosis, management and treatment of a range of diseases. This degree emphasises critical thinking and independent problem solving skills, which will help you to navigate a successful career after graduation.
Throughout this course you will acquire important practical and scientific skills whilst being taught in our new state-of-the-art life sciences laboratories. You will have the opportunity to take an optional sandwich-year placement in an industrial, clinical or research setting between years 2 and 3 of this course. In the final year you will undertake an independent Research Project where you will execute your own experiments under supervision.
Graduates may go on to a range of careers directly or after further post-graduate training and study. These careers include medical laboratory assistants, trainee biomedical scientists, physician associates, clinical trials for drug companies, research assistants and research technicians, marketing assistants and medical and scientific representatives. Graduates may also use their qualifications to progress into teaching careers, as well as post-graduate study to obtain MSc, MPhil, Physician Associate/Assistant and PhD qualifications. Exceptional graduates may be able progress into post-graduate Medicine and Dentistry.
Why Choose Us?
- We’ve invested £71 million in our City South Campus - featuring specialist labs and over £250,000 worth of new equipment
- Industry partnerships - you’ll benefit from our partnerships with employers to gain relevant work experience and opportunities
- Access to our cutting-edge virtual technologies and one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries
- Passionate staff - learn from experienced tutors who are experts in their field
- Student support - we provide you with a personal tutor to support you in achieving your learning goals
- Get work experience abroad - you can apply for a travel scholarship as part of our Go Abroad scheme to carry out exciting work placements overseas
Similar Courses
Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic
The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to explore our campus and facilities in person. You'll be able to hear more about your chosen subject area in our course talks.
Next Open Day: Saturday 25 June
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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Level 2 Qualifications | ||
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UK Qualification | Requirements | |
GCSE |
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BTEC Level 2 Diploma |
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BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate |
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City and Guilds Level 2 Certificates in Adult Numeracy/ Adult Literacy |
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Functional Skills/ Essential Skills level 2 |
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Key Skills level 2 |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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Scottish National 5 |
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IELTS |
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Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
UK Qualification | Requirements | |
A level and Advanced VCE |
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Access to HE Diploma |
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British bachelor's degree |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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Open University courses |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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Other qualifications | ||
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Recent relevant study to GCE A-level standard or above must have been completed within five years of the course intake date the applicant is applying for. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
Extra Information for EU/international students
Essential | ||
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EU/non-EU (international) qualifications | Requirements | |
IELTS | 6.5 overall with 6 minimum in all bands | |
International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). | 28 points (minimum grade 5 in Higher Level Mathematics) Country-specific entry requirements and qualifications. |
International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation based on the Retail Prices Index and the additional costs we incur each year to deliver our courses, maintain and develop our infrastructure and provide a range of support services, or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2022/23
- Apply via UCAS
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation based on the Retail Prices Index and the additional costs we incur each year to deliver our courses, maintain and develop our infrastructure and provide a range of support services, or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £13,500 in 2022/23
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
Our advice for applying to a health care course
Applying for a course and preparing for an interview can be a daunting process, so we have created a series of films to help you through the process, including what to put in your personal statement.
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
20 credits
Biochemistry is the study of the fundamental chemical and molecular reactions that occur within living organisms. The aim of this module is to introduce the biochemical reactions that occur within the human body, framed in the context of human health and disease. There are 5 broad themes in biochemistry that will be covered throughout the module:
- Properties of water, pH and buffers.
- Protein structure and function
- Nucleosides and nucleotides
- Carbohydrates and lipids
- Enzymes and Metabolism
20 credits
This module will introduce you to key cellular and sub-cellular concepts associated with biomedical sciences. You will encounter the cell as the fundamental, yet dynamic, unit of life. The module aims to describe the relationship between structure and function, and how the characteristics of cells facilitate their activities and allow them to contribute to the activity of tissues. You will develop a detailed and in-depth understanding of why and how cells behave as they do, both on their own, and as part of a tissue in a living organism.
This module covers the main themes and laboratory techniques in cellular biology, and alongside the Biochemistry module (level 4) prepares you for the Introduction to Human Physiology level 4 module, the Blood Science and Clinical Biochemistry and Cellular Analysis level 5 modules, and the Molecular Basis of Disease and Pathophysiology level 6 modules.
20 credits
This module will provide you with the fundamental scientific skills that will form the foundations for your success throughout your degree and into your career beyond. Many scientists are involved in the direct generation of data; be it physiological measurements of blood glucose levels pre- and post- exercise; the activity of an enzyme in a biochemical assay; or the rate of growth of a pathogenic bacterium on a particular food source. Therefore, understanding the basic principles of how to process this data is essential, and equally as important is knowing how to correctly use the scientific instruments available in the laboratory to generate the initial data.
20 credits
This module is delivered in the second semester of your journey on the Biomedical Sciences programme and will provide you with the essential knowledge and understanding of human physiological systems. You will start with the fundamentals of homeostasis and gradually work towards exploring the physiological and scientific principles of organ systems. Theory and practice will be linked throughout by use of clinical examples to import the significance and relevance of the topics covered.
20 credits
This module will provide you with an introduction to the field of Genetics. An understanding of genetics is fundamental to understanding biological processes, and the role of genes in health and disease. This module will discuss modes of inheritance, how information is encoded in DNA, how this information is translated, and the impacts of mutations on genetic conditions.
20 credits
This module introduces students to the fundamentals of the microbial world. Students need to understand the important principles of how microorganisms function and survive before advancing to the topics where we explore the roles of microorganisms in disease.
The module is designed to be challenging and thought-provoking by the inclusion of contemporary topics that feature heavily in the news and in daily life as well as addressing issues that are potentially life-threatening. Importantly, topics are also discussed that illustrate the importance of the microorganisms associated with the human body in maintaining a healthy state. Moreover, the module also examines how our lifestyles can affect the microbes associated with our bodies and how this may impact on human health for example, obesity and diabetes.
Year Two
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).
20 credits
This module is designed to give you the necessary skills and knowledge required to design, execute and disseminate a research project in the biomedical sciences and clinically-related research fields. It will prepare you to:
- Critically analyse scientific/medical research literature
- Assess ethical aspects like fraud, plagiarism, medical and academic misconduct
- Evaluate research design including data management
- Statistical analysis
- Develop presentation skills
- Scientific writing
- Publishing skills
20 credits
Disruption of normal cellular and biochemical processes has an impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing. In this module, you will investigate cellular and tissue function, and assess the investigative methods used for determining abnormalities at a biochemical and cellular level. These will include biochemical methods for detection of biological molecules.
The module aims to bring together the ability to represent data in an appropriate manner and assess the impact on an individual’s health. This will allow the information to be presented in a case specific manner, and information tailored to explain a specific individual and their health, and where appropriate to diagnose and monitor conditions. This will look at the principles of tests to investigate and determine the function and dysfunction of organs and systems and the changes seen in disease.
20 credits
This module will build on the knowledge and skills developed at level 4 and will explore the scientific foundations of pharmacology. You will use this underpinning knowledge to examine how the pharmaceutical industry designs and develops novel drug entities to treat the underlying pathophysiology of common diseases.
20 credits
This module will provide you with an introduction to the components of human blood, the functions of the different cell types, and the disorders that affect them. This module will also include the techniques for diagnosis and monitoring of blood disorders, the interpretation of clinical and laboratory data, and the essential features of modern clinical and laboratory haematology.
20 credits
This module will build upon the level 4 Microbiology module, by introducing you to the different types of microorganisms that infect humans and cause disease. One of the critical issues in clinical microbiology is the speed of reporting results of tests as some infections are potentially life threatening. You therefore review some of the important and time-saving techniques and how they are beginning to replace traditional cultural methods. You will also examine antibiotic-sensitivity testing and different ways this can be accomplished. Treating the human body as a series of systems, you will examine the barriers to prevent infections and how pathogens have evolved ways to circumvent these obstacles.
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide a practical context for you to develop key employability attributes such as communication, organisation, interpersonal and networking skills. The work placement is an excellent opportunity for you to apply your scientific academic knowledge and skills outside of the University environment. By engaging with a placement provider you will be viewing first-hand the scope of a job role and demands placed on employees.
20 credits
A number of our graduates will go on to work in bioscience related areas, whilst others will
embark on careers outside this field. Some of the students on this course will be undecided
on a choice of career at this stage. This module is intended to introduce students to the
variety of careers that bioscience graduates can choose from. They will learn about the key
roles and responsibilities in these careers, as well as the skills and qualifications needed to
compete for these jobs.
Sandwich Year
With the support of our dedicated placement team, you'll secure a year-long work placement with an organisation that allows you to further explore an area that interests you.
The placement is an incredible opportunity to apply the knowledge that you have developed to a hands-on role and get invaluable work experience before you graduate. Employers and graduates feedback to us about how important this year is and if gives you a real head start when finding a job.
Placement
Final Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
40 credits
The Research Project will provide you with experience of how information is reviewed, and how novel information is acquired, analysed and presented. You will be involved in the initial planning of the project, the continual project development, and responsible for the communication of the research findings. It is an opportunity to apply the theoretical, research, and academic skills that you have acquired throughout the programme to answer novel questions. The project enables you to demonstrate initiative and creativity in your approaches to examining a specific problem or question.
20 credits
An understanding of a disease at the cellular and molecular level is important for those working in the biomedical sciences. This module is designed to explore the molecular, biochemical and cellular changes in human disease and how this has contributed to the development of novel diagnostic tools and of knowledge-based treatment strategies. It will also provide you critical-thinking skills to explore human health and diseases through reference to primary research articles, and reviews.
20 credits
This module aims to look at the conditions that are known to be the main cause of morbidity and mortality nationally and globally according to the Office of National Statistics and the World Health organisation. It is important that individuals are able to recognise key symptoms of the condition and the underpinning physiology accounting for these changes. They should also be able to identify key literature about the incidence, treatment and prevention of the disease from the literature.
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
20 credits
Toxicology is the scientific study of adverse effects that occur in living organisms due to chemicals. It involves observing and reporting symptoms, mechanisms, detection and treatments of toxic substances, in particular relation to the poisoning of humans. This module will develop your knowledge and skills gained in the level 5 module, Fundamental Principles of Pharmacology and Drug Development. The module will also develop your employability skills through sessions that develop your critical analysis, communication and academic writing skills.
20 credits
Modern healthcare providers are constantly striving to provide better patient care, improved diagnostics and treatments for current and emerging diseases. However, in order to comply with financial pressures and an expanding, increasingly mobile global population, healthcare improvements must be efficient, cost effective and sustainable. Underpinning these improvements are new technologies and contemporary approaches that provide more rapid and rigorous diagnostics and therapies. Research within the Biosciences has had a substantial part to play in these developments, with advances in DNA sequencing, genetic engineering and drug discovery for example, leading to significant medical breakthroughs.
20 credits
In this module you will learn about the impact of infectious disease outbreaks around the world and the epidemiological strategies used to monitor and prevent them. You will explore the microorganisms that are the causative agents of disease, learn how infection is transmitted, study the impact on human health and the current strategies to combat disease.
20 credits
The World Health Organisation stated recently that “There is ample evidence that pinpoints to neurological disorders as one of the greatest threats to public health”. This module is designed to introduce you into the exciting world of neuroscience, by giving you a clear understanding of basic principles of neuronal (inter)action, learning and memory, emotion and motivation, necessary for your contribution to research in brain disorders like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s’ disease, epilepsy, dementia, anxiety and depression.
This module will build upon the basic understanding obtained in the modules, Introduction to Human physiology, Fundamentals of Cell biology, Pharmacology and Research methods, and will equip you to critically appraise recent developments in brain disease research across all levels of analysis, and evaluate various exciting therapeutic approaches.
20 credits
This immunology module is designed to review topical aspects of advanced immunology with emphasis on the regulation of the immune response, and the role of dysfunctional immune systems in the aetiology of a variety of disease states.
Topics include antigen processing and presentation, transplant rejection, autoimmunity, hypersensitivity, cell migration homing and extravasation, cytokines, mucosal immunology and autophagy.
20 credits
The Medical Pharmacology module builds up on the concepts delivered in BMS4004 Human Physiology module (level 4) and BMS5004 Fundamental Principles of Pharmacology and Drug Discovery module (level 5). This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts of medical pharmacology and covers drugs acting on the major organ systems of the body, including the cardiovascular, renal, nervous, gastrointestinal, respiratory and endocrine systems. The content of the module will further introduce students to drugs used against inflammation, fever and pain whereas cancer pharmacology session will focus on the mechanisms of action of major classes of anti-cancer agents.
Download course specification
Download nowHow you'll learn
Our teaching philosophy is focused on enabling students to progress as self-directed learners. You will be encouraged to investigate, to be creative and enterprising, and to think critically about the current and future global challenges faced by modern day scientists. These attributes will be developed within independent subject modules, overseen by a dedicated team of scientists with teaching and research expertise covering the whole range of biomedical sciences disciplines.
You'll be exposed to a number of different teaching and learning styles, as well as a range of assessment types. You will also be able to influence your learning pathway by choosing from a choice of optional modules in your second and final years of study.’
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
We'll develop you into a work-ready graduate. Employability skills are embedded throughout the programme that will enable you to succeed in careers in science, and which are transferable across a variety of graduate careers
You will also have access to the Universities Graduate+ programme which will provide you with opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities that will help to expand your employability attributes. There are modules in the programme that provide you with opportunities to develop employability skills on work placements or as part of research-focused projects.
Placements
You will have the opportunity to gain valuable work-life skills as part of a placement that will be relevant to biomedical sciences. You'll be offered a choice of placements in educational, industrial or research based settings, but we'll also encourage you to find your own placement that suits your interests and needs.
OpportUNIty

OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
The creation of our new suite of courses in Sport and Life Sciences is yet another exciting development at Birmingham City University. The 10,500sq metre building at City South Campus will enable us to offer a wide range of new health, nutrition, biomedical science and sports courses, as well as providing a new home for our education programmes.
Not only are we investing £41 million in a new building to house the laboratories and teaching spaces needed, but we also plan to open up these facilities to benefit all students and the wider community. This will complement our existing sports facilities, which already provide a base for students to compete in activities ranging from rugby to jiu jitsu.
The courses will reflect the latest developments in our teaching and our focus on practice-led learning with work placements and live industry case studies incorporated into the curriculum. All courses have been co-designed with employers and are endorsed or accredited by professional bodies where appropriate.
By expanding our provision to these new areas, we will be helping to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society today, such as obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, by encouraging and supporting healthy eating and greater physical activity.
In addition, we will be producing graduates who can support elite performers in meeting the UK’s ambitions for sporting success at events such as the Olympics and other world sporting tournaments. We are constantly looking to enhance the range of courses we offer - please check all our courses for the latest additions to our portfolio.

Simulation Mannequins
We have several Simulation men (SIM men) and Simulation babies (SIM babies) which are leading edge, anatomically correct mannequins used for teaching specific techniques such as advanced adult and paediatric life support skills, acute and high dependency clinical skills, first aid and communication skills.

S.P.A.C.E.
SPACE is an innovative practice area all students can access to use equipment and resources to practise a wide range of skills in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. It provides students with a creative learning environment to get the best educational experience before becoming a health care professional.

Learning Facilities
We offer up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that medical staff may come across. These resources are essential in offering students a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice.

Virtual Tour
Explore our facilities in 360 panoramas, including welcome videos from key members of staff and Health and Wellbeing student profiles.
Doug Ellis Sports Centre
Our £8.5 million Doug Ellis Sports Centre boasts an 80-station fitness suite, an eight-court sports hall, and workout and spinning studios. The centre offers state-of-the-art fitness training equipment and plenty of room for team sports including five-a-side football and cricket. An all-weather pitch adds the finishing touches to the centre.
Visitors to the gym can choose a personalised fitness programme, instructed by qualified fitness trainers, and take advantage of a selection of classes, such as yoga, salsa or body combat.

Our staff
Dr Andy Powell
Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
In 1996 Andy graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Physiology from the University of Manchester; he then completed a PhD in Pharmacology at the University of Bristol where he investigated the Modulation of Neurotransmitter release by Purinoceptors.
More about AndyDavid Lee
Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences
David completed his degree and PhD at the University of Birmingham before embarking on a research career as a Senior Research and Teaching Fellow. He joined Birmingham City University in 2016 as lead for the Biomedical sciences programme. David maintains research links with the University of Birmingham where he continues to supervise a doctoral...
More about DavidDr Martin Goldberg
Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology
After completing his degree in Bacteriology and Genetics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Martin worked for several years as a Biomedical Scientist in the large microbiology labs at Leicester Royal Infirmary. During this time, he became a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences. Martin then moved to the Genetics Department at...
More about MartinDr Ashok Patel
Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences
Ashok completed a PhD in genetic predisposition to diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy whilst working in a lab at Kings College Hospital in London. He then worked as a Research Fellow at the Windeyer institute of Medical Sciences, University College London, for three years. This was followed by a Research Fellow post at the University of...
More about Ashok