Medical Science: University of Birmingham

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Degree: BMedSc
Address: Medical Science: University of Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Subject: Health Sciences and Human Body
Duration: 3 years
Telephone: +44 (0)121 414 3344
Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971
Website: http://www.medicine.bham.ac.uk/ug/bmedsc

Medical Science, in essence, considers the scientific basis of medicine. You will learn about the workings of the human body and explore the limits of our scientific understanding of many of the diseases that affect humankind. Our graduates follow a wide variety of career paths.

The course is delivered by staff within the Medical School, which means that you will be taught by subject experts across the full breadth of medical science disciplines. The exceptional strength of the research portfolio within the Medical School provides great opportunities for you to become involved in high level medical research in the latter parts of the course.

First and second years

The course is very broad in the first two years. All modules are compulsory, providing a strong foundation for specialisation in the third year. You gain an excellent understanding of how the human body functions in health and what goes wrong in disease. Modules in the first year include the Cardiovascular and Respiratory System, Digestive System, and Neuroscience, all of which are taught on the basis of linking structure to function, ranging from the system to the cell and molecular level.

In the second year, some modules provide more advanced knowledge of topics introduced previously, and others introduce different body systems, such as the immune, endocrine and reproductive systems. Pharmacology is an important component of both years, providing an understanding of the action of existing and potential drug therapy for a wide variety of human conditions.

We place a strong emphasis on developing analytical skills (through problem-solving exercises) as well as IT and communication skills. Cultivating practical skills is also an essential objective of the programme. In the first two years you will carry out practical work, using a wide variety of techniques, in our modern, well-equipped laboratories.

Third year

Because of the broad experience you gain in the first two years, a wide variety of subject areas is available for specialist study in the final year. You choose two modules, in which you explore the latest ideas and research findings, guided by experts in your subject areas. Topics include Cellular Pathology, Molecular Genetics, Cancer Pathogenesis, Molecular Medicine, Neuropharmacology, Neuroscience and Virology, and many more. You are also exposed to advanced research techniques, which prepare you for a full-time research project in the spring term.

At this time, you are able to undertake novel medical research work in a laboratory setting. You acquire skills in the use of advanced experimental techniques as well as the analysis and interpretation of data. You may even become an author of published research.

Year in industry

Before entering the third year you may wish to apply to take a year out to pursue work experience in, say, the pharmaceutical industry. Opportunities also exist to undertake a summer research project in a laboratory in the Medical School – for which funding is available. These opportunities are invaluable preparation for your final year and also enhance your career prospects.

Teaching and assessment

In the majority of modules, about half the teaching is in the form of lectures, and the remainder comprises practicals, tutorials and computer-based learning, which are designed to develop your understanding of the information provided in lectures. You are assessed by a combination of coursework (25%) and end-of-year examinations. A wide variety of modes of assessment are used for in-course work, including essays, practical write-ups, oral presentations, web-based tests, mini-problems and journal clubs. The project write-up is a substantial piece of work and accounts for a significant proportion of the final-year mark.

Career opportunities

We have an excellent record of employment in a wide variety of careers. Many of our graduates embark on laboratory work in universities (PhD positions), hospitals (clinical scientists), forensic science laboratories, and biotechnology companies. Other degree-related careers include work in clinical trials and in marketing and management in biotechnology companies. Moreover, every year a number of graduates make successful applications to study medicine.

The format of our course is ideal preparation for many other high profile careers, not only medical research. These include teaching, accountancy, law and banking, as well as management positions in a variety of companies.The skills that you will acquire on the course are highly transferable. Detailed information on all these topics is available at www.medicine.bham.ac.uk/ug/bmedsc

Entry requirements

Number of A levels required: 3
Typical offer: BBB
Required subjects and grades: Two sciences at A level (from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics); Biology at AS level minimum is advised; GCSE Mathematics grade B if not offered at A level
General Studies: not accepted, but a good performance may be taken into account
International Baccalaureate Diploma: Overall score of 32 points, with a minimum of 5 in the sciences, two of which must be at HL