Life Sciences

The University has invested in a £40million building devoted to teaching and research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. The four-storey building, opened in September 2019, features research laboratories, imaging suites and a dedicated space for histopathology and mammalian cell cultures.

Careers

Our courses not only meet the demands and expectations of industry, but also ensure that, as a graduate, you will be highly employable. Our Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), enhancing your career prospects in areas such as biochemistry, forensics, healthcare, or research.

Q&A

Professor Surapareddy Sreenivasaprasad

Head of Life Sciences

What opportunities do students get at Bedfordshire that they may not find elsewhere?

You will get access to research active academic staff and experienced technical staff keen to support your learning and help you achieve the best you can. We also have a vibrant and culturally diverse academic environment and recently refurbished and purpose-built laboratory facilities for teaching and research.

Did you know?

At the University of Bedfordshire our teaching is linked to research, ensuring that our courses are topical, and allow you to seamlessly enter your chosen industry. Our academics are involved in research projects related to Parkinson’s disease, cancer pathways and drug responses, forensic identification and analysis, and coral reef conservation, to name just a few.

Courses

Behavioural Science & Health BSc (Hons) Biochemistry BSc (Hons) Biological Science BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) Environmental Health Science BSc (Hons) Food & Nutrition Science BSc (Hons) Forensic Science BSc (Hons) Forensic Science & Criminology BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science* BSc (Hons) Human Bioscience & Enterprise BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical & Chemical Sciences BSc (Hons) Pharmacology & Health Science BSc (Hons)

Related foundation degrees: Have You Also Considered...?

Health, Nutrition & Exercise BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science BSc (Hons) 112

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115 116

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118 119 120 121

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180 148

*Subject to approval

For more information on any of the courses visit: beds.ac.uk/courses For up-to-date information on part-time study options see: beds.ac.uk/parttime

Life Sciences

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C555 With Professional Practice Year: C556 With Foundation Year: C55F  September  Luton campus  3 years full-time, alternatively 4 years with a Professional

Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points. GCSE grade C/4 in mathematics – see website for more information

This course integrates biology and psychology to develop your understanding of how the psychological and physiological aspects of human health and wellbeing interact. Life sciences industries such as pharmacology and food and drink contribute billions of pounds to the UK economy, but at the same time the costs attributable to health and food related problems are increasing. Understanding and managing human responses to diverse stressors and situations is key to improving health and wellbeing outcomes in an ageing society.

Key features

• Study a course informed by the latest research, ensuring that you are aware of current and emerging developments • Benefit from our strong links with stakeholders in industry and practice sectors, and other related organisations • Gain an understanding of the underpinning science and the professional skills needed to translate your knowledge into practice in a range of real-world contexts

Career opportunities

This course will open up exciting and challenging career opportunities within a wide range of organisations including: government agencies; health systems; social services; industry; practice; R&D; and other organisations involved in the broad arena of behavioural sciences and health.

Areas of study may include:

• Human anatomy and physiology • Microbiology and biochemistry • Molecular genetics • Biological and cognitive psychology • Immunology • Nutrition, brain and behaviour

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C700 With Professional Practice Year: C708 With Foundation Year: C7FY  September  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points. GCSE grade C/4 in mathematics – see website for more information

Biochemistry is an essential part of modern science as it crosses many disciplines and provides fundamental insights into biological processes. It has revolutionised our understanding of biological systems from microbes to humans and has led to many beneficial biotechnology applications. This course will equip you with a strong foundation in modern biochemistry, and specialist knowledge and skills essential for careers in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, agricultural and related sectors.

Key features

• Study in our purpose-built STEM building, opened in September 2019 • Explore core subjects such as biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and genetics along with specialised areas such as bioinformatics and molecular modelling, drug design and development, biotechnology and genetic engineering • Benefit from staff actively engaged in research – many who are experts in their field having previously worked at leading institutions such as Cambridge

University, Imperial College London and King’s College London

Career opportunities

You will have specialist knowledge and skills for a career in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Transferable skills such as independent thinking, planning, problem solving, and communication will enable wider career opportunities in hospitals, government departments, academic organisations, and the publishing industry.

Areas of study may include:

• Chemistry and molecular genetics • Essential skills in biochemistry • Human anatomy and physiology • Microbiology and biochemistry • Biochemical techniques and skills

Weronika Duda

Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

“My favourite aspect of this course is the fact that we have practical classes. I think that it is a very important part of our study because we can gain laboratory and work experience. Furthermore, we learn how to use scientific equipment, like spectrophotometer, AKTA Start, pipettes and centrifuge etc.””

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C100 With Professional Practice Year: C108 With Foundation Year: C1FY  September  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points. GCSE grade C/4 in mathematics – see website for more information

Biological sciences impact almost every aspect of modern life, and this course offers key transferable skills opening up varied career opportunities. Begin with a foundation in biological sciences (microbiology, cellular chemistry and anatomy), progressing to biochemistry and biotechnology; human health and environment; the application of biology in industry and the impact of an expanded human population upon our environment. In your final year explore pathopharmacology and cell and molecular biology, building knowledge of the biochemical and biological mechanisms related to health and disease. We have excellent laboratory facilities, and your final-year research project, supported by research-active staff, provides training in practical techniques.

Key features

• Develop your understanding and ability to discuss the ethical issues around developments like cloning and the human genome project, and the biological impact of climate change • Explore advances in areas such as biotechnology and medicine, and the impact they have

Career opportunities

Career opportunities include research and development in academia, and a wide range of industries and government laboratories. Careers are also available in teaching, health and medical publishing, and medical sales.

Areas of study may include:

• Human anatomy and physiology • Biochemistry and genetics • Cell and molecular biology • Medical physiology and human nutrition • Pharmacology and skills • Biochemistry and biotechnology

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: BC99  September  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time)  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 112-120 points. A level in a science subject.

GCSE grade C/4 in mathematics – see website for more information

Almost everyone in the UK will benefit at some point in their lives from disease diagnosis expertise. This Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited course provides a sound base in the laboratory sciences used to diagnose or investigate diseases, preparing you for a range of careers. Study normal life processes and the pathological changes that occur in disease. Keep up-to-date with current developments with lectures by biomedical science experts from institutes and hospital laboratories. Gain experience in techniques – such as problem-based learning for disease diagnosis – commonly used in medical schools.

Key features

• Gain an in-depth understanding of how the human body works and a solid foundation in the laboratory science that is widely-used to diagnose, treat and research human diseases • Gain laboratory experience by undertaking a research project, with the opportunity for some of your work to be completed in NHS laboratories • Learn about the latest advances in biomedical sciences from research-active staff and guest lecturers from institutes and hospital laboratories

Career opportunities

Careers include NHS hospital laboratories, research laboratories and industries, or progression to a postgraduate degree, or further study of medical subjects.

Areas of study may include:

• Pathology and physiology • Anatomy and medical physiology • Cellular pathology • Medical immunology • Clinical biochemistry • Cellular chemistry and genetics • Human metabolism and genetics • Medical physiology and haematology

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: B910 With Professional Practice Year: B911 With Foundation Year: B91F  September  Luton campus  3 years full-time, alternatively 4 years with a Professional

Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points. GCSE grade C/4 in mathematics – see website for more information

This course takes an integrated approach to environmental health science, so you develop an understanding of global environmental change and its impact on human health. You will explore current emerging challenges, technological practices and strategies for the sustainable management of food production waste, built and open environments to benefit people’s health. Our courses build on the established research expertise of staff in areas across biomedicine, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, genomics and bioinformatics. At Bedfordshire we continue to develop academic collaborations with our schools and research institutes within the University and beyond. In addition, through the life sciences liaison board, we have strong links to external stakeholders in industry and practice sectors which will lead to you gaining industry experience.

Key features

• Integrate environmental science and health-related sciences for a fuller understanding of impacts on human health • Study a course that integrates global environmental change with human health

Career opportunities

There are a number of career opportunities available, including careers in government agencies, industry, science laboratories and higher education institutions.

Areas of study may include:

• Microbiology and biochemistry • Ecology and the environment • Environmental pollution and public health • Food microbiology • Health, safety and environmental regulations

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: D610 With Foundation Year: D611  September  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), or 4 years with a Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points. GCSE grade C/4 in mathematics – see website for more information

In the present globalised world where food travels as fast as people, the need to supply adequate quantities of safe, healthy and diversified food from production to consumption is hugely important. This course includes core subjects such as the principles of food and nutrition, human anatomy, physiology, and microbiology along with specialised areas such as human nutrition, immunology, food microbiology, human microbiome, nutraceuticals, and biotechnology.

Key features

• Study the burden of over-consumption on national health systems in the economically developed nations, and how under-nutrition affects millions of people in under-developed countries • Develop your knowledge relating to food spoilage, safety and quality control, nutraceuticals and public health nutrition • Employability-targeted experience by engaging with industry, professional bodies, and regulatory agencies

Career opportunities

This course will enable you to seek a wide range of career opportunities in food product development, food quality, food and nutrition advice, hospitals, government departments, academic organisations and charities.

Areas of study may include:

• Human anatomy and physiology • Analytical and diagnostic techniques • Public health nutrition and nutraceuticals • Food microbiology and biotechnology • Chemistry and molecular genetics • Clinical nutrition and immunology • Applied plant science and food security

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: F410 With Professional Practice Year: F418 With Foundation Year: F4FY  September  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time day), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points. GCSE grade C/4 in mathematics – see website for more information

Technical advances have made the role of the forensic scientist increasingly important in crime investigation, but also in other areas such as archaeology. This course offers a unique mix of science and psychology, involving practical laboratory work and experience in crime scene processing using our crime scene room, as well as lectures. An introduction to sciences and psychology is followed by more detailed applied forensics, including preparation of evidence for court, and cellular pathology, medical physiology and haematology. You will also study recent advances in DNA analysis, toxicology, psychology, and forensic case studies.

Key features

• Core training in biosciences with an emphasis on forensic science • Examines the psychology of criminal behaviour as it relates to forensics • Study in well-equipped laboratories, with key laboratory skills incorporated into most of the taught units, and especially your final year research project

Career opportunities

This course is designed to open up a range of opportunities in analytical and investigative science. These include working in research organisations and institutes, as well as in commercial laboratories, plus careers in teaching, scientific publishing and medical sales.

Areas of study may include:

• Crime scene management • Legal systems • Drug analysis and toxicology • Human pathology • Anatomy and physiology • Psychology of the criminal mind

Siobhan Busby

Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

“My favourite aspect of studying at the University of Bedfordshire is the lectures. Both the content and the practical opportunities (labs and crime scene lab) are amazing.”

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: F420 With Professional Practice Year: F421 With Foundation Year: F42F  September, February  Luton campus  3 years full-time, alternatively 4 years with a Professional

Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96. GCSE grade C/4 in mathematics – see website for more information

This course focuses on developing your knowledge and skills in both forensic science and criminology. Forensic science units will enable you to gain theoretical knowledge and understanding, and the practical experience in crime scene investigation and laboratory-based examination. In the criminology units you will explore and gain an understanding of how data can be analysed to identify and predict factors that may cause individuals to commit crime. You will also explore the roles of the police, forensic science and the criminal justice system in the prevention, deterrence and punishment of criminal behaviour.

Key features

• Hands-on, practical experience of crime scene and laboratory-based analysis • Develop key employability skills including communication and working to industry standards • Choice of final year project in either forensic science or criminology disciplines

Career opportunities

As a graduate you will possess the knowledge and skills for subject-related employment such as: in a forensic laboratory; the police; probation and prison service; as well as employment in a wider range of careers within academic or government research; the biotechnology industry; social work or education.

Areas of study may include:

• Essential skills in forensic science • Criminology and the criminal justice system • Forensic analysis • Interpretation and presentation of evidence

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: B400  September  Luton campus  3 years full-time  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 112-120. GCSE grade C/4 in mathematics – see website for more information *Subject to approval

Healthcare scientists play a vital role within the NHS and other medical service providers, supporting and providing diagnosis of disease and aiding in the treatment and prevention of disease. This course integrates key academic subjects as well as experience of working as a healthcare scientist in the healthcare system, with a total of 50 weeks of training throughout the three years of the course. Depending on the options you choose and placements that are available, you will graduate with a Healthcare Science degree with a specialism in blood sciences, infection sciences or cellular sciences.

Key features

• Our courses build on the established research expertise of staff • We continuously work on developing academic collaborations between the

University’s Schools and Research Institutes, and with external institutions and organisations

Career opportunities

You will have a set of skills, knowledge and understanding, as well as a portfolio of practice that will allow you to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist, allowing you direct access to careers in healthcare science and related areas.

Areas of study may include:

• Human physiology and cellular pathology • Immunology, haematology and transfusion • Biochemistry and genetic diagnostics • Medical and diagnostic microbiology

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C110 With Professional Practice Year: C111 With Foundation Year: C00F  September  Luton campus  3 years full-time, alternatively 4 years with a Professional

Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96. GCSE grade C/4 in mathematics – see website for more information

This course integrates human bioscience and enterprise to develop your capabilities in applying bioscience innovations to harness business development opportunities in the health and food sectors. The curriculum will enable you to explore current and emerging challenges, technologies, practices and strategies for the sustainable management of health and food for socio-economic benefits. In addition, through the Life Sciences Liaison Board, we have strong links to external stakeholders in industry and practice sectors. At Bedfordshire we are proactively working to create opportunities for placements and external visits, so you get the best opportunities to engage with industry.

Key features

• Integrates biosciences and enterprise with human health and food focus • Promotes innovations in bioscience leading to changes in the industry and/or practice

Career opportunities

Graduates may seek employment within government agencies, health systems, social services, research and development, and other organisations within the broad arena of bioscience innovations and enterprise. Examples of career paths include lab technician/manager; project officer/manager; and academic/science publisher. Many graduates also progress onto postgraduate study.

Areas of study may include:

• Skills in cell biology • Anatomy and physiology • Microbiology and biochemistry • Chemistry and genetics

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: B293 With Professional Practice Year: B294 With Foundation Year: B3FY  September, February  Luton campus  3 years full-time, alternatively 4 years with a Professional

Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96. GCSE grade C/4 in mathematics – see website for more information

This course is designed to give you a solid foundation in the chemical aspects of pharmaceutical science, and exposure to topics that will enhance your employability prospects in this strong and growing sector of British industry. There is a need for skilled graduates who have both the theoretical and practical knowledge and the ability to apply this to real-world scenarios. The School of Life Sciences has established strengths in biomedicine research – in particular the understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of disease in order to identify new targets and/or biomarkers with the potential for developing novel therapies.

Key features

• Study a course which integrates the development of drug, cosmetic and hygiene products with emerging areas such as systems biology and translational medicine – areas which directly address the needs of the UK pharmaceutical industry • Benefit from studying a curriculum aligned to areas of need identified by the British Pharmacological Society, including public health science and healthcare policy aspects

Career opportunities

Graduates will have a wide range of training that will equip them to work as scientists in pharmaceutical and related industries. Other suitable destinations could be drug regulatory affairs and sports’ medicine including drug testing.

Areas of study may include:

• Cell biology • Human anatomy and physiology • Microbiology and biochemistry • Pharmacology of disease • Translational medicine

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: B290 With Professional Practice Year: B291 With Foundation Year: B2FY  September, February  Luton campus  3 years full-time, alternatively 4 years with a Professional

Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96. GCSE grade C/4 in mathematics – see website for more information

This course builds on the School's established strengths in biomedicine research and complements a range of other courses. It includes a common core of chemical and biomedical topics and provides a curriculum aligned to the areas identified by the British Pharmacological Society including public health science and healthcare policy aspects. The School has strong links to external stakeholders in both clinical and industrial sectors and can provide you with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience.

Key features

• Study in our purpose-built STEM building, opened in September 2019 • Benefit from studying a curriculum aligned to areas of need identified by the British Pharmacological Society, including public health science and healthcare policy aspects

Career opportunities

Graduates will have a wide range of training that will equip them to work as scientists in pharmaceutical and related industries. Other suitable destinations could be public health policy and as clinical pharmacologists within the healthcare system.

Areas of study may include:

• Cell biology • Chemistry and molecular genetics • Microbiology and biochemistry • Immunology • Drug dispensing and healthcare policy • Pharmacology of disease