Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy) with Industrial Placement

Biomedical sciences, with a specialisation in anatomy, concerns the study of the structure of the human body at every level, from the gross anatomy of organs and systems down to the cellular and subcellular architecture that determines function. Anatomy is one of the oldest biomedical sciences, yet it remains central to medicine, surgery, physiotherapy, and many other health professions, and its modern practice draws on imaging technologies, cell biology, and molecular methods alongside the traditional techniques of dissection and histology. A degree in biomedical sciences with anatomy develops both the scientific knowledge and the laboratory skills needed to understand and work with human biological material in research and clinical contexts.

At the University of Aberdeen, this five-year, full-time programme includes both a year abroad and an industrial placement, making it one of the most comprehensively structured undergraduate programmes in this field. The year abroad gives you the opportunity to study biomedical sciences in a different academic environment, while the industrial placement provides professional experience in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, clinical, or research setting. Aberdeen has a strong reputation in medical and biomedical education, and the anatomy provision benefits from close links with the medical school and clinical facilities.

The academic curriculum covers human anatomy in depth, including gross anatomy, histology, neuroanatomy, and imaging anatomy, alongside cell biology, physiology, genetics, biochemistry, and the research methods that underpin modern biomedical science. Laboratory and practical work are central throughout.

Graduates work in biomedical research, clinical anatomy, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, healthcare science roles within the NHS, and science education. Many go on to postgraduate study, including PhD research in anatomy, cell biology, or related biomedical disciplines. The combination of a year abroad and an industrial placement makes graduates competitive for both academic and industry research careers.