Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical science sits at the intersection of biology and medicine, asking how the human body works in both health and disease and how that knowledge can be used to diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent illness. It is a discipline that operates across scales, from the molecular mechanisms inside a single cell to the functioning of whole body systems, and it draws on biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and genetics to build a comprehensive picture of human biology.
This five-year full-time programme at the University of Dundee is structured to include a year in industry, giving you an extended period of professional experience within a biomedical or healthcare setting before you complete the degree. The year in industry is a distinctive feature that bridges academic learning and professional practice, allowing you to contribute to real laboratory or clinical environments and to develop the workplace competencies that employers value alongside your scientific knowledge. You will study how the body's systems function at the cellular and molecular level, explore the mechanisms of disease, and develop practical skills in laboratory technique, data analysis, and scientific communication.
The programme also includes a year abroad, broadening your scientific horizon and connecting you with international research cultures.
Biomedical science graduates are well positioned for careers in NHS laboratories, where roles in clinical biochemistry, haematology, histopathology, and medical microbiology are common. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries also recruit biomedical scientists for research and development, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study, moving into research degrees or clinical training pathways in medicine, dentistry, or the health professions.
Others move into science communication, health policy, or medical education. The combination of scientific depth and industry experience makes this programme a strong foundation for a wide range of biomedical careers.