Maryam is studying BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science here at the University of Bradford. In her blog, she tells us why she chose to study Biomedical Science.
Maryam, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.
I’ve always had a keen interest in science, especially biology and how the body works, and based on previously studying biology and chemistry for A-levels, I thought that studying biomed at university would be the right thing for me.
The first-year curriculum had some interesting modules such as human physiology and cell and tissue developmental biology. While second-year modules had some exciting modules such as pathology and haematology.
Professional accreditation
I was pleased to find that the course at Bradford was accredited by the IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Sciences) which means that by the end of the degree you are up to the standard level of the Health Care and Professional Council (HCPC). This is especially important if you want to become a Biomedical Scientist.
Varied learning
The degree consists of (a lot of) labs, lectures, seminars, and tutorials which are time tabled on different days. For every module there will be different lab sessions to help you develop your skills.
An interesting thing about my course is that some of our modules overlap with the Forensic and Medical Sciences and Clinical Sciences courses. So, you meet people from difference courses and get to study together.
Most of the work is done by yourself, but the module ‘molecular genetics’ involves team-based learning where you work in groups set by the lecturers. It is a good way to speak to people on your course that you usually would not interact with. The friends that you make on the course become your study buddies and then friends for life!
Another thing that has been introduced into my course is Peer-Led learning, which is where third-year students volunteer to teach second-year students and help them to revise. I found this extremely helpful as the third-year students had lots of useful advice and it was easy to relate to them as they had gone through the same thing we were going through.
I like the Biomedical Science course because the exams are split by doing coursework and exams. Coursework that I have done includes writing essays, lab reports, answering multiple choice questions (MCQ) and answering long and short answer questions.
I prefer to do exams and coursework throughout the year instead of only doing exams at the end of the module. I feel that way, there is less pressure which helps when revising! But for each module the weighting percentage for coursework and exams can differ.
Career options
With a Biomedical Science degree, you can do so much and there are roles available in both the NHS and private sector. You can go into research, teaching, toxicology, medicine or become a Biomedical Scientist or a Physician’s Associate and there’s so much more.
Students who find lab work tedious might be more interested in going into a different aspect of science, for example, medicine which has more interactions with people and patients.
Placement options
Although Biomedical Science at Bradford is a three-year course, you can choose to take a year out to study in industry. The University can help you to find a placement or you can find one yourself. There are careers fairs throughout the year, where you can meet with employers. The last time I went to the careers fair I spoke to people from MAC clinical trials and was able to get a summer placement/shadowing.
I sorted out my CV and covering letter with the help of my personal tutor and by attending a CV and covering letter workshop lead by the Careers and Employability Services. I was really excited to start my placement, however due to the Covid-19 outbreak my placement had to be cancelled.
Placements are especially important for students who are still undecided about what they want to do once they graduate. A placement provides an insightful experience to what working will be like.
The best part of studying Biomedical Science at the University of Bradford is the hands-on experience that you gain in the labs and that there are always friendly lab technicians around to help and answer questions.
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