UDS Department Of biomedical Science Programmes

Careers

This course provides a strong foundation to pursue academic research, work in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, or apply for an accelerated graduate entry course in medicine.

The Biomedical Sciences course at the University of Oxford is a full-time, basic science degree course, offering education in cell and systems physiology and neuroscience. It is not accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.

Related courses

Students interested in this course might also like to consider Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular), Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Human Sciences, Medicine or Psychology (Experimental).

Specialising in biomedical science

After registration you continue your professional development with specialist training, usually in a single discipline.

Medical Microbiology
As a biomedical scientist in microbiology you will study micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and parasites which cause disease. You will identify these organisms and establish the antibiotic treatment required to kill them therefore stopping the disease. Diseases diagnosed include meningitis, tuberculosis and food poisoning.

Clinical Chemistry
In clinical chemistry biomedical scientists analyse blood and other biological materials to help the diagnosis of diseases, for example diabetes. They also carry out toxicological studies, test kidney and liver functions and help to monitor therapies.

Transfusion Science
In this discipline you will identify blood groups for blood donation, ensure the correct grouped blood is matched to the patient due to receive donation and make certain there is enough blood available in case of emergency such as road traffic accidents, operations and cancer treatments.

Haematology
Haematology is the study of blood. In this discipline you will be involved with the formation, composition, functions and diseases of the blood. Some of the diseases diagnosed in haematology are leukaemia, malaria and anaemia.

Histology
In histology, tissue samples are studied microscopically to establish the cause of illness. Tissue may be taken during surgery or at post mortem. Diseases such as cancer are diagnosed by looking for abnormal features in tissue cells.

Cytology
This discipline is best known for its work in screening cervical smears, but it also provides a non-gynaecological service. Like histology, specialised techniques are used to prepare and study samples of cellular materials.

Virology
Virology is the study of viruses and the disease caused by them such as German measles, HIV and chickenpox. You will also be involved in monitoring the effects of vaccines.

Immunology
Biomedical scientists in immunology deal with the conditions of the body’s immune system and its role in infectious diseases, parasitic infestations, allergies, tumour growth, tissue grafts and organ transplants. Their work is particularly important in the monitoring and treatment of AIDS.

However, biomedical science itself is an evolving science moving into new areas such as cytogenetics and molecular biology.

Biomedical scientists can complete the Institute’s specialist portfolio which recognises your training, skills and knowledge gained in the two years post-registration. Completion of the portfolio and successful assessment will lead to you being awarded a Specialist Diploma in the disciplines listed above.

Advanced careers

Biomedical scientists go onto build on their generic knowledge with masters degrees, professional qualifications and professional doctorates.These optional qualifications help you to develop advanced specialist skills or adopt senior roles and responsibilities. Consultant biomedical scientists are those with highest qualifications and expertise who have reached the top of their profession.

Biomedical scientists can also become ‘Chartered Scientist’ which is an internationally recognised benchmark of quality and excellence.

UDS Department Of biomedical Science Programmes