COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSc Biomedical Sciences with Foundation at the University of Reading is a structured four-year degree designed to support students who need additional academic preparation before progressing into a highly specialised biomedical science programme. The Foundation Year is built to develop essential scientific understanding and core academic skills, introducing students to key areas such as Foundation Biology 1 and 2, Foundation Chemistry 1, and interdisciplinary academic skills modules focused on tackling global challenges through the lens of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These modules strengthen knowledge in molecular biology, evolution, physiology, chemistry, data handling, communication, teamwork, and scientific reasoning, while also building confidence for university-level study. After successfully completing the foundation stage, students progress into the main Biomedical Sciences degree, which is centred on understanding the human body at cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels and applying this knowledge to disease mechanisms and clinical contexts. Core modules include Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life, Fundamentals of Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Fundamentals of Biochemistry, Human Pathology, and Human Reproduction and Development in Health and Disease, all of which provide a comprehensive understanding of how the body functions and how disease develops across the human life cycle. As the course advances, students move into more specialised and research-focused areas such as Advanced Cellular and Molecular Biology, Haematology and Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Medical Genetics, and Applied Biochemistry: From Disease to Diagnostics, which deepen understanding of disease processes and diagnostic science. In later stages, students undertake an independent Research Project and study Venoms and Poisons, while also choosing from optional modules including Pathogens, Cancer and Cell Communication, Neuroscience, Cardiovascular Biology, Endocrinology, and Clinical Skills, allowing them to tailor their studies toward specific biomedical interests. The course is designed to combine strong theoretical grounding with practical laboratory training and professional development, preparing graduates for careers in biomedical research, healthcare laboratories, and clinical science.