Biomedical Sciences

Biomedical scientists focus on how cells, organs and systems function in the human body, an exciting and dynamic area that is highly relevant to the understanding and treatment of human diseases. Although biomedical sciences shape modern medical practice, the subject is not a substitute for Medicine.

Oxford is a highly respected and internationally recognised centre for biomedical research and, on this interdisciplinary course, students will receive the benefit of tuition from leading experts working within a variety of non-clinical and clinical departments.

This course is the successor to the Physiological Sciences and Psychology and Physiology courses, and provides students with an intellectually stimulating education in modern molecular, cellular and systems biology and neuroscience.

The course has been designed so that students first acquire an integrated understanding of biomedical science that allows them to shape their subsequent studies towards the topics that interest them the most.

As the course progresses, increasing emphasis is placed on relating knowledge to scientific research. That emphasis is demonstrated by the opportunity for all students to obtain first-hand experience of laboratory research in the later stages of the course. Students choose their own project and the possible areas for research within the University are almost limitless.

On the basis of the specialisation initiated by the selection of second-year modules and confirmed by the choice of third-year options, students will be awarded a degree in Neuroscience or Cell and Systems Biology. The University reserves the right to limit the number of students progressing to either specialism in the third year.

For further details on the structure of the course, please refer to www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/bms.

Thanks to Oxford’s unique teaching style and structure, the Biomedical Sciences course will equip you with knowledge and transferable skills necessary for a career in research, in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology fields or as a psychologist. Of course, the degree will also qualify you to pursue further study with a Master’s degree or Doctoral training. The course would also provide a solid foundation with which to apply for a 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.

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