Biomedical Science is the biological science that underpins medicine and medical research. It may include many biological subjects such as human physiology, human structure, pharmacology, neuroscience, biochemistry, genetics and microbiology. It suits those who are interested in biomedical science but are not yet ready to specialise in one particular field.

The object of this degree is to impart this knowledge of modern biomedical research theories, skills and techniques to the student. Skills learnt in the Biomedical Sciences are at the forefront of advances in medical research, including clinical biochemistry, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, forensic science, veterinary science, health and safety and food science. Therefore a graduate of this programme will have a science degree appropriate for a career in a wide variety of industrial and public sector environments.

Additionally Biomedical Scientists have a well-defined career in the Health Service. Many Biomedical Sciences degrees have been specifically designed to involve a very close collaboration with local and regional NHS hospitals.

Courses cover a broad area (in particular human physiology, human structure, pharmacology and neuroscience) usually with the option to maintain either a broad approach to the degree or to specialise in one of these areas. You can even decide to switch to one of the more specialised degree programmes.

A dental surgeon is an important health professional and may ultimately be responsible for leading his/her own team of staff. Although primarily concerned with oral health, a dental graduate has a wide appreciation of general medicine. Dentists are privileged to work closely with patients and must develop a high standard of professional responsibility. They have an intellectually stimulating career, largely based on scientific principles, but which can also encompass artistic flair. A continuing commitment to education is needed as changing techniques and new materials constantly present new challenges. An important role of the profession is the promotion of oral health and prevention of dental disease.

Dentistry is usually a five year degree and typically you will need to follow units in: anatomy, biochemistry, dental techniques, physiology, pathology and microbiology, pharmacology, health and society, human disease, clinical dentistry, the role of the dentist in society, oral medicine and surgery and child dental health.

• Pharmacology is the study of the action of "drugs" in the widest possible sense, encompassing many types of chemicals that affect the functioning of the body, rather than just medicines. Pharmacologists study how drugs work in the body, and use this information to tell us more about how the body itself functions. They are also responsible for the discovery of hundreds of chemicals used in the treatment of disease, and the relief of human and animal suffering.
• Pharmacology is closely allied to related disciplines, including biochemistry, chemistry, physiology, and medicine. Recent advances in molecular biology and genomics have greatly aided the understanding of how drugs work and will undoubtedly continue to have a major impact on pharmacology and drug discovery.

The main emphasis of courses will be on the way drugs work, from the molecular level to actions on the whole body. Courses include the actions of drugs on the peripheral and central nervous systems, chemotherapy, toxicology, drugs in sport, pharmacogenomics and clinical pharmacology. There is a strong emphasis in all courses on generic and practical skills.

Pharmacology graduates are well qualified for careers within pharmaceutical and other medically related industries, post graduate courses such as medicine and PhD as well as other careers that utilise the generic skills developed.

The pharmacist is an expert in the field of drugs and medicines. They may be involved in any aspect of their preparation and use, from discovery to supply to the patient. Many pharmacists have a role in optimising drug therapy. This means that having qualified as a pharmacist there is a wide choice of career options in hospitals and community practice, industry and research.

A degree in Pharmacy would typically cover the following areas:

• The Profession of Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice
• Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Control
• Life Sciences Chemistry
• Physical Biochemistry
• Cells and Life Molecules
• Life Processes and Genetics
• Introduction to Pharmaceutical Formulation
• Patients, Diseases and Medicines
• Professional Skills

A Pharmacy degree will equip you with the specialist skills you will need to embark on a career as a Pharmacist. Hospitals, community pharmacies and the pharmaceutical industry all provide employment opportunities and prospects in all branches are excellent.

Physiotherapy is a health care profession concerned with human function and movement and maximising potential. It uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social wellbeing, taking account of variations in health status. Physiotherapy is science-based, committed to extending, applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice and delivery. The exercise of clinical judgement and informed interpretation is at its core.

In the UK , most physiotherapists work within the NHS, others choose to work in the private sector. However, there are many other settings, such as research, patients’ homes, charitable organisations, industry, special schools, sports centres, the armed forces, social services and veterinary practices.

The aim of the Physiotherapy degree is to produce an individual who is capable of competent physiotherapy practice using an evaluative and problem-solving approach. The student is given the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of clinical sciences in particular musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and cardiovascular and respiratory physiotherapy.

The degree programme in Veterinary Science equips you for a professional career as a veterinarian, and is, according to some, the best broad-based training available in the biological sciences.

The first two years of the course are usually pre-clinical before the clinical training takes over for the final three years.

Veterinary graduates have a wide range of career options in the UK and worldwide. Most are employed in general practice; graduates can also choose a career in research and/or teaching. Veterinary scientists are employed in natural science laboratories, in veterinary and medical schools, in medical research institutes, and in those institutes that deal expressly with animal health and disease. Many opportunities exist in government services and related 'Agency' services, for example in the Veterinary Field Service, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, the Meat Hygiene Service, and the Veterinary Laboratories Agency. Opportunities also exist in the Home Office, Animal Welfare Societies, and the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.