Understanding and improving the tools for preventing, diagnosing or treating disease first requires a detailed understanding of the biological basis of disease. BSc Biomedical Sciences will provide an understanding of the biological basis of human disease and knowledge of the methods used in the scientific investigation of human health. The course approaches the subject comprehensively, with teaching in biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics. The second and third year include specialist medical courses such as neuroscience and the clinical diagnosis of disease, with relevant teaching by health professionals from the local hospitals. This course is particularly suited to people interested in progressing to further biomedical research. The course includes both background knowledge and practical application. You will gain laboratory experience in all three years with the opportunity to conduct a lab-based research project in the final year. You will gain an impressive portfolio of transferable skills that are highly attractive to employers in a wide range of sectors. These skills include practical laboratory experience, data handling, time-management, retrieving and organising information, and communication skills. Over the last five years 97% of our students have been placed in graduate positions within six months of completing their degree.

Studying biological sciences at Royal Holloway will provide you with a wide variety of skills highly valued by employers. You will develop your ability to research and present your findings, analyse and critically assess data, work as an individual and as part of a team and manage your time effectively. Some courses offer a study abroad option, as an additional year via our international exchange partner institutions. The School also has strong links with Operation Wallacea| allowing students to carry out conservation projects throughout the world. The School has links with a large number of local industries which provide internships and research project placements. Our annual careers event offers you the chance to network with external speakers and previous graduates. Our graduates are highly employable and, in recent years, have entered many different biology-related roles in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, food, brewing, agriculture and associated biotechnology industries, as well as launching careers in medicine (both in research institutes and hospitals), forensic science and microbiology. Other graduates have gone into careers in environmental consultancy, research (in universities and research institutes), veterinary medicine, agriculture, conservation, nature reserve management and forestry. Profiles of Biological Sciences graduates are online|. Additionally, the School provides plenty of opportunities to develop your communication skills through outreach work. We host an annual Rare Disease Day| event for schools, involving speakers and researchers from around the UK. Our undergraduates are involved in event organisation and putting on activities. Our undergraduates also contribute to the annual Royal Holloway Science Festival| directing activities such as making liquid nitrogen ice-cream and extracting DNA.