So... What's Being a BioMedical Student Really Like? Read now!
Today's blog post is all about Biomedical Science! Read more below!
My name is Ibrahim and I’m a 22-year-old who’s currently in their first year of biomed. Science has always been a huge passion of mine and I’ve always taken a great deal of interest in the subject. I’m also an amateur photographer who likes to take pictures of anything and everything.
A biomedical scientist studies how the human body works - they are involved in finding new ways to treat/cure diseases by developing advanced and specialised diagnostic tools.
Biomedical scientists carry out laboratory tests on tissue samples or fluid to help clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Other roles of a biomed scientist include giving test results to medical staff, processing patient samples, maintaining and running specialist equipment as well as accurately recording data and writing reports.
There are many specialties within this field such as medical microbiology, immunology, haematology and genetics to name a few. These require additional training and qualifications that can usually be provided by your employer. Even though the main employer of biomedical scientists is the NHS, with this degree, you could end up working for the Food Standards Agency, forensic laboratories and even the Medical Research Council (MRC)!
It is a 3-year course at university which is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). There are plenty of opportunities for career progression as a biomedical scientist. As with many degrees, there is also the possibility to teach or train the next generation of biomedical scientists as well as undertaking your own clinical academic research.
Many students who do well with their undergraduate degree end up applying and studying medicine later. If you miss out on a place at medical school on your first attempt at applying, a degree in biomedical sciences would mean that you have a good foundation to apply to medical school, as a lot of the curriculum overlaps with the subjects taught at most medical schools. You can study medicine following the Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programme.
Alternatively, there is a relatively new profession within the NHS that allows you to undertake similar tasks as that of a junior doctor. This is a Physicians Associate; it is a 2-year postgraduate diploma (whereas GEM would be 4 years).
A typical university week for me consists of lab practicals, workshops and lectures, which are used to consolidate the learning of a topic. We usually learn the theory within the lecture, carry out the lab practical and then all of this is supported with the workshops that provide additional learning and brings both the lecture and lab together. The degree is intense from the very start and there is a lot of content that I have covered in my first year, but I’ve enjoyed every bit of it!
As with any degree, if you stay on top of your work and take time to do some independent learning, a degree in biomedical sciences is doable; there is always plenty of support that tutors at your future university would provide to help with your learning. Assessments usually consist of examinations, both written and multiple-choice questions, as well as writing lab reports, essays and group work presentations.
My first year has been amazing! I’ve enjoyed it so much; all the tutors have been extremely helpful, and I’ve made some wonderful friends along the way too!
Do you have any questions about a degree in biomedical sciences? Contact us via www.Step2Med.co.uk, or feel free to contact Ibrahim by dropping him an email: ibrahim.rashid1@hotmail.com
