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Student pathways to The University of Sheffield

What is biology and biomedical science?

Biology is the study of life and living organisms. It covers a huge range of topics, from bacteria and human reproduction, to ecosystems and animal behaviour.

There are many different fields of biology and biological science. This means you could focus on a specific area such as molecular biology or zoology. Biomedical science concentrates on medical research and the development of treatments. Topics you might study include anatomy, neuroscience and genetics.

Why study Biological and Biomedical Science?

A Biology or Biomedical Science degree is a popular option for undergraduates. Reasons to choose Biological and Biomedical Science include:

Become a research expert

Conducting your own research is an important part of any Biology degree. You’ll design your own questions and conduct research in a laboratory or field setting. You’ll work as part of a team, and you’ll develop skills in collecting, analysing and presenting data.

Solve real-world problems

Biologists play important roles in solving global problems. Biomedical scientists find cures and treatments for life-threatening illnesses; marine biologists help to protect our oceans, and plant scientists solve food shortages by developing drought-resistant crops.

Career flexibility

A degree in Biology or Biomedical Science gives you transferable skills that are valued by employers. You could study a wide range of topics or you could specialise in specific areas, such as medicine or marine life. When you graduate, you can apply for a range of scientific and non-scientific careers.

Biology and Biomedical Science at the University of Sheffield

Sheffield is a top 20 UK university for Biological Sciences (Complete University Rankings 2018). It offers a wide choice of Biology courses across four departments. This gives you the freedom to study a broad Biology degree or specialise in a specific area.

All departments are committed to research-led learning. You’ll be supported by world-leading scientists who are at the forefront of their specialist areas. Learning takes place in dedicated science facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories and off-site field trips.

Sheffield has an excellent reputation for postgraduate employment. For example, 97% of biomedical science graduates are employed or in further education within six months of graduating (DLHE 2017). You’ll develop key employability skills and you'll have the opportunity to take part in work placements and professional research projects.

Biology degree options at the University of Sheffield

Explore some of the subjects you can study, the themes and topics you will learn about, and the career options available after you graduate.

Sheffield’s BSc (Hons) Biology degree cover a huge range of modules and skills. You’ll work in the laboratory and in the field, and you could study specialist areas such as zoology, ecology and plant sciences. BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science covers essential concepts and skills in areas such as genetics, anatomy and physiology. You’ll do dissection work in a laboratory and you’ll learn about the latest developments in biomedical research.

Related degrees:

Degree preparation at the International College

The International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering is excellent preparation for a Biology or Biomedical Science degree at the University of Sheffield. You’ll develop your English language skills during interactive classes, and you’ll prepare for your degree with subject-specific modules. Choose the biological and life sciences pathway and you’ll study science modules that are tailored to your chosen science degree. This includes practical laboratory sessions within the College's dedicated laboratory.

Biology and Biomedical Sciences career prospects

When you graduate, you’ll have a wide range of career and further study options that are directly and indirectly related to your degree.

Career options:

  • Forensic scientist
  • Biomedical scientist
  • Science journalist
  • Healthcare scientist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Microbiologist
  • Medical physicist
  • Technician
  • Toxicologist
  • Wildlife filmmaker
  • Museum curator

1st in the UK

for Medical Research Excellence (Research Excellence Framework 2014)

5th in the UK

for Biological Sciences (Research Excellence Framework 2014)

Top 20 Uk University

for Biological Sciences (Complete University Rankings 2018)

Your pathway to studying a Biological Science degree

Find out more about the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering.

Entry Requirements

See the entry requirements and fees for studying Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield

STUDENT STORY

Born in Malaysia.

Made in Sheffield.

“Upstairs in the Diamond [the University] spent over a million pounds on equipment in the electronic labs which is the equipment that you’re going to get in the industry. We are not using what we call the ‘baby’ equipment that you learn how to use it in the industry then you know what the real one is but here you get the real one right away. 

“There are some departments now promoting a take home kit so that you are not only limited to do your assignments on the University campus so you can actually take the kits back home. They’re kits that we use in the industry as well and you will have all the support that you need. All the information. It definitely helps open doors for us now. All the equipment here is new as well which is very fortunate to all the new students coming in. You’re not going to get this in any of the other universities.”

Siung studied BEng Aerospace Engineering, now studying PhD Space Physics

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