Course Content

Studying Biomedical Science at Queen’s will introduce you a vast range of scientific fields, across the three years of the undergraduate course.

In first year, two of your modules, 'Molecular Basis of Life' and 'World of Microorganisms' will be shared with degree pathways from the School of Biological Sciences. As such, first year provides both the foundation you will need to carry forward in the course, as well as a unique opportunity to attend lectures that, while not necessarily specific to Biomed, are nonetheless intriguing. My particular favourite was a lecture series discussing biological parasites (though it certainly tested my squeamishness!).

Take a tour of facilities available to Biomedical Science students

As you move into second year, you’ll notice the course size will get smaller, as the modules become more specific. This will be beneficial come time for the practical classes, where you get more hands-on time.

Speaking of practical classes, what are you to expect? Well, they are certainly a highlight of the course, providing an interesting insight into how the theory of the classroom translates. Aside from being academically engaging, they are also a bucket of fun! My first year involved a mixture of microbiology practicals, which included a fruit-fly genetics lab, as well as half a dozen physiology practicals. Second year involves a shift to techniques to prepare you for final year lab project, including methods of protein analysis such as ELISA tests.

Opportunity to switch courses

For the indecisive among us, myself included, Biomedical Science at Queen’s provides a unique opportunity. In the first year of the course, the three core modules, 'Molecular Basis of Life', 'World of Microorganisms' and 'Human Structure and Function', are all shared by students on both the Human Biology and Biomedical Science degree pathways. As such, at the end of first year, the opportunity to switch from Human Biology to Biomedical Science, and vice versa, is presented to each student.

Navigating UCAS and your final year at school is a stressful time. Knowing this flexibility between two degree pathways exists certainly gave me peace of mind when applying. While I stuck with my original course selection, I know of course mates that made the switch, and were all the happier for it.

Read about Sarah's experience of changing courses at Queen's!

Placement and Studentship opportunities

A fantastic way to enrich both your CV, and your time at Queen’s is by undertaking a studentship/placement. A placement provides an amazing opportunity to develop your laboratory skills, as well as providing you with an insight into the different industries available to a Biomedical Science graduate in Northern Ireland. Opportunities include:

• Summer studentships between 2nd and 3rd year – Based in the WWIEM and Patrick G Johnston Centre (Queen's research buildings). These studentships vary year to year, but often cover cardiovascular, immunological, prostate, breast and gastrointestinal cancer fields.
• Placement year in Reno, USA between 2nd and 3rd year – Based in the University of Nevada, a selection of 2nd year students are offered a placement year abroad in the USA.
• External placements, typically between 2nd and 3rd year– While a placement year is not typically included in the Biomedical Science course at Queen’s, if it is something that you might be interested in, keep an eye out on local pharma company websites for opportunities. Companies such as Randox and Almac often offer placements.

Wellcome-Wolfson Institute For Experimental Medicine

Final Year Research Project

An integral part of the Biomedical Science degree at Queen’s involves the completion of a lab project and creation of a dissertation. With the option to choose from 70+ projects, you’ll have the opportunity to select a project well suited to your interests.

For example, cardiology is a particular favourite of mine, which encouraged me to select a project titled ‘Investigating the role of Tetranectin protein in the development of Ischemic Heart Disease’. With Queen’s ranked as 13th in the UK for research intensity (Complete University Guide 2025), you’re guaranteed to have an enriching experience no matter which project you select.

Through my project, I was exposed to a vast variety of world-class research techniques and equipment, including the use of RTQ-PCR, cell culture, tissue processing and staining.

Students' Union and Societies

Ranked in the Top 3 Students' Unions in the UK, the SU at Queen’s University is certainly a highlight of the student experience in Belfast (WhatUni Choice Awards 2023). Recently opened in 2022, the Queen’s SU offers a wide variety of services and activities, ranging from the Pantry (where students can visit to top up on essentials, free of charge) to Disability support services, to the Union Bar.

The SU is also home to the 220+ clubs and societies available at Queen’s. As a Biomedical Science student, you have the opportunity to join the Biomedical Science and Human Biology Society, which organises a range of events throughout the year, including lab coat pub crawls, traffic light parties and the annual Biomed formal.

Find out more

Study Biomedical Science 

School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences

Also by Caitlin: A Day in the Life of a Biomedical Science Student

Caitlin Piper Experimental Medicine | Postgraduate Student | Co. Down, NI I’m currently studying for a Master’s in Experimental Medicine at Queen’s, having studied Biomedical Science at undergraduate level. I’m from Co. Down but I rarely visited Belfast before starting at Queen's so I'm still learning my way around and finding all of the best haunts. I enjoy reading in my spare time and posting on my TikTok account.