Medical Sciences
Where lessons change lives
Daniela De Ceita - Medical Sciences
BSc Chemistry alumna Daniela De Ceita discusses following her passion for her field, from graduating at the University of East London to working there as a scientist
Why choose us?
Our courses offer an in-depth understanding of the causes of disease and the practical ways in which they can be investigated in the laboratory. These are the fundamental areas of knowledge that you'll need as a biomedical scientist. Whether it's investigating a type of cancer or understanding the cause of food poisoning, biomedical scientists play a crucial role in diagnosing disease and evaluating effective treatment.
Research in Bioscience contributed to our Allied Health research submission - 86% of which was rated either 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. This makes us the top modern university in London for our area of research and eighth in the country.
All our BSc degrees have the option of a placement year. With a wide range of partnerships across the industry, you'll be able to gain invaluable experience before you've graduated making you career-ready straight away.
About us
You won't sit around watching from the back of the lecture hall at UEL - we offer access to excellent work experience opportunities. We will give you the opportunity to find invaluable placements in hospitals, research laboratories and the commercial world which will enhance your employment prospects and give you a competitive edge upon graduation.
Any research you do will be linked directly to projects already being investigated by our research staff and PhD students, so you'll be well supported and surrounded by expertise. You'll also benefit from the support of your student peers as you work on your research projects in small groups.
If you already work in the industry, graduates typically return to their jobs, perhaps in the NHS, at a higher level or progress to further study at PhD level.
Our facilities
The learning experience of UEL students enrolled on our courses is greatly enhanced due to our impressive laboratory facilities at Stratford Campus.
We were awarded a £1.2 million grant from the Higher Education Funding Council for England to build a new high-tech super-lab. This was match-funded by the University, making an overall investment of £2.4 million.
These facilities have a major impact on the student experience at UEL and boost the University's reputation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. We have 10 teaching laboratories, 6 dedicated research laboratories and a large variety of specialist equipment suited to teaching and research in Bioscience. This includes: a high specification curved field MALDI TOF for proteomics research, flow cytometry equipment, HPLC-MS, GC-MS, PCR and real-time PCR, sequencing and equipment for ultrasound imaging, a new confocal microscope, a range of micro titre-plate readers including absorbance, scanning, fluorescence and bioluminescence machines.
All laboratories have been completely refurbished, the facilities are a major benefit to postgraduate researchers as well as undergraduates.
I got a lot of hands on experience and put knowledge into practice which prepared me for the 'real world'. My journey has been experiential and rewarding, and this has only been possible due to the wonderful teaching faculty and facilities. Learning from exceptional lecturers has been phenomenal.
Oneza Saleem
BSc Biomedical Science and MRes Bioscience Graduate
What we're researching
Students studying at all levels have an opportunity to get involved in our research work.
We have two research groups:
1. Medicines Research Group - working to develop new medicines and treatments
Key researchers in our Medicines Research Group include Professor Corcoran, whose work on wound-healing, smoking-related cancer and natural products with significant economic potential in low-income economies has been internationally acclaimed.
2. Infections and Immunity Group
We're also involved in research that tries to model and predict new drugs using bio-informatics.
This uses computers to process and study biological data to help predict what a new drug structure would look like before making it.
Collaboration with other universities
We often carry out research in collaboration with other leading research universities in London, including University College London and King's College London as well as overseas institutions. Our Phyto-Pharmaceutical scientists have close links with researchers at Kew.
Bioscience research
Bioscience research played a major part in our successful performance in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework - the six-yearly national review of research quality in higher education. The work of our researchers was rated the best in London among modern universities. The expert panel rated 67 per cent of our research as 'internationally excellent' and 19 per cent of it as 'world-leading', the highest possible accolade.
Our researchers
Other prominent researchers include: Dr Mukhlesur Rahman (antimicrobial natural products); Dr Samir Ayoub (inflammation, pain and thermoregulation); Dr Stefano Casalotti (molecular neuroscience); Dr Winston Morgan (toxicology of natural products and synthetic drugs); Dr Barbara Pendry (cancer and mental health); Dr Michael Seed (preclinical models of inflammation and immunity); Dr Sue Outram (the immune response); Dr Sally Cutler (zoonosis); Dr John George (targeted drug design); Dr David Guiliano (microbiology) and Dr Geoffrey Webb (diet and nutrition).
Careers
We've worked hard to ensure that this course will be the perfect launch-pad for your future career.
You could go into laboratory-based work in a hospital or research institute, or work at an industrial or pharmaceutical lab. Employers recognise the quality of the scientists we produce at UEL and graduates of our course have landed jobs in healthcare settings such as Great Ormond Street Hospital as well as commercial companies in the gas, oil and petrochemical sectors. Others went on to Oxford University and Royal Holloway while two of our most recent graduates have secured scholarships for Biotechnology master's degrees at UCL.
You might find you are well suited for a role as a research and development consultant, or use your knowledge to teach the next generation. If you follow this route, we are renowned for the quality of our postgraduate teacher-training courses.
Also, our dedicated Centre for Student Success works closely with employers to provide up-to-date information about the skills and experience they're looking for. They will support you during your studies and after you graduate.
At UEL, you'll have access to:
- Employability skills training such as interview techniques and CV writing.
- Career Assessment, giving you the opportunity to learn about yourself and Career Coach will help you to discover career suggestions based on your interests.
- UEL Skills Academy, where external professionals deliver sessions on the competencies most prized by graduate employers.
- Internships, placements and volunteering opportunities from our work placements team.
- Professional mentoring scheme, matching students with staff from major companies.
- Networking opportunities and annual careers fair.
- Support with setting up your own business.
Our location
Our location in one of Europe's largest regeneration areas and our extensive links to local employers will also give you access to fantastic internships and placements. From heavy industry to high-tech, health and social care to the arts, there are so many opportunities right on our doorstep.
Career Coach
Use our online Career Coach to find out the different career paths that your chosen subject area can lead you to.
Get information on specific careers, job roles, potential wages and available jobs in the sector.
Or take a quick quiz to find a career to match your personality type!
Accreditation
With over 20,000 members in 61 countries, the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is the leading professional body for scientists, support staff and students in the field of biomedical science.
Accreditations
Foundation pathways
All of our Bioscience and Health degrees have a related foundation pathway that will enable you to excel in higher education, and a head start on the subject specific knowledge and skills in your degree programme.
During your Foundation Year, you will gain the essential skills that will enable you to excel in higher education, and a head start on the subject specific knowledge and skills in your degree programme.
Your student experience, learning and employability will be enriched through tailored activities such as small tutorial groups, field trips and events with current students and alumni in your chosen field of study.
Bioscience and Health foundation pathways
Find out all you need to know about our foundation pathways
Learn about the foundation pathwaysUndergraduate courses
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Biomedical scientists are key players in the modern healthcare system. At UEL, you will study the causes of disease and the practical ways in which they can be investigated in the laboratory.
Find out more
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Our Biochemistry and Biotechnology programme is an exciting course for anyone interested in the fascinating world of medicine and industry.
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BSC (Hons) Chemistry
This course prepares you with the fundamental studies of structures, properties and reactions relating to chemistry. You will be given extensive laboratory training, increasing your employability.
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BSc (Hons) Medical Physiology
Study the complex anatomy and function of the human body in health and disease. Gain training and experience to prepare you for your career.
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BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science
This new and already popular course will take you inside this complex and ever-expanding field of discovery.
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BSc (Hons) Pharmacology
Our course is geared towards thinking about your future with its work placements and other opportunities for work experience.
Read morePostgraduate courses
MSc Biomedical Science (with specialism)
Enhance your career prospects in specialist areas within biomedical science. Update your knowledge, and gain a postgraduate qualification.
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Mres Bioscience
Our MRes in Bioscience is designed to provide you with the best opportunity to develop and demonstrate key skills for a career in bioscience research.
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MSc Pharmaceutical Science (with specialism)
Get a detailed understanding of pharmaceutical science and develop the skills needed for individual and collaborative research in drug development.
Find out more about this course
MSc Physician Associate
This is a two-year full-time course of at least 90 weeks, with substantive time in clinical placement. You will study the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, and pharmacology related to the human body in health and disease.
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