- Undergraduate
Biomedical Informatics with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
Overview
Why study at UWL?
- In the top 30% of universities nationwide - The Guardian University Guide 2024
- University of the Year for Social Inclusion - Daily Mail University Guide 2024
- Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
- Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
Why study this course?
This Biomedical Informatics degree allows you to develop knowledge and understanding of modern bioscience and informatics (the study of computational systems) with a specific emphasis on everyday healthcare solutions.
With the rapid advancement of digital technology into the healthcare industry, there is an ever-increasing demand for healthcare workers with specialised skills in applying information technologies in healthcare.
Throughout the Biomedical Informatics course, you will benefit from:
- being part of a learning community that conducts research into areas such as cancer, genomics, microbiology, food safety, ageing and memory, and translation medicine
- access to brand-new facilities that include equipment used in modern pharmaceutical, nutritional and clinical laboratories
- option of a placement year to develop your employability and career prospects
- final year research project - allows you to focus your studies on your specific interests and career goals.
A wide array of optional modules allow you to shape your studies to match your own interests and career ambitions.
Foundation Year
The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.
![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/kB70K6jlsgc/maxresdefault.jpg)
Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:
Start date:
If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.
Why study Biomedical Informatics with Foundation Year with us?
![Bethany Chapman](/sites/uwl/files/styles/testimonial_slider/public/2019-12/Bethany_Chapman.jpg?h=469475f9&itok=Q_KUgX4k)
What our students say…
I like the community feel of UWL. You get to know all the people in your class. And all the lecturers are really lovely here, and I've got really good relationships with them.
![Students in the biomedical sciences lab](/sites/uwl/files/styles/statistic/public/2023-10/bio-science%20lab%20%282%29.png?h=57024e64&itok=glo-0du9)
![Research areas include genomics, cancer, food safety, ageing and memory, microbiology, translation medicine](/sites/uwl/files/styles/statistic/public/2023-04/Course%20page%20tiles%20%28Thom%20prototype%29%20%283%29.png?h=00546c34&itok=2VBwNt6c)
![option of a placement year to develop your employability and career prospects](/sites/uwl/files/styles/statistic/public/2023-10/Copy%20of%20satisfaction%202.png?h=fbf7a813&itok=7VEPm6Rx)
![Biomedical facilities include equipment used in pharmaceutical and clinical laboratories](/sites/uwl/files/styles/statistic/public/2023-10/Facilities%20%282%29.png?h=57024e64&itok=eE46zSrH)
Course detail & modules
Integrating practical and theoretical aspects of using information technologies in healthcare and medicine, this Biomedical Informatics degree delivers a thorough understanding of the key concepts and principles of informatics.
The course aims to integrate practical and theoretical aspects of using information technologies in healthcare and medicine whilst promoting an awareness of the ethical, moral and social implications.
The interdisciplinary nature of this biomedical course is reinforced by broad departmental expertise and research interests, particularly in areas of:
- bioinformatics
- cell biology
- microbiology
- pharmacology
- person-centred health and social care.
Year One: You will cover a range of core modules introducing you to anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and bodily systems. You will also gain an overall picture of the human organism and its essential functions, including microbiology, the structural features of all cells that make up the living system, fundamental genetic mechanisms essential for the evolution of life and function, and the genetics and molecular biology underpinning human biology and health.
Year Two: You will build on your knowledge from the first year by exploring how information technologies can be applied to medicine to improve human health and treat diseases. To this end, three core modules are included at this level to introduce you to some important concepts and principles in informatics, such as medical imaging, computer programming, and computational statistics.
Year Three: You will continue to develop your knowledge and understanding of biomedical informatics through two core modules on healthcare informatics and the choice of two optional modules on diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. This is reinforced by a research project which allows you to explore unique topics of interest.
Foundation Year
There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.
Placement Year*
You can choose to study a placement year module to develop your employability skillset and enhance professional development and career prospects. The module requires you to undertake 45 weeks of full-time employment relevant to Biomedical Sciences. The industrial placement year aims to enhance your employment prospects by developing industry-related skills in a real work environment. It also aims to enhance and develop your personal and interpersonal skills, knowledge and practical abilities through an individually negotiated portfolio of activities.
*There is no guarantee that you will be successful in securing a placement. If you choose a course with a placement route and a placement opportunity does not arise, the University will automatically transfer you to the non-placement route. This is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree. The placement route for this course is open to UK students only.
Compulsory modules
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Applied Health Professions
This module is designed to provide you with a broad understanding of the scientific basis of human health and disease, so that you may gain an understanding of the skills and competency required for the course.
You will be guided to think about the relationship between your studies and your future career paths.
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Introduction to Applied Science
This module aims to equip you for Level 4 biomedical science, by providing a basic introduction to the physiology and function of the human body, from the cells through to the whole body. This includes a basic understanding of diseases, the genetics, biochemical characteristics and coordinated responses and control.
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Laboratory Practice
This module will introduce you to the laboratory environment, equipping you with the skills to use basic techniques to address questions in the biological sciences.
This involves use of laboratory equipment, techniques relating to measurement, data collection, record-keeping, and routinely employing basic health and safety procedures.
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Mathematics: Essential Skills for Scientific Study
This module will equip you with the skills to understand and apply mathematical concepts and symbols, and to communicate their significance to others, clearly and with confidence.
It will also give you conceptual groundwork and practical skills to marshal basic mathematical methods needed to succeed in any applied science course.
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Personalised Learning
The Personalised Learning module is intended to equip you with the study skills needed to successfully progress onto level 4, the first year of undergraduate study. Tutor group sessions are an integral part of the module, where you will consolidate your learning and frame it in the context of your subject area. The module will focus on various aspects of study skills, such as those skills related to reading and writing, learning approaches, problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, researching, referencing, plagiarism, legal research and time management.
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Study Skills for Success
This module will enable you to read critically, present an argument, and distinguish between the quality and suitability of materials. It will prepare you to use and evaluate a range of evidence sources throughout your degree.
Compulsory modules
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Cell and Microbiology
The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of cell biology and microbiology, focusing on the structure, function, and dynamics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as the study of microorganisms.
You will explore various topics, including cell division, the cell as the fundamental unit of life, cell specialisation, microorganism structure and physiology, identification and classification of microorganisms, control of microorganisms, causes and pathology of common diseases, lifestyle impact on human health, investigation and diagnosis of diseases, therapeutic strategies, human life cycles and aging, and the role of stem cells in regenerative medicine.
By the end of the module, you will have acquired knowledge and skills necessary for understanding the intricate relationship between cells, microorganisms, and human health.
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Essential Skills for Bioscientists
This module has been designed to support you in developing the core technical and transferable skills required to study, undertake research, and communicate effectively on topics in the Biosciences. You will arrive at University with a wide range of skills and proficiencies, so this module aims to support your transition and equip you with the essential skills you need at later stages of the course.
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Fundamentals of Chemistry
The aim of this module is to provide an appropriate foundation in core concepts of physical and quantitative Chemistry for you across different disciplines including biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biological sciences, and pharmacology.
Using workshops and practical sessions, this module will deliver an integrated understanding of matter, and the connection between the structure of atoms, molecules and compounds and their physical and chemical properties (eg, bonding and energy).
It also supports you in developing quantitative skills for solving chemistry calculation problems that form the basis of many analytical methods eg, spectrophotometry, chromatography etc.
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Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the key principles, concepts and terminologies of biochemistry and molecular biology. It aims to explore the structure and function of biological molecules (DNA, RNA, protein, enzymes, lipids and carbohydrates) as well as the biochemistry of processes that support life and metabolism. These concepts will be taught using lectures, tutorials, and lab practicals.
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Genetics and Disease
This module provides knowledge and understanding of the structure of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and how these molecules encode the properties of cells – providing you with a basic grounding in the genetics and molecular biology underpinning human biology and health.
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Human Anatomy and Physiology
This module will introduce you to human anatomy. You'll gain insights into the relationship between the structure and function of the individual at the system level and as a fully integrated organism. Theory will be supported by a virtual practical activity.
Compulsory modules
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Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
The aim of this module is to provide you with a robust foundation in bioinformatics and computational biology. By combining the exploration of computational tools for high-throughput biological data analysis with in-depth network analysis and modelling, the module aims to foster critical thinking, practical skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Through these learning experiences, you will be equipped to comprehend complex biological data, apply computational methods effectively, and interpret network properties, thereby preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the field of bioinformatics and systems biology.
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Fundamentals of Pharmacology
The aim of this module is to help you understand how drugs work in the body to prevent and treat diseases. You will learn about how drugs interact with the body, how doses affect responses, different ways drugs can be given, types of drugs, how the body processes and removes drugs, and the potential dangers. You will also explore methods for discovering new drugs and the idea of personalised medicine.
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Research, Development and Leadership
This module aims to equip you with comprehensive knowledge, skills, and practical experience in research, evidence-based practice, clinical audit, innovation, and collaborative teamwork in biomedical and biosciences contexts.
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Infection and Immunity
This module aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the current concepts of basic immunology as well as continue to build on your infection knowledge from Level 4 with respect to diseases you may encounter in the clinic.
Theoretical concepts are reinforced through laboratory practical sessions which will introduce you to diagnostic microbiological and basic immunological techniques and data analysis which are broadly used in a variety of clinical settings and scientific disciplines.
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Genetics and Evolution
This module provides an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles of genetics, inheritance, and the mechanisms that drive evolution. Through the lens of various bioscience and biomedical sciences disciplines, you will explore the intricate world of genetics, gaining practical laboratory skills, an understanding and application of molecular biology, and the ability to analyse biological data. The module will also cover the integration of knowledge across bioscience/biomedical sciences disciplines to tackle complex biological inquiries and foster effective communication of scientific concepts.
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Proteins and Enzymes
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to modern protein science including investigating the relationship between protein structure and function, techniques for analysing protein sequences and for determining protein structure and function such as fluorescence, spectroscopy, and protein engineering.
The opportunities provided by genetic approaches to engineer proteins and their therapeutic and biotechnology applications will also be discussed. Enzyme mechanisms and regulation will be taught complementing learning content in the Cell Metabolism module.
The module introduces you to the basics of bioinformatics, increasingly used in biological research and is a skill in high demand by employers. This module builds on the key concepts in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry taught at Level 4 which elucidate the importance of macromolecules in the cell.
Compulsory modules
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Final Year Research Project
The 40-credit module aims to equip you to plan and produce a small-scale research project relevant to your own area of interest. You will learn to develop an appreciation of how scientific knowledge advances through research including the challenges and limitations. With the support of a supervisor, and shared discussions with other students, you will work independently to carry out a research project to completion.
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Data Science in Health and Well-being
The aim of this module is to provide you with advanced knowledge and understanding of the application of data science in healthcare. The module will introduce a range of advanced statistical methods that are used in health data science, such as linear regression, logistic regression, survival analysis, and principal component analysis.
The module also aims to develop your understanding of the whole data science process, including defining the question, obtaining a dataset, performing analysis, interpreting the results, and communicating the results to a wide audience.
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Biomedical Signal Processing
The aim of this module is to help you develop an in-depth understanding on analysing and processing biomedical signals that are produced by the physiological process of human body, such as electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyograph (EMG), blood pressure, and body movements.
You will learn how a physiological signal is processed and analysed to obtain key parameters for clinical diagnosis and intervention. This includes techniques such as sampling of analog signals, designing digital filters, conducting Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT), and measuring parameters such as heart rate, body temperature, and walking speed.
Laboratory sessions will be used to help you gain practical experience of using these techniques. In these sessions, you will have the opportunity to develop routines using programming language (e.g. Matlab, R, or Python) to process and analyse physiological signals.
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Medical Image Analysis
The aim of this module is to help you develop an in-depth understanding on the underlying principles of main medical imaging modalities such as radiograph (X-ray), ultrasound imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You will also learn methods on medical image enhancement, segmentation, visualisation, and how to extract key information from images. Laboratory sessions will be provided to help you gain practical experience of using these methods. In these sessions, you will have the opportunity to use imaging processing programs (e.g. ImageJ) to process and analyse medical images.
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Digital and Mobile Health
This module introduces you to the scientific, medical, and technical foundations for mobile health technologies, such as sensor technologies for health monitoring, processing and storage of health data, and human-machine interaction.
You will also develop an in-depth understanding of the application of mobile health technologies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases. The ethics and regulations related to mobile healthcare will also be discussed.
Entry requirements
Must include a science subject.
Looking for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Informatics without Foundation Year?
Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.
Looking for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Informatics without Foundation Year?
You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.
You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents.
We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.
Looking for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Informatics without Foundation Year?
Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.
Looking for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Informatics without Foundation Year?
Fees & funding
The fee above is the cost per year of your course.
If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.
If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.
Funding your studies
You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.
To find out more, explore our Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries page.
The fee above is the cost per year of your course.
If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.
If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.
International students - funding your studies
We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships.
Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
Teaching staff
![Jin Luo staff profile](/sites/uwl/files/styles/statistic/public/staff-profile/jin_luo_cropped.png?itok=0bDN2nOK)
Dr Jin Luo
Dr Jin Luo was awarded his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Dublin City University, Ireland in 2004. He then worked as a Research Associate on spine biomechanics in the University of Bristol between 2005 and 2010. Dr Luo was a Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics in the University of Roehampton from 2010 to 2016, and then an Associate Professor in Medical Technology in London South Bank University. He joined the University of West London in March 2020.
Dr Jin Luo was awarded his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Dublin City University, Ireland in 2004. He then worked as a Research Associate on spine biomechanics in the University of Bristol between 2005 and 2010. Dr Luo was a Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics in the University of Roehampton from 2010 to 2016, and then an Associate Professor in Medical Technology in London South Bank University. He joined the University of West London in March 2020.
Study & career progression
![Health professionals using tablet PCs around a table](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2019-11/preventing-fraud-in-health.jpg?h=2c07e92f&itok=mYUG5PC1)
What can I do with a degree in Biomedical Informatics degree?
Upon successful completion of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Informatics course, you will be equipped to pursue a wide range of careers in fields such as:
- healthcare data analyst
- informatics consultant
- medical research
- forensic science
- science writing
- academia
- pharmaceutical research
- biomedical product marketing
- NHS clinical data analyst
- NHS data scientist.
You may also choose to further your studies with our MSc and PhD courses.
How to apply
![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/MWcF5tMlFAU/maxresdefault.jpg)
Head to the UCAS website where you can apply using:
- our institution code - W05
- the UCAS course code (below)
Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:
Apply for this course
- Institution code
- W05
- UCAS code
- currentVariantData.field_p_cv_ucas_code
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/MWcF5tMlFAU/maxresdefault.jpg)
Head to the UCAS website where you can apply using:
- our institution code - W05
- the UCAS course code (below)
Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:
Apply for this course
- Institution code
- W05
- UCAS code
- currentVariantData.field_p_cv_ucas_code
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![How to apply to the University of West London title on a blue circle. Woman with blonde hair and blue eyes is to the left and is featured throughout the video.](https://www.uwl.ac.uk/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2022-11/how%20to%20apply.jpg?h=c673cd1c&itok=eoplaw-u)
You can apply to us in two ways:
- on the UCAS website you will need our institution code (W05) and the UCAS course code (at the top of this page)
- directly on our website – follow the ‘apply now’ link below
Want to ask us a question first? Our dedicated international students’ team would love to hear from you.
- Ask the International Recruitment Team a question
- learn more about international student applications
- find out more about why you should study in London at the Career University.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![How to apply to the University of West London title on a blue circle. Woman with blonde hair and blue eyes is to the left and is featured throughout the video.](https://www.uwl.ac.uk/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2022-11/how%20to%20apply.jpg?h=c673cd1c&itok=eoplaw-u)
You can apply to us in two ways:
- on the UCAS website you will need our institution code (W05) and the UCAS course code (at the top of this page)
- directly on our website – follow the ‘apply now’ link below
Want to ask us a question first? Our dedicated international students’ team would love to hear from you.
- Ask the International Recruitment Team a question
- learn more about international student applications
- find out more about why you should study in London at the Career University.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
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Student life at UWL
Important notes for applicants
Disclaimer
*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.
**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.
Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.
Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.
Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.
Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.