Why I chose to study Biomedical Science

Why is Biomedical Science important? 

Every sample tells us a story, and every diagnostic test result brings us closer to answers that can change lives. It is a mystery, trying to piece all the evidence together until you come to a final answer. For example, during my second year, I had an exciting opportunity to perform an ABO blood group agglutination investigation... sounds complicated, but simply put, it involved mixing serum samples and blood cells as well as analysing and observing agglutination reactions to correctly identify patient blood groups!

On another occasion, during a lab session I was given different types of patient blood cells prepared on a microscopic slide and I had to observe the cell morphology to identify which type of anaemia it could be - for example, iron deficiency anaemia, B12 deficiency anaemia or sickle cell anaemia. This skill of identifying cells under a microscope is directly transferable and has real impact - diagnosing patients. This is what drew me to Biomedical Science. You can make a meaningful impact through knowledge and practical skills. 

Biomedical science plays a crucial role in healthcare. There are multiple aspects - diagnosing diseases, performing laboratory tests, looking out for symptoms and coming up with treatment options whilst using your scientific knowledge and research skills. And with a world that is constantly evolving especially in the research and healthcare industry, this was an aspect that drew me in. You don’t only learn and engage with theory, but you also get to work in modern laboratories and get hands-on experience, as you use specialised equipment and techniques, whilst learning from expert level academics. 

How I've been prepared for the world of Biomedicine

The two key elements that are needed to be a registered Biomedical Scientist is a HCPC portfolio and an accredited degree. This Biomedical Science course at Kingston University is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) meaning it meets professional standards and is designed in a way that prepares you to work in the field with organisations like the NHS.

It was exciting to find out that Kingston University offers professional placement opportunity with NHS laboratories and even pharmaceutical companies, allowing you to gain real world experience of how the industry works whilst applying and developing transferrable research and laboratory skills in these settings. This aspect of the course prepares you for when you get a laboratory job, which makes me feel comfortable and at ease, knowing that I would have the skills to move forward and become successful in the field. The course itself covers a wide range of topics such as genetics, cancer and immunology which are covered through workshops, lectures and seminars.

Looking back, I know I made the right decision to come to Kington University to study Biomedical Science. The mixture of labs and lectures throughout the three years genuinely makes the course so interesting and exciting as one day you might be carrying out laboratory techniques and specialised equipment and the next day you are covering theory of diseases from different topic areas. Although sometimes it can be challenging, it is such a rewarding course because the theory and lab skills will help make a positive impact in the world. When thinking about where to study Biomedical Science my advice would be: don’t just look at the course title; see what the course has to offer in terms of accreditation, laboratory experience and placements.

Why not find out if Biomedical Science is the industry for you?