Practical Focus
Our Biomedical Science and Applied Biomedical Science degrees, which are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), have a strong practical focus and develop the laboratory and research skills needed to play a vital role in modern healthcare provision.
In addition to the course’s practical focus, student often benefit from applying, and being selected for, prestigious summer research placements.
Kayleigh Moane, Honours year Applied Biomedical Science student
Kayleigh took part in the 2026 Summer Student Training Programme at the Francis Crick Institute in London, working in the Chudnovskiy lab on a project titled, ‘Decoding tumour-immune cell crosstalk in pancreatic cancer’.
When I started my Applied Biomedical Science degree at UWS, I knew I enjoyed laboratory work but was unsure which career path I wanted to pursue. Through a combination of research internships and an integrated NHS placement, I was able to explore both research and clinical laboratory environments and discover where my interests lay.
My first research experience came through a UWS summer internship investigating Toxoplasma gondii, which gave me valuable insight into laboratory research and encouraged me to pursue further opportunities. As part of my degree I then completed an integrated NHS placement at University Hospital Wishaw, rotating through haematology, blood transfusion, microbiology, biochemistry and pathology. This experience highlighted the vital role biomedical scientists play in patient care and reinforced the importance of accuracy, quality assurance and reproducibility.
These experiences led me to apply for the Francis Crick Institute's Summer Student Training Programme, where I was one of only 19 students selected from around 500 applicants. My project focused on interactions between immune cells and pancreatic cancer cells, allowing me to develop practical research skills, gain experience of cancer biology and strengthen my ability to analyse and interpret experimental data.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was that research rarely follows a straightforward path. Troubleshooting experiments, adapting protocols and critically evaluating unexpected results were just as important as mastering laboratory techniques. The internship also boosted my confidence in communicating science through presentations and discussions with experienced researchers.
Looking back, each experience built on the last: my UWS internship introduced me to research, my NHS placement demonstrated its clinical impact, and my time at the Francis Crick Institute allowed me to deepen my interest in cancer research. Together, they have given me a much clearer understanding of my future career ambitions and strengthened my desire to pursue biomedical research after graduation.
Marni Ugbode, Year 3 BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science student
Marni was selected for the Imperial Revolutions in Biomedicine Summer School at Imperial College in London, where students gain hands-on laboratory experience and analyse and present data.
Attending Imperial College London’s Revolutions in Biomedicine Summer School gave me invaluable hands-on experience of biomedical research in a world-leading research environment.
Over two weeks, I planned and carried out my own mini research project, developing practical skills in mammalian cell culture, fluorescent antibody staining, protein extraction, flow cytometry and ELISA, while also strengthening my ability to analyse data and evaluate experimental outcomes.
Working alongside students from different countries and engaging with Imperial College’s academics and postgraduate researchers enhanced my understanding of current developments in areas such as infectious disease, endocrinology and digital diagnostics.
The experience improved my scientific communication skills through presentations, reflective work and laboratory documentation, while also giving me insight into postgraduate study and research careers. The programme was a fantastic experience and reinforced my ambition to pursue a career in biomedical science research.
Sophie Meldrum, Honours year Applied Biomedical Science student
Sophie took part in an overseas elective placement in Sri Lanka, gaining experience in different laboratories such as biochemistry, microbiology, virology, and histopathology.
My overseas placement in Sri Lanka, organised by Work the World, gave me experience across biochemistry, microbiology, virology and histopathology. I also observed ward rounds and clinics, helping me understand how laboratory work directly supports patient care.
Having previously completed an NHS placement, I wanted to broaden my understanding of biomedical science by experiencing healthcare in a resource-limited setting. Seeing scientists deliver accurate results despite fewer resources gave me a greater appreciation of their role and highlighted the shared commitment to quality and patient safety that exists across healthcare systems.
The placement exposed me to cases rarely seen in the UK, including dengue fever testing during a major national outbreak. Witnessing laboratories manage high workloads under significant pressure demonstrated the adaptability, resilience and professionalism required of biomedical scientists.
I also gained insight into how culture influences healthcare. In Sri Lanka, some patients use traditional Ayurvedic treatments alongside conventional medicine. Learning about these practices helped me understand how cultural beliefs can shape healthcare decisions and impact the wider health system.
Overall, this experience helped me grow academically, clinically and personally. It provided opportunities and perspectives that would not have been possible in the UK, developing skills and insights that will support my future career as a biomedical scientist.
Find out more about studying BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science / BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science here.
Last updated: 25/09/2026