Biomedical sciences study the ways in which cells, organs and systems function in the human body, in turn leading to an understanding of human diseases and how to treat them. The course is interdisciplinary in nature, combining teaching by experts from a number of non-clinical and clinical departments, including: Biochemisty, Experimental Psychology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics.

The course has been designed so that students first acquire an integrated understanding of biomedical science. They are then able to shape their degree towards the topics that interest them most. As the course progresses, increasing emphasis is placed on relating knowledge to scientific research. With that in mind, all students have the opportunity to obtain first-hand experience of laboratory research in the later stages of the course, with students free to choose their own project. Depending on the selection of second-year modules and third-year options, students will be awarded a degree in Neuroscience or Cells and Systems Biology.

Students at St Anne’s benefit from the presence of tutors in Biochemistry, Experimental Psychology and Medical Sciences, as well as our proximity to the Science Area, which is just a few minutes’ walk away. St Anne’s also has an excellent science section in the College library, and several copies of the latest editions of the major textbooks required for the course are available, as well as Clarissa the skeleton!  Facilities for online literature access are also excellent.

The undergraduate and graduate medical and biomedical students at St Anne’s are a supportive and friendly group who gather together regularly for organized social events. In addition, the St Anne’s Biomedical and Biochemistry Society organizes academic events, hosting seminars for both invited speakers and undergraduate finalists who present their own laboratory research projects.

All undergraduates at St Anne’s are able to obtain travel grants to further their academic experience during the vacations (recently grants to medics have supported trips by undergraduates to work at Aids Clinics in Kenya and Malawi, gain hospital experience in South Korea and South Africa and volunteer in orphanages in Bulgaria. Undergraduates can also compete for Vacation Laboratory studentships to allow them to work on laboratory projects in Oxford or elsewhere in the UK.

Further details on the structure of the course can be found on the Biomedical Sciences website, along with deadlines for applications, details of BMAT requirements and much more.