Biological and Biomedical Sciences

The Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences is dedicated to understanding cell, molecular and systems biology and clinical diagnosis of disease and treatments, and advancing this knowledge through research and teaching.

We offer a wide range of courses in the biosciences and all place an emphasis on hands-on practical skills and real-life problem solving. Internship, work experience and placement opportunities also ensure that our graduates are highly sought after by employers. Graduates of our Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited Biomedical Science course go on to careers in the NHS and other health-related industries, while graduates in our Royal Society of Biology accredited Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Pharmacology have found success in R&D, science communication, as industrial laboratory scientists and technical sales specialists, as well as in academic research.

Our Food Science course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) and the course has a 100% employment rate for graduates working within the global food and drink industry, developing new and healthy products, and innovating more sustainable use of resources developing the circular economy.

The Department also offers a range of specialist taught postgraduate master's courses and launched an MRes degree in Biological Sciences in 2021.

Staff forms for genetic modification

Relevant Health and Safety forms for staff. Please direct any queries to Professor Linda Scobie.

Research activities

Our research activities span a number of areas, and aim to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying a number of key long term conditions, including chronic infections, obesity and diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Our researchers are also interested in developing novel therapies for these and associated conditions and in the prevention and treatment of infection. The department incorporates the translational science arm of the Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit (SPVU). The SPVU is the only NHS centre in Scotland able to treat and care for patients with pulmonary hypertension. The department also hosts contract research in the areas of microbial safety, food analysis and novel methods of disinfection. GCU SHLS are members of SULSA supporting research via a strategic alliance between eleven Scottish Universities that aims to advance Scotland’s research and innovation in the life sciences. Funding is supported by the EU, government agencies and commercial entities amongst many others.

PhD opportunities in the biosciences

PhD study within the Biosciences at GCU equips students with the latest research technologies in aspects of Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Pharmacology and Molecular Epidemiology.

The Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences prides itself in state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for cell culture, bio-imaging and advanced molecular biology strategies. Our PhD students progress to successful careers in academic research (national and international), Higher Education and employment in the Bio-Pharmaceutical Sector. Further details on subject-specific areas in which you can study for a PhD can be found on the Molecular Mechanisms of Diabetes and other Long Term Conditions Research Group pages within the Research Centre for Health (ReaCH).

For more details of PhD opportunities, please get in touch via email: HLS Research Student Admin hlsrsa@gcu.ac.uk.

Explore our research

Department highlights

Biological and Biomedical Sciences are members of SULSA and collaborators on a number of interdisciplinary flagship programmes such as the IBioIC, the West of Scotland Health Sciences network and the Glasgow City of Science Innovation Strategic Programme Board.

BSc Food Bioscience is the only Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) approved programme in Scotland, and it was recently listed 5^th in the UK in the Times Higher Education Guide. Other accreditations include the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology.

Our students participate in a number of international exchange schemes, including to Hong Kong and Italy.

Two of our UG programmes BSc (Hons) Pharmacology and BSc (Hons) Food Bioscience achieved 100% satisfaction in NSS 2019.

BSc (Hons) Pharmacology graduates Eleanna Kritikaki and Mark Campbell were awarded the British Pharmacological Society Undergraduate Pharmacology Prize in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

The Glasgow Pharmacological Society, founded here at GCU and co-ordinated by Dr Yvonne Dempsie, was selected by the British Pharmacological Society to host the 2018 and 2019 Bill Bowman Prize Lectureship.

Accreditations

Courses offered by this department benefit from accreditations from a number of professional bodies. This ensures your course is up to the highest standards and gives your qualification professional recognition, ensuring your career gets off to the best possible start.

We offer the only Biomedical Science course with placement in Glasgow that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Degree courses

BSc (Hons)

Applied Biomedical Science/Biomedical Science

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS code
Full Time	4 Years	Sep 24	Glasgow	B940

Become a biomedical scientist helping health professionals diagnose and manage diseases. If you enjoy being practical and have strong analytical skills, study the scientific and laboratory testing of biological samples at degree level.

MRes

Biological Sciences

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
Full Time	1 Year	Sep 24	Glasgow

Take existing skills in biomolecular and biomedical science and apply them to the postgraduate-level study of data acquisition and analysis. Progress to a career in biomedical research and development within the pharma industry or academia.

BSc (Hons)

Biological Sciences

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS code
Full Time	4 Years	Sep 24	Glasgow	C100

If you enjoy practical, hands-on investigative work, you can become a biological scientist. Study the interactions of molecules and cells and learn how therapies that may correct or prevent diseases are developed.

BSc (Hons)

Biological Sciences Pathway

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS code
Full Time	4 Years	Aug 24	Multiple Locations	C101

Begin this flexible science degree studying at college, and study Year 3 and Year 4 at GCU. Graduate with a solid knowledge of key topics in the biological sciences field.

MSc

Biomedical Science

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
Part Time	2 - 3 Years	Jan 25	Glasgow

Designed for working scientists, the MSc Biomedical Science is the only one of its kind in the city of Glasgow.

BSc (Hons)

Food Science

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS code
Full Time	4 Years	Sep 24	Glasgow	D610

Study food analysis, biotechnology, nutrition and public health as well as microbiology and food toxicology at degree level. With academic learning, practical skills and industrial work you can progress your career and work as a food scientist.

MSc

Medical Bioscience

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
Full Time	1 Year	Sep 24	Glasgow

This course is designed to develop your theoretical and practical knowledge and apply this to understanding the causes and treatments of disease processes.

BSc (Hons)

Pharmacology

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS code
Full Time	4 Years	Sep 24	Glasgow	B210

Enjoy hands-on practical laboratory work using the latest techniques. Study the human body at degree level with a specific focus on the drugs used to manage disease. Progress and become a pharmacologist working in the pharmaceutical industry.

BSc (Hons)

Pharmacology Pathway

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS code
Full Time	4 Years	Aug 24	Multiple Locations	B211

Begin this degree at college, and achieve an HND in two years. You can become a pharmacologist if you enjoy hands-on practical laboratory work using the latest techniques. Study the human body and the drugs used to manage disease at degree level.