Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences
Four academic years
€ 1.202,32 (Approximate price for EU students. Other types)
65
Health sciences
This is a full-time study programme due to the high volume of practical work involved. Classes are taught in the morning and afternoon alike. Students are expected to devote 45 hours a week to their studies during teaching periods (including face-to-face and online activity and personal study).
From September to June
240 ECTS credits
Basic subjects: 74; compulsory subjects: 140; optional subjects: 16; bachelor's degree final project: 10
1st and 2nd year: Catalan or Spanish. 3rd and 4th year: English.
Presentation
Biomedical Sciences represent a multidisciplinary approach that integrates various scientific disciplines, aiming to unravel the complexities of the human body as well as tackle urgent current health challenges. The academic relevance of this degree is emphasized by the growing demand for skilled professionals who can operate in the intricate landscape of public health and, at the same time, contribute to advancements in biomedical research.
The Biomedical Sciences degree has a direct application in the healthcare industry, which continuously evolves due to technological advancements and the emergence of new challenges. The increasing prevalence of complex diseases, the aging population, the demand for personalized medicine—including genetic profiling—and the importance of developing innovative healthcare solutions highlight the societal need for professionals with a deep understanding of Biomedical Sciences.
The change from the Degree in Human Biology to the Degree in Biomedical Sciences responds to the need to adapt the degree to the requirements established by decree 822/2021, which requires the degree to be assigned to a specific field of knowledge, in this case, Biomedicine. In addition, the basic training subjects must have a minimum load of 6 credits and be distributed evenly between the first and second years. With this new degree, UPF maintains its commitment to training highly qualified professionals to face the challenges of science and health in a constantly changing global context.
Why Pompeu Fabra University...
- I am interested in biomedical research, understanding how the human body works, what diseases are, and how to develop appropriate therapies.
- I will pursue studies that have been awarded by the Generalitat of Catalonia and the Ministry of Education.
- The degree is offered by one of the best Biomedical Sciences Departments in Spain, which has received the Maria de Maeztu research excellence accreditation twice.
- It takes place in a unique and multidisciplinary space, which includes the Faculty, a reference hospital (Hospital del Mar), and an internationally renowned research center (PRBB: Barcelona Biomedical Research Park).
- Practical work is fundamental in this degree, with 45 % of the teaching dedicated to practicals, conducted in small groups of 16 students.
- It offers highly innovative teaching methodologies, including the learning of computational biomedical tools.
- The third and fourth years are taught in English.
- 36 % of students participate in international exchanges at prestigious centers.
- The short-term employment rate is 95.7 %.
Objectives and competences
To train students in understanding the fundamental principles of biomedical sciences: The Biomedical Sciences curriculum prioritizes the acquisition and integration of fundamental knowledge in basic sciences, biochemistry, genetics, and human organism biology. Courses such as Basic Sciences II, Biochemistry I-III, Cellular Biology I, Neurophysiology, Systems Physiology, and Basic Genetics are structured to ensure students acquire a solid theoretical foundation. This educational goal aims to foster a deep understanding of key concepts, preparing students for advanced studies and professional applications.
To equip students with knowledge of instrumental techniques, data analysis, and computational tools for conducting high-quality biomedical research: Courses such as Biomedical Research, Foundations of Computational Biology, and Systems Biology provide practical experience in research methodologies, computational tools, and systems-level thinking. The aim is to equip students with the ability to critically analyze data, design experiments, and contribute to innovative research in the biomedical field. This objective aligns with the demands of a rapidly advancing scientific landscape.
To train students in the generic competencies needed to work as professionals in biomedical sciences, including critical thinking, professional practice, and ethical responsibility: All courses foster the development of transversal competencies required for professional practice. Additionally, courses such as Bioethics, Training Plan for Professional Insertion and Professional Internships address the ethical considerations inherent to biomedical research and prepare students for seamless integration into the workforce.
To prepare students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the degree in a professional biomedical context: The inclusion of practical components in every course, along with Professional Internships and Final Degree Projects, aim to provide the setting to apply the knowledge, skills, and competencies specific to the degree.
Internships
Optional
Periods abroad
Optional
The Faculty encourages students to participate in academic or research stays abroad. The curriculum provides a trimester (second trimester of the fourth year during Supervised Internships) for those who opt to join a mobility program at other universities. Activities from exchange programs will be recognized in ECTS credits.
Additionally, the Faculty promotes research stays during the summer months. Nearly all students who completed the previous Human Biology degree at UPF have participated in research stays of this kind, mostly abroad.
Career prospects
Graduates in Biomedical Sciences possess comprehensive knowledge of basic sciences, biochemistry, genetics, and the biology of the human organism, as well as analytical and research skills, ensuring their ability to critically analyze data, design experiments, and contribute to innovative research, making them competent in biomedical professional environments.
The Biomedical Sciences degree also aims to train graduates with high professional competence and ethical responsibility, facilitating their integration into the workforce. The extensive practical training equips graduates with the practical skills to apply theoretical knowledge in the real world.
In line with the learning outcomes, the curriculum guarantees a holistic education. Graduates not only have a deep understanding of biomedical sciences but also possess the skills and competencies necessary for success in research-oriented careers and professional environments related to their training, such as clinical analysis, clinical trials and medical advising, pharmaceuticals and quality control, genetic counseling, data analysis, project management and patent bureau, biological recycling, alternative energies, science communication and dissemination, scientific illustration, teaching, demography, and public health. Graduates are prepared to develop their professional activities in the dynamic and ever-changing field of Biomedical Sciences with confidence and competence.
Institutional and business practices
The objectives of the Professional Internships (16 ECTS; Fourth Year) are for students to carry out research or advanced practice tasks in order to apply and complement the knowledge acquired during their academic training. Additionally, they aim to bring students closer to the reality of one of the professional fields in which they can work once they graduate, and to develop competencies that facilitate their integration into the labor market. These internships can be carried out at any research center, university, company, or hospital of recognized national or international standing.
