Exploring the Journey in Biomedical Sciences

As a field of study that is concerned with saving lives, research, testing, and analysis, biomedical sciences can play a fundamental role in scientific research and modern medicine. In Malaysia, the biomedical sciences field is rapidly advancing to meet the demands of the growing healthcare industry. It is worth noting that biomedical scientists seek to understand the processes that occur in the human body, as well as how medicines are discovered and how they work, showing that biomedical scientists are the research conquerors in our medical realm. 

Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed), an international branch campus of Newcastle University, UK, offers a 2+1 BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences (BMS) programme that is identical to what is offered at its parent campus. One of the goals of the programme is to inspire students to be future-ready biomedical researchers by providing them with ample research opportunities in a variety of areas throughout their studies. 

According to Dr Roshan Mascarenhas, Assistant Dean of Biomedical Sciences and Senior Lecturer at NUMed, all BMS students have the opportunity to carry out a final year research project in Newcastle University, UK, as an essential component of their 2+1 degree programme. In the last two years alone, students have tackled projects related to human diseases such as cystic fibrosis, cancer, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, lymphoblastic leukaemia, pulmonary fibrosis, mitochondrial disease, and bacterial or parasitic infections. Some students completed projects on understanding how human cells and tissues can be cultured “in vitro”, the development of the eye and functions of the human nervous system such as perception of noise or pain, and food security studies. 

“Today's biomedical graduates are tomorrow’s biomedical scientists who are responsible for discovering new drugs and developing novel treatment methods. This is what makes biomedical sciences such an impactful and fascinating field in which to start a career for the next generation,” said Dr Madihah Rushaidhi, Dean of Biomedical Sciences at NUMed. 

Undeniably, students who participate in research projects as an intern or NUMed research fellow will be empowered with different skills and advantages from the research-based learning. Dr Roshan shared that some of the notable experiences obtained by NUMed students include gaining authentic and holistic exposure in research, including proposal writing, grant application, field work, wet lab skills, lab management, data collection and analysis, and publication of their research.  

“Students are also able to work with experts from different institutions or countries. Most, if not all, of the grants are international in nature. This means that research fellows can potentially collaborate with other experts in Malaysia and around the world, providing opportunities for in-depth learning with these experts during their project period,” added Dr Madihah. 

Moreover, students can establish a wider academic and research network at a young age. These research exposures foster international and multidisciplinary collaborations, and thus a broader professional connection. 

“Most of our graduates who worked on research projects were able to secure fellowships to pursue masters and PhD degrees in various universities, and some have secured their own project to work in NUMed,” Dr Roshan said. 

This multifaceted approach in BMS at NUMed, allows students to get exposed to practical and theoretical mastery. For further details, email admissions@newcastle.edu.my, call +607-555 3800, WhatsApp +6011-1231 5411/+6012-784 9456 or visit https://www.ncl.ac.uk/numed/.