Why you should study this course
You’ll be taught by an experienced teaching team, many of which have worked in NHS laboratories as scientists or doctors. They can bring their professional and research expertise into their teaching through clinical case studies as the basis for problem-based learning activities. (Staff may be subject to change)
There is a focus on developing laboratory and other scientific skills, giving you the opportunity to learn key experimental techniques and develop essential experimental, data handling and reporting skills required in biomedical, biological and other careers. Our multi-million pound, state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building features a suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge industry techniques4. Other scientific skills, such as literature researching, information technology, bioinformatics, data processing and the use of statistics are integrated within the course.
A key feature of this course is its engagement with current developments in the area of disease diagnosis as well as updated information in areas such as quality assurance, laboratory accreditation, and work-based training. This course appeals to recent graduates who have progressed from an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science, as well as those who may be working as Biomedical Science practitioners. For those students on the course who are working as Specialist Biomedical Science practitioners, the course aims to provide a link to their Specialist portfolio training programme and provide professional development opportunities to enhance development into more senior roles. The course will also appeal to overseas students who want to work in laboratories in their own country or perhaps open up a diagnostic laboratory; this course should provide the academic and skills background needed to supply a safe and accountable service. The Biomedical Science MSc can also be considered an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue research in the area at PhD level.
The Biomedical Science MSc course can be offered on a part-time basis. For more information on completing the course part-time, please refer to the Course Specification.
If you choose the extended ‘With Professional Experience’ route, you will have the opportunity to gain substantive professional experience and have the option of applying for a placement with a host of different organisations2 or participate in supervised, campus-based roles. Placements have previously been organised within the public and private sector, including the NHS, private laboratories, healthcare providers, medical research, university research centres and more. While all students are assured of a professional experience placement which may be campus-based, the range of opportunities available varies from year to year. Some are also competitive and selective, so it is not possible to guarantee a specific professional experience2. Students on Biomedical Science MSc with Professional Experience are given additional support and are assisted to apply for, and secure, professional experience opportunities during their first two semesters of study by our Talent Team and the course director.
What you'll study
Modules
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Laboratory and Professional Skills for Biomedical Science - 30 credits
This module aims to support you to develop and refine both your technical and professional skills to support your study of Biomedical Science MSc and your future career plans. It is recognised that students will have diverse prior knowledge and experiences and this module will encourage you to initiate and implement a personalised skills development programme. Concepts of professional integrity, behaviours and conduct of a biomedical scientist, articulated through the IBMS and HCPC standards, will be discussed and form part of the student’s development plan.
The module has an extensive laboratory programme, ensuring that all students are well prepared for further laboratory work and potential laboratory-based research projects. The laboratory experience will include contemporary cellular and molecular analysis methods, underpinned by understanding of disease mechanisms, the theoretical basis of techniques and the use of bioinformatics databases to inform assay design and analysis. You will utilise statistical packages for data analysis and will be supported to develop critical appraisal and interpretation skills.
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Laboratory Leadership and Quality Management - 20 credits
This module aims to introduce you to the management, training and quality assurance processes that are integral to the effective functioning and accreditation of biomedical science laboratories, but which are also more widely applicable to industrial, commercial and research settings. Internationally agreed standards for laboratory quality management in health-related laboratories will be introduced including ISO 15189. The module will consider leadership and management approaches with particular reference to NHS laboratory provision, staff training and competency via IBMS verified training portfolios, quality policies, quality audit and ISO standards. Contemporary developments such as Point of Care testing and the associated quality processes will be explored.
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Global Professional Development – Leading Diverse Workforces - 10 credits
This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people in a strategically diverse and inclusive way whatever the master’s degree of specialisation you elect to follow. You will explore for example, the influence and impact of leadership theories, culture, wellbeing, and approaches to developing better equality, diversity and inclusion strategies and practices that can be used creatively within a leadership role in different types of organisational scenarios.
Ultimately, you will be given the opportunity to develop strategic priorities for leadership, equality, diversity and inclusion.
Finally, the module requires you to reflect critically on your personal learning and development needs and how they work with others, from an ethical and professional standpoint to encourage your continuing professional development.
The question key to this module is: How can I create effective strategies that can be utilised in developing and sustaining an equal, diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, talents are fully utilised and organisational goals are met?
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Genomic and Regenerative Medicine - 20 credits
This module will consider the impact of modern cell and molecular analysis and manipulation methods on our understanding of disease pathophysiology and the diagnosis and therapy of both common and rare inherited diseases and cancer. The development of novel DNA sequencing technologies to drive initiatives such as the 100,000 Genomes Project and International Cancer Genome Consortium and identify disease-associated variation across different populations and ethnic backgrounds will be considered. Stem cell biology (embryonic, induced pluripotent and cancer) will be covered, with an emphasis on the applications of stem cell technology in understanding disease mechanisms and development of personalised medicine. Modern genome editing technologies and their potential global impact on genomic and regenerative medicine will be discussed. The NHS genetic care pathway, including the role of the Regional Genetics Services and genetic counsellors will also be considered. The module will additionally provide a forum for discussion of global perspectives concerning legal, ethical and social issues surrounding stem cell and genomic research.
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Integrated Biomedical Science Case Study - 0 credits
This is an assessment only module which requires students to work together to integrate their respective knowledge and skills across the Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Infection Science and Molecular and Cellular Pathology pathway modules. You will be supported to comprehensively investigate, in groups that include students from different pathway modules, a patient case study that requires cross-disciplinary diagnostic and healthcare approaches. The research and analysis will be reported as a group presentation.
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Research Principles and Preparation - 10 credits
This module provides a detailed consideration of the complex processes necessary to formulate, develop and test a scientific/clinical hypothesis. You will apply these principles to the design of an individual research question in a chosen area pertinent to their degree title, including the consideration of appropriate controls and replicates and suitable data analysis approaches. The module will enhance skills in selecting and applying appropriate statistical methods, and will encompass guidance on health and safety and ethical considerations. You will be required to submit your proposal for ethical and health and safety approval, and to consider key aspects of project management and logistics. You will be supported through the module by regular project planning meetings with your designated supervisor.
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Research project - 60 credits
In this module students carry out a series of investigative, analytical or experimental studies in their selected discipline area, analyse and present their findings in a scientific report. Normally, the project undertaken in this module reflects the proposal generated in the Research Principles and Preparation module. Students are required to demonstrate critical analysis of the literature, authentic data collection and recording, appropriate data analysis and data presentation and critical evaluation with reference to published literature. Students are supported and guided by their supervisor, but are expected to work independently with limited supervision, be able to deal with complexity and uncertainty and identify and troubleshoot problems. Approval of ethical and health and safety aspects must be complete before data collection is permitted.
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Pathway module (choose one of the following modules):
- Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science - 30 credits
This module aims to advance your knowledge and understanding of haematology and transfusion science with particular emphasis on the role of molecular diagnosis. Specialist contributions from biomedical science practitioners will provide in-depth evaluation of both underpinning scientific rationale and current laboratory practice and procedures. The haematology aspect of the module includes the investigation and management of red cell disorders, disorders of haemostasis, and white cell malignancies. Transfusion Science will consider molecular aspects of blood grouping and advances in antibody investigation. The provision of a safe transfusion service will be discussed. Both elements will review emerging technologies and techniques used in routine and reference laboratories, and the impact on patient care from a global perspective.
10 assessment credits from this module will be used for an integrated course-based assessment (assessed in the Integrated Biomedical Science Case Study module). Students on varying specialist pathways within the Biomedical Science MSc degree will form multidisciplinary teams to analyse, evaluate and report a complex patient scenario, from varying discipline viewpoints.
- Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology - 30 credits
This module aims to demonstrate the important role of biochemical and immunological based investigations for disease diagnosis and to identify global challenges and potential solutions. Specialist contributions from biomedical science practitioners will provide in-depth evaluation of both underpinning scientific rationale and current laboratory practice and procedures. The scientific basis of routine tests will be discussed with emphasis on both the underlying pathophysiology and the contribution that these tests make to the diagnosis and management of the patient. Specialist investigations in the areas of enzymology, allergy and toxicology will be covered. Emphasis will be placed on scientific advances in the areas of molecular diagnostics, technology and personalised medicine. Opportunities will be provided to discuss the social, ethical and economic implications of modern clinical diagnostics. 10 assessment credits from this module will be used for an integrated course-based assessment (assessed in the Integrated Biomedical Science Case Study module). Students on varying specialist pathways within the Biomedical Science MSc degree will form multidisciplinary teams to analyse, evaluate and report a complex patient scenario, from varying discipline viewpoints.
- Infection Science - 30 credits
This module aims to advance your knowledge and understanding of microbial pathogens and their impact on human health and disease. The module will cover aetiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, laboratory diagnosis, control, therapy and management of a number of clinically important bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. Specialist contributions from biomedical science practitioners will provide in-depth evaluation of both underpinning scientific rationale and current laboratory practice and procedures. Issues related to healthcare associated infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), infections in immunocompromised hosts and challenges to tackle global issues in infectious diseases will be discussed. 10 assessment credits from this module will be used for an integrated course-based assessment (assessed in the Integrated Biomedical Science Case Study module). Students on varying specialist pathways within the MSc Biomedical Science degree will form multidisciplinary teams to analyse, evaluate and report a complex patient scenario, from varying discipline viewpoints.
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MSc with professional experience only - the modules above plus:
- Professional Experience Preparation 1 - 0 credits
The module, together with Professional Experience Preparation 2, aims to support you to prepare for your professional experience placement. This placement requires you to undertake an approved professional experience placement (which could be campus-based) for a minimum of 20 hours per week for 20 weeks, over two semesters2. Within this module, you will be encouraged to discuss your own aspirations and expectations of the professional experience placement and consider the value for your own development and career goals. The challenges of undertaking a professional experience placement and concerns and anxieties will be explored. The expectations of placement providers, understanding of professional behaviours and attributes and enhancement of workplace communication skills will be discussed.
You will be supported by the Talent Team which has a strong track record, working closely with academic colleagues and employers, research organisations and professional bodies, to enable you to benefit from relevant professional experience and career development opportunities. The Talent Team also has specialist international student advisory services, supporting international students to undertake a valuable UK-based professional experience as part of their programme of study. Academic staff work closely with the Talent Team to develop your professional skills and support you through the application processes (e.g. CV/cover letter writing, effective communications, interview techniques and self-presentation, and networking).
Although this module does not contribute to the credits for the degree award, a pass in this module and in Professional Experience Preparation 2 are mandatory requirements for enrolment on Professional Experience in Life Sciences 1. Students are required to establish a portfolio to demonstrate their active engagement with the professional experience preparation and application process. The module must be passed at first attempt - resit opportunities are NOT permitted for zero-credit-rated modules.
- Professional Experience Preparation 2 - 0 credits
The module is a continuation of Professional Experience Preparation 1 and aims to continue to support you to prepare for your forthcoming professional experience. This requires you to undertake a placement for a minimum of 20 hours per week for 20 weeks, over two semesters (which could be campus-based)2. This module explores the application and selection processes more fully including interview skills development and practice. Thus you will be supported to continue to make applications if necessary and to secure suitable professional experience opportunities. You will continue to be supported by the Talent Team and will identify a nominated academic tutor for ongoing support throughout the placement period. Once a placement has been secured, you will explore in more detail the particular requirements of your placement and the expectations and skills needed, ensuring that you are well prepared for the start of the placement.
Although this module does not contribute to the credits for the degree award, a pass in this module and in Professional Experience Preparation 1 are mandatory requirements for enrolment on Professional Experience in Life Sciences 1. Students are required to complete their Professional Experience planning portfolio (initiated in 7043BMS) with self-reflection on interview or other selection performance, Learning Contract agreement with a placement provider and forward planning for the placement itself in Semester 3. The module must be passed at first attempt- resit opportunities are NOT permitted for zero-credit-rated modules.
- Professional Experience Placement 1 - 0 credits
This module, together with Professional Experience in Life Sciences 2, provides a substantive professional experience for students who are registered on the Extended Master’s programmes. This may take the form of a professional experience with a host organisation, or a campus-based professional experience2. The module will support the development of your personal and professional skills, including team working, time management, professional behaviours, communication, self-management and critical reflection, to enhance future employability. The module aims to encourage you to integrate theory and practice in an area relevant to your course discipline. The Professional Experience placement requires you to undertake an approved placement for a minimum of 20 hours per week for 20 weeks, spread over 2 semesters. Although this module does not contribute to the credits for the degree award, a pass in this module and in Professional Experience in Life Sciences 2 are mandatory requirements for award of MSc with Professional Experience.
- Professional Experience Placement 2 - 0 credits
This module is a continuation of Professional Experience Placement 1. You will continue their professional experience into this semester. You are required to evidence a minimum of 20 hours per week for 20 weeks over two semesters in a professional experience placement (which could be campus-based)2. Students registered on MSc degrees with Professional Experience are required to demonstrate ongoing engagement with the Professional Experience placement throughout the semester through regular reporting of attendance, activities and achievements. Although this module does not contribute to the credits for the degree award, a pass in this module and in Professional Experience Placement 1 are mandatory requirements for award of MSc with Professional Experience. The module must be passed at first attempt - resit opportunities are NOT permitted for zero-credit-rated modules.
How you'll learn
The master’s course offers the opportunity to study one of the specialist areas in biomedical science, all of which aim to advance knowledge and link to the IBMS specialist training portfolio: Clinical Haematology and Blood Transfusion; Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology; and Infection Science.
Teaching and learning incorporates lectures, workshops, tutorials, presentations, group and individual problem-based learning projects, and practical laboratory sessions to improve your skills in data analysis and statistical evaluation. This is supported by an extensive suite of analytical and biological laboratories staffed by experienced technicians.
The university's online learning environment will be used for links to relevant resources and online discussions. Some modules will require you to collate and analyse data from your workplace or from the university and you will be expected to spend a significant proportion of your time in self-guided and guided study, discussing your learning with your peer group both informally in workshops and formally through seminars and other presentations.
Where possible, coursework uses applied tasks that mimic the skills needed in jobs to help ensure you are attractive to future employers, such as testing and critical analysing a range of genotyping techniques to report on the most suitable for diagnostic use. The course also offers the opportunity for industry visits and fieldtrips within the UK (subject to availability and additional fees), which have previously included a subsidised daytrip to look around the biotechnical laboratories within Nottingham’s BioCity, the UK’s largest bioscience business incubator, or other professional laboratories.
You will receive a series of lectures and seminars on selected contemporary topics in modern biomedical science, delivered by university teaching, research staff and specialist visiting lecturers, including HCPC registered biomedical scientists from local hospitals (subject to availability). For example, we previously hosted a session on current blood transfusion methods with a HCPC registered practitioner from the local hospital and an expert from a well-known toxicology department in the West Midlands. These may be delivered virtually.
The Biomedical Science MSc course can be studied over three semesters (12 months) as a traditional full-time master’s and two years part-time. The part-time option has proved popular among students who are working full-time alongside their studies.
The Biomedical Science MSc with Professional Experience course can be studied over five semesters (20 months) as an extended full-time course. This incorporates two additional professional experience modules, in which you gain experience through either an internship with an external organisation or with the university. Placements, subject to competitive application and selection, will normally be undertaken for three to five days (20 hours) per week for 20 weeks over two semesters.
