Bioengineering - Mres

at Keele University

COURSE STRUCTURE

Bioengineering encompasses a broad range of knowledge and skills, combining aspects of biology, physics, chemistry, maths and engineering. These are attractive to a wide range of employers, including hospitals, universities, medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, research institutes or laboratories.
 

Our programme offers two study pathways – Molecular, Cellular and Tissue Engineering (MCT) or Biomedical Engineering (BME). These pathways enable you to tailor your study according to your interests and aspirations, but do not form part of the official award title of ‘MRes Bioengineering’.
 

As a research-focused course, the bulk of your study (120 credits) is devoted to your research project, which you will begin preparing in the first semester and work on throughout the course under the supervision of an expert in an agreed field of interest. The research project offers an exciting opportunity for you to demonstrate advanced knowledge and writing skills in your chosen research theme, preparing you to pursue a research career or further research study, such as a PhD.
 

Experimental Research Methodology, which is taught across the first two semesters, is designed to equip you with advanced academic study and research skills. You will learn more about research ethics, health and safety issues within a laboratory setting, for example, and how to conduct a literature review, and how to use statistics to analyse data.
 

You will study a further two (MCT) or one (BME) core modules, which are tailored to your pathway. In addition, you will choose one (MCT) or two (BME) optional modules, which you can select to match your chosen pathway. These pathways and optional modules will be selected early on in the course following discussion with your supervisor and course director.
 

The MRes Bioengineering can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, with start dates in September. The taught modules run over Semesters 1 and 2, with the research project (including write up) running over all three semesters. You will complete 180 credits to obtain the master’s qualification, including the core Project Dissertation (120 credits).
 

Semester 1

CORE MODULE (MOLECULAR, CELLULAR AND TISSUE ENGINEERING PATHWAY)

PHA-40236 Biotechnology & Omics (15 credits)
Recent trends in biomedicine and bioengineering apply advances in biotechnology and molecular data science (omics) towards personalized medicine. This module explores concepts and technology to manipulate genes, proteins, cells or the information from them to understand biology or diseases and provide therapies. In addition, learning through this module exposes students to Omics approaches such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, that have changed the landscape of different diseases. This module therefore aims to educate students on identifying current methods for development of personalized medicine.
 

MTE-40033 Cell and Tissue Engineering (15 credits)
Cell and tissue engineering is a rapidly evolving component of the Regenerative Medicine discipline which promises to change the way clinicians deliver therapies and treat traditionally incurable diseases and disorders including; osteoarthritis, diabetes, liver failure, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Highlighting the latest research findings in engineering various cells, tissues and organs, you’ll be introduced to current concepts and methods used to apply and evaluate stimulus to cells to construct bioartificial tissues in vitro or alter cell growth and function in vivo by implanting donor tissue or biocompatible materials
 

CORE MODULE (BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING PATHWAY)

MTE-40026 Physiological Measurements (15 credits)
Learning why and how physiological processes of humans are measured and monitored, this module aims to improve your analytical skills in different physiological measurement, diagnostics and therapy techniques. Studying the basic principles of biological sensing within research and clinical environments, you’ll be given demonstrations and hands-on use of devices commonly used for physiological measurement, such as ECG and EEG devices. To help you better understand how to select appropriate biological tests and devices, you will discuss and evaluate the different instrumentation used to assess specific anatomical structures, such as the heart and lungs, to measure their physiological properties by medics and in biomedical research.
 

Semesters 1 and 2

CORE MODULE (BOTH PATHWAYS)

MTE-40039 Experimental Research Methodology (15 credits)
Developing the academic skillset required for your master’s research and future scientific career, you’ll gain a strong grounding in appropriate level literature search, academic writing, statistical analysis and processing of data. From learning how to take notes in research seminars, to managing your time efficiently in written examinations and writing a comprehensive literature review, this module addresses your personal and professional development. Research seminars provide direct access to innovative research, with students recently introduced to advanced topics of research seminars. Classes on statistics are also provided to support other theoretical and practical aspects of your course.
 

Semesters 1, 2 and 3

CORE MODULE (BOTH PATHWAYS)

PHA-40196 Research Project (120 credits)
This MRes research project is intended to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen topic, making you aware of current research in the field and enabling you to confidently discuss research issues in an academic context. Your dissertation topic needs to be considered and agreed in the first semester the programme, so that you can choose the most relevant taught modules. You will then plan and produce a substantial and extended piece of written work (25,000-30,000 words) under supervision, incorporating a literature review, description of methods, your analysis and findings, relating to previous findings and making conclusions. You will also be expected to verbally present and discuss your discoveries.

This degree is designed for those individuals with a Bachelor’s degree (or above) in bioengineering, biotechnology, chemical, physical, or life sciences, medicine, or professions allied to medicine are welcomed. We also encourage enquiries from people with other professional qualifications acceptable to the University.
 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component. The University also accepts a range of internationally recognised English tests. 

• International - Full time £20,800 per year

Bioengineering is a rapidly growing discipline that combines technical engineering know-how with biomedical and biological expertise to develop innovative solutions to problems across a range of technical and clinical environments, from new medical implants and gene therapies to insect-resistant crops.
 

The ability to modify genes, proteins, cells, tissue and other biomaterials opens up exciting careers with a wide range of employers. This includes universities and research institutes, pharmaceutical manufacturers, engineering and life sciences firms, companies in research and development, as well as medical devices and supplies manufacturing organisations.
 

Specialist career routes include: bioinstrumentation; biomaterials; classical mechanics; cellular, tissue and genetic engineering; clinical engineering; medical imaging; orthopedic bioengineering; rehabilitation engineering; systems physiology; consulting; or teaching.
 

Our MRes provides a solid grounding in research, analysis and scientific presentation, which is excellent preparation for PhD programmes in a variety of subject areas, a research-based academic career or professions requiring a postgraduate Master's qualification.
 

On graduation, you have multiple career options, including working within the biomaterials, medical devices, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and regenerative medicine industries. You could also work as a researcher, scientist or technician in government-funded research laboratories, here in the UK or internationally.