Biomedical Science (Blood Science) - Msc (Ibms Accredited), Pgcert, Pgdip

at Keele University

COURSE STRUCTURE

The MSc Biomedical Science (Blood Science) provides multidisciplinary postgraduate training which aims to develop your subject-specific knowledge and understanding, as well as your critical, analytical and scientific skills.
 

The course can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, with a September start date. To achieve the MSc, you must complete 180 credits, studying seven compulsory core modules, including the Biomedical Science Research Project (60 credits).
 

However, if you hold the IBMS Specialist Diploma and successfully enrol on the course with accredited prior certified learning, you can claim exemption from two of the seven modules – the Research Methodologies and Advanced Laboratory Techniques modules.
 

The full-time programme is structured so that all taught sessions are delivered in just two days of the working week, though you are expected to undertake independent study over the remaining three days. Consolidating the teaching in this way allows greater flexibility, particularly if you wish to study part-time. You’ll only be required on campus one day a week over two years, making it much easier to study around childcare or other commitments. For employers, it makes workforce planning much simpler too.
 

Semester 1 focuses on two main areas, the first being biomedical ethics, grant application, methodological approaches, analytical reasoning and research. The second area focuses on the clinical and diagnostic implications of Blood Science for patients and health workers, with the major emphasis being on clinical biochemistry and immunology.
 

In Semester 2, you will consider business planning, leadership and laboratory skills. You will also explore clinical and diagnostic implications of Blood Science for patients and health workers, with the major emphasis being on haematology and blood transfusion.
 

Semester 3 demonstrates your understanding of the philosophy and principles of research, and your competence in the design, execution, analysis and reporting of a professional research project. This could include lab-based research here within the School, clinical audits in partnership with local NHS providers, data analysis or a systematic review. Any biomedical science practitioners studying the course will be expected to choose a project based on their personal area of speciality, completing laboratory and data collection in conjunction with their employers.
 

There are two interim awards available, depending on how many modules have been successfully completed: a Postgraduate Certificate for any two modules (60 credits); and a Postgraduate Diploma for all four taught modules (120 credits).
 

Compulsory core modules

LSC-40029 Biomedical Ethics and Grant proposal* (15 credits, Semester 1)
The aim of this module is to highlight the requirement for a systemic approach to tackling ethical issues within Biomedical Science and to begin to learn how to manage scientific projects effectively, beginning with the application and completion of a grant proposal. You will also learn how to independently conduct literature reviews in defined areas, and are guided to think about new, innovative areas of research within your chosen field.
 

LSC-40038 Research Methodologies** (15 credits, Semester 1)
Firstly, you’ll be introduced to some of the modern techniques being used to advance knowledge in the field of Biomedical Science, such as molecular genetics, cell imaging and proteomics/glycomics. Then, in journal club sessions, you will explore some of the research questions currently being addressed using these techniques, presenting an oral critique of a research paper relevant to your areas of specialism. This not only helps you appreciate the importance of good experimental design and interpretation of data, but also develops key skills such as written and oral presentation skills, personal reflection, searching scientific literature, understanding the different types of scientific literature and being able to critically evaluate other people's research.
 

LSC-40051 Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology (30 credits, Semester 1)
The aim of this module is to give you a deep understanding of the role that Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Immunology departments play in the provision of healthcare across the UK. You will explore how disease and disorders relevant to Blood Sciences affect the human body with emphasis on incidence/prevalence, aetiology and pathology (cellular, molecular or whole system). You will develop key analytical skills used to assess, investigate and evaluate pathobiology and patient pathways, focusing on the different biomarkers available and their roles in screening, diagnosis, monitoring or prognosis.
 

LSC-40053 Haematology and Transfusion Science (30 credits, Semester 2)
You will gain a deeper understanding of how pathobiology can adversely affect metabolism and physiology. As part of this module, you will meet practicing health professionals from local NHS Trusts. They will talk to you about their role in the delivery of modern-day health care and explain how health practitioners working in Haematology and Blood Transfusion use pathobiology knowledge to assess, investigate and evaluate patient needs.
 

LSC-40030 Project Management and Business Planning* (15 credits, Semester 2)
If you work within the field of Biomedical Science, you will find that you are increasingly under pressure to develop, organise and run new and innovative projects, handle budgets and manage people. This module is designed to guide you through these processes and equip you with the basic knowledge needed to instigate and coordinate new projects within professional practice with major emphasis on project management and business planning.
 

LSC-40033 Advanced Laboratory Techniques** (15 credits, Semester 2)
Delivered through laboratory practicals supported by tutorials, this module aims to provide you with a firm understanding of the principles, the advanced laboratory practical competencies and high level analytical skills of some of the important modern techniques in the field of Biomedical Science. You’ll gain the skills to analyse, present, interpret and critically evaluate biomedical and experimental data.
 

LSC-40059 Biomedical Science Research Project* (60 credits, Semester 3)
Representing the culmination of your learning as a Master’s student, you will design and conduct an extensive research project under the supervision of an appropriate expert. The module ends with a mini student-conference, providing you with an opportunity to meet all of your colleagues, present your main findings in a professional setting and learn what each of you has been doing. The breadth of expertise within the School gives significant scope when choosing a topic for research. By way of example, current projects available to our students include lab-based investigation of anti-coagulation and a clinical audit of an enhanced liver fibrosis test for University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) NHS Trust

Applicants are expected to hold either a 1st or 2nd class honours degree in Biomedical Science, or equivalent Life Science bachelor programme. Applications from candidates who do not meet this criteria, but can demonstrate appropriate professional qualifications and/or experience will also be considered. Note that applicants who have attained the IBMS Specialist Diploma may be eligible to enrol with accredited prior certified learning with reduced tuition fees and limited module exemption.
 

Students who do not meet the entry requirements for this course, we offer the opportunity to take a Pre-MSc programme. For more information follow the link to the Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Science course.
 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

• IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component. 

International - Full time £17,900 per year
 

Biomedical science sit at the heart of multidisciplinary teams in healthcare, providing the vital scientific information which informs clinical decisions, monitors patient conditions, investigates disease and identifies ways to stop or fight infection.
 

The roles open to you on graduation are vast and varied and include: drug testing, infection control, cancer screen, forensics, pharmaceutical research, blood donation, transfusion services, rapid response labs, point of care testing, armed forces, and teaching. You could also enter the commercial field in technical support roles and sales in the research and healthcare markets.
 

The general skills you’ll gain – for example, in data analysis, investigation, interpretation, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, observation, project management – are highly valued by employers and relevant to almost any career path.
 

While the specialist research skills you learn provide a strong foundation for pursuing further study at doctoral level for those interested in doing so. You could embark on a research career that may include research and development roles within academia, research institutes or industry.
 

Graduates of this course have gone on to PhD study, medical writing and to become a Biomedical Scientist (depending on their undergraduate degree). Some have gone to to study medicine or the Scientist Training Programme to become Clinical Scientists.