What you will study
Practising expert biomedical scientists are an integral part of the teaching team and ensure that the programme content reflects current practice. Academic staff at the University provide the opportunity for involvement in internationally recognised research.
The programme comprises four taught modules (two core, two specialist), plus an extended research project where students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and to develop competences in advanced laboratory techniques.
Core modules will familiarise you with the theoretical and practical aspects of molecular medicine used in research and hospital laboratories, the molecular basis of immunological mechanisms, cellular mechanisms of disease, physiological manifestations and implications to public health. You will learn about the principles and practice of laboratory management in biomedical science, and you will acquire the skills required for researching and communicating in biomedical science. You will also study modules in your elected specialist route (Haematology or Medical Microbiology). In addition to subject-specific knowledge, the course aims to develop your communication and other skills.
In addition to the standard 12-month programme, we also offer the course as a two-year postgraduate programme with an optional integrated work placement component. This option is available for both international and full-time home/EU students of this course.
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Core modules
Research Techniques and Scientific Communication
30 credits
The module allows students to develop and extend skills required to research and communicate in biosciences, and the principles and practice of laboratory techniques, research planning, management, data handling and presentation. The material is contextualised by lectures, practicals, workshops and directed reading around the planning and execution of experiments and interpretation of the data in a clinical setting or in clinically based studies.
Immunology and the Biology of Disease
30 credits
It provides students with an introduction to the concepts of immunity and pathobiology. Students will become familiar with the different cells and organs of the immune system and how these function and interact to protect the body from infection. In addition, the module introduces students to the cellular mechanisms and genetic causes of disease considering both the physiological manifestations and the public health implications. The module also introduces some of the molecular processes and signalling events that are important in communication between cells of the immune system. It goes on to consider the role of cellular pathology in the context of other pathology disciplines such as clinical chemistry. Practical classes are used to allow students the opportunity to apply their basic knowledge of immunology to interpret the significance of laboratory data and the role of the immune system in disease.
Research Project
60 credits
This module culminates from knowledge gained throughout the course, in particular, the Research Techniques and Scientific Communication module in order to present work in formats appropriate to wider professional audiences, practising new and/or improved laboratory skills, as well as demonstrate the ability to independently solve complex problems. The research proposal assessment will usually be based on the research area that has been allocated for the research project or alternatively an external laboratory placement. The project results should be statistically analysed and scientifically presented and discussed within a 9,000-word thesis and scientific poster.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Plan, organise and carry out a sustained piece of independent research.
- Practise new and/or improved laboratory skills and/or critical data analytical skills.
- Present and critically evaluate their own research in a clear and concise fashion in both written and poster formats.
Haematology modules
Core modules
Anaemia, Haemostasis and Blood Transfusion
30 credits
This is an option module for students taking the Haematology route of Biomedical Science MSc and Biomedical Science with Management MSc programmes.
The module explores the normal production of red cells and platelets and function of clotting factors. It then considers how acquired and hereditary abnormalities can lead to anaemia and coagulopathies, and examines how patients present clinically and are then diagnosed and treated. This includes exploring the roles played by the National Blood Transfusion and Transplant service in treatment of these disorders and considers the key clinical considerations of blood transfusion. To support understanding of the key-note lectures, additional material is provided via StudySpace, with students encouraged to actively participate in directed further study. The lectures are designed to provide the students with some real insights into genuine laboratory practice and the ways in which theory informs the day to day analysis of blood in hospital diagnostic laboratories. This is reinforced by an opportunity for the students to perform clotting analyses in the practical class.
Haematological Malignancy
30 credits
The module initially explores how the haemotopoietic system develops through the different stages of human development and growth, and then focuses on tumours of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, including acute and chronic leukaemias, myeloproliferative neoplasms, multiple myeloma, and lymphomas. The module examines the molecular basis of these diseases, as well as their pathophysiology, diagnosis and available treatment Students are encouraged to develop a critical approach to the subject through the use of case studies and data interpretation. Techniques used for the diagnosis of haematological malignancies are also explored in laboratory practical sessions.
Medical Microbiology modules
Core modules
Taxonomy of Microorganisms and Diagnosis of Infectious Disease
30 credits
This is an option module for students taking the Medical Microbiology route of the Biomedical Science MSc and Biomedical Science with Management MSc programmes. Within the module the structural properties of microorganisms are introduced and discussed in the context of their use in taxonomic grouping and in aiding identification of microbial agents. In addition the module also explores the general principles of both traditional and molecular methods of laboratory investigation of infectious disease. Students' knowledge is developed by the in-depth consideration of a number of specific infectious diseases of contemporary importance, with key material being delivered by external specialist practitioners. The material delivered in the module is directly related to the requirements of the biomedical science workplace. The taxonomic aspects covered relate directly to current practices in the grouping of organisms, and cover both traditional and modern molecular techniques. Similarly, in the diagnostics component of the module both traditional and developing diagnostic techniques are covered, often by outside speakers from industry. This not only provides a context for the current application of these techniques, but also scope to demonstrate the requirement for continuous improvements in diagnostics. The module also re-enforces how an understanding of these techniques and developments enhance employability.
Microbial Pathogenesis and Control of Infectious Disease
30 credits
This module will address the key features of commensal and pathogenic micro-organisms and their interaction with host cells. It will introduce the theory and practice of modern diagnostic methods used in clinical microbiology as well as the current strategies used to combat infectious diseases. The normal microbial flora of healthy individuals and its contribution to health and disease are considered together with the study of pathogenic micro-organisms. The module introduces students to the factors that determine microbial pathogenicity and will link these factors to a disease. The module will also demonstrate how research in this area can help in the design of strategies to combat microbial infections. The module also critically evaluates the use of disinfection and sterilisation methods, as well as vaccines and antimicrobials in public health. Complex issues such as resistance to antimicrobial agents are also examined together with microbiological standards for food, potable water and sewage.
Optional placement year
Optional modules
Professional Placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in their chosen discipline. Students may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.
It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
