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MSc Biomedical Science

  • DeadlineStudy Details:

    1 year (full-time), 2-4 years (part-time)

Course Description

Biomedical Scientists are essential members of the modern healthcare team and, in collaboration with doctors and other medical professions, aid in diagnosis of disease, evaluate effectiveness of treatment, and research into causes and cures of diseases.

Biomedical Scientists are regulated, on behalf of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Why study Biomedical Science at Chester?

Biomedical Scientists are in demand in the healthcare service (NHS and National Blood Service), medical research, pharmaceutical industry, and organisations such as the Health Protection Agency, Medical Research Council and the Health and Safety Executive. On graduation you may also wish to continue with your education with a PGCE, PhD, dental or medical degree.

Features:

Situated in the Institute of Medicine, our course involves studying the biology of disease, including modern concepts and applications of biomedical science in research, diagnosis and treatment of clinical disorders. All modules run as three-day blocks and assessment is entirely through coursework.

The course culminates in the dissertation, which is assessed through your production of two publishable scientific articles. Our aim will be to develop these to publication if suitable – which would be an excellent start to your research career.

The programme is delivered by a research-active group of academic staff, supplemented by a variety of Biomedical Scientists from local Pathology Departments.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally have one of the following:
An Honours degree (minimum 2.2) containing a significant content of biological/biomedical science or a relevant postgraduate qualification. Graduates without a degree in Biomedical Sciences (e.g. Biological Sciences or Life Sciences) must have at least 50% of Level 6 (or equivalent) modules in Biomedical Sciences-related subjects (e.g. immunology, genetics, human biology, physiology, microbiology, histology, biochemistry, haematology etc).

Substantial relevant work experience, together with evidence of recent study or writing at an appropriate level.

Applications are invited from:

  • NHS staff
  • health professionals from overseas
  • those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Human and Biological Sciences) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience.

Find out more

Fees

https://www1.chester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/postgraduate-finance/current-postgraduate-fees

Student Destinations

The MSc will enhance your career prospects if you are aspiring to middle and senior management positions within the NHS Pathology Service; prepare you for the IBMS Higher Specialist exam and Advanced Practice in Biomedical Science; and enhance your career progression, which is a prerequisite for eligibility for progression in the IBMS and status as Chartered Scientist (CSci).

The programme also provides an excellent grounding for those looking to undertake MPhil or PhD research.

Module Details

 

Programme Structure:

Our modules cover a wide range of scientific subjects, information technology and all the major disciplines of biomedical science – i.e. cellular pathology, clinical chemistry, clinical medicine, haematology and transfusion science, histology, immunology, and medical microbiology. You will be encouraged to address assignments through your chosen discipline.

MD7001: Evidence Based Medicine (20 credits)
A module that provides training in the essential skills needed as a researcher or practitioner to use the scientific and medical literature. Equips the students with the skills required to:

  • Search the literature
  • Critically evaluate research papers
  • Write a research review, a systematic review and a metanalysis
  • Determine the appropriate statistical analyses for a given set of clinical data
  • Carry out and report statistical analyses

MD7002: Analysis and Interpretation of Clinical Data (20 credits)
Develops an understanding of the theories underpinning modern analytical and molecular procedures of relevance to the clinician; and develop a critical appreciation of the uses and limitations of a range of analytical and molecular techniques relevant to clinical and biomedical science. Sessions will cover:

  • The value of laboratory tests
  • Limitations of measurements
  • Safety and operational issues – COSHH, Risk Assessment and SOPs
  • Practical sessions – covering aspects of validation
  • Interpretation of laboratory analyses

MD7003: The Science of Ageing (20 credits)

Utilises the changes that occur during ageing to develop an in-depth knowledge of the pathology of selected organ systems, including the importance of diagnosis and management of human disease. Areas covered include:

  • Concepts – The hallmarks of Ageing and Inflammageing
  • The life and death of a cell
  • Oxidative stress and disease
  • Ageing – endocrinology, immunology and gene expression
  • Factors affecting lifespan

MD7004: Current Issues in Biomedical Science (20 credits)

Provides students with an in-depth understanding of current issues and developments in Biomedical Science, and of the associated professional and regulatory bodies.

  • Modernising Scientific Careers
  • HCPC registration
  • Laboratory accreditation – UKAS, CPA and ISO15189
  • Automation
  • Point of care measurements

MD7005: Blood Sciences (20 credits)
Develops an understanding of various clinical haematological and biochemical (blood sciences) disorders, and to develop an in-depth knowledge of the laboratory investigations performed in the diagnosis and management of such diseases.

  • Blood chemistry
  • Red blood cell disorders
  • White blood cell disorders
  • Biomarkers of disease

MD7006: Clinical Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis (20 credits)

Develops an understanding of the immunological processes involved in various aspects of clinical immunology and an in-depth understanding of the interactions between pathogens and the human host.

  • autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity, transplantation
  • parasitology – malaria, toxoplasmosis
  • immune responses to viral infection
  • bacteria and immune responses
  • biofilms and quorate sensing

MD7100: Research Dissertation (60 credits)

Aims to provide you with an opportunity to investigate systematically and in depth a laboratory-based topic of direct relevance to the programme of study and your personal interests; to enable you to draw on and contribute to the development of the growing body of knowledge in the broad clinical/biomedical sciences field; and to present the outcomes of personal research in the form of two publishable scientific articles.

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