Biomedicine With Advanced Pathways (Msci)

COURSE STRUCTURE

The MSci Biomedicine with Advanced Pathways is composed of compulsory, core and option modules studied at Levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 to a total of 480 credits. You complete 120 credits per year. Modules are worth 15, 30 or 60 credits each.

In Years 1 and 2, you take eight compulsory modules, each worth 15 credits.

In Year 3, you take one compulsory module worth 30 credits and two worth 15 credits, and complete a 60-credit laboratory research project. Alternatively, based on your academic performance, you may choose to undertake an independent research project, mentored by a member of academic staff.

In Year 4, you undertake a core 60-credit research project, and follow one of three advanced pathways as shown below:

• Advanced pathway 1 leading to MSci Biomedicine with Biochemical Analysis: you take Fundamental Concepts of Analytical Science and Instrumentation plus Research Skills and choose two additional option modules from Optical Spectroscopy and Atomic Spectrometry, NMR Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry, Separation Science and Techniques in Clinical Analysis.
• Advanced pathway 2 leading to MSci Biomedicine with Microbiology: you take Research in Microbiology and choose two additional option modules from Medicinal Chemistry of Natural Products, Antimicrobials and Parasitology OR from Molecular Microbiology and Medical Bacteriology (offered in alternate years).
• Advanced pathway 3 leading to MSci Biomedicine with Structural Molecular Biology: you choose two option modules, delivered online.

YEAR 1

• Cell Membranes and Bio-Energetics
• General Chemistry
• Introduction to Molecular Cell Biology
• Introduction to Nutrition and Metabolism
• Laboratory Skills in Biochemistry
• Organic and Biological Chemistry
• Practical Skills for the Biosciences
• Quantitative Skills and Experimental Design

YEAR 2

• Aspects of Human Physiology
• Drugs and Drug Discovery
• Evolution and Genetics
• Medical Microbiology and Immunology
• Metabolic Challenges in Health and Disease
• Molecular Biology
• Protein Structure and Function
• Research Methods in the Biosciences

YEAR 3

• Advanced Cell Biology
• Advanced Topics in Human Disease
• Independent Research Project
• Infectious Bacteria and Antibiotics
• Specialist Laboratory Research Project

YEAR 4 ADVANCED PATHWAY 1 (BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS)

• Fundamental Concepts of Analytical Science and Instrumentation plus Research Skills
• NMR Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry
• Optical Spectroscopy and Atomic Spectrometry
• Separation Science
• Techniques in Clinical Analysis

YEAR 4 ADVANCED PATHWAY 2 (MICROBIOLOGY)

• Antimicrobials
• Medical Bacteriology
• Medicinal Chemistry of Natural Products
• Molecular Microbiology
• Parasitology
• Research in Microbiology

YEAR 4 ADVANCED PATHWAY 3 (STRUCTURAL MOLECULAR BIOLOGY)

• Macromolecular and Cellular Electron Microscopy
• Principles of Protein Structure
• Protein Bioinformatics
• Protein Crystallography
• Protein Expression, Purification and Biophysical Characterisation
• Protein Structure Determination

MSCI BIOMEDICINE RESEARCH PROJECT

Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.